FABLES. 



47 



THE COCK AND THE JEWEL. 



A gallant young Cock, in company with his mis- 

 tresses, raking upon a dunghill for something to 

 entertain them with, happened to scratch up a 

 Jewel. He knew what it was w r ell enough, for it 

 sparkled with an exceeding bright lustre; but not 

 knowing what to do with it, he shrugged up his 

 wings, shook his head, and putting on a grimace, 

 expressed himself to this purpose : Indeed, you are 

 a very fine thing: but I know not any business you 

 have here. I make no scruple of declaring, that 

 my taste lies quite another way; and I had rather 

 have one grain of dear, delicious barley, than all 

 the Jewels under the sun. 



APPLICATION. 



MORALISTS have interpreted this Eable in vari- 

 ous ways, some of them ascribing the want of 



