Fables of Æsop and Other Eminent Mythologists/Fable XXII
Fab. XXII
A Wolf and a Sow.
A Wolf came to a Sow that was just lying down, and very kindly offer'd to take care of her Litter. The Sow as Civily thank'd her for her Love, and desir'd she would be pleas'd to stand off a little, and do her the Good Office at a Distance.
The Moral.
There are no Snares so Dangerous as those that are laid for us under the Name of Good Offices.
REFLEXION.
All Men are not to be Believ'd, or Trusted in All Cases; for People Generally Speaking are kind to their Neighbours for their Own Sakes. [Timeo Danaos, & Dona ferentes] A Wise Man will keep himself upon his Guard against the whole World, and more Especially against a Known Enemy, but most of All against that Enemy in the Shape of a Friend. As the Sow had more Wit than to Entertain a Wolf for her Nurse.