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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/25512-0.txt b/25512-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..0930403 --- /dev/null +++ b/25512-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,7956 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Fables of Phædrus, by Phaedrus + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Fables of Phædrus + Literally translated into English prose with notes + +Author: Phaedrus + +Translator: Henry Thomas Riley + Christopher Smart + +Release Date: May 18, 2008 [EBook #25512] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE FABLES OF PHÆDRUS *** + + + + +Produced by Louise Hope, Carl Hudkins and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This +file was produced from images generously made available +by The Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries) + + + + + +[Transcriber’s Note: + +This e-text includes characters that will only display in UTF-8 +(Unicode) text readers, including a few Greek words in the footnotes: + + Œ, œ [“oe” ligature] + Μωμεῖσθαι + +If any of these characters do not display properly, or if the +apostrophes and quotation marks in this paragraph appear as garbage, +make sure your text reader’s “character set” or “file encoding” is set +to Unicode (UTF-8). You may also need to change the default font. As a +last resort, use the Latin-1 or ASCII version of the file instead. + +The text is taken from an omnibus volume that also contained Riley’s +translation of the six surviving plays of Terence. The full title page +has been retained for completeness, but the sections of the Preface and +Contents that apply only to Terence have been omitted. + +In the original text, words and phrases supplied by the translator +(Riley only) were printed in _italics_. In this e-text they are shown in +{braces}. Italics in the notes and commentary are shown conventionally +with _lines_, boldface by =marks=. + +Footnotes have been renumbered within each Book, and grouped after their +Fables. The name is spelled “Æsop” in Riley, “Esop” in Smart and in the +Contents. Inconsistencies in fable numbering are described at the +beginning of the Table of Contents. + +Typographical errors are listed at the end of the text.] + + + * * * * * + * * * * + + + The + COMEDIES + of + TERENCE. + + And + + The FABLES of PHÆDRUS. + + Literally Translated into English Prose + with Notes, + + By HENRY THOMAS RILEY, B.A. + Late Scholar Of Clare Hall, Cambridge. + + To Which Is Added + A METRICAL TRANSLATION OF PHÆDRUS, + By CHRISTOPHER SMART, A.M. + + + London: George Bell & Sons, York Street, + Covent Garden. + 1887. + + + + +PREFACE. + + +In the Translation of Phædrus, the Critical Edition by Orellius, 1831, +has been used, and in the Æsopian Fables, the text of the Parisian +Edition of Gail, 1826. The Notes will, it is believed, be found to +embody the little that is known of the contemporary history of the +Author. + + H. T. R. + + + + +CONTENTS. + + +THE FABLES OF PHÆDRUS. + + [Transcriber’s Note: + + The Table of Contents refers primarily to the Riley text. Fables + I.XXIX, III.III, and several Fables in Book IV are missing in Smart; + Riley’s Fable IV.I, “The Ass and the Priests of Cybele”, is Smart’s + III.XIX. Where Smart’s numbers are different, they have been added + in [brackets] after the page reference. + + In the text, Book III, Fable XI is “The Eunuch to the Abusive Man”; + all following fables in Riley are numbered one higher than in the + Table of Contents. This fable is missing from Smart but the number + X is skipped, as was number I.XVIII.] + +BOOK I. + + Prose. Verse. + Prologue 365 473 + Fable I. The Wolf and the Lamb 365 473 + II. The Frogs asking for a King 366 474 + III. The vain Jackdaw and the Peacock 367 475 + IV. The Dog carrying some Meat across a River 368 476 + V. The Cow, the She-Goat, the Sheep, + and the Lion 368 476 + VI. The Frogs’ complaint against the Sun 369 476 + VII. The Fox and the Tragic Mask 369 477 + VIII. The Wolf and the Crane 370 477 + IX. The Sparrow and the Hare 370 478 + X. The Wolf, the Fox, and the Ape 371 478 + XI. The Ass and the Lion hunting 371 478 + XII. The Stag at the Stream 372 479 + XIII. The Fox and the Raven 372 480 + XIV. The Cobbler turned Physician 373 480 + XV. The Ass and the Old Shepherd 373 481 + XVI. The Stag, the Sheep, and the Wolf 374 481 + XVII. The Sheep, the Dog, and the Wolf 374 482 + XVIII. The Woman in Labour 375 --- + XIX. The Bitch and her Whelps 375 482 + XX. The hungry Dogs 376 483 + XXI. The aged Lion, the Wild Boar, + the Bull, and the Ass 376 483 + XXII. The Man and the Weasel 376 483 + XXIII. The Faithful Dog 377 484 + XXIV. The Frog and the Ox 378 484 + XXV. The Dog and the Crocodile 377 485 + XXVI. The Fox and the Stork 378 485 + XXVII. The Dog, the Treasure, and the Vulture 379 486 + XXVIII. The Fox and the Eagle 380 486 + XXIX. The Ass deriding the Boar 380 --- + XXX. The Frogs frightened at the + Battle of the Bulls 380 487 [XXIX] + XXXI. The Kite and the Pigeons 381 487 [XXX] + + +BOOK II. + + Prologue 382 488 + Fable I. The Lion, the Robber, and the Traveller 383 488 + II. Two Women of different Ages beloved by + the Middle-aged Man 383 489 + III. The Man and the Dog 384 489 + IV. The Eagle, the Cat, and the Sow 384 490 + V. Cæsar to the Chamberlain 385 491 + VI. The Eagle, the Crow, and the Tortoise 386 492 + VII. The Mules and Robbers 387 492 + VIII. The Stag and the Oxen 387 493 + Epilogue 388 494 + + +BOOK III. + + Prologue, to Eutychus 390 497 + Fable I. The Old Woman and the Cask 393 498 + II. The Panther and Shepherd 394 498 + III. Esop and the Farmer 395 --- + IV. The Butcher and the Ape 395 499 [III] + V. Esop and the Insolent Man 395 499 [IV] + VI. The Fly and the Mule 396 499 [V] + VII. The Dog and the Wolf 397 500 [VI] + VIII. The Brother and Sister 398 501 [VII] + IX. Socrates to his Friends 398 502 [VIII] + X. The Poet on Believing and not Believing 399 502 [IX] + [XI. The Eunuch to the Abusive Man 401 --- ] + XI. The Cock and the Pearl [XII] 401 504 + XII. The Bees and the Drones, the Wasp + sitting as judge [XIII] 402 505 + XIII. Esop at play [XIV] 402 505 + XIV. The Dog to the Lamb [XV] 403 506 + XV. The Grasshopper and the Owl [XVI] 404 507 + XVI. The Trees under the Protection + of the Gods [XVII] 405 508 + XVII. The Peacock to Juno [XVIII] 405 509 + XVIII. Esop’s Answer to the Inquisitive Man [XIX] 406 509 + Epilogue 407 --- + +BOOK IV. + + Prologue 409 510 + Fable I. The Ass and the Priests of Cybele 410 509 + [III.XIX in Smart] + II. The Weasel and the Mice 411 510 [I] + III. The Fox and the Grapes 411 511 [II] + IV. The Horse and the Wild Boar 411 511 [III] + V. Esop interpreting a Will 412 512 [IV] + VI. The Battle of the Mice and the Weasels 413 514 [V] + VII. The Poet’s Defence against the Censurers + of his Fables 414 514 [VI] + VIII. The Viper and the File 415 515 [VII] + IX. The Fox and the Goat 415 516 [VIII] + X. Of the Vices of Men 416 516 [IX] + XI. A Thief pillaging the Altar of Jupiter 416 517 [X] + XII. Hercules and Plutus 417 517 [XI] + XIII. The Lion reigning 417 --- + XIV. Prometheus 418 --- + XV. The She-Goats and their Beards 418 518 [XII] + XVI. The Pilot and the Mariners 419 518 [XIII] + XVII. The Embassy of the Dogs to Jupiter 419 --- + XVIII. The Man and the Snake 420 519 [XIV] + XIX. The Fox and the Dragon 421 519 [XV] + XX. Phædrus 422 520 [XVI] + XXI. The Shipwreck of Simonides 422 520 [XVII] + XXII. The Mountain in Labour 423 522 [XVIII] + XXIII. The Ant and the Fly 424 522 [XIX] + XXIV. Simonides preserved by the Gods 425 523 [XX] + Epilogue 426 524 + + +BOOK V. + + Prologue 427 526 + Fable I. Demetrius and Menander 427 527 + II. The Travellers and the Robber 428 528 + III. The Bald Man and the Fly 429 529 + IV. The Man and the Ass 429 529 + V. The Buffoon and Countryman 429 530 + VI. The Two Bald Men 431 532 + VII. Princeps the Flute Player 431 532 + VIII. The Emblem of Opportunity 