Fables of Æsop and Other Eminent Mythologists/Fable CXX

by Roger L'Estrange

Fab. CXX.

A Lyon and a Bull.

IN the Days of Yore, when Bulls liv'd upon Mutton, there was a Lyon had a Design upon a Mighty Bull, and gave him a very Civil Invitation to come and Sup with him; for, says he, I have gotten a Sheep, and you must needs take Part on't. The Bull Promis'd, and Went; but so soon as ever he saw what a Clutter there was with Huge, Over-grown Pots, Pans, and Spits, away he scowr'd Immediately. The Lyon presently cal'd after him, and Ask'd him, Whither in such Hast? Oh, says the Bull, 'tis High Time for me to be Jogging, when I see such Preparation: for This Provision looks as if you were to have a Bull for your Supper, rather then a Mutton.

The Moral.

When a Man has both an Interest and an Inclination to Betray us, there's No Trusting him.

REFLEXION.

There's No Trusting to the Fair Words and Countenances of Bloudy Men: He’s fare to be Ruin’d that lays himself at the Mercy of Those that Live upon the Spoyle. Their very Complements are Snares; as the Lyons Invitation of the Bull to Sup with him, was but the Cover of a Design he had to Supp upon the Bull himself.