Fables of Æsop and Other Eminent Mythologists/Fable CLXVII

by Roger L'Estrange

For works with similar titles, see Kingfisher.

Fab. CLXVII.

A Kingsfisher.

THE Kingsfisher is a Solitary Bird, that Wonts commonly by the Water-side, and Nestles in Hollow Banks to be out of reach of the Fowlers. One of These Birds happen’d to be forraging abroad for her Young Ones, and in This Interim, comes a Raging Torrent, that washes away Nest, Birds and all. Upon her Return, finding how 'twas with her, she brake out into This Exclamation: Unhappy Creature that I am! to fly from the bare Apprehension of One Enemy, into the Mouth of Another.

The MORAL.

'Tis many a wife Man's Hap, while he is providing against One Danger to fall into Another: And for bis very Providence to turn to his Destruction.

REFLEXION.

MANY People apprehend Danger Where there’s None, and fancy themselves to be Out of Danger where there’s most of All. As the Fellow gave God Thanks at Sea when the Ship Struck upon a Sand, for bringing him into Shallow Water again, where he could feel the Bottom. This is to Mind us, That there is No State of Life so Secure, as not to lie Open to a Thousand Difficulties and Dangers; and that it is not Possible for the Wit of Man to Provide against All Contingencies. There’s No Fence against Inundations, Earth-quakes, Hurricanes, Pestilential Vapours and the like; and therefore it is Our Part, and Duty, to Hope, and Endeavor the Best, and at the Same Time to provide for the Worst that can Befall Us. That which cannot be Helpt, must be Born.