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lose what we have already. No man goes out of himself but to his loss. Imitation is servile, let it be where, how, and what it will. Nature points out to us which way every man's talent and genius lies; and he that keeps to his own province, or bias, speeds best. The painting of the Daw like a Pigeon, did not make him one, neither can any man do himself right in another person's shape: besides, that when he is once out, it is hard to find his way home again. The hypocrite is never so far from being a good christian, as when he looks likest one. It is much a case with a faction in a government, and a Daw in a pigeon-house. There is a fraud driven on, and they assimilate themselves, as much as may be, to the interests they propose to be the better for. They put on all appearances in matter of opinion, practice, and pretence, suitable to the humour they are to join withal: but still some unlucky accident or other happens to discover them in the end, and then, when they would go off again, the people of their own plume and colour beat them away, and refuse to entertain them. This is no more than what we find to be true in all turns of state. Double-dealers may pass muster for a while, but all parties wash their hands of them in the conclusion..

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THERE was once a Dog that could beat all his fellows, and was so puffed up with the glory of his exploits, that nothing would serve him but he must challenge a Bull to the combat. They met, and after a short encounter, the Dog lay for dead; but coming to himself again, "Well," says he, "this is the fruit of my insolence and folly, in provoking an enemy, that nature has made my superior."

REFLECTION.

It is not courage, but temerity, for men to venture their lives, reputations, and fortunes upon unequal encounters; unless where they are obliged by an overruling impulse of honour, conscience, and duty, to stand all hazards. That, which the world accounts brave, is,

in truth, no better than brutal, where there is not reason, justice, and prudence to direct and govern it. It is one thing for a man to be firm, and fearless, against honest dangers, let them appear ever so terrible, when his honour for the purpose, his country, or his conscience, call upon him to encounter them: but to run his head against a wall, purely out of a vain opinion of his own strength, would be just the moral of the Dog in the fable.

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A LEAN, half-starved Wolf inadvertently strolled in the way of a strong well-fed Mastiff. The Wolf, being much too weak to act upon the offensive, thought it most prudent to accost honest Towser in a friendly manner; and among other civilities, very complaisantly congratulated him on his goodly appearance. "Why, yes," returned the Mastiff, "I am indeed in a tolerable case; and if you will follow me, you may soon be altogether in as good a plight." The Wolf pricked up ears at the proposal, and requested to be informed what he must do to earn such plentiful meals. "Very little," replied the Mastiff; "only drive away beggars, caress my master, and be civil to his family." To these conditions the hungry Wolf had no objection, and very readily consented to follow his new acquaintance wherever

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he would conduct him. As they were trotting along, the Wolf observed that the hair was worn in a circle round his friend's neck; which raised his curiosity to enquire what was the occasion of it. "Nothing," answered the Mastiff, "or a mere trifle; perhaps the collar to which my chain is sometimes fastened." "Chain !" replied the Wolf, with much surprise; it should seem then that you are not permitted to rove about where and when you please." "Not always," returned Towser, hanging down his head; "but what does that signify ?" "It signifies so much," rejoined the Wolf, " that I am resolved to have no share in your dinners; half a meal with liberty, is, in my estimation, preferable to a full one without it."

REFLECTION.

A mere competence with liberty, is preferable to servitude amid the greatest affluence.

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