FABLES. 



THE HEN AND THE FOX. 



A Eox having crept into an out-house, looked up 

 and down, seeking what he might devour, and at 

 last spied a Hen perched up so high, that he could 

 by no means come at her. My dear friend, says he, 

 how do you do? I heard that you were ill, and 

 kept within ; at which I was so concerned, that I 

 could not rest till I came to see you. Pray how is 

 it with you now: Let me feel your pulse a little; 

 indeed you do not look well at all. He was run- 

 ning on after this fulsome manner, when the Hen 

 answered him from the roost, Truly, friend Reynard, 

 you are judging rightly, for I never was in more 

 pain in my life : I must beg your pardon for being 

 so free as to tell you that I see no company; and 

 you must excuse me too for not coming down to 

 you, for, to say the truth, my condition is such, that 

 I fear I should catch my death by it. 



VOL. IV. 2 B 



