Philip Ayres (5)

Here are some more fables from Mythologia Ethica: or, Three Centuries of Aesopian Fables by Philip Ayres, and you can click here for all the Ayres fables at this blog.

The Mole Rebuked.

When a Mole that was a Well-wisher to the Mathematicks, and particularly to Geography, brought amongst an Assembly of Beasts a large Map, wherein, she said, she had made a most accurate Description of all the Provinces and Towns of Greece; she entreated them to accept that Work, which for the general good of the whole Republick of Beasts, she had undertaken: And Apologizing for her self, added, She hoped they would please to look favourably on it, and pass by what errours might possibly have been committed by her in so great an undertaking, in regard she wanted her Eye-sight, as they were all sensible. 

To whom the Fox is reported to have said, Since it is so, why had you not still continued at your Digging Trade, which is most proper for you, and then you would have needed no Apology?

The Worm and the Fox.

A Contemptible Worm that pretended to Physick, appearing out of the Earth in a great Assembly of other Creatures, boasted on this manner; I, Noble Auditors, by my long Study and Search into the Secrets of Nature, and by the great knowledge I have acquired in my Travels into the Subterranean Parts of the World, as well as here above, do understand the true Vertues of Minerals, Roots and Stones; as also of all Herbs, Plants and Flowers, so that I am able by my Catholick Medicine, which I prepare according to Art, to Cure all Diseases, Maims, and Imperfections whatsoever. In a word, I may without Vanity say I should be sorry to be thought of less Skill than the Famed Aesculapius himself. Whosoever therefore would reap the benefit of my Labours, let him make hast hither, before I leave this place, to make some other Country happy by my Practice therein. 

To the boasting Harangue of this Vain-glorious Quack-salver, the Fox with great attention listened, and it being finished, he looking on him with contempt, made this Answer: Which way, said he, thou Ignorant Emperick, wilt thou be able to do these Wonders to others, who art thy self both Blind and Lame, and canst supply neither one nor other of these thy own Defects?

The Wolves and the Sheep.

After a long War between the Wolves and Sheep, they made a Solemn Truce for a Term of years, and gave Hostages on both sides for the keeping it inviolable. The Wolves sent their Young ones on their parts, and the Sheep, in exchange, delivered into their Custody their Dogs, who were to remain with them till the Expiration of the Truce. 

But the young Wolves being separated from their Damms, began to howl and cry, which the old Wolves hearing, took thereupon an occasion most perfidiously to break the Truce, yet pretending the Sheep were the Aggressors by their ill usage of the Hostages in their hands, and then falling on the innocent Sheep, committed all manner of Hostilities and Depredations amongst them. For they, in this Distress, wanting the Dogs, who had ever been their faithful Guards to defend their several Flocks, were in a short time all miserably destroyed by the Wolves, their inveterate Enemies.

illustration from a 15th-century Aesop

The Covetous Man and his Apples.

Many fair Apple-trees had a Covetous wretch in his Orchard, well hung with excellent Fruit, of which he would allow himself none but the Fallings: Which his Son observing, who was a liberal youth, He, in his Fathers presence, having invited some of his Companions into the Orchard, on purpose to expose his Fathers Avarice; Pray, said he to them, gather what Fruit you please, but meddle not with any of that which is blown down on the ground, for that my Father reserves for his own eating.

The Wolf, the Fox and the Apes.

A Wolf almost famished after a three days fasting, met in his progress up and down the Woods a Fox, whom seeing so fat and sleek, he admired, asking him how in such terrible weather, being the depth of Winter, he could find such plenty of Food to keep him in so good plight. 

The Fox pointing towards an Apes Cave, Thither, said he, am I often invited, and there always welcom, when I fail of good success in my hunting for Prey. And saying this, he offered the Wolf some Fragments of his Meat brought from thence, which the Wolf soon devoured; but they only serving to whet his Appetite, in order to a better Meal, he begged the Fox of all Loves, to tell him by what means he might insinuate himself in∣to the favour of this Ape? 

That, answered the Fox, requires no great Art to do, if you can but frame your self to Lying. He thinking this no difficult matter, ran eagerly to the Den, where he was no sooner entred, but his Nose being Saluted with a very unsavory smell. O insufferable, cryed he, What a stinking place is this? And looking forward, he saw the Old Ape fondly hugging her deformed Young. Here forgetting the Crafty Foxes advise, Well, said he aloud, in all my life time did I never behold such ugly Creatures as these. 

And as he was going nearer to them, they all at the same moment leaping violently on him, with great fury tore him; one hanging on his Nose, another on his Neck, the rest on all sides Persecuting him, that the wretched Wolf with much difficulty got clear of them, and escaped with Life. 

