By this fable we are cautioned to consider what any person is, before we
make an attack upon him after any manner whatsoever: particularly how we
let our tongues slip in censuring the actions of those who are, in the
opinion of the world, not only of an unquestioned reputation, so that
nobody will believe what we insinuate against them; but of such an
influence, upon account of their own veracity, that the least word from
them would ruin our credit to all intents and purposes. If wit be the
case, and we have a satirical vein, which at certain periods must have a
flow, let us be cautious at whom we level it; for if the person's
understanding be of better proof than our own, all our ingenious
sallies, like liquor squirted against the wind, will recoil back upon
our own faces, and make us the ridicule of every spectator. This fable,
besides, is not an improper emblem of envy; which, rather than not bite
at all, will fall foul where it can hurt nothing but itself.