12 HOWITT'S WORK OF The LION, BEAR, FOX, and WOLF. THE Lion and several other Beasts entered into an alliance offensive and defensive, and were to live very sociably together in the forest. One day having made a sort of an excursion by way of hunting, they took a very fine large fat deer, which was divided into four parts, there happening to be then present his majesty the Lion, and only three others. After the division was made, and the parts were set out, his majesty advancing forward some steps, and pointing to one of the shares, was pleased to declare himself after the following manner: This I seize and take possession of as my right, which devolves to me, as I am descended by a true, lineal, hereditary succession from the Royal Family of Lion. That (pointing to the second) I claim by, I think, no unreasonable demand, considering that all the engagements you have with the enemy turn chiefly upon my courage and conduct; and you very well know, that wars are too expensive to be carried on without proper supplies. Then nodding his head towards the third, That I shall take by virtue of my prerogative; to which I make no question, but so dutiful and loyal a people will pay all the deference and regard that I can desire. Now, as for the remaining part, the necessity of our present affairs is so very urgent, our stock so low, and our credit so impaired and weakened, that I must insist upon your granting that without any hesitation or demur; and hereof fail not at your peril. The LION and WILD BOAR. THERE happened a desperate quarrel between a Lion and a Boar; they fought upon it, and the Vultures came hovering over the combatants, to make a prey of him that should be left upon the spot: but it so fell out, that there was no death in the case, and the Vultures were not a little troubled at the disappointment. THE APPLICATION. There are several sorts of men in the world that live upon the sins and the misfortunes of other people. This fable may be moralized in almost all the controversies of human life, whether public or private. Plaintiff and defendant find business for the lawyers; questions of religion for the divines; disputes about privileges and liberties cut out work for the soldiers: for the wrangling of some, is the livelihood of others; and wherever there are like to be carcasses, there will never fail to be Vultures. C 2 |