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.
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