[Footnote NF.15: _Shan’t enjoy their repose_)--Ver. 9. The play upon the word “cessabo,” seems redolent of the wit of the middle ages, and not of the days of Phædrus.] FABLE XVII. A COCK CARRIED IN A LITTER BY CATS. _An extreme feeling of Security often leads Men into Danger._ A Cock had some Cats to carry him in his litter: a Fox on seeing him borne along in this pompous manner, said: “I advise you to be on your guard against treachery, for if you were to examine the countenances of those creatures, you would pronounce that they are carrying a booty, not a burden.” As soon as the savage brotherhood[16] began to be hungry, they tore their Master to pieces, and went shares in the proceeds of their guilt. [Footnote NF.16: _Savage brotherhood_)--Ver. 6. “Societas.” The brotherhood of litter-carriers, perhaps four or six in number.] FABLE XVIII. THE SOW BRINGING FORTH, AND THE WOLF _We must first make trial of a Man before we entrust ourselves to him._ A Sow was lying and groaning, her travail coming on; a Wolf came running to her aid, and, offering his assistance, said that he could perform the duties of midwife. She, however, understanding the treachery of the wicked animal, rejected the suspicious services of the evil-doer, and said: “If you keep at a greater distance it is enough.” But had she entrusted herself to the perfidious Wolf, she would have had just as much pain to cry for, and her death {into the bargain}. FABLE XIX. THE RUNAWAY SLAVE AND ÆSOP. _There is no necessity to add evil to evil._ A Slave, when running away from a Master of severe disposition, met Æsop, to whom he was known as a neighbour: “Why {are} you in such a hurry?” {said Æsop}. “I’ll tell you candidly, father,” {said the other}, “for you are worthy to be called by that name, as our sorrows are safely entrusted to you. Stripes are in superabundance; victuals fail: every now and then I am sent to the farm as a slave to the rustics {there}: if he dines at home I am kept standing by him all night, or if he is invited out, I remain until daylight in the street. I have fairly earned my liberty; but with grey hairs I am {still} a slave. If I were conscious to myself of any fault, I should bear this patiently: I never have had a bellyful, and, unhappy that I am, I have to put up with a severe master besides. For these reasons, and {for others} which it would take too long to recount, I have determined to go wherever my feet may carry me.” “Listen then,” said Æsop; “When you have committed no fault, you suffer these inconveniences as you say: what if you had offended? What do you suppose you would {then} have had to suffer?” By such advice he was prevented from running away. FABLE XX. THE CHARIOT-HORSE SOLD FOR THE MILL. _Whatever happens, we must bear it with equanimity._