A _Fir_ and a _Bramble_.
There goes a Story of a _Fir-Tree_, that in a Vain Spiteful Humour, was
mightily upon the Pin of Commending it self, and Despising the _Bramble_.
My Head (says the _Fir_) is advanc’d among the Stars. I furnish Beams for
Palaces, Masts for Shipping: The very Sweat of my Body is a Sovereign
Remedy for the Sick and Wounded; Whereas the Rascally _Bramble_ runs
creeping in the Dirt, and serves for Nothing in the World but Mischief.
Well, says the _Bramble_, (that Over-heard all This) You might have said
somewhat of your Own Misfortune, and to My Advantage too, if Your Pride
and Envy would have suffer’d you to do it. But pray will you tell me
however, when the Carpenter comes next with his Axe into the Wood to Fell
Timber, whether you had not rather be a _Bramble_, then a _Fir-Tree_.
The MORAL.
_Poverty Secures a Man from Thieves, Great and Small: Whereas the Rich,
and the Mighty are the Mark of Malice; and Cross Fortune, and still the
Higher they Are, the Nearer the Thunder._