THE PROLOGUE. The plan of Æsop is confined to instruction by examples; nor by Fables is anything else[1] aimed at than that the errors of mortals may be corrected, and persevering industry[2] exert itself. Whatever the playful invention, therefore, of the narrator, so long as it pleases the ear, and answers its purpose, it is recommended by its merits, not by the Author’s name. For my part, I will with all care follow the method of the sage;[3] but if I should think fit to insert something[4] {of my own}, that variety of subjects may gratify the taste, I trust, Reader, you will take it in good part; provided that my brevity be a fair return for such a favour: of which, that {my} praises may not be verbose, listen to the reason why you ought to deny the covetous, {and} even to offer to the modest that for which they have not asked. [Footnote II.1: _Is anything else_)--Ver. 2. Burmann thinks that the object of the Author in this Prologue is to defend himself against the censures of those who might blame him for not keeping to his purpose, mentioned in the Prologue of the First Book, of adhering to the fabulous matter used by Æsop, but mixing up with such stories narratives of events that had happened in his own time.] [Footnote II.2: _Persevering industry_)--Ver. 5. “Diligens industria.” An industry or ingenuity that exerts itself in trying to discover the meaning of his Fables.] [Footnote II.3: _Of the sage_)--Ver. 8. Meaning Æsop.] [Footnote II.4: _To insert something_)--Ver. 9. He probably alludes to such contemporary narratives as are found in Fable v. of the present Book; in Fable x. of the Third; in B. IV., Fables v., xxi., xxiv.; and B. V., Fables i., v., vii.] FABLE I. THE LION, THE ROBBER, AND THE TRAVELLER. While a Lion was standing over a Bullock, which he had brought to the ground, a Robber came up, and demanded a share. “I would give it you,” said {the Lion}, “were you not in the habit of taking without leave;” and {so} repulsed the rogue. By chance, a harmless Traveller was led to the same spot, and on seeing the wild beast, retraced his steps; on which the Lion kindly said to him: “You have nothing to fear; boldly take the share which is due to your modesty.” Then having divided the carcase, he sought the woods, that he might make room for the Man. A very excellent example, and worthy of all praise; but covetousness is rich and modesty in want.[5] [Footnote II.5: _Modesty in want_)--Ver. 12. Martial has a similar passage, B. iv., Epig. 9:-- “Semper eris pauper, si pauper es, Æmiliane, Dantur opes nulli nunc nisi divitibus.”] FABLE II. THE TWO WOMEN OF DIFFERENT AGES BELOVED BY THE MIDDLE-AGED MAN. That the men, under all circumstances, are preyed upon by the women, whether they love or are beloved, {this} truly we learn from examples.