By trying to please everybody, he had pleased nobody, and lost his Ass besides.
The tyrant will always find a pretext for his tyranny, and it is useless for the innocent to try by reasoning to get justice, when the oppressor intends to be unjust.
Those who try to entrap others are often caught by their own schemes.
When the Shepherd came down and saw what was done, he said, “O you most ungrateful creatures! You provide wool to make garments for all other men, but you destroy the clothes of him who feeds you.
Fine feathers don’t make fine birds.
Danger sometimes comes from a source that is least suspected.
No plea will protect the innocent from the unjust judge.
Trust not your security to one who puts his own interests first.
The wicked always finds an excuse for wrongdoing.
Wealth not used is of no value at all.
The most dangerous enemy is the one within.
It is no use being your own master unless you can stand up for yourself.
False confidence often leads to disaster.
If you attempt what is beyond your power, your trouble will be wasted and you court not only misfortune but ridicule.
One winter a Farmer found a Viper frozen and numb with cold, and out of pity picked it up and placed it in his bosom. The Viper was no sooner revived by the warmth than it turned upon its benefactor and inflicted a fatal bite upon him; and as the poor man lay dying, he cried, “I have only got what I deserved, for taking compassion on so villainous a creature.” Kindness is thrown away upon the evil.
Utility is most men’s test of worth.
Those who strive are often watched by others who will take advantage of their defeat to benefit themselves.
The Flea, terrified, whimpered in a weak little voice, “Oh, sir! pray let me go; don’t kill me! I am such a little thing that I can’t do you much harm.” But the Man laughed and said, “I am going to kill you now, at once: whatever is bad has got to be destroyed, no matter how slight the harm it does.” Do not waste your pity on a scamp.
The Lion was much amused to think that a Mouse could ever help him.
Perseverance is surer than swiftness.