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450. A Bull and a Gnat.

A Gnat that had Planted himself upon the Horn of a Bull, very Civilly begg'd the Bull's Pardon for his Importunity; but rather then Incommode ye, says he, I'll Remove. Oh never Trouble your Head for that, says the Bull; for 'tis all One to me whether you go or stay. I never felt ye when you sat down, and I shall take as Little Notice of ye when you Rise.

The Moral. The Vanity of this Fly, strikes at a Humour that we meet with every Day in the World, in a Hundred Trifling, Nonsensical People, that will be still making Themselves more Considerable then they are.  

451. Rats that Eat Copper. 

452. A Woman Reviv'd with Beating 

453. Two Friends and Fortune  

454. A Boy that would not learn his Book 

455. Hercules and Pluto

When Hercules was taken up to Heaven for his Glorious Actions, he made his Reverence in Course to all the Gods, 'till he came to Pluto, upon whom he turn'd his Back with Indignation and Contempt. Jupiter ask'd him what he meant by that Dis-respect? Why, says Hercules, that Son of Fortune Corrupts the whole World with Mony, Encourages all manner of Wickedness, and is a common Enemy to all Good Men.

The Moral. This is only to shew the Opposition betwixt a Narrow, Sordid, Avaritious Humour, and the Publick Spirited Generosity of a Man of Honour, Industry and Virtue.

456. A Lion, Boar and Vultures.

There happen'd a Desperate Quarrel betwixt a Lion and a Boar, they Fought upon't, and the Vultures came Hovering over the Combatants to make a Prey of him that should be left upon the Spot: But it so fell out, that there was no Deaht in the Case, and the Vultures were not a little Troubled at the Disappointment.

The Moral. When Fools Fall Out, it shall go Hard but Knaves will be the Better for't.  

457. A Man that would never Hear Ill News.

One came to a Country Grazier, and ask'd him if he should tell him a piece of News. Is't Good or Bad? (says he.) Nay, says t'other, 'tis not very Good. Pray, says the Grazier, keep it to your self then; and so he went his way. The Grazier was telling the next day, that the Wolves had Kill'd one of his Bullocks: That's like enough says the same Man, for I saw hin Wandring from the Herd, and I was afraid on't. I would you had told me this in time, says the Grazier. Why I came Iknow not how far Yesterday a-purpose to tell you the Story, and you would not hear on't.

The Moral. The Man is too Delicate to be Happy, that makes it in his Bargain not to hear any ting that may give him a Present Trouble.  

458. A Miser and Rotten Apples.

459. The Devil Refus'd to Marry.