Philip Ayres (6)

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 Lion in Love

WIth a very handsom Maid, the Daughter of a Husbandman, was a Lion fallen in Love, and demanded her of her Father for his Wife. The Man with scorn rejected the offer, telling him he might forbear any further Courtship, or troubling him on that subiect, for he would make no Affinity nor Alliance with a Beast. 

Which surly refusal so much incensed the Lion, that he threatned to devour him. The Husbanman was then glad to change his proposal, letting him know, that he would consent to the Marriage, provided the Lion would suffer the sharp nails of his paws to be pared, and his Teeth to be filed, that his Daughter at her Nuptials might approach him with safety: To which the Generous Lion (not suspecting the intended Malice) readily yielded. 

But this treacherous Countryman seeing his Enemy, thus deprived of the use of his Paws and Teeth, arming himself with his Sword, fought with, and slew the Amorous Lion.

illustration by Tenniel

The Gourd and the Pine

At the foot of a tall Pine, appeared a young Gourd, which suddenly sprouting up very high, by the fall of some late showers, extended its Boughs all about the Pine, with abundance of broad Leaves, gaudy Flowers, and large Fruit. 

This so much swell'd her with Pride, that she began to stand in Competition with the Pine. Dost thou see, said she, stretching out her self, How nimbly I advance to over-top thee? 

I have endured, answered the Pine, many a Cold Blast, and many a Scorching Heat, yet still continue here safe and sound. But thou, Poor Fool, with the first Nipping Frost that comes, shalt lose thy strength, thy Leaves shall fade and come to nothing, and thou be seen no more.

The Hawk and the Dove

To her Masters House for shelter, flew an innocent Dove, to save herself from the swift pursuit of a Hawk; into which being eagerly followed by her fierce Adversary, he was there taken by the Country-man: To whom when he would have excused himself, begging his pardon, and alledging that having done him no wrong, he hoped he would spare his Life. 

Nor had this Dove, said the Country-man, offended you, whose Life you would so fain have taken away.

illustration by Barlow

The Beasts, the Fowls and the Fishes

The Four-footed Beasts, finding themselves necessitated to Declare a War against the Fowls, who on divers occasions had broke the ancient League made betwixt them: They sent and made an Alliance with the Fishes, that they might assist them in this War. 

But at the time of Battel, when both Armies were in the Field, and the Beasts expected to be joyned by the Fishes, they sent an Excuse, That they could not come to help them fight by Land.

The Spider and the Gout

Two Friends, the Spider and the Gout, travelling together, came to a little Town called Tyche, and there took up their Lodgings. The Spider got into a Noble mans Palace, where so soon as she had spread her Nets, they were immediately pull'd down, which obliged her to remove to another part of the House; but wheresoever she began to settle, she was presently swept off again. 

And the Gout, happening into a Poor mans Cottage, was also miserably entertained with a hard Bed, Course Sheets, mean Diet, and even a scarcity of that too. Which Inconveniences, next Morning when the two Fellow Travellers meeting, had well consider'd, they resolved to try their Fortunes another way. 

So that coming at Night to a City; the Gout entred into the House of a Rich Magistrate, where she was quickly entertained, with Honourable Attendance, Down Beds, and Soft Couches to lye on, Variety also of the best Meats and choicest Wines; nor was there any Pleasure she could wish for, which she enjoy'd not. 

Whilst the Spider in a Poor mans House, weaved all the Gins, Snares and Nets, which she could contrive necessary for the catching her Game; without any Interruption; and there she lived in great Quietness and Plenty, free from the fear of Brush or Broom. 

When they had spent some time in this Felicity; the two Friends met again, and after mutual Salutations, they enquired of each others good Fortunes, where both extolling their Admirable Success since their last parting; they made a Resolution that from thenceforward, which way soever they should happen to Travel, the Gout by consent, should turn into the Rich and Noble mens Palaces, and the Spider into the Cottages of Poor men.

illustration by Granville