Monsieur in a mouse-trap, or, The parable of the shark & herring-pond by the author of The magpies. Author of The magpies. 1691 Approx. 17 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 3 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2007-01 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A51167 Wing M2458 ESTC R13472 12426867 ocm 12426867 61901 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A51167) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 61901) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 945:22) Monsieur in a mouse-trap, or, The parable of the shark & herring-pond by the author of The magpies. Author of The magpies. 4 p. Printed for Tho. Hinton, London : 1691. Reproduction of original in Huntington Library. Caption title. Imprint from colophon. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. 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Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Europe -- History -- 17th century -- Anecdotes 2006-03 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2006-04 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2006-06 John Latta Sampled and proofread 2006-06 John Latta Text and markup reviewed and edited 2006-09 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion Monsieur in a Mouse-Trap : OR , THE PARABLE OF THE Shark & Herring-Pond . By the Author of the Magpies . THere is an old English Proverb , ●hat Truth must not be utter'd at all Times , nor to all Persons ; and that is the reason , I suppose , why Men of late publish their Sentiments in Masquerade . We have already seen the Parables of the Bear-baiting , and the Magpies ; now give me leave to present you with that of the Shark and the Herring-Pond , since after Four-footed Beasts , and Birds , Fish comes next in course . There was a Time , when the scaly Inhabitants of the Ocean were divided into several Empires , Kingdoms , Commonwealths and Provinces ; each watry Nation being subject to their respective Sovereigns , even as 't is here on the Land. Among the rest , the Shark reign'd over the Gudgeons ; he a voracious , cruel ; tyrannical Fish ; they silly , tame , weak , despicable Animals , cut out for Slavery and Contempt . This Shark , or King of the Gudgeons , was the worst of all his Race ; for he wou'd enter into Leagues with other Royal Fishes , his Neighbours , only to render them the more secure , whilst he amass'd up huge Treasures by Oppression of his Subjects , and rais'd great Armies , with design , to rush suddenly upon his Friends and Allyes to bring them into Contribution and Slavery . He had one potent Neighbour , who was an Emperor among the Fish , and had many Princes subject to him . The Shark bore a great spight to this Imperial Fish , and often invaded his Territories , and made great Havock and Devastation among his Subjects ; for he would come on the suddain , ( as 't is the nature of that sly Fish , ) and snap off a whole Limb , or Branch of the Empire , together , at a Mouthfull ; and this at such time as they were all in Peace , and never dream'd of any such Usage . And to shew that he absolutely design'd the total Ruin of the Imperial Fish , and all his Dependants , the Shark sent Ambassadors to the Whale , a mighty Fish ; and who had the largest Dominions , the strongest Armies , and richest Treasury of any Royal Fish in the Ocean : A proud Fish also , proud as Lucifer ; for disdaining all Earthly Emblems , he wore the Moon for his Crest , and styl'd himself the Shadow of God. To this terrible Whale , I say , the Shark sent Ambassadors , and made private Leagues with him , against the Imperial Fish , persuading him to send Armies to invade the Imperial Territories . Thus whilst the Imperial Fish was buried on one side , in defending himself and his Empire against the Incursions of the Whale , the Shark takes the Opportunity ; and breaking all his Treaties of Peace , leaps suddainly into the Bowels of the Empire , plundering , murthering and desolating all , wheresoever he came . Yet the Shark , not content thus to ruin the Imperial Fish , sets upon another King among the Scaly Nations , that was a near Relation , Friend and Allye of the Imperial Fish : He sends Armies , and invades the Territories of this King also , who was called the Sea-Bull ; lays waste his Dominions , leads his Subjects into Captivity , and does him all the Mischief that his Malice , Ambition , Covetousness and Pride could prompt him to . Thus 〈◊〉 Wars ●●●●●●ed 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 Nations for many Years , great Ma●●e●● and Depopulations were committed by the Shark , the Whale , and their Armies , so that the Sea was dyed red with Blood. Whilst these things were transacting , it so fell out , that the Crocodile was made King over the Whitings , Salmons , Maykrills , Pikes , and other Fish ; having by various cunning Trains , and wheadling Artifices , persuaded that innocent sort of Fish , that he was a Dolphin , and no Crocodile ; and having made them large Promises , confirming them also with an Oath , that they should enjoy their ancient , native Freedom and Liberty in all things . So that the poor Whitings , deluded by these fair Words , and the insinuating Stories of the Maykrills , and over power'd by the Salmons , Pikes , Sturgeons , Eels , and other Fish , were contented that the Crocodile should reign over them . But in