FAB. XXXVI. The Old Wolf that found a Prey.

SO feeble was an Old Wolf grown, by reason of his Age, that he was no longer able to hunt for his Prey, nor were any of his former Comrades so kind to give him a share of theirs, but all drove him away, when he offered to come near them. This Di∣stressed Wolf ranging alone about the Woods, found a dead Ox, on which he falling with a keen Appetite, the smell of it soon reached the Noses of the other Wolves, who came run∣ning to help him devour it. We, said they, fawning upon him, are your Old Friends, and come to bear you Company. 'Tis well, cried the Antient Wolf, I have this Entertainment for you: For now ye are all my Companion and Friends, but before, ye cruelly beat me, and would own neither Kindred nor Friendship with me.

Wealth and Riches acquire us Friends, or ra∣ther Enemies under the Disguise of Friends, who will stick by us so long as they can propose to reap any Benefit or Advantage by us, but when that ceases, they shall not only desert us, but our very presence is offensive to them.