A rogue will give up the best friend he has to get out of a
scrape; so that we ought to know what a man is, that we may judge
how far we may trust to what he says.

FABLE II.

THE FROG AND THE OX.

An old Frog, being wonderfully struck with the size and majesty
of an Ox that was grazing in the marshes, was seized with the
desire to expand herself to the same portly magnitude. After
puffing and swelling for some time, "What think you," said she,
to her young ones, "will this do?" "Far from it," said they.
"Will this?" "By no means." "But this surely will?" "Nothing
like it," they replied. After many fruitless and ridiculous
efforts to the same purpose, the foolish Frog burst her skin, and
miserably expired upon the spot.

MORAL.

To attempt what is out of our power, and to rival those greater
than ourselves, is sure to expose us to contempt and ruin.

FABLE III.

THE MAN AND HIS GOOSE.

A CERTAIN Man had a Goose, which laid him a golden egg every day.
But, not contented with this, which rather increased than abated
his avarice, he was resolved to kill the Goose, and cut up her
belly, so that he might come to the inexhaustible treasure which
he fancied she had within her, without being obliged to wait for
the slow production of a single egg daily. He did so, and, to his
great sorrow and disappointment, found nothing within.

MORAL.

The man that hastes to become rich often finds that he has only
brought on ruin.

FABLE IV.

THE LION AND OTHER BEASTS.

The Bull, and several other beasts, were ambitious of the honour
of hunting with the Lion. His savage Majesty graciously
condescended to their desire; and it was agreed that they should
have an equal share in whatever might be taken. They scour the
forest, are unanimous in the pursuit, and, after a long chase,
pull down a noble stag. It was divided with great dexterity by
the Bull into four equal parts; but just as he was going to
secure his share--"Hold!" says the Lion, "let no one presume to
help himself till he hath heard our just and reasonable claims. I
seize upon the first quarter by virtue of my prerogative; the
second I claim as due to my superior conduct and courage; I
cannot forego the third, on account of the necessities of my den;
and if anyone is inclined to dispute my right to the fourth, let
him speak." Awed by the majesty of his frown, and the terror of
his paws, they silently withdrew, resolving never to hunt