How far Self-safety may be consulted. [ 1575]
THere is an Apologue of an Asse,* 1.1 which a certain silly King did love so dearly, that he had a great mind to have her to speak, they told him it was a thing impossible and against Nature; but he being impatient, and not endu∣ring to have his desire crossed, slew them, because they told him the truth: At last trying about, what others could do; one, who was made wise by their example, being required to do it, he undertook it, but withall he shewed him the greatnesse of the charge, and difficulty of the work. The King being eager to have it done, told him he should have what allowance he pleased, and bade him spare for no charges, and that besides he would reward him liberally. The Physitian also told him, that it would be a long cure, and could not be done in a day, ten years were the fewest that could be allotted to perfect a work of that Nature; so they agreed, and the Physitian began to fall to work about his Asse; His Friends hearing of it, came to him, and asked him, What he meant to take in hand a thing so utterly impossible; He smiled and said unto them, I thought you had been wiser, then to ask me such a question; If I had, sayes he, re∣fused to have taken it in hand, he had put me to death presently, now I have gained ten years time, and before that he expired, Who can tell what may happen? The King