Our productions, of whatsoever kind, are not to be esteemed so much by
the quantity as the quality of them. It is not being employed much, but
well, and to the purpose, which makes us useful to the age we live in,
and celebrated by those which are to come. As it is a misfortune to the
countries which are infested with them, for Foxes and other vermin to
multiply; so one cannot help throwing out a melancholy reflection, when
one sees some particulars of the humankind increase so fast as they do.
But the most obvious meaning of this fable, is the hint it gives us in
relation to authors. These gentlemen should never attempt to raise
themselves a reputation, by enumerating a catalogue of their
productions; since there is more glory in having written one tolerable
piece, than a thousand indifferent ones. And whoever has had the good
fortune to please in one performance of this kind, should be very
cautious how he ventures his reputation in a second.