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. LXXXI. The Wolf and the Hog.

TOuched with remorse of Conscience was an old Wolf, for having a long time preyed upon the Sheep and Lambs of the whole Neigh∣bourhood; wherefore as a Penance for what he had done, he resolved to abstain from flesh a whole year, and all that time to feed on nothing else but on Fish. Now there passed but a few daies before this Wolf repented him of his rash Vow, longing for his wonted Food; And seeing, once about supper time, a Hog run by him; his chops watred at him, that he could not forbear pursu∣ing him, and asking, what Creature art thou? Who in a fear, answered, I am a Hog, belong∣ing to a Countrymans Yard of the next Village. A Hog? said the Wolf, surely a Hog is Fish, and laying hold on him, he devoured him.

A wicked Man can never persevere in an honest and vertuous Resolution. Male facere qui vult, nusquam non causam invenit. He who has

a mind to do an ill thing, shall never want a fair pre∣tence for it; and the Proverb saies, Lupus pilos, non Aminum mutat. The Wolf may change his Hair, but never his ravenous Temper.