FAB. XLV. The King and his Fabulist:

A Young Scholler, who much delighted in hearing Fables, importuned his Tutor to tell him a very long one. Take heed, said the Tu∣tor, the same happen not to you, which once did to a King from his Fabulist. Good Sir, said the Youth, let me know what that was? The Tutor then related to him the Following Fable.

There was a King who kept a Fabulist, or Composer of Fables, that when the King was inclined to Mirth, was to tell him five Fables, Page  263 Tales, or Jests, for his Recreation. Now it chanced on a Night that the King being some∣what indisposed, and not able to fall a Sleep, sent for his Fabulist, commanding him to tell some other Tales, over and above the usual Number. He unwillingly obeying, quickly told three: but the King complaining they were too short, bad him think on others that were longer; after which he should go to Bed. The Fabulist then began another on this manner. Once upon a time, there was a Country-man, who having by his Industry and good Fortune got together a con∣siderable Sum of Money, went to a Market and bought with it two Thousand Sheep; but in his Journey home, could not possibly get his Sheep over a River, neither by the common Ford, nor the Bridge, by reason of a sudden Flood, caused by some violent Showers of Rain, newly fallen there. The Country-man was troubled to think what he should do in this distress; til at last he found a lit∣tle Boat, in which he could make shift only to Ferry over a couple at a time. With this was he forced to begin to Row over his Sheep, by two and two; and saying these words the Fabulist fell asleep. But the King calling, awaked him, and bad him proceed on in his Tale. May it please Your Majesty, said the Poor man, rubbing his Eyes; The River is broad, the Boat small, and the Number of the Sheep very great; I beseech you let the Countrymans Sheep be all Ferried over, and then I shall tell Your Majesty the conclu∣sion of my Fable. VVith which pleasant saying, the King who was such a Lover of Fables, was well enough satisfied.

Page  264If therefore, my Child, said the Preceptor to his Pupil, you henceforward trouble me with your Impertinency to tell you long Tales, I'll put you in mind of this, to make you be contented with what I think fit to tell you. Tanto es lo demas, como lo de menos. Sp. Too much of one thing is good for nothing.