FAB. XIV. The Horse and the Ass.

AS a Horse compleatly equipped in rich Fur∣niture was travelling proudly on the Road; he, in a dirty passage meeting an Ass loaded with a heavy burden. Thou dull and sluggish Beast! said he with great Insolence; How darest thou thus sawcily stand in my way? Get thee instantly from before me, or I shall tread thee in the dirt under my feet. The poor Ass had not the Courage to answer him, but so soon as he was able, gave him the Track. Not long after this, the Horse be∣ing spoiled by overstraining himself, and observ∣ed by his Master to be out of case, and never more fit for running, he took from him all his Page  230 splendid Ornaments, and sold him to draw in a Cart. Whom the Ass afterward espying at work in this different Harness. Ah, said he, maliciously Laughing! VVhat new sort of Accoutrements are these? VVhere is now your Embroidered Saddle, your rich Trappings, and your glistering Bit? Is all your Glory come to this? Thus may it al∣ways happen to those, so Insolent as thou hast been.

How many are there, who when advanced into some Office, or raised by some means or other to Greatness, have so far forgot themselves, and all Modesty, that their Pride would scarce suffer them to speak or look on a poor man, without In∣solently dispising him: and when Fortune has turned against them, as nothing is certain in this World, they themselves have been Scorned by all. —Tolluntur in altum,