A foolish friend may cause more woe Than could, indeed, the wisest foe.
[15] Bidpaii. [16] _Bellerophon_.--The son of King Glaucus, who, after a wandering life, died a prey to melancholy.
Two friends, in Monomotapa, Had all their interests combined. Their friendship, faithful and refined, Our country can't exceed, do what it may. One night, when potent Sleep had laid All still within our planet's shade, One of the two gets up alarm'd, Runs over to the other's palace, And hastily the servants rallies. His startled friend, quick arm'd, With purse and sword his comrade meets, And thus right kindly greets:-- 'Thou seldom com'st at such an hour; I take thee for a man of sounder mind Than to abuse the time for sleep design'd. Hast lost thy purse, by Fortune's power? Here's mine. Hast suffer'd insult, or a blow, I've here my sword--to avenge it let us go.' 'No,' said his friend, 'no need I feel Of either silver, gold, or steel; I thank thee for thy friendly zeal. In sleep I saw thee rather sad, And thought the truth might be as bad. Unable to endure the fear, That cursed dream has brought me here.'
Which think you, reader, loved the most! If doubtful this, one truth may be proposed: There's nothing sweeter than a real friend: Not only is he prompt to lend-- An angler delicate, he fishes The very deepest of your wishes, And spares your modesty the task His friendly aid to ask. A dream, a shadow, wakes his fear, When pointing at the object dear.[18]
[17] Bidpaii. [18] This fable is thought to have been inspired by the friendship of La Fontaine for Fouquet, the minister whom Louis XIV., actuated mostly by jealousy and envy, disgraced and imprisoned. See the Translator's Preface.
XII.--THE HOG, THE GOAT, AND THE SHEEP.[19]
A goat, a sheep, and porker fat, All to the market rode together. Their own amusement was not that Which caused their journey thither. Their coachman did not mean to 'set them down' To see the shows and wonders of the town. The porker cried, in piercing squeals, As if with butchers at his heels. The other beasts, of milder mood, The cause by no means understood. They saw no harm, and wonder'd why At such a rate the hog should cry. 'Hush there, old piggy!' said the man, 'And keep as quiet as you can. What wrong have you to squeal about, And raise this dev'lish, deaf'ning shout? These stiller persons at your side Have manners much more dignified. Pray, have you heard A single word Come from that gentleman in wool? That proves him wise.' 'That proves him fool!' The testy hog replied; 'For did he know To what we go, He'd cry almost to split his throat; So would her ladyship the goat. They only think to lose with ease, The goat her milk, the sheep his fleece: They're, maybe, right; but as for me, This ride is quite another matter. Of service only on the platter, My death is quite a certainty. Adieu, my dear old piggery!' The porker's logic proved at once Himself a prophet and a dunce.