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

157. A WIFE AND A DRUNKEN HUSBAND (Perry 246)

A Woman that lay under the Mortification of A Fudling Husband, took him once when he was dead Drunk; and had his Body laid in a Charnel-House. By the time she thought he might be come to Himself again, away goes she, and Knocks at the Door. Who's There? (says the Toper) One, says the Woman, that brings Meat for the Dead. Friend, says he, bring me Drink rather. I wonder any Body that knows me, should bring me one without T'other. Nay then, says she, the Humour I perceive has taken Possession of him; he has gotten a habit, and his Case is Desperate.
THE MORAL. Inveterate Ill Habits become Another Nature to us, and we may almost as well be Taken to Pieces, and New put together again, as Mended.


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.