At his return he found the Fox, to whom he gave a full account of his reception. I do not wonder at it, said the Fox, because you speak truth at your very going in, when I so straightly charged you to lye. Do you not think I have the Senses of Smelling and Seeing, as well as your self? And yet I told her at my first visit, that I was infinitely pleased with that comfortable Odour, and sate me down, as if in some room made sweet with delightful Perfumes. Then called her Beautiful Lady, Mother of a lovely and hopeful Off-spring. Besides, I was careful all Supper-time, not unwarily to let slip from my mouth any imprudent Truth. Which method had you been as careful to have observed, you would not have been so ready to perish for Hunger as you are at this moment.

Cole (1)

This book of fables bears an impressive title: Select Tales and Fables With Prudential Maxims and Other Little Lessons of Morality in Prose and Verse Equally Instructive and Entertaining for the Use of Both Sexes, published in 1780 with engravings by B. Cole, whom I assume is Benjamin Cole (1697-1783; more information at the British Museum). I used the better scan at Hathi Trust for snagging the illustrations.

The Bull and the Mastiff

A Mastiff (train'd to hostile Deeds)

Seiz'd a young Bull. The Monarch bleeds,

And roars aloud: Suspend the War;

Nor dare to urge my Rage too far.

Thy Rage, he answer'd, I defy;

I'm bred to conquer or to die.

Thy Folly then be on thy Head,

The Monarch cry'd, and struck him dead.

As Education rules our Will,

Our future Fortune's good or ill.

The Elephant and the Bookseller

An Elephant, in Days of Yore,

(So Pliny says) on Books would pore,

Visit the Shops, learn'd Volumes spread,

And make Remarks on what he read.

A Bookseller, who heard him speak

And with just Accent mouthe the Greek,

Addrest him thus: Exert your Skill

Against Mankind, I'll pay you well.

No, Sir, Let Man commence the Fray;

Envy's a sharper Spur than Pay.

The Wolf and the Lamb

As once a Wolf his Thirst allay'd

At a cool Spring, a Lamb essay'd

To taste at Distance of the Stream;

Nor thought it would Presumption seem.

But Isgrim with Resentment said,

Who's that disturbs the Fountain-head?

In vain the Lamb NOT GUILTY pleads,

And Right or Wrong that Instant bleeds.

Thus Tyrants keep the World in Awe:

Their boundless Will is all their Law.

The Fox and the Mask

The Fox an Actor's Vizard found,

And peer'd and felt, and turn'd it round;

Then threw it in Contempt away,

And thus old Phaedrus heard him say:

What noble Part can thou sustain,

Thou spurious Head, without a Brain?

The Daw and the Peacocks

A Daw, in pilfer'd Plumes array'd,

Imagin'd she a Figure made;

With Affectation toss'd her Head,

And straightway to the Peacocks fled:

But there th'Impostor play'd her Part,

So vainly, with so little Art,

That soon the Birds, with high Disdain,

Stripp'd her, and sent her Home again.

Thus when a Coxcomb apes the Great,

Derision and Contempt's his Fate.

Bourne (1)

William Bourne's book Gems from Fable-land, subtitled "a collection of fables illustrated by facts," is a combination of Aesop's fables and historical anecdotes (some of the anecdotes more historical than others). I've selected both fables and anecdotes from this book to include here at the blog. This use of historical anecdotes fits in with the traditional Aesop, as Phaedrus included anecdotes about the Roman imperial family in his collection of fables (the most ancient extant collection).

DIOGENES EXPOSING PRIDE

Diogenes, being at Olympia, saw at that celebrated festival some young men of Rhodes, magnificently dressed. Smiling, he exclaimed, "This is pride." Afterwards meeting some Lacedemonians, who were in a mean and sordid dress, he said, "This also is pride." 

The keen observation of the philosopher enabled him to detect pride in these two opposite exhibitions of human nature.

THE PHILOSOPHER OUTDONE

A learned philosopher being in his study, a little girl came for some fire. The doctor said, "But you have nothing to take it in," and as he was going to fetch something, the girl, taking some cold ashes in one hand, put the live coals on with the other.

The astonished sage threw down his books, saying, "With all my learning I never should have found out that expedient."

THE BROOK AND THE FOUNTAIN

   A Fountain varied gambols played,

Close by an humble brook;

While gently murmuring thro' the glade.

Its peaceful course it took.

   Perhaps it gave one envious gaze

Upon the Fountain's height,

While glittering in the morning rays,

Pre-eminently bright.

   In all the colours of the sky,

Alternately it shone:

The Brook observed it with a sigh,

But quietly roll'd on.

   The owner of the Fountain died;

Neglect soon brought decay;

The bursting pipes were ill supplied;

The Fountain ceased to play.

   But still the Brook its peaceful course

Continued to pursue;

Her ample, inexhausted source,

From Nature's fount she drew.

   "Now," said the Brook, "I bless my fate

My showy rival gone;

Contented in its native state

My little stream rolls on.

   And all the world has cause, indeed,

To own, with grateful heart,

How much great Nature's works excel

The feeble works of art."

