FAB. XCIX. The Chaffinch and the Thrush.

IT pittying a Good-natured Chaffinch to see a Thrush feeding in the Woods on the wild Ber∣ries and Fruits, Alas, poor Creature! said she, How can you possible live on such course Meats as these? Come with me, and I will shew you Fruits more delightful to the Appe∣tite, and of more wholesom Nourishment to the Body than these. The Thrush gladly accepted her Offer, and following her kind Conductress Page  208 was brought into a Garden well stored with ripe Figs, Grapes, and other variety of excellent Fruits; where, as they were admiring the great Plenty of every thing, and beauty of the Place; the Thrush espyed several Nets, Snares, and Limetwigs, and many Birds taken by them, at which affrighted, she bad her Companion Farewel: For I had ra∣ther, said she, live secure in the solitary Woods, feeding on those wild Berries, than on these choice Fruits, to pass my life in such continual Fears and Dangers.

'Tis better to live securely in Poverty, than with Riches in Fears, Ielousies and Troubles. This made the Divine Phocillides (as he is stiled by the incomparable Don. Fr. de Quevedo) thus to inveigh against Riches.

To which purpose, I may also add.