The Lion, the Boar and the Vultures

Observing vultures gathering to swoop on the loser, the two fierce animals decide that it is better to have friendly relations rather than be eaten by such vile creatures.

The Latin quatrain accompanying the illustration does not mention the cause of the quarrel but concludes that the victor's glory will belong to the one that gets the spoil.

[3] A century later, at the end of several civil conflicts, Roger L'Estrange's reflection was ultimately sceptical: "There are several sorts of men in the world that live upon the sins and the misfortunes of other people…for the wrangling of some is the livelihood of others".

[4] In the 18th century William Somervile adapted the theme of the profits of combat going to others, giving it the contemporary context of bear-baiting in his fable of "The Dog and the Bear".

[5] Aesop's original fable was made the subject of a painting by Frans Snyders which in the 18th century entered the collection of the dukes of Newcastle.