[Footnote III.20: _On the cross_)--Ver. 10. The cross was especially used as an instrument of punishment for malefactors of low station, and, as we see here, sometimes on very trivial occasions.] FABLE VI. THE FLY AND THE MULE. A Fly sat on the pole of a chariot, and rebuking the Mule: “How slow you are,” said she; “will you not go faster? Take care that I don’t prick your neck with my sting.” The Mule made answer: “I am not moved by your words, but I fear him who, sitting on the next seat, guides my yoke[21] with his pliant whip, and governs my mouth with the foam-covered reins. Therefore, cease your frivolous impertinence, for I well know when to go at a gentle pace, and when to run.” In this Fable, he may be deservedly ridiculed, who, without {any} strength, gives utterance to vain threats. [Footnote III.21: _Guides my yoke_)--Ver. 6. “Jugum meum;” meaning, “me who bear the yoke.”] FABLE VII. THE DOG AND THE WOLF. I will shew in a few words how sweet is Liberty. A Wolf, quite starved with hunger, chanced to meet a well-fed Dog, and as they stopped to salute each other, “Pray,” {said the Wolf}, “how is it that you are so sleek? or on what food have you made so much flesh? I, who am far stronger, am perishing with hunger.” The Dog frankly {replied}: “You may enjoy the same condition, if you can render the like service to your master.” “What {is it}?” said the other. “To be the guardian of his threshold, {and} to protect the house from thieves at night.” “I am quite ready for that,” {said the Wolf}; “at present I have to endure snow and showers, dragging on a wretched existence in the woods. How much more pleasant for me to be living under a roof, and, at my ease, to be stuffed with plenty of victuals.” “Come along, then, with me,” {said the Dog}. As they were going along, the Wolf observed the neck of the Dog, where it was worn with the chain. “Whence comes this, my friend?” “Oh, it is nothing.[22]” “Do tell me, though.” “Because I appear to be fierce, they fasten me up in the day-time, that I may be quiet when it is light, and watch when night comes; unchained at midnight, I wander wherever I please. Bread is brought me without my asking; from his own table my master gives me bones; the servants throw me bits, and whatever dainties each person leaves; thus, without trouble {on my part}, is my belly filled.” “Well, if you have a mind to go anywhere, are you at liberty?” “Certainly not,” replied {the Dog}. “{Then}, Dog, enjoy what you boast of; I would not be a king, to lose my liberty.” [Footnote III.22: _It is nothing_)--Ver. 17. “Nihil est.” This was a form of expression used when they wished to cut short any disagreable question, to which they did not think fit to give a direct answer.] FABLE VIII. THE BROTHER AND SISTER. Warned by this lesson, often examine yourself.