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

190. TRAVELLERS BY THE SEA SIDE (Perry 177)

A company of People that were walking upon the Shore, saw somewhat come Hulling toward them a great way off at Sea. They took it at first for a Ship, and as it came nearer, for a boat only; but it prov’d at last to be no more than a Float of Weeds and Rushes: Whereupon they made this Reflection within themselves, We have been waiting here for a mighty Bus’ness, that comes at last to be just Nothing.
THE MORAL. We Fancy Things to be Greater or Less at a Distance, according to Our Interest or Inclination to have them either the One or the Other.


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.