The Fables of John Gay, Volume One

Poems by the writer of The Beggar's Opera. John Gay had a humorously sardonic view of human nature. From three centuries ago, his Fables show that nothing changes. All life is here - charlatans, doxies, thugs, misers, the self-deluded, the gossips, the opportunist politicians ... and many animals who know better.
Fully illustrated with line drawings by Dandi Palmer.

From "The Elephant and the Bookseller":-
When wrinkling with a sneer, his trunk,
"Friend," quoth the Elephant, "you're drunk;
E'en keep your money, and be wise:
Leave man on man, to criticise;
For that you ne'er can want a pen,
Among the senseless sons of men.
They unprovok'd, will court the fray:
Envy's a sharper spur than pay.
No author ever spared a brother;
Wits are game-cocks, to one another.