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. LVII. The Monkey, the Cat, and the Chestnuts.

MAny Attempts had a Monkey made for some Roasted Chestnuts, which he saw lying in the Embers, and earnestly longed for, but could not come at them with safety to his Fing∣ers; nor could he reach any Instrument, that would serve to draw them to him. At last he contrived to effect the business, by means of a young Cat, who lay sleeping in the Chimney Corner. Her he caught up, and holding her fast in his Arms, stretched out one of her fore Feet, and with it pull'd out the Nuts. The in∣jur'd Cat afterwards expostulating in Tears with the Monkey about her burnt Claw, asked him how he could be so cruel to her, whom he must needs think to be as sensible of the Fires heat as

he was? And that from himself he might take Example of the Infirmity of another. The Monkey in few Words eluding her Complaint, I cannot said he, deny but that this Jest was some∣what rough, yet ought you not to grumble at so small a matter because it is a very wicked thing for any one to live so sloathful a Life as you do

Very much do those Men resemble this crafty Monkey▪ who in some affair of great Difficulty, will for their own Advantage make use of o∣thers▪ even to the hazard of their Lives; and by deluding Perswasions or down-right Force, care not what Mischiefs they plunge their Instru∣ments into, so they may attain their own Ends, and keep themselves scot-free.