The Moral.
REFLEXION.
What are All the Extravagant Attempts and Enterprizes of Vain Men in the World, but Morals, more or leſs of This Fable? What are Mighty Pretences, without Conſideration, or Effect, but the Vapours of a Diſtemper, that like Sickly Dreams, have neither Iſſue nor Connexion? And the Diſappointment is not All neither; for men make themſelves Ridiculous, inſtead of Terrible, when this Tympany ſhall come to End in a Blaſt: and a Mountain to bring forth a Mouſe.
Fab. XXIV.
An Aſſe and an Ungrateful Maſter.
A Poor Aſſe, that what with Age, Labour, and Hard Burdens, was now worn out to the Stumps in the Service of an Unmerciful Maſter, had the Ill Hap one day to make a Falſe Step, and to fall down under his Load. His Driver runs up to him Immediately, and Beats him almoſt to Death for't. This (ſays the Aſſe to himſelf) is according to the Courſe of the Ungrateful World. One Caſual Slip is enough to Weigh down the Faithful and Affectionate Services of Long Life.
Fab. XXV.
An Old Dog and his Maſter.
AN Old Dog, that in his Youth had led his Maſter many a Merry Chaſe, and done him all the Offices of a Truſty Servant, came at laſt, upon falling from his Speed and Vigour, to be Loaden at Every turn with Blows and Reproaches for it. Why Sir, (ſays the Dog) My Will is as Good as ever it was; but my Strength, and my Teeth are gone; and you might with as good a Grace, and Every jot as much Juſtice. Hang me up becauſe I'm Old, as Beat me becauſe I'm Impotent.
The Moral of the two Fables above.
