Aphra Behn (2)

Here are some more fables written by Aphra Behn for the second edition of Francis Barlow's illustrated Aeop's Fables, and you can click here for all the Behn fables at this blog. 

The Dog with a Clog

A Dog whose fierceness was with fetters checkt,

Fancyd himselfe with some new honour deckt.

Thy folly's great the wiser currs replye,

For glory to mistake thy infamie.

Morall

Thus dareing debauchers do often boast,

In those loose vices men dishonour most.

The Ox and Toad

The Toad woud needs the Oxes size attaine,

And with fell poyson puffs up every veine,

Then asked her sone if equall were their size,

Then swells againe, and with her venome dyes.

Morall

The would-bee witts to Lawrrels woud aspire,

And write till damn'd they shamefully retire.

The Lion and Fox

When first the Fox the forest monarch saw,

He gaz'd with trembling feare and reverend awe,

But by degrees more boldly he adrest,

Than holds a Parly with the Royal Beast.

Morall

Vertues seem rigid to the wild and loose,

But grow familiar by their constant use.

The Ape and Fox

The Ape implord, the Fox her bum woud vaile,

With a proportion of his useless Taile,

But he replyd: tho me no good it do,

I will not Spare an inch to savour you.

Morall

Thus the Ill naturd Rich reserve their store,

And please themselves to see their neighbours poor.

The Birds and Beasts

Twixt birds and beasts a fatall warr is held,

The winged powers are conqueror o're the field.

The Batt is captive tane whom all detest

For she forsook her nation and her nest.

Morall

A Traytor all behold with just disdaine,

Who basely quitts his cause, and sovereigne.