332 FABLES. 



then, to go without thanking the benefactor who 

 has saved your life ? Reynard, who had peeped 

 all the while, and had seen what passed, answered, 

 I know what obligation I owe you well enough, 

 and I assure you if your actions had agreed with 

 your words, I should have endeavoured, however 

 incapable of it, to have returned you suitable 

 thanks. 



APPLICATION. 



DISSIMULATION and double dealing are among 

 the most odious vices, and a hollow friend is worse 

 than an open enemy; for in the full confidence of 

 friendship, we are led to depend upon the man who 

 uses that confidence to betray us. To pretend to 

 keep another's counsel, and appear in his interest, 

 while underhand we are giving intelligence to his 

 enemies, is treacherous, knavish, and base. Truth 

 is a plain and open virtue, and cannot be practised 

 in part ; and truth and sincerity are the same ; 

 wherefore he that equivocates and adheres to his 

 promise in one sense, without preserving it inviola- 

 bly in its full extent and meaning, departs as much 

 from truth and sincerity as the most direct liar. 



" And be those juggling fiends no more believ'd, 

 " That palter with us in a double sense; 

 " That keep the word of promise to the ear, 

 " And break it to our hope." 



