A _Fox_ and a _Stork_.
There was a Great Friendship once betwixt a _Fox_ and a _Stork_, and the
Former would needs Invite the Other to a Treat. They had Several Soups
serv’d up in Broad Dishes and Plates, and so the _Fox_ fell to Lapping
himself, and bad his Guest Heartily Welcom to what was before him. The
_Stork_ found he was Put upon, but set so good a Face however upon his
Entertainment; that his Friend by All means must take a Supper with Him
That night in Revenge. The _Fox_ made Several Excuses upon the Matter
of Trouble and Expence, but the _Stork_ in fine, would not be said Nay;
So that at last, he promis’d him to come. The Collation was serv’d up
in Glasses, with Long Narrow Necks, and the Best of Every thing that
was to be had. Come (says the _Stork_ to his Friend) Pray be as Free as
if you were at home, and so fell to’t very Savourly Himself. The _Fox_
quickly found This to be a Trick, though he could not but Allow of the
Contrivance as well as the Justice of the Revenge. For such a Glass of
Sweet-Meats to the One, was just as much to the Purpose, as a Plate of
Porridge to the Other.
The MORAL.
_’Tis allowable in all the Liberties of Conversation to give a Man a_
Rowland for his Oliver, _and to_ pay him in his Own Coin, _as we say;
provided always that we keep within the Compass of Honour, and Good
Manners_.