Moral and political fables, ancient and modern done into measured prose intermixed with ryme by Dr. Walter Pope.

FAB. LVIII. The Fox and Raven.

A Raven who had found a piece of Cheese, Bore it to's Nest, on one o'th' neighbouring Trees. And having laid it down, began to Crow Aloud, that all might his good Fortune know. A Fox, who heard the noise, and understood The meaning of it, quickly leaves the Wood, Draws near unto the Tree, and thus did speak, Just as the Raven took the Cheese in's Beak. Good Gods! what beauteous Bird's before mine Eyes? How smooth they lie! how do thy Feathers shine! No Colour equals Black, and no Black thine. Would I might hear thy Voice, if thou couldst Sing, Thou wert a Present for the greatest King. The Raven tickled with the Foxes praise, And willing to hear more, began to Sing, With a hoarse voice, and let the Cheese fall down. Which when the Fox had seizd, Raven, said he. 'Tis true thou'rt handsome, but thou hast no Wit.

The MORAL.

All Flattery is upon ill design, And they are Fools who hear it with delight.

Another MORAL out of Horace.

Si tacitus pasci potuisset Corvus, haberet Plus dapis, & multo rixae minus invidiaeque.

To the same purpose out of I. C.

'Tis seker, soo de ••aef kon in der stilhept eten, Sy kreegh een vollen buyck, en niemant sou het weten, Maer mits hy by den roof soo luyde sit, en Krast, Soo krijght hy menigh mael een ougenooden gast.

That is,

Were the Crow wise, and could with silence eat, He would have fewer Spongers, and more Meat.

Another out of I. C.

Soo dickwils als 't Schapie bleet, verliestet een veetien.

That is,

As often as the Sheep bleats, he loses a monthful.

Another out of the same.

'Tis best dat 't Schap in stilheyt eet, Want als het bleet, verliest een bleet. Een stil Seugh die eet de draf.

That is,

'Tis the still Sow that eats the Broth.