Moral. Humble usefulness is preferable to idle splendour.

                                    (from the Polish fables of Krasicki)

illustration from the book

THE ST. PETERSBURGH MISER

A Russian merchant, who was so immensely rich, that on one occasion he lent the Empress Catharine II a million of rubles, used to live in a small obscure room in St. Petersburgh, with scarcely any fire, furniture, or attendants, though his house was larger than many palaces. He buried his money in casks in the cellar, and was so great a miser, that he barely allowed himself the common necessaries of life. 

He placed his principal security in a large dog of singular fierceness, which used to protect the premises by barking nearly the whole of the night.

At length the dog died; when the master, either impelled by his avarice from buying another dog, or fearing that he might not meet with one that he could so well depend on, adopted the singular method of performing the canine service himself, by going his rounds every evening, and barking as well and as loud as he could, in imitation of his faithful sentinel.  

THE MOUSE AND THE ELEPHANT

A pert young Mouse, but just arriv'd

From Athens, where some time he'd liv'd;

And daily to the portico,

To pick up learning, used to go;

Vain of the wisdom he had stor'd,

And of the books he had devour'd;

Puff'd up with pride, and self-conceit,

And proud to show his little wit,

Thus to an Elephant, one day,

He took it in his head to say,

"Nay, not so pompous in your gait,

Because Dame Nature made you great;

I tell you, sir, your mighty size

Is of no value in my eyes;

Your magnitude, I have a notion,

Is quite unfit for locomotion;

When journeying far, you often prove

How sluggishly your feet can move.

Now, look at me: I'm made to fly:

Behold, with what rapidity

I skip about, from place to place,

And still unwearied with the race;

But you, how lazily you creep,

And stop to breathe at every step!

Whenever I your bulk survey,

I pity—" What he meant to say,

Or with what kind of peroration

He'd have concluded his oration,

I cannot tell; for, all at once,

There pounc'd upon the learned dunce

An ambush'd Cat; who, very soon,

Experimentally, made known,

That between Mice and Elephants

There is a mighty difference.

MORAL.

When fools pretend to wit and sense,

And wish to shine at your expense,

Defy them to the proof, and you

Will make them their own folly shew.

     (from the Italian fables of Pignotti.)

Bussey (1)

One of the most monumental collections of fables is this book by G. Moir Bussey: Fables, Original and Selected, and, as the subtitle explains, these are fables "by the most esteemed European and Oriental authors." There are 575 fables here, making it the next biggest English Aesop that I've found (the biggest English  Aesop so far, I'm proud to say, is still my Oxford World's Classics book, which has 600 fables). Of course, by the time I finish this project, I'll have an Aesop with thousands of fables in English.

Here are some fables transcribed from Bussey:

THE FALCON AND THE HEN

Different circumstances make the same action right or wrong, a virtue or a vice. 

"Of all the creatures I ever knew," said a falcon to a hen, "you are certainly the most ungrateful."

"What instance of ingratitude," replied the hen, "can you justly charge upon me?"

"The greatest," returned the falcon; "ingratitude to your highest benefactors, men. Do they not feed you every day, and shelter you every night? Nevertheless, when they endeavour to court you to them, you ungratefully forget all their kindness, and fly from them as from an enemy. Now I, who am wild by nature, and no way obliged to them; yet upon the least of their caresses, I suffer myself to be taken, and go or come at their command." 

"All this is very true," replied the hen, "but there may be sufficient reason both for my fear and your familiarity: I believe you never saw a single falcon roasting at the fire; whereas, I have seen a hundred hens trussed for that purpose."

THE WOLF AND THE SHEPHERD

A shepherd lost the whole of his flock by a dreadful contagion. The wolf, hearing of it, came to condole with him. 

"Shepherd," said he, "is it true that thou hast met with so severe a misfortune, and art deprived of thy whole flock? So amiable, pious a flock! I feel for thee, and could shed tears of blood." 

"Many thanks, master Wolf;" said the shepherd. "I see thou hast a heart brimful of compassion." 

"Indeed, he has," added the shepherd's dog, "wherever he suffers in person by his neighbour's misfortune."

THE WOLF, THE FOX, AND THE APE

A wolf one day demanded judgment against a neighbouring fox, for larceny. The cause was argued in the court of Mr. Justice Ape by the parties in person; and, as may be judged from their characters, though no lawyers were employed, the question was one of the most entangled and intricate that had ever been brought before the bench for decision.

When the litigants had exhausted both themselves and their arguments, the Judge, well acquainted with the knavery of each, pronounced sentence as follows: 

"My friends, I have known you both for some time; and, wishing to temper justice with mercy, shall inflict on each an equal penalty. On you, Mr. Wolf, because you complain without having sustained any injury, and on you, Renard, as without doubt you have committed the theft you are accused of."

