Fools are sometimes so ambitious of being thought wits, that they run
great hazards in attempting to show themselves such. This is not the
first Ass, who, after a handsome rebuke from one superior to himself
both in courage and merit, has continued his awkward raillery even to
the last degree of offence. But such a dull creature is so far from
raising himself the least esteem by his ludicrous vein, that he has very
good luck if he escapes with a whole skin. Buffoons, like dwarfs, should
be matched with those of their own level; a man, in sense or stature,
would be ashamed to encounter either of them. But notwithstanding all
this, and though the Boar in the fable is a very good example to men of
generous brave spirits not to give themselves up to passion, nor to be
distempered with thoughts of revenge upon the insolent behaviour of
every Ass that offends them, because their hands would be dishonoured by
the tincture of a base man's blood; yet among human creatures, the
correction of an Ass that would be unseasonably witty, may be performed
with justness and propriety enough, provided it be done in good humour.
The blood of a coward, literally speaking, would stain the character of
a man of honour; when we chastise such wretches, it should be done, if
possible, in the utmost calmness of temper. It takes off something from
the reputation of a great soul, when we see it is in the power of a fool
to ruffle and unsettle it.