The rehearsal of this fable almost unavoidably draws our attention to
that very serious and important point, the consideration of a death-bed
repentance. And, to expose the absurdity of relying upon such a weak
foundation, we need only ask the same question with the Kite in the
fable: how can he that has offended the gods all his life-time, by doing
acts of dishonour and injustice, expect that they should be pleased with
him at last, for no other reason but because he fears he shall not be
able to offend them any longer? when, in truth, such a repentance can
signify nothing but a confirmation of his former impudence and folly:
for sure no stupidity can exceed that of the man who expects a future
judgment, and yet can bear to commit any piece of injustice with a sense
and deliberation of the fact.