433 534 + IX. The Bull and the Calf 433 534 + X. The Huntsman and the Dog 433 535 + + +THE NEW FABLES--Attributed to Phædrus. + + Fable I. The Ape and the Fox 435 + II. The Author 436 + III. Mercury and the two Women 436 + IV. Prometheus and Cunning 437 + V. The Author 438 + VI. The signification of the Punishments + of Tartarus 438 + VII. The Author 439 + VIII. Æsop and the Author 439 + IX. Pompeius Magnus and his Soldier 440 + X. Juno, Venus, and the Hen 441 + XI. The Father of a Family and Æsop 442 + XII. The Philosopher and the Victor + in the Gymnastic Games 442 + XIII. The Ass and the Lyre 443 + XIV. The Widow and the Soldier 443 + XV. The Rich Suitor and the Poor One 444 + XVI. Æsop and his Mistress 445 + XVII. A Cock carried in a Litter by Cats 446 + XVIII. The Sow bringing forth and the Wolf 446 + XIX. The Runaway Slave and Æsop 447 + XX. The Chariot Horse sold for the Mill 447 + XXI. The Hungry Bear 448 + XXII. The Traveller and the Raven 449 + XXIII. The Shepherd and the She-Goat 449 + XXIV. The Serpent and the Lizard 449 + XXV. The Crow and the Sheep 450 + XXVI. The Servant and the Master 450 + XXVII. The Hare and the Herdsman 450 + XXVIII. The Young Man and the Courtesan 451 + XXIX. The Beaver 451 + XXX. The Butterfly and the Wasp 452 + XXXI. The Ground-Swallow and the Fox 453 + Epilogue 453 + + +ÆSOPIAN FABLES--The Authors of Which Are Not Known. + + Fable I. The Sick Kite 454 + II. The Hares tired of Life 454 + III. Jupiter and the Fox 455 + IV. The Lion and the Mouse 455 + V. The Man and the Trees 456 + VI. The Mouse and the Frog 456 + VII. The Two Cocks and the Hawk 456 + VIII. The Snail and the Ape 457 + IX. The City Mouse and the Country Mouse 457 + X. The Ass fawning upon his Master 458 + XI. The Crane, the Crow, and the Countryman 459 + XII. The Birds and the Swallow 459 + XIII. The Partridge and the Fox 460 + XIV. The Ass, the Ox, and the Birds 461 + XV. The Lion and the Shepherd 461 + XVI. The Goat and the Bull 462 + XVII. The Horse and the Ass 462 + XVIII. The Birds, the Beasts, and the Bat 463 + XIX. The Nightingale, the Hawk, and the Fowler 463 + XX. The Wolf, the Fox, and the Shepherd 464 + XXI. The Sheep and the Wolves 464 + XXII. The Ape and the Fox 465 + XXIII. The Wolf, the Huntsman, and the Shepherd 465 + XXIV. The Truthful Man, the Liar, and the Apes 466 + XXV. The Man and the Lion 467 + XXVI. The Stork, the Goose, and the Hawk 467 + XXVII. The Sheep and the Crow 468 + XXVIII. The Ant and the Grasshopper 468 + XXIX. The Horse and the Ass 469 + XXX. The Old Lion and the Fox 469 + XXXI. The Camel and the Flea 469 + XXXII. The Kid and the Wolf 470 + XXXIII. The Poor Man and the Serpent 470 + XXXIV. The Eagle and the Kite 471 + + + + +THE FABLES OF PHÆDRUS. + + + + +BOOK I. + +THE PROLOGUE. + + +The matter which Æsop, the inventor {of Fables}, has provided, I have +polished in Iambic verse. The advantages of {this} little work are +twofold--that it excites laughter, and by counsel guides the life {of +man}. But if any one shall think fit to cavil, because not only wild +beasts, but even trees speak, let him remember that we are disporting in +fables. + + +FABLE I. + +THE WOLF AND THE LAMB. + +Driven by thirst, a Wolf and a Lamb had come to the same stream; the +Wolf stood above, and the Lamb at a distance below. Then, the spoiler, +prompted by a ravenous maw, alleged a pretext for a quarrel. “Why,” said +he, “have you made the water muddy for me {while I am} drinking?” The +Fleece-bearer, trembling, {answered}: “Prithee, Wolf, how can I do what +you complain of? The water is flowing downwards from you to where I am +drinking.” The other, disconcerted by the force of truth, {exclaimed}: +“Six months ago, you slandered me.” “Indeed,” answered the Lamb, “I was +not born {then}.” “By Hercules,” said {the Wolf}, “{then ’twas} your +father slandered me;” and so, snatching him up, he tore him to pieces, +killing him unjustly. + +This Fable is applicable to those men who, under false pretences, +oppress