Aesop's Fables: Sir Roger L'Estrange (1692)
7. A LION, AN ASS, &C. A HUNTING (Perry
339)
A Lion, an Ass, and some other of their Fellow-Foresters, went a hunting
one day; and every one to go share and share-like in what they took. They
pluck'd down a Stag, and cut him into so many Parts; but as they were
entring upon the dividend, Hands off, says the Lion, This Part is mine
by the Privilege of my Quality; this, because I'll have it in spite of
your teeth; this again, because I took most pains for't; and if you dispute
the fourth, we must e'en pluck a Crow about it. So the Confederates Mouths
were all stopt, and they went away as mute as Fishes.
THE MORAL. There's no entring into Leagues or Partnerships with those
that are either too powerful, or too crafty for us. He that has the Staff
in his Hand will be his own Carver. Bought Wit is best.
 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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