[ 1639] No true Content to be found in the things of this World.
THere is an old Apologue of a Bird-catcher,* 1.1 who having taken a Nightin∣gale, the poor Bird pleaded for her self as well as she could, and seeing divers go to the pot before her, said; Alas, I am not worth the killing, I have lit∣tle or no flesh on my back, therefore you may well let me go; No, sayes the Fowler, One bird in hand is worth two in the bush: The Bird replyes, that her notes were more worth then her corps, and that she would chant him out three Songs, for which he should fare the better all the dayes of his life, if he kept them, then if he kill'd her: The bargain was made, and the Bird let fly; The Songs were these,
- 1. Strive not beyond thy strength,
- 2. Grieve not too much for the losse of that which cannot be recovered.
- 3. Believe not that which is incredible.
Now whilest the wise Bird-catcher was conning these Lessons,* 1.2 the Bird fly∣ing over his head, told him, that he had lost a great treasure; For she had with∣in her head a pretious stone as bigg as an Estridge-egge. At this news the Birder began to ply the Nightingale with fair words, and told her, That if she would come again to his hand, he would spare the meat out of his own belly to feed her. Then answered the Bird, Now I see thou art a Fool indeed, that canst make no good use of my Counsel; For, first, Thou labourest for me which thou canst not reach. Secondly, Thou grievest for that which is irrecoverable. And thirdly, Thou believest that which no wise Man will, that I have a Pearl in my head as bigg as an Estridge-egg, whereas all my whole body is not so bigg: Thus surely, there are many of these Fowlers,* 1.3 or rather Foolers in the World, such as doate in their reposals, setting up their rest in the things of this World, where it is not to be found, and in the mean time neglect to seek where it is; For the World hath no more sufficiency to Mans desire, then the Nightingale had the true pearl with in her to give him con∣tent; All the advantages of outward things being to Mans desire, but as sharp sauce to the appetite, which doth not satisfie hunger, but provoke the stomack to hunger after more.