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

FAB. VII. Of the Beaver, and the Hunters.

A Beaver being close pursu'd By Hunters, Horse, and Hounds; And neither safe, within the Wood, Nor in the open Grounds, I know full well (and step'd aside) The reasons why I'm chas'd, he cry'd. And much lament the, Cause. My Stones are what they want, and I Must either part with them, or die, And glut the Beagles jaws: With that, though he was loath to part With things as precious as his heart, Or with a quiet mind Surrender up the pride of all his kind, Yet life was sweet, and utt'ring forth some groans, Off went his dear beloved Stones,

Which in the Hunters way The Melancholy Beast did lay. Call in the Hounds, the fierce Pursuers said, We've caught the Game, and have our Markets made; And taking up the Prize they went All homeward with content. Whlist the Enervate Beast return'd, To graze in quiet on the plain: And never after this Misfortune mourn'd, Or fled from Hunters or from Hounds again.

MORAL.

If a certain great Prince had but done as this Beast, And instead of each Stone gotten rid of each Priest, He had still been King, whom his People had bless'd. But since He bad rather keep in with Ned Petre And likes Fryers, and Monks for his company fitter: Let him now keep his Stones, for there's none but has bea∣ter.