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
Ayres, Philip, 1638-1712., Aesop.
FAB. XXVI. The Country-man and Fortune.
IN digging the Earth, a Country-man found a Treasure of Gold; and for a Memorial of the great Benefit there received, he daily brought a Chaplet or Garland of Flowers, which by way of Gratitude he left on the place. But Fortune ap∣pearing to him, asked him why he attributed her Gifts to the Earth? which; said she, I gave thee on purpose to encrease thy Riches; for I know that if times should change, and this Gold go to Page 243 another hand, thou wouldst then accuse For∣tune for the loss.
This Fable admonishes us to acknowledg our true Benefactors, and to pay them a grateful respect.
