THE LIFE OF AESOP
Translated by Sir Roger L'Estrange
CHAPTER III
AEsop is accus'd by false Witnesses for stealing his
Master's Figs; and brings himself off by his
Wits, to the Confusion of his Accusers
AESOP was not of a Make to do his Master much Credit in the
Quality of a houshold Servant: So that he rather sent him abroad
into the Fields a digging, and to take care of his Husbandry. By the
time he had been there a while, his Master went out after him to
see how he went on with his Work; and found every thing done
much to his Satisfaction. In this Interim comes a Countryman to
him with a Present of most delicious Figs; which he was so wonder-
fully delighted with, that he gave them in Charge to his Boy
Agathopus to see them carefully laid up till he came back again
from the Bath, whither he was then a going. AEsop it seems, was
now gone home upon some particular Business, and Agathopus
laid hold of this Occasion to tell one of his Companions, of a Design
he had, both upon the Figs, and upon their fellow Servant. What
have we more to do, says he, than to stuff our Guts with these Figs
ourselves, and then lay the Roguery upon AEsop, who is at this Instant
in the House where they are? And then, when our Master comes, to
examine the Matter, we are two Witnesses to one against him, which
will make it so clear a Case, that the silly Cur will not have the Face
to deny the Fact. The Plot, in short, was agreed upon; and to work
they went, upon the Figs, making themselves merry upon every
Bit they swallow'd, to consider how AEsop's Carcase was to pay
for all.
The Master, upon his coming from the Bath, call'd immediately
for his Figs, and hearing that AEsop had been beforehand with him,
sent for him in Rage, and rattled him with a thousand Taraytors
and Villains, for robbing his House, and devouring the Fruit that
he had set a-part for his own Palate. This miserable Wretch heard,
and understood all that was said; but by Reason of an Imperfection
in his Speech, he was not able to speak one Word in his own Defence.
His Enemies in the mean time insulting over him, and calling for
Justice upon so insolent a Cheat. They were now advancing from
Reproaches to Blows, when AEsop cast himself at his Master's
Feet, and begg'd his Patience only till he might go out, and come
in again. He went his way immediately, and fetch'd a Vessel of
warm Water; took a large Draught of it, in his Master's Presence,
and with his Finger in his Throat brought it all clear up again
without any other Mixture. After this Experiment upon himself,
he gave his Master to understand, that if he would be pleased to
put his Accusers to the same Test, he should quickly see what was
become of his Figs. The Proposal seem'd so reasonable, that he
order'd Agathopus and his Fellow to do the like. They made some
Difficulty at first of following AEsop's Example; but in the End,
upon taking a Soup of the same Liquor, their Stomachs wambled,
and up came the Water, Figs and all. Upon this Evidence of the
Treachery and Falshood of Agathopus and his Companion, the
Master order'd them to be soundly lash'd, and made good the old
Saying, Harm watch, Harm catch.