152 FABLES. 



base and dishonourable thing, yet to resist w r here 

 there is no probability, or even hope of getting the 

 better, may also be looked upon as the effect of a 

 blind temerity, and perhaps of a weak under- 

 standing. The strokes of fortune are oftentimes 

 as irresistible as they are severe, and he who with 

 an impatient spirit fights against her, instead of 

 alleviating, does but double the blows upon him- 

 self. A person of a quiet still temper, whether it 

 be given him by nature, or acquired by art, calmly 

 composes himself in the midst of a storm, so as to 

 elude the shock, or receive it with the least detri- 

 ment, like a prudent experienced sailor, who in 

 swimming to the shore from a wrecked vessel, in a 

 swelling sea, does not oppose the fury of the waves, 

 but stoops and gives way, that they may roll over 

 his head without obstruction. The doctrine of 

 absolute submission in all cases, is an absurd dog- 

 matical precept, with nothing but ignorance and 

 superstition to support it; but, upon particular 

 occasions, and where it is impossible for us to 

 overcome, to submit patiently is one of the 

 most reasonable maxims of life. 



