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. XCII. The Wolf and the Bear.

A Wolf asked a Bear, why he carried his Head hanging down on that manner? I know not, answered the Bear, unless it be by reason of the stifness of my Neck. Then why do you not arm your Head with Horns, demand∣ed the Wolf, as you see the Bulls-heads are, since your Fore-head stands as proper for such Wea∣pons as his? Ay, said the Bear, but who is able to do that? Men, replyed the Wolf, can do ma∣ny things, to whom Nature has been so liberal in her Gifts of Wit and Industry. With little in∣quiry you may find, I presume, amongst them, an Artist that will perform this thing to your sa∣tisfaction. The Credulous Bear did as the Wolf advised him, and having found a Man that would undertake the Work, he asked him what recom∣pence he expected for his pains? Give me, said the Operator, your Cropt Ears, for I can see no∣thing else about you fit for me to ask, or you to give. With all my heart, answered the pleased Bear, I'll be content to part with them, to have my Head adorned with a stately pair of Horns. And so suffered the Torment of having his Ears cut off. Now, said the Workman, I must bore two holes in that part of your Head, where you have a mind the Horns should grow. How! cryed the Bear, make holes in my Head? I

should be mad indeed, should I let you do that. Then 'tis impossible, continued the Man, for me to graft them on. I had rather choose to want these Horns, said the Bear in a passion, for whose sake I have so foolishly lost my Ears, than endure all that Misery for them, and so went vext away.

The Ambition of dull Fools, affecting great things, never wants its due Punishment.