Fable LIV.
Hercules and the Carter.
As a clownish fellow was driving his Cart along a deep miry lane, the wheels stuck so fast in the clay, that the horses could not draw them out. Upon this, he fell a bawling and praying to Hercules to come and help him. Hercules looking down from a cloud, bid him not lie there, like an idle rascal as he was, but get up and whip his horses stoutly, and clap his shoulder to the wheel, adding, That this was the only way for him to obtain his assistance.
Morals.
Prayers and wishes amount to nothing: We must put forth our own honest endeavours to obtain success on the assistance of heaven.
Inactive wishes are but waste of time,
And, without efforts, pray’rs themselves a crime:
Vain are their hopes who miracles expect,
And ask from heaven what themselves neglect.