The ape dismissed the court with this profound remark, that "Whether right or wrong, there could be no injustice in punishing rogues."

illustration by Billinghurst

THE NIGHTINGALE AND THE PEACOCK

A sociable nightingale found amongst the songsters of the grove, plenty who envied her, but no friend. "Perhaps," thought she, "I may find one in another species," and flew confidingly to the peacock. 

"Beautiful peacock! I admire thee."

"And I thee, lovely nightingale!"

"Then let us be friends," continued the nightingale; "we shall not be envious of each other; thou art as pleasing to the eye as I to the ear."

The nightingale and the peacock became friends.

JUPITER AND THE HORSE

"Father of man and beast," said the horse, approaching the throne or Jupiter, "it is said that I am one of the noblest of the creations with which you have adorned the world, and my vanity bids me believe it. But do you not think my form still capable of improvement?"

"And what dost thou suppose would improve thee? Speak; I am open to instruction," said the gracious deity, smiling. 

"Perhaps," continued the horse, "I should have more speed if my legs were longer and more slender; a long swan-like neck would add to my beauty; a broader chest would increase my strength; and, once for all, since you have destined me to carry your favourite, man, it might be as well if the saddle, which the benevolent horseman supplies me with, were a part of my being. 

"Good," pursued Jupiter; "have patience a moment!" and, with a solemn air, the God spake the word of creation. The dust became animated, organized matter was combinedm and suddenly stood before the throne, the frightful CAMEL. 

The horse saw, shuddered, and trembled from excessive disgust. 

"Here are longer and more slender legs," said Jove; "here is a long swan-like neck; a broader chest; a ready created saddle! Dost thou desire to be endowed with a similar form?" 

The horse still trembled. "Go," continued the deity, "and this time the admonition shall suffice without the addition of punishment. To remind thee occasionally, however, of thy audacity, this new creation shall continue to exist!" Then, casting a sustaining glance upon the camel, Jove continued, "and the horse shall never perceive thee without fear and trembling."

Bennett (1)

Here are some fables from Charles H. Bennett's book The Fables of Aesop and Others Translated Into Human Nature, which is most remarkable for its illustrations, also by Bennett. You can find the book at the Internet Archive, and there is also an edition with colored illustrations at Hathi Trust.

THE WOLVES AND THE SICK ASS

These were certain hungry carrion-hunting Wolves, who, in a qualm of wonderful charity, paid a visit to a fat old Ass, who lay ill of a bean-surfeit, and was like to die.

"Pray, my good friend," said they, after many protestations of regard, "whereabouts is your greatest pain?"

"Oh, gently! gently!" replied the Ass, as they proceeded to feel his pulse, "for it pricks me just there, where you lay your fingers."

MORAL. The kindness of a legacy-hunter is apt to be killing. 

THE LION AND THE GNAT

As a great majestic Lion was gathering himself up within his lair, to astonish mankind with the wondrous powers of his roar, there came buzzing under his very nose a troublesome Gnat, who challenged him to combat.

"What avail your tremendous lungs and cavernous throat, compared to the melodious pipes of my little organ? And, as for your strength, endurance, and resolution, I defy you to put that point to an issue at once."

The Lion, finding the insect would not be brushed away, was fain to accept the challenge; so to it they went. But the Lion had no chance, for the Gnat charged direct into the drum of the Lion's ear, and there twinged him until in very despair he tore himself with his own paws. In the end the Gnat gained the victory over the noble beast, upon which he flew away, but had the misfortune afterwards in his flight to strike into a Cobweb, where he, the conqueror, fell a prey to a large Blue-bottle Spider.

MORAL. Little miseries are the greatest torments. 

THE DOG AND THE WOLF

There was a gaunt, ragged, gipsy of a Wolf who fell into company with a sleek jolly Dog belonging to the spaniel tribe, on the King's highway. The Wolf was wonderfully pleased with his companion, and was inquisitive to learn how he had brought himself to that commendable state of body.

"Why," said the Dog, "I keep my Master's house, and I have the best of meat, drink, and lodging for my pains; indeed, if you'll go along with me, and do as I do, you may fare as I fare."

The Wolf readily agreed, and so away they trotted together; but as they approached the house the Wolf caught sight of the Dog's curiously embroidered collar, from which a kind of gold chain hung down over the shoulder. "Brother," said he, "what is this I see?"

"Oh, that's nothing," says the Spaniel; "a mere social Badge to let the world know whose Dog I am."

"Indeed!" says the other. "If those be the conditions, good bye. Bare bones and independence, rather than cold chicken with a chain and dog-collar."

MORAL. To the independent spirit, gold fetters are as galling as iron ones. 

THE FOX AND THE CROCODILE

There happened to be an argument once between a quiet cynic of a Fox and a conceited vulgar Crocodile upon the point of Blood and Extraction; the Crocodile boasted of his descent and the renown of his Ancestors.

"Our family," said he, "is of the greatest antiquity. We were princes in Egypt before the foundation of the Pyramids."

