L'Estrange: A Lion and an Ass

An Ass was so hardy once, as to fall a mopping and braying at a Lion. The Lion began at first to shew his Teeth, and to stomach the Affront; but upon second thoughts: Well! (says he) jeer on, and be an Ass still. Take notice only by the way, that 'tis the Baseness of your Character that has saved your Carcass.

It is below the Dignity of a great Mind to entertain Contests with People that have neither Quality nor Courage; Beside the Folly of contending with a miserable Wretch, where the very Competition is a Scandal.

Source: L'Estrange 11. Note that this story is usually told about a wild boar and a donkey, but L'Estrange has made it about a lion instead.

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Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the colored Steinhowel images. Although this is an illustration for a different story, I thought it would be suited to this fable by L'Estrange, too!

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