A _Wolf_ and a _Fox_.
A _Wolf_ had the Fortune to pass by, as the Thief-Leaders were Dragging
a Proper Goodly Fox to the Place of Execution. The _Wolf_ took such a
kindness for him, that he Resolved to Employ his Interest with the Lion
to save his Life; but by the way, says he, what’s the Malefactor’s Crime?
So the Officers told him, that he had not only Robb’d several Hen-Roosts,
but had the Impudence to Steal a Fat Goose, that was Reserv’d for his
Majesties own Table. Say ye so? says the _Wolf_, why then _the Case is
Alter’d_, quoth _Plouden_; and so he left him to take his Fortune.
The MORAL.
_Interest is the very Test and Standard of Good and Evil. If I may
gain by doing a Thing, ’tis Honest; if it be against my Profit, ’tis
consequently against my Conscience. This is the_ Pro & Con _of Common
Practice; and ’tis but Casting some Grains of Allowance into the Scale,
to Palliate the Foulest Iniquity_.