Two Soldiers having fallen in with a Robber, one fled, while the other stood his ground, and defended himself with a stout right-hand. The Robber slain, his cowardly companion comes running up, and draws his sword; then throwing back his travelling cloak,[4] says: “Let’s have him;” “I’ll take care he shall soon know whom he attacks.” On this, he who had vanquished {the robber made answer}: “I wish you had seconded me just now at least with those words; I should have been still more emboldened, believing them true; now keep your sword quiet, as well as your silly tongue, that you may be able to deceive others who don’t know you. I, who have experienced with what speed you take to your heels, know full well that no dependence is to be placed upon your valour.” This story may be applied to him who is courageous in prosperity, in times of danger takes to flight. [Footnote V.4: _His travelling cloak_)--Ver. 5. The “pænula” was a travelling-cloak made of leather or wool, with a hood attached to it, to cover the head.] FABLE III. THE BALD MAN AND THE FLY. A Fly bit the bare pate of a Bald Man; who, endeavouring to crush it, gave himself a heavy blow. Then said the Fly jeeringly: “You wanted to revenge the sting of a tiny insect with death; what will you do to yourself, who have added insult to injury?” {The Man} made answer: “I am easily reconciled to myself, because I know that there was no intention of doing harm. But you, worthless insect, and one of a contemptible race, who take a delight in drinking human blood, I could wish to destroy you, even at a heavier penalty.” This Fable teaches that pardon is to be granted to him who errs through mistake. But him who is designedly mischievous, I deem to be deserving of {any} punishment. FABLE IV. THE MAN AND THE ASS. A Man having sacrificed a young boar to the god Hercules, to whom he owed performance of a vow {made} for the preservation of his health, ordered the remains of the barley to be set for the Ass. But he refused {to touch it}, and said: “I would most willingly accept your food, if he who had been fed upon it had not had his throat cut.” Warned by the significance of this Fable, I have always been careful to avoid the gain that exposed to hazard. “But,” say you, “those who have got riches by rapine, are {still} in possession of them.” Come, then, let us enumerate those, who, being detected, have come to a bad end; you will find that those {so} punished constitute a great majority. Rashness brings luck to a few, misfortune to most. FABLE V. THE BUFFOON AND THE COUNTRYMAN. Men are in the habit of erring through prejudice; and while they stand up in defence of their erroneous notions, {are wont} to be driven by plain facts to confession of their mistakes.