1 68 FABLES. 



numerous class of vain coxcombs in the world, 

 who, because they would never be thought to be 

 disappointed in any of their pursuits, pretend a 

 dislike to every thing they cannot obtain. The 

 discarded statesman, considering the corruption of 

 the times, would not have any hand in the adminis- 

 tration of affairs for the world ! The needy adven- 

 turer, and pretended patriot, would fain persuade 

 all who will listen to them, that they would not go 

 cringing and creeping into a drawing-room, for the 

 best place the king has in his disposal ! Worthless 

 young fellows, who find that their addresses to vir- 

 tue and beauty are rejected; and poor rogues, who 

 laugh to scorn the rich and great, are all alike in 

 saying, like sly Reynard, the Grapes are sour! 



