328 FABLES. 



J ley-day, friend, says he, is it you! Well, I always 

 believed that pride of your's would one day have 

 a fall. 



APPLICATION. 



IT is an affectation of appearing considerable, that 

 puts men upon being proud and insolent; but this 

 very affectation infallibly makes them appear little 

 and despicable in the eyes of discerning people. 

 Did the proud man but rightly consider what kind 

 of ingredients pride is composed of and fed with, 

 and the unstable foundation, and the tottering 

 pinnacle upon which it stands, he would blush 

 at the thoughts of it, and. cease to be puffed up 

 by the little supernumerary advantages, whether of 

 birth, fortune, or title, which he may enjoy above 

 his neighbours. These might indeed be a blessing 

 to him, and to the community in which he lives, 

 if wisely used ; but if guided by pride, and 

 consequently by want of sense, they will prove 

 only a curse ; and the reverence and respect 

 which he looks for, will not be paid with sincerity, 

 nor does he deserve it ; and should the tide of 

 misfortune set in against him, instead of friendship 

 and commiseration, he will meet with nothing but 

 contempt, and that with much more justice than 

 ever he himself expressed it towards others. The 

 vain proud man ought to be put in mind, that the 

 time is not far distant, when his skull will not be 

 distinguished from that of the beggar; and that 

 there is no state, however exalted, so permanent, 

 that it may not be reduced to a level with the 

 lowest. 



