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The Fables of Æsop, and Others / With Designs on Wood cover

The Fables of Æsop, and Others / With Designs on Wood

Chapter 167: APPLICATION.
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About This Book

A series of short allegorical tales uses animals and everyday situations to dramatize human virtues and vices, offering concise moral conclusions. Each entry presents a simple incident—often involving cunning, pride, greed, generosity, or prudence—and concludes with a pointed lesson or aphorism. Themes include the consequences of folly and deceit, the rewards of wisdom and honesty, and the value of moderation. The collection is arranged as brief, easily memorizable fables intended for instruction and reflection, pairing narrative economy with direct ethical guidance.

THE SOW AND THE BITCH.

A Sow and a Bitch happening to meet, a debate arose between them concerning their fruitfulness. The Bitch insisted upon it, that she brought forth more at a litter, and oftener, than any other four-legged creature. Nay, said the Sow, you do not do so, for others are as prolific as you; and besides, you are always in such a hurry, that you bring your puppies into the world blind.

APPLICATION.

It is no wonder that our productions should come into the world blind or lame, or otherwise defective, when by forced or unnatural methods we accelerate their birth, and impatiently refuse to let them go their full time. Then it is that the excellent proverb of the more haste the worse speed, is felt and fully verified. This Fable has been pointed at those authors whose itch for scribbling has been an annoyance to the world, rather than of any real use to it; and who have been proud of, and boasted of the numerous but flimsy productions of their vain and shallow brains. It is proper to put such people in mind, that it is not he who does most, but he who does the best, that will meet the approbation of mankind.

Who told the Lamb to suck its Mother’s Paps?