process of Time the Crocodile began to appear in his naked Colours , and not only broke his Word with the Whitings , but also stretch'd forth his Tail to the Maykrills , and entrench'd upon their Privileges . He also made a private League with the Shark , the Whale , and the Allegators of the Mediterranean ; which gave great Suspicion to his own Subjects , as well as to the neighbouring Princes and States among the Fish . Great were the Discontents of the Maykrills , the Whitings , and other Fish under the Crocodile's Dominion : They found they were mistaken in their King , who now prov'd a real Crocodile , a Fish of Prey , and daily impos'd on his Subjects such Laws and Or●ers , as plainly tended to enslave both them and their Posterity . This made them cabal , and lay their Heads together how to save themselves from imminent Ruin : So at length it was agreed upon , among the Maykrills , Salmons , Pikes , Eels , and other Fish under the Crocodile's Dominion , to remonstrate their Case to the Dolphin , and invite him to come and deliver them from the Crocodile's Tyranny ; for indeed , the Dolphin had a kind of Title to the Government of the Whitings , &c. being descended of the Blood of their ancient Kings . So the Dolphin makes preparation to go against the Crocodile , being assisted by the Commonwealth of Herrings , among whom this Prince kept his Court. In a Word , Upon the first Approach of the Royal Dolphin , with his Army of Herrings , the Crocodile's Subjects deserted him , and joyn'd the Dolphin's Army ; so that the Crocodile was forc'd to swim away , and take Sanctuary with the Shark . The News of thi● famous Expedition of the Dolphin , and the 〈◊〉 of the Crocodile , was quickly spread through the Scaly Nations , and all rejoyc'd at the good Success of the Dolphin , who was soon chosen King of the Whitings , Maykrils , Salmons , &c. Then Ambassadors were sent from all Parts to congratulate his Accession to the Crocodile's Throne , and to enter into League with Him , against the Shark , the Whale , the Crocodile , and the Allegators of the Mediterranean . Armies were raised on all sides , and many fierce Battels were fought between them : The Dolphin was look'd upon as the great Protector and Deliverer of all the Confederate Fish , from the cruel Oppressions and Encroachments of the Whale and the Shark . But in regard the Maykrills ( who were chiefly instrumental in bringing the Dolphin to the Crown ) proved treacherous , and held a private Correspondence with the Shark and the Crocodile , other Measures were taken by the Imperial Fish , the Dolphin , the Commonwealth of Herrings , the Sea-Bull , and the rest of the Confederated Fish . And because they could not entrust their secret Counsels to any Ambassador's Envoys , or Agents , without manifest danger of Discovery ; therefore they all resolved to meet together in Person , appointing the Herring-Pond to be the place of their Rendezvouz . In the mean while it was thought convenient for the Dolphin to send an Ambassador to the Whale , in Quality of a Mediator for Peace between the Whale and the Imperial Fish . When the Shark heard of this , he order'd his Ambassador at the Whale's Court to oppose the Reception of the Dolphin's Ambassador with all his might ; but all his Rhetorick proved ineffectual , for the Dolphin's Ambassador was kindly receiv'd by the Whale , and his Overtures of Peace were hearkned to , which gave great Encouragement to the Confederated Fish to hope , That an Accomodation might be concluded between the Imperial Fish and the Whale , whereby the former would be in a better Capacity to make War upon the Shark , his powerful Neighbour and old Enemy . Well , the Time came , when the Confederated Sovereigns of the Fish were to meet together ; great Preparations were made to honour so Royal and Illustrious a Congress ; and especially to welcom the Dolphin to the Herring-Pond , who was made Guarrantee of this Princely League . In fine , they meet at the Time and Place appointed , not without great danger of the Dolphin's Life or Liberty , who as he was swimming to the place of Rendezvouz happened to be benighted , and stuck his Fins fast on a Shelf of Ice , so that he could not disengage Himself in less than 18 Hours time , whereby he was liable to have been starv'd to Death with Hunger and Cold , and likewise to have been kill'd or taken Prisoner by any of the Shark's Scouts , who used to lie in wait in those parts . But Neptune and Heaven were kinder to him , and next Day he happily got rid of this Remora , and arrived safe at the Herring-Pond , to the inexpressible Joy and Satisfaction of all the Fish in those parts . Monsieur the Shark finding all Things to succeed well to the Confederated Fishes , and that he himself was like to be caught in a Net , they having surrounded Him with Armies on all Hands , and having made a fair Step towards the concluding of a Peace with the Whale ; considering these things , I say , he sent an Ambassador to the Congress at the Herring-Pond , with specious Pretences , and insinuating Wheadles , in order to an Accomodation . This Ambassador was a Fish of no small Quality and Extraction , a cunning Statesman and good Orator : ( For the Fish do not come a whit behind the Birds and Beasts in all manner of Accomplishments ) He addresses himself therefore to that August Assembly in Words to this effect : Most Serene and Illustrious