the innocent. + + +FABLE II. + +THE FROGS ASKING FOR A KING. + +When Athens[1] was flourishing under just laws, liberty grown wanton +embroiled the city, and license relaxed the reins of ancient discipline. +Upon this, the partisans of factions conspiring, Pisistratus the +Tyrant[2] seized the citadel. When the Athenians were lamenting their +sad servitude (not that he was cruel, but because every burden is +grievous to those who are unused to it), and began to complain, Æsop +related a Fable to the following effect:-- + +“The Frogs, roaming at large in their marshy fens, with loud clamour +demanded of Jupiter a king, who, by {his} authority, might check their +dissolute manners. The Father of the Gods smiled, and gave them a little +Log, which, on being thrown {among them} startled the timorous race by +the noise and sudden commotion in the bog. When it had lain for some +time immersed in the mud, one {of them} by chance silently lifted his +head above the water, and having taken a peep at the king, called up all +the rest. Having got the better of their fears, vying with each other, +they swim towards him, and the insolent mob leap upon the Log. After +defiling it with every kind of insult, they sent to Jupiter, requesting +another king, because the one that had been given them was useless. Upon +this, he sent them a Water Snake,[3] who with his sharp teeth began to +gobble them up one after another. Helpless they strive in vain to escape +death; terror deprives them of voice. By stealth, therefore, they send +through Mercury a request to Jupiter, to succour them in their distress. +Then said the God in reply: ‘Since you would not be content with your +good fortune, continue to endure your bad fortune.’” + +“Do you also, O fellow-citizens,” said {Æsop}, “submit to the present +evil, lest a greater one befall you.” + + [Footnote I.1: _When Athens_)--Ver. 1. This probably alludes + to the government of Solon, when Archon of Athens.] + + [Footnote I.2: _Pisistratus the Tyrant_)--Ver. 5. From Suidas + and Eusebius we learn that Æsop died in the fifty-fourth Olympiad, + while Pisistratus did not seize the supreme power at Athens till + the first year of the fifty-fifth. These dates, however, have been + disputed by many, and partly on the strength of the present + passage.] + + [Footnote I.3: _A Water-Snake_)--Ver. 24. Pliny tells us that + the “hydrus” lives in the water, and is exceedingly venomous. Some + Commentators think that Phædrus, like Æsop, intends to conceal a + political meaning under this Fable, and that by the Water-Snake he + means Caligula, and by the Log, Tiberius. Others, perhaps with + more probability, think that the cruelty of Tiberius alone is + alluded to in the mention of the snake. Indeed, it is doubtful + whether Phædrus survived to the time of Caligula: and it is more + generally believed that the First and Second Books were written in + the time of Augustus and Tiberius.] + + +FABLE III. + +THE VAIN JACKDAW AND THE PEACOCK. + +That one ought not to plume oneself on the merits which belong to +another, but ought rather to pass his life in his own proper guise, Æsop +has given us this illustration:-- + +A Jackdaw, swelling[4] with empty pride, picked up some feathers which +had fallen from a Peacock, and decked himself out {therewith}; upon +which, despising his own {kind}, he mingled with a beauteous flock of +Peacocks. They tore his feathers from off the impudent bird, and put him +to flight with their beaks. The Jackdaw, {thus} roughly handled, in +grief hastened to return to his own kind; repulsed by whom, he had to +submit to sad disgrace. Then said one of those whom he had formerly +despised: “If you had been content with our station, and had been ready +to put up with what nature had given, you would neither have experienced +the former affront, nor would your ill fortune have had to feel {the +additional pang} of this repulse.” + + [Footnote I.4: _A Jackdaw, swelling_)--Ver. 4. Scheffer thinks + that Sejanus is alluded to under this image.] + + +FABLE IV. + +THE DOG CARRYING SOME MEAT ACROSS A RIVER. + +He who covets what belongs to another, deservedly loses his own. + +As a Dog, swimming[5] through a river, was carrying a piece of meat, he +saw his own shadow in the watery mirror; and, thinking that it was +another booty carried by another {dog}, attempted to snatch it away; but +his greediness {was} disappointed, he both dropped the food which he was +holding in his mouth, and was after all unable to reach that at which he +grasped. + + [Footnote I.5: _As a Dog swimming_)--Ver. 9. Lessing finds + some fault with the way in which this Fable is related, and with + fair reason. The Dog swimming would be likely to disturb the water + to such a degree, that it would be impossible for him to see with + any distinctness the reflection of the meat. The version which + represents him as crossing a bridge is certainly more consistent + with nature.] + + +FABLE V. + +THE COW, THE SHE-GOAT, THE SHEEP, AND THE LION. + +An alliance with the powerful is never to be relied upon: the present +Fable testifies the truth of my maxim. + +A Cow, a She-Goat, and a Sheep[6] patient under injuries, were partners +in the forests with a Lion. When they had captured a Stag of vast bulk, +thus spoke the Lion, after it had been divided into shares: “Because my +name is Lion, I take the first; the second you will yield to me because +I am courageous; then, because I am the strongest,[7] the third will +fall to my lot; if anyone touches the fourth, woe betide him.” + +Thus did unscrupulousness seize upon the whole prey for itself. + + [Footnote I.6: _And a Sheep_)--Ver. 3. Lessing also censures + this Fable on the ground of the partnership being contrary to + nature; neither the cow, the goat, nor the sheep feed on flesh.] + + [Footnote I.7: _I am the strongest_)--Ver. 9. Some critics + profess to see no difference between “sum fortis” in the eighth + line, and “plus valeo” here; but the former expression appears to + refer to his courage, and the latter to his strength. However, the + second and third reasons are nothing but reiterations of the first + one, under another form. Davidson remarks on this passage: “I am + not certain that the Poet meant any distinction; nay, there is, + perhaps, a propriety in supposing that he industriously makes the + Lion plead twice upon the same title, to represent more strongly + by what unjust claims men in power often invade the property of + another.”] + + +FABLE VI. + +THE FROGS’ COMPLAINT AGAINST THE SUN. + +Æsop, on seeing the pompous wedding of a thief, who was his neighbour, +immediately began to relate the following story: + +Once on a time, when the Sun was thinking of taking a wife,[8] the Frogs +sent forth their clamour to the stars. Disturbed by their croakings, +Jupiter asked the cause of their complaints. Then {said} one of the +inhabitants of the pool: “As it is, by himself he parches up all the +standing waters, and compels us unfortunates to languish and die in +{our} scorched abode. What is to become of us, if he beget children?” + + [Footnote I.8: _Taking a wife_)--Ver. 3. It has been suggested + by Brotier and Desbillons, that in this Fable Phædrus covertly + alludes to the marriage which was contemplated by Livia, or + Livilla, the daughter of the elder Drusus and Antonia, and the + wife of her first-cousin, the younger Drusus, with the infamous + Sejanus, the minister and favourite of Tiberius, after having, + with his assistance, removed her husband by poison. In such case, + the Frogs will represent the Roman people, the Sun Sejanus, who + had greatly oppressed them, and by Jupiter, Tiberius will be + meant.] + + +FABLE VII. + +THE FOX AND THE TRAGIC MASK. + +A Fox, by chance, casting his eyes on a Tragic Mask: “Ah,” said she, +“great as is its beauty, still it has no brains.”