90 FABLES. 



ended in a total separation. The Lion had now 

 attained his ends; and though it had been impos- 

 sible for him to hurt them while they were united, 

 he found no difficulty, now they were parted, to 

 seize and devour every Bull of them, one after 

 .another. 



APPLICATION. 



SINCE friendships and alliances are of the greatest 

 importance to our well-being and happiness, we 

 cannot be too often cautioned against suffering 

 them to be broken by tale-bearers and whisperers, 

 or by any dark plots and contrivances of our 

 enemies : for when by such wicked means as these, 

 or by our own imprudence, we lose a friend, we 

 shake the very basis of our interest, and remove 

 the pillar that contributed to support it. Whatever 

 in cases of this kind is applicable to individuals, is 

 equally so to kingdoms and states; and it is as 

 undisputed a maxim as ever was urged upon the 

 attention of mankind, by the best man that ever 

 lived, that a "kingdom divided against itself can- 

 not stand:" the people are invincible when united. 



Faction and feuds will overturn the state 

 Which union renders flourishing and great. 



