26 FABLES. 



upon it, should be particularly guarded against the 

 ill-judged ambition of associating with the rich and 

 powerful, for what in them is economy, would in 

 him be the height of extravagance ; and at the very 

 time they honour him with their countenance, they 

 are leading him on to his ruin. People of equal 

 conditions may float down the current of life with- 

 out hurting each other; but it is no easy matter to 

 steer one's course in company with the great, so as 

 to escape without a bulge : neither is it desirable to 

 live in the neighbourhood of a very great man ; for 

 whether we ignorantly trespass upon him, or he 

 knowingly encroach upon us, we are sure to be the 

 sufferers. 



