454 WISDOM OF THE ANCIENTS. 



some remote and obscure part of their dominions, with the loss of 

 their sinews, both of money and majesty. 



But if now they prudently bear this reverse of fortune, they may, 

 in a short time, by the assistance of Mercury, recover their sinewf 

 again ; that is, by becoming moderate and affable ; reconciling the 

 minds and affections of the people to them, by gracious speeches, and 

 prudent proclamations, which will win over the subject cheerfully to 

 afford new aids and supplies, and add fresh vigour to authority. But 

 prudent and wary princes here seldom incline to try fortune by a war, 

 yet do their utmost, by some grand exploit, to crush the reputation of 

 the rebels : and if the attempt succeeds, the rebels, conscious of the 

 wound received, and distrustful of their cause, first betake themselves 

 to broken and empty threats, like the hissings of serpents ; and next ; 

 when matters are grown desperate, to flight. And now, when they 

 thus begin to shrink, it is safe and seasonable for kings to pursue therr 

 with their forces, and the whole strength of the kingdom; thus 

 effectually quashing and suppressing them, as it were by the weight of 

 a mountain. 



XXVII. THE FABLE OF ACHELOUS. 



EXPLAINED OF WAR BY INVASION. 



THE ancients relate, that Hercules and Achelous being rivals in the 

 courtship of Deianira, the matter was contested by single combat ; 

 when Achelous having transformed himself, as he had power to do, 

 into various shapes, by way of trial ; at length, in the form of a fierce 

 wild bull, prepares himself for the fight; but Hercules still retains his 

 human shape, engages sharply with him, and in the issue broke off 

 one of the bull s horns ; and now Achelous, in great pain and fright, 

 to redeem his horn, presents Hercules with the cornucopia. 



EXPLANATION. This fable relates to military expeditions and pre 

 parations ; for the preparation of war on the defensive side, here 

 denoted by Achelous, appears in various shapes, whilst the invading 

 side has but one simple form, consisting either in an army, or perhaps 

 a. fleet. But the country that expects the invasion is employed in 

 infinite ways, in fortifying towns, blockading passes, rivers, and ports, 

 raising soldiers, disposing garrisons, building and breaking down 

 bridges, procuring aids, securing provisions, arms, ammunition, etc. 

 So that there appears a new phase of things every day ; and at length, 

 when the country is sufficiently fortified and prepared, it represents to 

 the life the form and threats of a fierce fighting bull. 



On the other side, the invader presses on to the fight, fearing to 

 be distressed in an enemy s country. And if after the battle he 



