Fable XLII.
Age to be Honoured.
A pert and inconsiderate young Man happened to meet an old Man, whose age and infirmity had brought his body almost to the shape of a bent bow. Pray, father, says he, will you sell your bow? Save your money, you fool, says the other; for when you come to my years, you shall have such a bow for nothing.
Morals.
There cannot be a greater folly and impertinence, than that of young men scoffing at the infirmities of age.
Though vig’rous health thy tide of life sustains,
And youthful manhood revels in thy veins: