Fables of Æsop and Other Eminent Mythologists/Fable CCCXXVIII

by Roger L'Estrange

Fab. CCCXXVIII.

A Wolfe in a Sheeps-skin.

THere goes a Story of a Wolfe, that Wrapt himself up in a Sheep-skin, and Worry'd Lambs for a Good while under That Disguise; but the Shepherd Met with him at last, and Trust him up, Sheeps-skin and all, upon an Eminent Gibbet, for a Spectacle, and an Example. The Neighbours made a Wonderment of it, and Ask’d him what he meant to Hang up his Sheep? Oh, says he, That's only the Skin of a Sheep, that was made use of to Cover the Heart, Malice, and Body of a Wolfe that Shrouded himself Under it.

The MORAL.

Hypocrisie is only the Devils Stalking Horse, under an Affectation of Simplicity and Religion. People are not to be Judg'd by their Looks, Habits, and Appearances; but by the Character of their Lives and Corversations, and by their Works.

REFLEXION.

THIS Fable is Moraliz'd in the Holy Gospel it elf 'Tis with all Men that are Notoriously Wicked, of what Degree or State, or in what point of Iniquity soever, much after the Rate of the Wolfe in Thus Fiction. Tyranny Marches under the Masque of Care, Piety, and Protection. Injustice sets up the Rigorous Letter of the Law to Weigh against the Improbity of the Witness: The Pawn-Broker pretends Charity, and the Oppressor Flays the Widow and the Orphan: And at the same Time, Preaches Mercy and Compassion, with the very same Breath. Treachery Covers it self under a Cloak of Kindness and Friendship; and Nothing more Frequent then Wolves in Lambs-Skins, even in the most Solemn Offices of Church and State, This Fable Extends to All the Lewd Practices of Hypocrites and Impostors, under the Colour of Pious, and Charitable Works and Duties. Now if All our Moral Wolves in Sheeps-Cloathing, were but Serv'd as This Hypocritical Wolfe was in the Fiction, and Hung-up Indeed, with their Crimes in Capital Letters on their Foreheads, Common Truth and Honeslty among Men would be more Sacred.