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Aesop's Fables: Sir Roger L'Estrange (1692)

103. A FOX THAT LOST HIS TAIL (Perry 17)

There was a Fox taken in a Trap, that was glad to compound for his Neck, by leaving his Tail behind him. It was so uncouth a sight for a Fox to appear without a Tail, that the very Thought on’t made him e’en weary of his Life; for 'twas a Loss never to be repair’d: But however for the better Countenance of the Scandal, he got the Master and Wardens of the Foxes Company to call a Court of Assistants, where he himself appeared, and made a learned Discourse upon the Trouble, the Uselessness, and the Indecency of Foxes wearing Tails. He had no sooner said out his Say, but up rises a cunning Snap, then at the Board, who desir’d to be inform’d, whether the worthy Member that now mov’d against the wearing of Tails, gave his Advice for the Advantage of those that had Tails, or to palliate the Deformity or Disgrace of those that had none.
THE MORAL. When a Man has any notable Defect or Infirmity about him, whether by Nature, or by Chance, ‘tis the best of his Play to try the Humour, if he can turn it into a Fashion.


L'Estrange originally published his version of the fables in 1692. There is a very nice illustrated edition in the Children's Classics series by Knopf: Sir Roger L'Estrange. Aesop - Fables which is available at amazon.com.