THE LIFE OF AESOP
Translated by Sir Roger L'Estrange
CHAPTER XIII
AESOP baffles the Superstition of Augury
IN the Days of AEsop, the World was mightily addicted to Augury;
that is to say, to the gathering of Omens from the Cry and Flight
of Birds. Upon this Account it was, that Xanthus one Day sent
AEsop into the Yard, and bad him look well about him. If you
see two Crows (says he) you'll have good Luck after it, but if you
should chance to spy one single Crow, 'tis a bad Omen, and some ill
will betide you. AEsop stept out and came immediately back
again, and told his Master that he had seen two Crows. Hereupon
Xanthus went out himself, and finding but one (for the other was
flown away) he fell outragiously upon AEsop for making Sport
with him, and order'd him to be soundly lash'd for't, but just as
they were stripping him for the Execution, in comes one to invite
Xanthus abroad to supper. Well, Master, says AEsop, and where's
the Credit of your Augury now? When, I, that saw two Crows,
am to be beaten like a Dog, and you, that saw but one, are going
to make merry with your Friends? The Reason and Quickness
of this Reflection, pacify'd the Master for the present, and sav'd
the poor Fellow a sound Whipping.