30 FABLES. 



undermine her virtue; and inexperienced men of 

 fortune, in the outset of life, are almost constantly 

 beset with rogues and sharpers; and these artful 

 villains, under one specious pretext or another, too 

 often effect the ruin of the weak and unsuspicious 

 of both sexes. As a guard against all these, the 

 early admonitions of parents are of inestimable 

 worth: they are built upon the tenderest regard, 

 and the most sincere affection. Those who have 

 already travelled over the difficult paths of life, and 

 buffeted its storms, have observed the snares and 

 the dangers with which the way is strewed, and 

 they are enabled by their experience, to forewarn 

 those who are about to launch out on the troubled 

 ocean of life, to steer their course clear of its hidden 

 rocks, its shoals, and its quick-sands. Did youth 

 but know the importance of this early advice, how 

 eagerly would they treasure it in their minds, and 

 as occasion required, with what pleasure would 

 they draw it forth, and obey its dictates. To the 

 neglect of these precepts, may be attributed much 

 of the ill conduct we see in the world, and most of 

 the misfortunes which befal mankind through life. 



