316 FABLES. 



mind, we suffer ourselves to be guided by our 

 unreasoning fears, which no sooner shew us an 

 5vil, than they throw us into the utmost confusion 

 in our manner of escaping, and prevent us from 

 discerning the safe path by which we ought to 

 avoid it. Thus, in a rash endeavour to shun a less 

 danger, we oftentimes blindly run headlong into 

 a greater. The fate of the Deer should warn us 

 to consider well what may be the ultimate con- 

 sequences, before we take any important step; for 

 many paths which appear smooth and pleasant at 

 a distance, are found to be rough and dangerous, 

 when we come to tread them; and many a plausible 

 scheme, which promises us ease and safety, is 

 no better than a tempting bower, with a Lion 

 crouching among its foliage, ready to spring upon 

 and devour us. 





