there were, such an abstracted simplicity would be neither nourishing nor profitable to us. By the meditation of this mixture, we have the comfort of Hope to support us in our distresses, and the apprehensions of a change to keep a check upon us in the very pride of our greatness: so that by this vicissitude of good and evil we are kept steady in our philosophy, and in our religion. The one minds us of God's omnipotence and justice; the other, of his goodness and mercy: the one tells us, there is no trusting to our own strength; the other preaches faith and resignation in the prospect of an over-ruling Providence that takes care of us. What is it but sickness that gives us a taste of health? Bondage, the relish of liberty? And what but the experience of want, that enhances the value of plenty? That, which we call ease, is only an indolence or a freedom from pain; and there is no such thing as felicity or misery, but by comparison. It is very true, that hopes and fears are the snares of life in some respects; but they are the reliefs of it in others. Now for fear of the worst on either hand, every man has it in his power, by the force of natural reason, to avoid the danger of falling either into presumption or despair.

ONCE upon a time, the beasts were so void of reason as to choose an Ape for their king. He had danced, and diverted them with playing antic tricks, and nothing would serve, but they must anoint him their sovereign. Accordingly crowned he was, and affected to look very wise and politic. But the Fox, vexed at his heart to see his fellow brutes act so foolishly, was resolved the first opportunity, to convince them of their silly choice, and punish their king for his presumption. Soon after, spying a trap in a ditch, which was baited with a piece of flesh, he went and informed the Ape of it, as a treasure, which, being found upon the waste, belonged to his majesty. The Ape, dreaming nothing of the matter, went very briskly to take possession, but had no sooner laid his paws upon the bait, than he was caught in the trap; where, betwixt shame and anger, he began to

reproach the Fox, calling him rebel and traitor, and threatening to be revenged of him: At all which Reynard laughed heartily; and going off, added, with a sneer, you a king, and not understand trap!

REFLECTION.

A weak man should not aspire to be a king; for if he were, in the end it would prove as inconvenient to himself, as disadvantageous to the public. To be qualified for such an office, the person should be of a distinguished prudence, and most unblemished integrity; too honest to impose upon others, and too penetrating to be imposed upon; thoroughly acquainted with the laws and genius of the realm he is to govern; brave, but not passionate; good-natured, but not soft; aspiring at just esteem; despising vain-glory; without superstition; without hypocrisy. When thrones have been filled by people of a different turn from this, histories shew what a wretched figure they always made; what tools they were to particular persons, and what plagues to their subjects in general. They who studied their passions and entered into their foibles, led them as they pleased; and took them off from the guardianship of the public, by some paltry amusement, that themselves might have the better opportunity to rifle and plunder it.

THE COCK AND THE FOX.

A Cock, being perched among the branches of a lofty tree, crowed aloud, so that the shrillness of his voice echoed through the wood, and invited a Fox to the place, who was prowling in quest of his prey. But Reynard, finding the Cock was inaccessible, by reason of the height of his situation, had recourse to stratagem in order to decoy him down; so, approaching the tree, "Cousin," says he, "I am heartily glad to see you; but at the same time, I cannot forbear expressing my uneasiness at the inconvenience of the place, which will not let me pay my respects to you in a handsomer manner; though I suppose you will come down presently, and so that difficulty is easily removed." "Indeed, cousin," says the Cock, "to tell you the truth, I do not think it safe to venture myself upon the ground, for though I am convinced how much you are my

friend, yet I may have the misfortune to fall into the clutches of some other beast, and what will become of me then ?" "O dear," says Reynard, "is it possible that you can be so ignorant, as not to know of the peace that has been lately proclaimed between all kinds of birds and beasts; and that we are, for the future, to forbear hostilities on all sides, and to live in the utmost love and harmony, and that, under penalty of suffering the severest punishment that can be inflicted?" All this while the Cock seemed to give little attention to what was said, but stretched out his neck, as if he saw something at a distance. Cousin," says the Fox, "what is that you are looking at so earnestly?" Why," says the Cock, "I think I see a pack of hounds yonder." "O then," says the Fox, "your humble servant, I must be gone." "Nay, pray cousin, don't go," says the Cock, "I am just coming down; sure you are not afraid of dogs in these peaceable times." "No, no," says he; "but ten to one whether

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they have heard of the proclamation yet."

REFLECTION.

Perfidious people are naturally to be suspected in

reports that favour their own interest.