Aesop's Fables: Sir Roger L'Estrange (1692)
122. TWO COCKS FIGHTING (Perry 281)
Two Cocks fought a Duel for the Mastery of a Dunghill. He that was worsted
slunk away into a Corner, and hid himself; t’other takes his Flight up
to the Top of the House, and there, with crowning and clapping of his
Wings, makes Proclamation of his Victory. An Eagle made a stoop at him
in the middle of his Exultation, and carry’d him away. By this Accident,
the other Cock had a good riddance of his Rival; took Possession of the
Providence they contended for, and had all his Mistresses to himself again.
THE MORAL. A wise and a generous Enemy will make a modest Use of a
Victory; for Fortune is variable.
 L'Estrange originally published his version of the fables in 1692. There is a
very nice illustrated edition in the Children's Classics series by Knopf: Sir
Roger L'Estrange. Aesop
- Fables which is available at amazon.com.
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