FABLES. 



43 



THE YOUNG MEN AND THE COOK. 



Two Young Men went into a Cook's shop, under 

 pretence of buying some meat; and while the 

 Cook's back was turned, one of them snatched up a 

 piece of beef, and gave it to his companion, who 

 clapt it under his cloak. The Cook turning about, 

 and missing his beef, began to charge them with 

 it; upon which he that first took it swore bitterly 

 he had none of it. He that had it, swore as heartily 

 that he had not taken it. Why, look ye, gentlemen, 

 says the Cook, I see your equivocation ; and though 

 I cannot tell which of you has taken my meat, I am 

 sure between you there is a thief. 



APPLICATION. 



THIS fable shews how little reliance can be 

 placed on either the word or the oath of those who, 



