66 FABLES. 



and people of a different disposition should avoid, 

 as much as possible, having any thing to do with 

 them. But v when we cannot help coming into con- 

 tact with such characters, there is no remedy but 

 patience; and this virtue a wise man will call to 

 his aid under every misfortune. When our suffer- 

 ings are inflicted by the wickedness of others, it is 

 some consolation to reflect, that people of this 

 character are continually waging war among them- 

 selves, and punishing each other; and that the 

 consequences of their own wickedness follow them 

 like their shadow, besides rendering them the 

 objects of general aversion. Xo virtue was more 

 universally practised, or more strongly recommend- 

 ed, by the ancients, than a mild conduct to our 

 companions, and an hospitable entertainment of 

 strangers; and when this is not the general charac- 

 ter of any people, it shews, in greater or less 

 degrees, the wretched state of society in which they 

 live. 





