258 FABLES. 



nothing, for that he was his friend. Instantly he 

 fell to work, and with his little sharp teeth gnawed 

 asunder the knots and fastenings of the toils, and 

 set the royal brute at liberty. 



APPLICATION. 



THEY who generously shower benefits on their 

 fellow-creatures, seldom fail of inspiring the great 

 bulk of them with a benevolent regard for their 

 benefactors, and often receive returns of kindness 

 which they never expected. Mercy is of all other 

 virtues the most likely to kindle gratitude in those 

 to whom it is extended, and it is difficult to find an 

 instance of a conqueror who ever had occasion to 

 repent of his humanity and clemency. The Fable 

 gives us to understand, that there is no person in 

 the world so little, but even the greatest may, at 

 some time or other, stand in need of his assistance; 

 and consequently it is good to shew favour, when 

 there is room for it, towards those who fall into our 

 power. As the lowest people in life may, upon 

 occasion, be able either to serve or hurt us, it is as 

 much our interest as our duty to behave with good- 

 nature and lenity towards all with whom we have 

 any intercourse. A great soul is never so much 

 delighted as when an opportunity offers of making 

 a return for favours received; and a sensible man, 

 however exalted his station, will never consider 

 himself secure from the necessity of accepting a 

 service from the poorest. 



