L'Estrange: A Fox that Lost His Tail

There was a Fox taken in a Trap, that was glad to compound for his Neck, by leaving his Tail behind him. It was so uncouth a sight for a Fox to appear without a Tail, that the very Thought on’t made him e’en weary of his Life; for 'twas a Loss never to be repair’d: But however for the better Countenance of the Scandal, he got the Master and Wardens of the Foxes Company to call a Court of Assistants, where he himself appeared, and made a learned Discourse upon the Trouble, the Uselessness, and the Indecency of Foxes wearing Tails. He had no sooner said out his Say, but up rises a cunning Snap, then at the Board, who desir’d to be inform’d, whether the worthy Member that now mov’d against the wearing of Tails, gave his Advice for the Advantage of those that had Tails, or to palliate the Deformity or Disgrace of those that had none.

When a Man has any notable Defect or Infirmity about him, whether by Nature, or by Chance, ‘tis the best of his Play to try the Humour, if he can turn it into a Fashion.

Source: L'Estrange 103.

---

---

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Crane images.

---

M0041 Perry017