"Friend," said the Fox, smiling, and pointing with his claw to certain dabs of mud resting between the coarse excrescences of the speaker's hide, "there will need no herald to prove your gentility, for you carry the marks of your origin on your very skin."

MORAL. No difgrace can arife from a humble origin but the tolly of denying it.

THE MOLE AND HER SON

A young conceited Mole one day prevailed upon his mother to take him out of their dwelling-hole to see some of the fine sights so much admired by the people above them. He proceeded to criticise the surrounding beauties.

"What an execrable view this is," said he, pausing in sight of a beautiful landscape, and twirling his scanty whiskers with an air. "You don't mean to tell me that sky is blue! And the idea of purple grass is positively ridiculous. There's a horse, too, with six legs, and a man taller than his own house. And I'm sure we ought to be able to see the flowers growing on those mountains at this distance! Out of all reason, colour, and proportion. Preposterous!"

"My son, my son," said the mother, "as you are incapable of appreciating what you affect to despise, it is unfortunate that you are not dumb as well as blind, and so might have escaped this exposure of your ignorance."

MORAL. The fool's tongue is like the rattlesnake's alarum, the providential sign by which we may avoid him.

Philip Ayres (4)

Here are some more fables from Mythologia Ethica: or, Three Centuries of Aesopian Fables by Philip Ayres, and you can click here for all the Ayres fables at this blog.

The Eel and the Serpent

An Eel and a Serpent discoursing together, the Eel lamented her unhappy condition, that was subject to so many Dangers; Man, the implacable Enemy of all their Species, having always so many cunning Snares and Stratagems prepared for their Destruction. Whilst thou, added she, being so like me, that we seem Twins, art in Danger of none of this Treachery to be practised upon thee; but enjoying a long life, dost pass it securely without hazard. 

'Tis true, replyed the Serpent, nor shouldst thou wonder at it: For whosoever presumes to disturb my rest, and make any bold attempt against me, I let not the Injury go unpunished.

The Woodworms and the Fox

The Woodworms, on a time, coming to visit a sick Fox, showed him certain Herbs and Leaves they had brought, thinking to have used them for his Cure: But he told them, He would not admit of Carpenters for his Physicians.

The Wolf and the Lamb

A Lamb in danger to be snapp'd by a Wolf, fled for shelter into a Temple; to whom the Wolf calling, told him he had taken a wrong Sanctuary, for he would be there detained by the Priests for a Sacrifice. 

I had much rather, said the Lamb, dye here a Victim to God, than serve for a meal to thy ravenous Jaws.

illustration by Weir

The Lion, the Mouse and the Fox

In Summer time, as a Lion lay sleeping in his Den, he felt a Mouse run cross his Neck, at which he rose up startled, and as he was looking angrily about him, he perceived a Fox at the Caves mouth laughing at him: 

He then walking gravely towards the Fox, I was not, said he, affrighted at the Mouse, but I would have put her out of that Road, and broak off an ill custom.

The Trifler

To a Forrest went a Poor man to gather Wood for his Fire, where though he saw enough, he thought none of that worth his pains of bringing home, but sought for better; and gazing thus idly about him, would not fix on any. At last, as he rambled on, he happened to meet a Company of Wolves, from whom running to save himself, he came to a River, but there found neither Bridge nor Boat to cross it; and perceiving the Wolves at his heels, ready to devour him, he threw himself into the Water, where, before he could get half way over, not being active in Swimming, he was carried away by the force of the Stream, and sank to the bottom: From thence he was quickly taken in some Fishermens Nets, who drew him ashore, and after draining the Water out of his Body, they left him lying under an old Wall, in appearance, more dead than alive: But he had not been there long e're he came to himself, and then when he might have gone home, he staid relating to such as passed by, the Story, at large, of all his Misfortunes, that had in so short a time happened to him. And as this talking Trifler lay thus repeating his Tale, the Wall fell down and buried him in its Ruins.

This shows that one Misfortune or other is always attending Foolish Triflers. 

Philip Ayres (3)

Here are some more fables from Mythologia Ethica: or, Three Centuries of Aesopian Fables by Philip Ayres, and you can click here for all the Ayres fables at this blog.

The Boy and his Bird

Most entirely did a Boy love a Bird he had long kept in a Cage, which finding one day its Door, by neglect, left open, flew away.

The Boy seeing her make such haste to escape, followed and calling after her, desired her to return to her Cage, and promised her great kindness, which she altogether refusing: 

He asked her the reason of her obstinate denial, Because, answer'd she, I have a mind to live after my own mode, and not after yours.

A Country-man and a Bee

A Country-man happening to be stung by a Bee, which he had beat off from a Flower, How is it possible, cryed he, thou Cruel Bee, that from thee, who affordest us so sweet and pleasant a sustenance, there should come so severe a sting?

The more sweetness answered the Bee, I yield when pleas'd, the more sharpness and severity do I show, when provok'd to anger.

