There was a time when the sheep were so hardy as to wage war with the wolves; and so long as they had the dogs for their allies, they were, upon all encounters, at least a match for their enemies. Upon this consideration, the wolves sent their ambassadors to the sheep, to treat about a peace, and in the meantime, there were hostages given on both sides; the dogs on the part of the sheep, and the wolves whelps on the other part, ’till matters might be brought to an issue. While they were upon treaty, the whelps fell a howling; the wolves cried out treason; and pretending an infraction in the abuse of their hostages, fell upon the sheep immediately without their dogs, and made them pay for the improvidence of leaving themselves without a guard.

A foolish peace is more destructive than a bloody war.