A Wolf had the Fortune to pass by, as the Thief-Leaders were Dragging a Proper Goodly Fox to the Place of Execution. The Wolf took such a kindness for him, that he Resolved to Employ his Interest with the Lion to save his Life; but by the way, says he, what's the Malefactors Crime? So the Officers told him, that he had not only Robb'd several Hen-Roosts, but had the Impudence to Steal a Fat Goose, that was Reserv'd for his Majesties own Table. Say ye so? says the Wolf, why then the Case is Alter'd, quoth Plouden; and so he left him to take his Fortune.
Interest is the very Test and Standard of Good and Evil. If I may gain by doing a Thing, 'tis Honest; if it be against my Profit, 'tis consequently against my Conscience. This is the Pro and Con or Common Practice; and 'tis but Casting some Grains of Allowance into the Scale, to Palliate the Foulest Iniquity.Source:
L'Estrange 467.
(not in Mille) (not in Perry)
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