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.

FAB. LXIX. The Dragon, the Leopard, and the Unicorn.

TO end an old Grudg, a fierce young Leopard resolved to try the hazard of a Combat with a Dragon, but at the first brush found himself not able to cope with him; whereupon he retreating, went to a Unicorn and beged his help. For thou said he, art valiant and fightest with admirable skill; I therefore entreat thee to vindicate me a∣gainst this insolent Dragon that has so often affront¦ed me. The vain Unicorn being proud to hear himself thus commended; Thou hast given, said he, a true Character of me, who am an Experienced Warrior, and shall soon revenge thee on thy Ad∣versary; for when the Dragon shall open his Mouth, I'l strike my Horn into his Throat, and kill him. Afterwards when these Enemies met, the Leopard giving the first On-set, was quickly wor∣sted; but then the Unicorn advancing, aimed to push his Horn into the Mouth of the gaping Dragon, who moving aside his Head, the Unicorn missed him, and ran his Horn into the Ground, from whence before he could pluck it out, he was slain.

'Tis folly for any one to trust too much to his Man∣hood, and madness to fight in a Quarrel that be∣longs not to him. Engage not, saies a learned Man, to be Second to another, neither blow thou the Coals amongst those who are at Variance, but when Discord and Quarrels are begun by o∣thers, 'tis sure the greatest Honour for thee, if Reconciliation come by thy means. `Tis a good caution the old English Poet gives.

He that for odir men gladly wyl fighte, Ys oftyn confondid tho he have grete might.