THE LIONESS AND THE FOX.
The Lioness and the Fox meeting together, fell into discourse, and the conversation turning upon the breeding and fruitfulness of some living creatures above others, the Fox could not forbear taking the opportunity of observing to the Lioness, that for her part, she thought Foxes were as happy in that respect as almost any other creatures; for they bred constantly once a year, if not oftener, and always had a good litter of cubs at every birth; and yet, says she, there are some folks who are never delivered of more than one at a time, and that perhaps not above once or twice in their whole lives, who hold up their noses, and value themselves so much upon it, that they think all other creatures beneath them, and scarce worthy to be spoken to. The Lioness, who all the time perceived at whom this reflection pointed, replied, what you have observed is true. You litter often, and produce a great many at a time; but what are they? Foxes! I, indeed, may have but one at a time; but you should remember that that one is a Lion.
APPLICATION.
Our productions, of whatsoever kind, are not to be esteemed so much by their quantity as by their quality. It is not being employed much, but well, and to the purpose, which will make us useful to the age we live in, and celebrated by those which are to come. As the multiplication of foxes and other vermin is a misfortune to the countries which are infested with them, so one cannot help throwing out a melancholy reflection, when one sees some particular classes of the human kind increase so fast as they do. But the most obvious meaning of this Fable is the hint it gives us in relation to authors. These gentlemen should never attempt to raise themselves a reputation by trumping up a long catalogue of their various productions, since there is more glory in having written one tolerable piece than a thousand indifferent ones; and whoever has had the good fortune to please in one literary performance, should be very cautious how he stakes his reputation in a second attempt.
THE LAMB BROUGHT UP BY A GOAT.
A Wolf, prowling about for his prey, espied a Lamb sucking a Goat. You silly creature! says he, you quite mistake; this is not your mother; she is yonder among a flock of sheep: do allow me to conduct you to her. No, no, replies the Lamb, the mother that bore me may indeed be yonder; but when she dropped me, she shewed no further care, but left me unprovided for, to shift for myself, regardless of what might become of me; and had it not been for the kindness of this honest Goat, who took compassion upon my helplessness, I must have suffered all the miseries to which inexperienced youth and innocence are exposed, when left without a guide to the mercy of the world.