Philip Ayres (1)

In addition to the fables of L'Estrange, another useful 17th-century source is this book by Philip Ayres: Mythologia Ethica: or, Three Centuries of Aesopian Fables. There are illustrations for some of the fables, and you can read more about Ayres at Wikipedia.

The Mountain and the Mouse.

There once happened an Earth-quake, which rending a Mountain, caused a Rumour to be spread abroad, that the Mountain was in Travel: This brought thither a great Concourse of people, who staid there in no small fear, expect∣ing some strange and prodigious Birth. Nay certain Persons began to apprehend the Titans would have once more appeared in the World, and renewed their War against the Gods. But at last they were eased of their Fears, for this Mountain was Delivered, and there only came forth a little Mouse; which ridiculous Sight moved all the Assembly to Laughter.

This Fable, taken from Antonius Campanus, is to expose the Folly of such as raise Mens expecta∣tions with a pretence of doing great Things, and are able to perform very little: Whence that of Horace grown into a Proverb. Parturiunt Montes nascetur ridiculus Mus. Spesse volte, says the Italian, è piu grave il timor del Pericolo. We are often more afraid than hurt. And the Spaniards say, El que amenaza mucho, haze poco. He that threatens most, does least.

illustration by Tenniel

The Fly that was drowned.

When a Fly, that had faln into a Pot of Broath, perceived she must inevitably be drowned, having spent her strength with strug∣gling to get out; Since, said she with an undi∣sturb'd Look, I have drank with so much Goust, feasted so plentifully, and bathed my self with such Delight, I can freely leave this unquiet World, and dye contented.

The Nightingale and the Wolf.

Many Days and Nights successively, had a Hungry Wolf followed a Nightingale to make her his Prey, still guided in his pursuit by her lowd singing. At last he had his ends in part, for he seized the poor Bird; but having eat her, Well, said he, by the Noise thou madest, I ex∣pected thou hadst been some great Creature, with which I might have satisfied my Hunger, but I have found thee a Voice only, and nothing more.

The Parrot and the Cat.

A Man that had bought a Parrot, brought it home, and put it into a Cage; where, ac∣cording to its Custome, it began to talk and sing pleasantly. Which the Cat observing, asked, What art thou? and whence camest thou? I am a Bird, answered the Parrot, my Master bought to day, and just now brought me in hither. O thou Bold Creature! said the Cat, that being but newly come within these Doors, hast the Impu∣dence to make so loud a noise: When I, that have been born and bred within this House, beginning but to call on this manner, My Master and Mi∣stress are so far from suffering me to go on, that they set the whole Family about my Ears, to the very Hazard of my Life, whilst thou thus confi∣dently makest a bauling, and fearest no Contradiction. By your favour, Mistress Puss, replyed the Parrot, my voice is not so ungrateful to my Masters Ears, as yours.

The Magpye and the Eagle.

Great application did a Magpye make to an Eagle, to be entertained in his Service as one of his Domesticks; and in her own favour was not backward in setting forth her Merits, the Beauty of her Person, and Fluency of her Tongue for Messages, and Dispatch of Business. I would gladly, answered the Eagle, receive you into my House, were I not assured, you would be chat∣tering of whatsoever I do in my Family, and make it publick to all the World.

We should beware of Tale-bearers, who can keep no Secret, but must be divulging all they know, to as many as they meet.

illustration by Grandville