Lion was sick, and the beasts were made
to believe that they could not make their court better than by
going to visit him. Upon this, they generally went, but it was
particularly remarked that the Fox was not one of the number. The
Lion, therefore, dispatched one of his Jackals to sound him about
it, and to ask him why he had so little charity and respect as
never to come near him at a time when he lay so dangerously ill,
and everybody else had been to see him. "Why," replied the Fox,
"pray present my duty to his majesty, and tell him that I have
the same respect for him as ever, and have been coming several
times to kiss his royal paw, but I am so terribly frightened at
the mouth of his cave, to see the print of my fellow-subjects'
feet all pointing forwards, and none backwards, that I had not
resolution enough to venture in."

Now, the truth of the matter was, that the sickness of the Lion
was only a sham to draw the beasts into his den, the more easily
to devour them.

MORAL.

It is well to weigh and consider the nature of any proposal
thoroughly before we accede to it; but, certainly, if we have
reason, from the injury done to others, to suspect that we may
suffer harm, it is decidedly better to decline.

FABLE XCVI.

THE LION, THE FOX, AND THE GEESE.

A LION, tired with state affairs,
Quite sick of pomp, and worn with cares,
Resolved (remote from noise and strife)
In peace to pass his latter life.

It was proclaimed: the day was set:
Behold the general council met:
The Fox was viceroy named. The crowd
To the new regent humbly bowed!
Wolves, bears, and mighty tigers bend,
And strive who most shall condescend.
The crowd admire his wit, his sense:
Each word hath weight and consequence.
The flatterer all his art displays;
He who hath power, is sure of praise.
A Fox stepped forth before the rest,
And thus the servile throng addressed:--

"How vast his talents, born to rule,
And train'd in virtue's honest school!
What clemency his temper sways!
How uncorrupt are all his ways!
Beneath his conduct and command
Rapine shall cease to waste the land;
What blessings must attend the nation
Under this good administration!"

He said. A Goose, who distant stood,
Harangu'd apart the cackling brood:

"Whene'er I hear a knave commend,
He bids me shun his worthy friend.
What p