Princes , and High and Mighty Lords , &c. THE Shark my Master being desirous to prevent for the future the spilling of the Blood of any Fish , from the Whale to the Millers Thumb , has taken into serious consideration , the Original , Progress , and present state of the War between him and the Confederated Sovereigns of the Fish ; and having maturely weighed all things in his impartial Gills , and finding his end approaching ( for he was well stricken in years ) for the better discharging of his Conscience , has sent me to acknowledge in his Name , That he is the first Aggressor , and that the insatiable Thirst of Empire has carried Him beyond the Bounds of Justice and the Civil Laws of the Sea. Wherefore being desirous to die in Peace , and repose his old Carcase in Quiet , he has made his last Will and Testament , whereof I here present your Royal Highnesses , and your High and Mightinesses , an Authentick Copy under my Masters own Sign●● , and the publick Seal of his Kingdom . A Copy of the Shark's Last Will and Testament . IN the Name of Neptune and Thetis and all the Sea-Gods and Goddesses , &c. I Ludowick Rhodomontado Shark , King of the Gudgeons and other Watry People , finding my Fins begin to decay and fail me , my Teeth grow rotten and drop out , with many other Symptoms of approaching Death ; being also of a great Age and my Carkass almost rotten , yet in perfect sound Sense and Presence of Mind , have thought fit to make , and do by these Presents make this my last Will and Testament . Imprimis , I restore all the Bones of the Herrings , Turbets , Mullets , Plaise , Flounders and othere Fish , whom I and my Armies haue massacr'd in the Dominion of the Imperial Fish , the Sea-Bull or any of their Friends and Allies ; I say I restore these Bones to the surviving Friends and Relations of the Fishes so massacr'd to be dispos'd of at their Discretion . 2. Item , I bequeath to the Imperial Fish , the Sea-Bull and their Friends and Allies , all those great or small Limbs and Branches which I have at several times slyly and unjustly snapt from them when they were not aware of me . 3. Item , I bequeath to the aforesaid Persons all the Contribution-Mony , that I have unjustly squeez'd from their Subjects by Fire and Sword. With an Overplus of as many Millions as will compensate for the Losses sustain'd by their said Subjects in houses , Goods and Provision plunder'd and destroyed by my Armies . 4. Item , I bequeath , my Kingdom to the Dolphin and the rest of the Confederated Fishes , as they can agree about it . 5. Lastly , I bequeath my Carcase to the Sea-Hogs , and my Skin to be stuffed and hung up for a Memorial on the Top of Mount Teneriff , as a sign to ll succeeding Generations . And I appoint the Imperial Fish , the Dolphin , the Sea-Bull with the rest of their Friends and Allies to be the Executors of this my last Will and Testament . Provided always , That they shall not molest me so long as I live , but that there shall be a Cessation of Arms from this time till the Day of my Death . After which it may and shall be lawful for them or any of them to enter and take Possession of my Kingdom , and to put in Execution all the Particulars of this my Last Will and Testament . Given at our Court at Shark Castel , &c. Monsieur Gudgeon the Shark's Embassador , having thus delivered his Masters Last Will and Testament to the Princes and Lords of the Congress , was order'd to withdraw , whilst they consulted about an Answer . There needed no great Deliberation in an Affair , which they were all provided for ; wherefore after some time taken for Form's sake , the Shark's Ambassador was call'd in again , and the Speaker of the Congress told him in the Name of the Princes and States there assembled together . That the Shark , the said Ambassador's Master , had so often broke his Word , violated his Promises and Oaths , that they were all unanimously resolved never to treat with him again , but to take those measures as shou'd seem most expedient to themselves without giving him any farther Account , Reason or Answer . Away swims poor Pilgarlick the Gudgeon with this short Reply to his Master the Shark , who found himself caught in a Trap , and knew not which way to escape . He flutterr'd and flounc'd from one side of his Trap to another , like a Captive Mouse ; but all in vain , for the Herrings , the Whitings , the Salmons , the Flounders and innumerable other sort of Fish had besieg'd him and hem'd him in , resolving every one to have a touch at his old Jacket before long . What the Issue was , you shall hear , as soon as I receive the Intelligence from Neptune's Courrier . In the mean while expect the Parable of the Top-Knots . Advertisements . NExt Wednesday being the 11th of this Instant February , will be publish'd the Parable of the Top-Knots . The History of the Royal Congress at the Hague , with the Names , Characters , and Equipage of the Sovereign Princes that compose this most August Assembly , together with an Account of the Glorious Canopy and Chair of State. The several curious and admirable Fire-works , the many triumphal Arches , with the other vast Preparations made for his Majesty of Great Britain , with an exact Draught of the manner of King William ' s entring into the Hague , and reception by the States ▪ General . Translated from the Dutch Copy , Printed at Leyden . London , Printed for Tho. Hinton . 1691.