Fables of Æsop and Other Eminent Mythologists/Fable XXXVI and XXXVII

by Roger L'Estrange

Fab. XXXVI.

An Asse and a Wolf.

AN Asse had got a Thorn in's Foot, and for want of a Better Surgeon, who but a Wolf at last, to draw it out with his Teeth! The Asse was no sooner Eas'd, but he gave his Operator such a Lick under the Ear with his Sound Foot for his Pains, that he Stunn'd him, and so went his way.

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Fab. XXXVII.

A Horse and a Lion.

THere was an Old Hungry Lion would fain have been Dealing with a piece of Good Horse-Flesh that he had in his Eye; but the Nag he thought would be too Fleet for him, unless he could Supply the want of Heels, by Artifice and Address. He puts himself into the Garb, and Habit of a Professor of Physick, and according to the Humour of the World, sets up for a Doctor of the College. Under this Pretext, he lets fall a Word or two by way of Discourse, upon the Subject of his Trade; but the Horse Smelt him out, and presently a Crotchet came in his Head how he might Countermine him. I got a Thorn in my Foot T'other day, says the Horse, as I was Crossing a Thicket, and I'm e'en quite Lame on't. Oh, says the New Physician, Do but hold up your Leg a little, and I'll Cure ye immediately. The Lion presently puts himself in posture for the Office; but the Patient was too Nimble for his Doctor, and so soon as ever he had him Fair for his Purpose, gave him so Terrible a Rebuke upon the Forehead with his Heel, that he laid him at his Length, and so got off with a whole Skin, before the Other could Execute his Design.

The Moral of the Two Fables above.

Harm Watch, Harm Catch, is but according to the Common Rule of Equity and Retaliation, and a very Warrantable Way of Deceiving the Deceiver.

REFLEXION.

There's No Trusting to the Fair Words of Those that have both an Interest, and an Inclination to Destroy us, Especially when the Design is carry'd on under the Masque of a Friendly Office. It is but reasonable to Oppose Art to Art, and where we suspect False-Play, to Encounter One Trick with Another: Provided always that it be Manag'd without breach of Faith, and within the Compass of Honour, Honesty, and Good Manners. The Wolfe had the same Design upon the Asse, that the Lion had upon the Horse and the Matter being brought to a Trial of Skill between them, the Countermine was only an Ad of Self Preservation.