FAB. LXXX. The Eagle and the Crow.

FRom the top of an high Rock, an Eagle sharp set with Hunger, seeing a Flock of Sheep below in the Valley, flew down, whence catching up a fat Lamb in her crooked Tallons, she mount∣ed with it into the Air, and carryed it away; which sight a Crow observing, became emulous of the generous Action, and resolved to attempt Page  302 the like. To which end, making first a trium∣phing noise, she took her Flight down to the Flock, and stricking her Claws into the Fleece of a Sheep, foolishly attempted what was impossible to effect; She then too late saw her Error, and was striving to disengage her self from the Wooll, wherein her ackard Claws, unskilled in that trade, were entangled; but being espyed by the Shep∣herd, this bold Crow was taken, carried home, and given to his Children to make sport with. After which, she having her Wings pulled, and her Feathers torn off, became humble; and when at any time, being thus disguised, she was asked what Bird she was? she alwaies answered to this purpose; Heretofore, as to my great Courage, I esteemed my self an Eagle, but now I am clearly convinced, that as to my Ability and Perfor∣mance, I am no more than what I was born, to wit, a Crow.

Those Persons who attempt great Things, above their proper Sphere, and not correspondent with their Courage and Power, do not only happen to fail in their Enterprises. but commonly throw themselves into the greatest Miseries, and then become a Laughing-stock and Scorn to all that see them. Ogni Opra tua, col tuo Poter mi∣sura. Measure every work you undertake, with the Power you have to perform it.