The Fowler and the Partridge

A Fowler had taken a Partridge, and being about to kill her, Dear Sir, said she grievously weeping, let me go, I beseech you! and in requital of the favour, I will bring into your Nets whole Coveys of other Partridges, much fatter and bigger than my self, that you shall have no cause to repent this days work. 

Now, thou false Bird, said the Fowler, will I certainly kill thee, because thou wouldst thus treacherously betray thy own Acquaintance and Relations.He that betrays his Friends, is hated of every body.

illustration by Weir

The Mouse and the Kite

A Charitable Mouse seeing a Kite taken in the snare of a Fowler, had compassion on him, tho her Enemy, and going to him, gnawed in pieces the strings which held him; by which she gave the Kite an opportunity to fly away. 

But no sooner did this ungrateful Bird see himself at Liberty, but being hungry, he forgot the benefit he had so lately received, snatched up the too kind Mouse, and eat her.

Thus Wicked men are accustomed to reward such as do them good Offices. 

The Bear and the Fox

When in a great concourse of Beasts it was argued, what should be the reason, they should all be so easily brought to slavery and oppression by Man, whose strength was so much inferiour to theirs, and yet they were taken and disposed of at his pleasure? The Fox told them, It was his opinion that the Wisdom and Reason of Man was so great and admirable, that no strength was capable to resist it. 

This set the Bear into a rage: Nay, said he, 'tis rather our Cowardice that ruines us, and our voluntary Tameness and Submission that gives them the Mastery over us: For, to say nothing of the Horse, whose strength and vigour is sufficiently known, is not the Elephant a most valiant Creature, and yet he is rid by Men, and obeys them, nor does he in any respect refuse their Dominion over him. But if we would resolve to fight it out with them, as we too often do foolishly amongst our selves, and would rather choose to lose our Lives by their cunning Tricks, than basely submit to our Enemies, or let any Commerce be between them and us, we might by these means reasonably think to preserve our Liberty. 

When the Bear had roared out these words he held his tongue, expecting their Resolution herein, but after a general murmuring, the Assembly broke up and dispersed. 

Not long after, this very Bear happening into a Toil, was caught, had Rings put into his Nose, and suffered himself to be led about by Men; He was taught to Dance, and perform the usual tricks done by tame Bears, and all this with a steddy patience, and without grumbling.

This shows that Men change their Manners with their Fortunes. 

Jonathan Birch (1)

Here are some stories from Jonathan Birch's 51 Original Fables, published in 1833, with illustrations by Robert Cruikshank. You can find out more about Jonathan Birch at Wikipedia. He is best known as a translator from German, and he also did an emblem book, also illustrated by Cruikshank.

The Palfrey and the Old Horse

A pampered Palfrey, not having been saddled for many days, was turned into the yard for exercise, but finding the gate ajar he got on to the highway, and strayed about until he came to the village-pound, in which was confined an old half-starved Horse; the latter earnestly besought him to step back to his abode of plenty and fetch him a mouthful of hay, alleging that the pound-keeper had neglected to bring him his scanty pittance of provender for two days. 

"Not I!" said the Palfiey. "You but receive the just reward of your thievery and trespassing. It would be abetting you in your crimes were I to do as you wish; besides it would be robbing my mistress! I'd have you to know, Sirrah, that I am scrupulously honest."

"Alas!" replied the old worn-out Stager; "to reprimand is easy; and it is but too common to be haughty in affluence, and vain of untried virtues; you have never felt the pangs of hunger!"

The Bee, the Spider, and the Tomtit 

A Tomtit, who had listened for some considerable time to a conversation between a Spider and a Bee, relative to the skill and mathematical knowledge displayed in the construction of their web and comb, fancied he could take a part, in equally erudite terms: so down he flew, thinking to silence and astonish them by discussing the superior merits of his nest. "I have overheard you," said he, "disputing a length of time about the lines and proportions of your worthless webs and combs, without so much as once mentioning my inimitable habitation. What are they when compared with the delicate skill, just assortment of material, and glowing warmth displayed in the fabrication of my nest? There you have Mathematics, if you please!"

The Spider and Bee stared with astonishment, and at length burst very unceremoniously into a laugh, which so nettled the Tomtit that he quickly took to his tree again.   

The Monkey and the Wasp 

A Monkey, whilst munching a ripe pear, was pestered by the bare-faced importunities of a Wasp, who, nolens volens, would have a part. After threatening the Monkey with his anger if he further hesitated to submit to his demand, he settled on the fruit; but was as soon knocked off by the Monkey. 

The irritable Wasp now had recourse to invective, and, after using the most insulting language (which the other calmly listened to), he so worked himself up into violent passion that, losing all consideration of the penalty, he flew to the face of the Monkey, and stung him with such rage that he was unable to extricate his weapon, and was compelled to tear himself away, leaving it in the wound thus entailing on himself a lingering death, accompanied by pains much greater than those he had inflicted.

