Liars generally[I.19] pay the penalty of their guilt.
A Dog, who was a false accuser, having demanded of a Sheep a loaf of bread, which he affirmed he had entrusted to her charge; a Wolf, summoned as a witness, affirmed that not only one was owing but ten. Condemned on false testimony, the Sheep had to pay what she did not owe. A few days after, the Sheep saw the Wolf lying in a pit. “This,” said she, “is the reward of villany, sent by the Gods.”
[ Fable XVIII.]
THE WOMAN IN LABOUR.
No one returns with good will to the place which has done him a mischief.
Her months completed,[I.20] a Woman in labour lay upon the ground, uttering woful moans. Her Husband entreated her to lay her body on the bed, where she might with more ease deposit her ripe burden. “I feel far from confident,” said she, “that my pains can end in the place where they originated.”
[ Fable XIX.]
THE BITCH AND HER WHELPS.
The fair words of a wicked man are fraught with treachery, and the subjoined lines warn us to shun them.
A Bitch, ready to whelp,[I.21] having entreated another that she might give birth to her offspring in her kennel, easily obtained the favour. Afterwards, on the other asking for her place back again, she renewed her entreaties, earnestly begging for a short time, until she might be enabled to lead forth her whelps when they had gained sufficient strength. This time being also expired, the other began more urgently to press for her abode: “If” said the tenant, “you can be a match for me and my litter, I will depart from the place.”
[ Fable XX.]
THE HUNGRY DOGS.
An ill-judged project is not only without effect, but also lures mortals to their destruction.