Æsop in select fables ... with A dialogue between Bow-steeple dragon and the Exchange grashoper.

FAB. VI. of the Covetous and the Envious Man.

TWO men to Jove their Prayers made For some kind Earthly Blessing, One never satisfy'd with what he had, Tho' rich beyond Expressing. Th' other was envious, nor car'd What mischief e're befell Him, So that his Comrade was not spar'd, And what should kill him, kill him: Jove Teaz'd with their Petitions, sent His Son Appolo to 'em, To try to give'em both content, And know what service. He could do'em. Ask, said Appollo, Friends what 'ere You want th'out further trouble, And what is ask'd from either pray'r T'other shall have it double. With that, the parsimonious Cuff For Wealth did loudly call,

Which downward fell but ne'r enough For his desires could fall. Still as he ask'd, the Richess came, And doubled on the other, Tho' still his prayer was the same Which still enrich'd his Brother, Next in his turn, Sir Envy kneel'd. And with a bale-ful Eye, Dear Phaebus to my prayer yield And barken to my cry, Now oh! just now thou Pow'r divine This favour let me find, Put out this single Eye of mine, That his may both be blind.