The Stork and Jupiter

A young stork, who was bearing his aged sire to a distant wilderness, espied a company of sportsmen dispersed over the field in search of game; too fatigued to soar to any height, he preferred a hasty prayer to Jupiter, that "in the execution of his filial duties, he would shield them from harm!" 

Jupiter instantaneously commanded a thick cloud to envelop them until they were out of danger.

The Hog and the Goat 

"Good morning to ye," said a goat sarcastically to an enormous hog destined by the farmer to obtain the "prize," and whom he had known when only a curly tailed grunter. "Methinks, our master is killing you with kindness; surely you cannot feel comfortable under so great a load of flesh and fat: are you not dreadfully troubled with dyspepsia?"

"I am," replied he.

"If so," said the goat, "then tell me, thou beautiful piece of rotundity, what (being so circumstanced) can induce you to go on thus gluttonizing!" 

"Am I not admired, you fool?" grunted the hog.

John Gay (1)

These poems come from The Fables of John Gay, with illustrations by William Harvey. John Gay first published his fables in 1727, with addition fables in 1738. Gay is probably the best known of the "original" fabulists of England; you can read more about his life and career at Wikipedia. Click here for all the John Gay fables at this blog.

The Lion, the Tiger, and the Traveller

A tigress prowling for her prey

Assailed a traveller on his way;

A passing lion thought no shame

To rob the tigress of her game.

They fought: he conquered in the strife;

Of him the traveller begged for life.

His life the generous lion gave,

And him invited to his cave.

Arrived, they sat and shared the feast.

The lion spoke: he said, "What beast

Is strong enough to fight with me?

You saw the battle, fair and free.

My vassals fear me on my throne:

These hills and forests are my own.

The lesser tribes of wolf and bear

Regard my royal den with fear;

Their carcases, on either hand,

And bleaching bones now strew the land."

"It is so," said the man, "I saw

What well might baser natures awe;

But shall a monarch, like to you,

Place glory in so base a view?

Robbers invade a neighbour's right,

But Love and Justice have more might.

O mean and sordid are the boasts

Of plundered lands and wasted hosts!

Kings should by love and justice reign,

Nor be like pirates of the main.

Your clemency to me has shown

A virtue worthy of a throne:

If Heaven has made you great and strong,

Use not her gifts to do us wrong."

The lion answered: "It is plain

That I have been abused; my reign

By slaves and sophisters beset.

But tell me, friend, didst ever yet

Attend in human courts? You see,

My courtiers say they rule like me."

The Spaniel and the Chameleon

A spaniel mightily well bred,

Ne'er taught to labour for his bread,

But to play tricks and bear him smart,

To please his lady's eyes and heart,

Who never had the whip for mischief,

But praises from the damsel--his chief.

The wind was soft, the morning fair,

They issued forth to take the air.

He ranged the meadows, where a green

Cameleon--green as grass--was seen.

"Halloa! you chap, who change your coat,

What do you rowing in this boat?

Why have you left the town? I say

You're wrong to stroll about this way:

Preferment, which your talent crowns,

Believe me, friend, is found in towns."

"Friend," said the sycophant, "'tis true

One time I lived in town like you.

I was a courtier born and bred,

And kings have bent to me the head.

I knew each lord and lady's passion,

And fostered every vice in fashion.

But Jove was wrath--loves not the liar--

He sent me here to cool my fire,

Retained my nature--but he shaped

My form to suit the thing I aped,

And sent me in this shape obscene,

To batten in a sylvan scene.

How different is your lot and mine!

Lo! how you eat, and drink, and dine;

Whilst I, condemned to thinnest fare,

Like those I flattered, feed on air.

Jove punishes what man rewards;--

Pray you accept my best regards."

The Mother, the Nurse, and the Fairy

"Give me a son, grant me an heir!"

The fairies granted her the prayer.

And to the partial parent's eyes

Was never child so fair and wise;

Waked to the morning's pleasing joy,

The mother rose and sought her boy.

She found the nurse like one possessed,

Who wrung her hands and beat her breast.

"What is the matter, Nurse--this clatter:

The boy is well--what is the matter?"

"What is the matter?  Ah! I fear

The dreadful fairy has been here,

And changed the baby-boy. She came

Invisible; I'm not to blame

She's changed the baby: here's a creature!--

A pug, a monkey, every feature!

Where is his mother's mouth and grace?

His father's eyes, and nose, and face?"

"Woman," the mother said, "you're blind:

He's wit and beauty all combined."

"Lord, Madam! with that horrid leer!--

That squint is more than one can bear."

But, as she spoke, a pigmy wee soul

Jumped in head-foremost through the key-hole,

Perched on the cradle, and from thence

Harangued with fairy vehemence:

"Repair thy wit--repair thy wit!

Truly, you are devoid of it.

