156. Of a Horse, Ugly but Swift, and the Rest Mocking Him
Many horses were brought to the Circensian games, adorned with most beautiful trappings, except one, whom the rest laughed at as ugly, and unfit for such an engagement, nor did they think that he would be ever victor. But when the time of running approached and the signal of the trumpet being given, all leaped from the goal; then, at length, it appeared by how much this a little before derided excelled the rest in swiftness; for, all the others being left behind him at a long distance, he gained the victory.
Moral. The fable signifies that men are not to be judged by dress, but by virtue.
157. Of a Countryman Admitted to a Lawyer by the Voice of a Kid
A certain countryman, entangled in a heavy suit, went to to a certain lawyer that, he being patron, he might extricate himself. But he hindered with other affairs orders him to be told, that he now was not able to be at leisure for him; wherefore he should go away to return another time. The countryman, who trusted to him very much, as an old and faithful friend, never was admitted. At length bringing with him a kid, as yet sucking and fat, he stood before the doors of the lawyer, and plucking the kid, forced him to bleat. The porter, who was wont to admit those, who brought gifts, by the command of his master, the voice of the kid being heard, presently opening the gate, orders the man to enter. Then the countryman, having turned to the kid, said, my little kid, I give thanks to thee, who hast made these doors so easy to me.
Moral. The fable shows that no things are so hard and difficult, which gifts do not open.
158. Of an Old Man Driving Down with Stones a Young Man Stealing Apples from Him
A certain old man besought a young man stealing apples from him with fair words that he would descend out of the tree, nor would take away his things, but when he poured out words in vain, the young man despising his age and words, he said, "I hear that there is some virtue not only in words, but also in herbs; therefore he began to pull the grass, and to throw it at him, which the young man having seen laughed vehemently, and thought the old man to doat, who believed, that he was able to drive down him out of the tree with grass. Then the old man, desiring to try all things, said, when words and herbs avail nothing against the stealer of my things, I will drive him with stones, in which also they say that there is virtue, and throwing stones, wiht which he had filled his lap, he forced him to descend and to go away.
Moral. This fable shows that all things are to be tried by a wise man before that he fleeth to the help of arms.
159. Of a Nightingale Promising a Hawk a Song for her Life
A nightingale being caught by a hungry hawk, when she understood that she would be devoured by him, asked him mildly that he would dismiss her, having promised that she would return a vast reward for so great a benefit. But when the hawk asked what favour she was able to return to him, she said, "I will soothe thy ears with sweet songs." The hawk answered, "I had rather thou shouldst soothe my belly; I am able to live without thy songs, but not without meat."
Morale. This fable teacheth that profitable things are to be preferred to pleasant.
160. Of a Lion Choosing a Hog a Companion for Himself
A lion, when he would get companions to himself, and many animals wished to join themselves to him, and required it with vows and prayers, the others being despised, he was willing to enter into society only with the hog. But being asked the cause, he answered, because this animal is so faithful that he never would leave his friends and companions in any, however great, danger.
Moral. This fable teaches that the friendship of those is to be desired who in the time of adversity do not draw back a foot from affording assistance.
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