[9] + +This is meant for those to whom fortune has granted honor and renown, +leaving them void of common sense. + + [Footnote I.9: _Has no brains_)--Ver. 2. To make the sense of + this remark of the Fox the more intelligible, we must bear in mind + that the ancient masks covered the whole head, and sometimes + extended down to the shoulders; consequently, their resemblance to + the human head was much more striking than in the masks of the + present day.] + + +FABLE VIII. + +THE WOLF AND THE CRANE. + +He who expects a recompense for his services from the dishonest commits +a twofold mistake; first, because he assists the undeserving, and in the +next place, because he cannot be gone while he is yet safe. + +A bone that he had swallowed stuck in the jaws of a Wolf. Thereupon, +overcome by extreme pain, he began to tempt all and sundry by great +rewards to extract the cause of misery. At length, on his taking an +oath, a Crane was prevailed on, and, trusting the length of her neck to +his throat, she wrought, with danger to herself, a cure for the Wolf. +When she demanded the promised reward for this {service}, “You are an +ungrateful one,” replied {the Wolf}, “to have taken your head in safety +out of my mouth, and {then} to ask for a reward.” + + +FABLE IX. + +THE SPARROW AND THE HARE. + +Let us show, in a few lines, that it is unwise to be heedless[10] of +ourselves, while we are giving advice to others. + +A Sparrow upbraided a Hare that had been pounced upon by an Eagle, and +was sending forth piercing cries. “Where now,” said he, “is that +fleetness for which you are so remarkable? Why were your feet {thus} +tardy?” While he was speaking, a Hawk seizes him unawares, and kills +him, shrieking aloud with vain complaints. The Hare, almost dead, as a +consolation in his agony, {exclaimed}: “You, who so lately, free from +care, were ridiculing my misfortunes, have now to deplore your own fate +with as woful cause.” + + [Footnote I.10: _To be heedless_)--Ver. 1. “Cavere” is a word + of legal signification, meaning to give advice to a person by way + of assistance or precaution, as a patron to his client.] + + +FABLE X. + +THE WOLF, THE FOX, AND THE APE. + +Whoever has once become notorious by base fraud, even if he speaks the +truth, gains no belief. To this, a short Fable of Æsop bears witness. + +A Wolf indicted a Fox upon a charge of theft; the latter denied that she +was amenable to the charge. Upon this, the Ape sat as judge between +them; and when each of them had pleaded his cause, the Ape is said to +have pronounced {this} sentence: “You, {Wolf}, appear not to have lost +what you demand; I believe that you, {Fox}, have stolen what you so +speciously deny.” + + +FABLE XI. + +THE ASS AND THE LION HUNTING. + +A dastard, who in his talk brags of his prowess, and is devoid of +courage,[11] imposes upon strangers, but is the jest of all who know +him. + +A Lion having resolved to hunt in company with an Ass, concealed him in +a thicket, and at the same time enjoined him to frighten the wild beasts +with his voice, to which they were unused, while he himself was to catch +them as they fled. Upon this, Long-ears, with all his might, suddenly +raised a cry, and terrified the beasts with {this} new cause of +astonishment.[12] While, in their alarm, they are flying to the +well-known outlets, they are overpowered by the dread onset of the Lion; +who, after he was wearied with slaughter, called forth the Ass {from his +retreat}, and bade him cease his clamour. On this the other, in his +insolence, {inquired}: “What think you of the assistance given by my +voice?” “Excellent!” said {the Lion}, “so much so, that if I had not +been acquainted with your spirit and your race, I should have fled in +alarm like {the rest}.” + + [Footnote I.11: _Devoid of courage_)--Ver. 1. Burmann suggests, + with great probability, that Phædrus had here in mind those + braggart warriors, who have been so well described by Plautus and + Terence, under the characters of Pyrgopolynices and Thraso.] + + [Footnote I.12: _This new cause of astonishment_)--Ver. 8. Never + having heard the voice of an ass in the forests before.] + + +FABLE XII. + +THE STAG AT THE STREAM. + +This story shows that what you contemn is often found of more utility +than what you load with praises. + +A Stag, when he had drunk at a stream, stood still, and gazed upon his +likeness in the water. While there, in admiration, he was praising his +branching horns, and finding fault with the extreme thinness of his +legs, suddenly roused by the cries of the huntsmen, he took to flight +over the plain, and with nimble course escaped the dogs. Then a wood +received the beast; in which, being entangled and caught by his horns, +the dogs began to tear him to pieces with savage bites. While dying, he +is said to have uttered these words: “Oh, how unhappy am I, who now too +late find out how useful to me were the things that I despised; and what +sorrow the things I used to praise, have caused me.” + + +FABLE XIII. + +THE FOX AND THE RAVEN. + +He who is delighted at being flattered with artful words, {generally} +pays the ignominious penalty of a late repentance. + +As a Raven, perched in a lofty tree, was about to eat a piece of cheese, +stolen from a window,[13] a Fox espied him, {and} thereupon began thus +to speak: “O Raven, what a glossiness there is upon those feathers of +yours! What grace you carry in your shape and air! If you had a voice, +no bird whatever would be superior to you.” On this, the other, while, +in his folly, attempting to show off his voice, let fall the cheese from +his mouth, which the crafty Fox with greedy teeth instantly snatched up. +Then, too late, the Raven, thus, in his stupidity overreached, heaved a +bitter sigh. + +By this story[14] it is shown, how much ingenuity avails, {and} how +wisdom is always an overmatch for strength. + + [Footnote I.13: _From a window_)--Ver. 3. Burmann suggests + that the window of a house in which articles of food were exposed + for sale, is probably meant.] + + [Footnote I.14: _By this story_)--Ver. 13. Heinsius thinks + this line and the next to be spurious; because, though Phædrus + sometimes at the beginning mentions the design of his Fable, he + seldom does so at the end. In this conjecture he is followed by + Bentley, Sanadon, and many others of the learned.] + + + +FABLE XIV. + +THE COBBLER TURNED PHYSICIAN. + +A bungling Cobbler, broken down by want, having begun to practise physic +in a strange place, and selling his antidote[15] under a feigned name, +gained some reputation for himself by his delusive speeches. + +Upon this, the King of the city, who lay ill, being afflicted with a +severe malady, asked for a cup, for the purpose of trying him; and then +pouring water into it, and pretending that he was mixing poison with the +fellow’s antidote, ordered him to drink it off, {in consideration of} a +stated reward. Through fear of death, the cobbler then confessed that +not by any skill in the medical art, but through the stupidity of the +public, he had gained his reputation. The King, having summoned a +council, thus remarked: “What think you of the extent of your madness, +when you do not hesitate to trust your lives[16] to one to whom no one +would trust his feet to be fitted with shoes?” + +This, I should say with good reason, is aimed at those through whose +folly impudence makes a profit. + + [Footnote I.15: _Selling his antidote_)--Ver. 3. “Antidotum” + probably means a universal remedy, capable of curing all natural + diseases, as well as neutralizing the effects of poison.] + + [Footnote I.16: _Trust your lives_)--Ver. 15. He seems to pun + upon the word “capita,” as meaning not only “the life,” but “the + head,” in contradistinction to “the feet,” mentioned in the next + line. As in l. 2 we find that he came to a place where he was not + known, we must suppose that the Cobbler confessed to the King his + former calling.] + + +FABLE XV. + +THE ASS AND THE OLD SHEPHERD. + +In a change of government, the poor change nothing beyond the name of +their