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

119. A LYON AND A BULL (Perry 143)

In the days of Yore, when Bulls liv’d upon Mutton, there was a Lyon had a Design upon a mighty Bull, and gave him a very civil Invitation to come and sup with him; for says he, I have gotten a Sheep, and you must needs take part on’t. The Bull promis’d, and went; but so soon as ever he saw what a clutter there was with huge, over-grown Pots, Pans, and Spits, away he scowr’d immediately. The Lyon presently call’d after him, and ask’d him, whither in such haste? Oh, says the Bull, ‘tis high time for me to be jogging, when I see such Preparation: For this Provision looks as if you were to have a Bull for your Supper, rather than a Mutton.
THE MORAL. When a Man has both an Interest and an Inclination to betray us, there’s no trusting him.


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.