An _Estriche_, _Birds_, and _Beasts_.
The _Estrich_ is a Creature that passes in Common Reputation, for
_Half-Bird, Half-Beast_. This _Amphibious_ Wretch happen’d to be Taken
Twice the same Day, in a Battel betwixt the _Birds_ and the _Beasts_, and
as an Enemy to Both Parties. The _Birds_ would have him to be a _Beast_,
and the _Beasts_ Concluded him to be a _Bird_; but upon shewing his
_Feet_ to prove that he was No _Bird_, and upon shewing his _Wings_, and
his _Beak_, to prove that he was No _Beast_, they were Satisfy’d upon
the Whole Matter, that though he seem’d to be Both, he was yet in Truth
neither the One, nor the Other.
The MORAL of the Three FABLES above.
Trimming _in some Cases, is Foul, and Dishonest; in others Laudable, and
in some again, not only Honest, but Necessary. The Nicety lies in the
skill of Distinguishing upon Cases, Times, and Degrees._