Think you that fairies would change places

With sons of clay and human races--

In one point like to you alone,

That we are partial to our own;

For neither would a fairy mother

Exchange her baby for another;

But should we change with imps of clay,

We should be idiots--like as they."

The Eagle, and the Assembly of Animals

As Jove once on his judgment-seat,

Opened the trap-door at his feet;

Up flew the murmurs of creation,

Of every brute that had sensation.

The Thunderer, therefore, called his Eagle,

Which came obedient as a beagle,--

And him commanded to descend,

And to such murmurs put an end.

The eagle did so--citing all

To answer the imperial call.

He spoke: "Ye murmurers declare

What are these ills which trouble air?--

Just are the universal laws.

Now let the dog first plead his cause."

A beagle answered him: "How fleet

The greyhound's course, how nerved his feet!

I hunt by scent, by scent alone;

That lost, and all my chance has flown."

Answered the greyhound: "If I had

That which he scorns, I should be glad;

Had I the hound's sagacious scent,

I ne'er had murmured discontent."

The lion murmured he had not

Sly Reynard's wits to lay a plot;

Sly Reynard pleaded that, to awe,

He should possess the lion's paw.

The cock desired the heron's flight;

The heron wished for greater might.

And fish would feed upon the plain,

And beasts would refuge in the main.

None their ambitious wish could smother,

And each was envious of another.

The eagle answered: "Mutineers,

The god rejects your idle prayers.

But any may exchange who wishes,

And chop and change,--birds, beasts, and fishes."

The eagle paused; but none consented

To quit the race they represented,

And recognised the restless mind

And proud ambition of mankind.

The Wild Boar and the Ram

A sheep lay tethered, and her life

Fast ebbing on the butcher's knife;

The silly flock looked on with dread.

A wild boar, passing them, then said:

"O cowards! cowards! will nought make

The courage of your hearts awake?

What, with the butcher in your sight,

Flaying--ere life be parted quite--

Your lambs and dams! O stolid race!

Who ever witnessed souls so base?"

The patriarch ram then answered him:

"My face and bearing are not grim,

But we are not of soul so tame

As to deny Revenge her claim:

We have no whetted tusks to kill,

Yet are not powerless of ill.

Vengeance, the murdering hand pursues,

And retribution claims her dues;

She sends the plagues of war and law,

Where men will battle for a straw--

And our revenge may rest contented,

Since drums and parchment were invented."

John Kidgell (2)

Here are some more fables from John Kidgell's Original Fables, each of which includes an illustration; you can can click here for more fables by Kidgell here at the blog.

The Dying Stag

A Stag, overcome by the fatigue of the chace, and reduced to the last extremity by the pursuit of his destroyers, submitted himself to the determination of his miserable destiny. 

His mournful sighs were accompanied with tears flowing down his cheeks, which a young sportsman, who had some remaining sentiments of pity, observed, with a more than ordinary surprize. 

"Yes," says the expiring sufferer, "it is a subject which commands astonishment, that nature has given tears so liberally to brutes, and so sparingly to mankind."

The Old Maid

A Lady, who in her youth had resisted the importunity of many suitors, consented, as the found herself upon the decline, to lower her demands, and to accept of a match somewhat inferior to her quality.

Her relations and friends, with very little ceremony, reproached her of the indelicacy of her choice. "Alas, says the old girl, there is no such thing as giving perfect satisfaction in this world. When I was young I was perpetually rated for being cruel; now I advance in years, their objection is, forsooth, that I am tender-hearted."

The Crab-Tree and the Chestnut 

"My dear pretty little folks," said a Crab-Tree to her very numerous progeny, "I do entreat you to have no kind of intimacy with any of the family of the Chestnuts. Those wretches are frightful to an extremity. They are not only a disgrace to our neighbourhood, but really to the whole vegetable creation."

"How, my handsome cousen," quoth an ovehearing Chestnut, "that smooth face, and those vermilion cheeks of thine are not altogether of a piece with your inseparable harshness and asperity! We, 'tis true, have not the most promising aspect in the world, but everybody of taste will acknowledge for us, that our heart is unexceptionable."

The Monkey and the Ape

As a Monkey who had no indifferent regard for his own dear personal figure, was standing upon the verge of a christal brook, divided between the admiration and embellishment of himself; an unlucky rogue of an Ape dexterously pushed the poor beau into the water. 

"As I perceive," says he, "my dear friend, that you are so desperately in love with the beautiful creature in that enchanting element, I thought it a thousand pities but you should come together."

The Turtle-Dove and the Pigeon 

A Turtle-dove was inconsolably lamenting her dear partner, whom an arrow, unfortunately too-well aimed, had laid dead at her feet, when her affectionate grief was interrupted by the friendly, but unseasonable counsel of a Pigeon, "Do not afflict yourself, my dear," said she, "for a loss which is irretrievable. Rather be comforted, that the same fatal shaft did not dispatch you both." 

"That is the very reason," replies the faithful mourner, "which more particularly afflicts me."