They all so well approving of what had been said of these Varlets, I told them that I could likewise relate somewhat else of the same Gentlemans composure, who writ that _Character_; and which I did conclude to be altogether as ingenious, and that it was a great novelty, having never as yet been in Print: they being earnest in their desires to hear me, I told them it was only the fifth Fable of _Æsop_ Moralized; and thereupon I began as follows: _The Brutes would once go hunt: a nimble Crew Of those that dwell in Dens and Caves pursue And take a goodly Stag, who in his fall Proclaims sufficient booties unto all. Each Beast being troubled with their hungry maws, Were urging Clyents to their panting Jaws: Divide, says one; another cries, Cast lots; With that, the Lyon Roars, Away ye Scots: Who’s that who says divide? pray be content, The first part’s mine, because most excellent; And but one part! nay, then you do me wrong, A second part is mine, because most strong; And if you dare give credit to my word, Our pain and sweat have merited a third. Now there remains a fourth, which is but small, And scarce worth speaking of amongst you all; Which you may give me willingly; and thus, Renew the friendship betwixt you and us. Be wise therefore; is it more safe to move A Lyons anger, or confirm his love? For if you shew the least unwillingness, I’ll make you know the Senior of your Mess. This said, the Hunters were amaz’d thereat; They knew their distance, and they durst not prate, But hung their tails betwixt their legs for shame, And went away more hungry then they came._ This, said I, was the Fable, which though it had already admitted of many Paraphrases and Morals, yet was never yet in my opinion so fit and aptly moralized, as in what I shall here recite, which I did thus: