Mythologia ethica, or, Three centuries of Æsopian fables in English prose done from Æsop, Phædrus, Camerarius, and all other eminent authors on this subject : illustrated with moral, philosophical, and political precepts : also with aphorisms and proverbs in several languages, and adorned with many curious sculptures cut on copper plates / by Philip Ayres, Esq.

About this Item

Title
Mythologia ethica, or, Three centuries of Æsopian fables in English prose done from Æsop, Phædrus, Camerarius, and all other eminent authors on this subject : illustrated with moral, philosophical, and political precepts : also with aphorisms and proverbs in several languages, and adorned with many curious sculptures cut on copper plates / by Philip Ayres, Esq.
Author
Ayres, Philip, 1638-1712.
Publication
London :: Printed for Thomas Hawkins,
1689.
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Subject terms
Fables.
Cite this Item
"Mythologia ethica, or, Three centuries of Æsopian fables in English prose done from Æsop, Phædrus, Camerarius, and all other eminent authors on this subject : illustrated with moral, philosophical, and political precepts : also with aphorisms and proverbs in several languages, and adorned with many curious sculptures cut on copper plates / by Philip Ayres, Esq." In the digital collection Early English Books Online. https://name.umdl.umich.edu/A26524.0001.001. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed May 15, 2024.

Pages

Page 207

FAB. C. The River, and its Spring.

THUS arrogantly did a River revile its own Fountain, Why remainest thou idly there, covered with Weeds and Brambles? whose cold Waters are of no Benefit, for they permit not the Production of any living thing within them. Whilst I abound with variety of Excellent Fish, and am daily increasig my clear Current; I pass on de∣lightfully creeping through the pleasant Valleys, many times yielding a melodious murmur, grateful to all that hear it. And in my large Carriers, I view a diversity of Famous People, Countreys and Cities; all which partake of the Advantages I carry along with me. The Spring displeased at these presum∣ptuous Words with-held its Waters, whereby this ungrateful River quickly became dry, and all its Fishes perished.

This Fable is against those who attribute all the good they have, to themselves, and their own Industry, and not to God, who is the Fountain of all goodness. It also blames those who boast themselves to be the Authors of any good things which they received from others: And shows that the Sin of Ingrati∣tude ought ever to be severely punished. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. 'Tis better to be silent, than to speak that which becomes us not:

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