FABLES. 117 Fab. XLVIII. Of the Horfe and laden Afs. DEar Brother Horfe/o heavy is my Load, That my gall'd back Is like to crack, Some pity take,, Or I fhall perim in the Road; For thy fair Sifters fake, W"ho once did bear To me a Son, a Mule, my hopeful Heir, Affiftancelend, My Burthen fliare, Or elfe a cruel end W^aits on thy Fellow-fervant, and thy Friend : Here I muft ly And dy; The tir'd Aft faid to the th' empty Horfe went by. Prick'd up with Pride and Provender, the Horfe Deni'd his aid; Shall I, he faid, My own back lade, And hurt my felf, ftirr'd up with fond Remorfe ? My prudent Mafter laid This on thee, who Better than you or 1 knows what to do. My Sifter Mare Was given to you, Our Nobler R ace to fpare, The Afs and Mule muft all the burthens bear. I muft no Pack, Nor Sack, But my dear Mafter carry on my back. <!-% This