master. That this is the fact this little Fable shows. + +A timorous Old Man was feeding an Ass in a meadow. Frightened by a +sudden alarm of the enemy, he tried to persuade the Ass to fly, lest +they should be taken prisoners. But he leisurely replied: “Pray, do you +suppose that the conqueror will place double panniers upon me?” The Old +Man said, “No.” “Then what matters it to me, so long as I have to carry +my panniers, whom I serve?” + + +FABLE XVI. + +THE STAG, THE SHEEP, AND THE WOLF. + +When a rogue offers his name as surety in a doubtful case, he has no +design to act straight-forwardly, but is looking to mischief. + +A Stag asked a Sheep for a measure[17] of wheat, a Wolf being his +surety. The other, however, suspecting fraud, {replied}: “The Wolf has +always been in the habit of plundering and absconding; you, of rushing +out of sight with rapid flight: where am I to look for you both when the +day comes?”[18] + + [Footnote I.17: _For a measure_)--Ver. 3. Properly “modius;” + the principal dry measure of the Romans. It was equal to one-third + of the amphora, and therefore to nearly two gallons English.] + + [Footnote I.18: _Day comes_)--Ver. 6. “Quum dies adveniat,” + a law term, signifying “when the day of payment comes.”] + + +FABLE XVII. + +THE SHEEP, THE DOG, AND THE WOLF. + +Liars generally[19] pay the penalty of their guilt. + +A Dog, who was a false accuser, having demanded of a Sheep a loaf of +bread, which he affirmed he had entrusted to her charge; a Wolf, +summoned as a witness, affirmed that not only one was owing but ten. +Condemned on false testimony, the Sheep had to pay what she did not owe. +A few days after, the Sheep saw the Wolf lying in a pit. “This,” said +she, “is the reward of villany, sent by the Gods.” + + [Footnote I.19: _Liars generally_)--Ver. 1. It is supposed by + some that this Fable is levelled against the informers who + infested Rome in the days of Tiberius.] + + +FABLE XVIII. + +THE WOMAN IN LABOUR. + +No one returns with good will to the place which has done him a +mischief. + +Her months completed,[20] a Woman in labour lay upon the ground, +uttering woful moans. Her Husband entreated her to lay her body on the +bed, where she might with more ease deposit her ripe burden. “I feel far +from confident,” said she, “that my pains can end in the place where +they originated.” + + [Footnote I.20: _Her months completed_)--Ver. 2. Plutarch + relates this, not as a Fable, but as a true narrative.] + + +FABLE XIX. + +THE BITCH AND HER WHELPS. + +The fair words of a wicked man are fraught with treachery, and the +subjoined lines warn us to shun them. + +A Bitch, ready to whelp,[21] having entreated another that she might +give birth to her offspring in her kennel, easily obtained the favour. +Afterwards, on the other asking for her place back again, she renewed +her entreaties, earnestly begging for a short time, until she might be +enabled to lead forth her whelps when they had gained sufficient +strength. This time being also expired, {the other} began more urgently +to press for her abode: “If” said {the tenant}, “you can be a match for +me and my litter, I will depart from the place.” + + [Footnote I.21: _Ready to whelp_)--Ver. 3. Justin, B. I., + c. 3, mentions this Fable with some little variation, as being + related by a Ligurian to Comanus, the son of King Nannus, who had + granted (about B.C. 540) some land to the Phocæans for the + foundation of the city of Massilia; signifying thereby that the + natives would be quickly dispossessed by the newcomers.] + + +FABLE XX. + +THE HUNGRY DOGS. + +An ill-judged project is not only without effect, but also lures mortals +to their destruction. + +Some Dogs espied a raw hide sunk in a river. In order that they might +more easily get it out and devour it, they fell to drinking up the +water; they burst, however, and perished before they could reach what +they sought. + + +FABLE XXI. + +THE AGED LION, THE WILD BOAR, THE BULL, AND THE ASS. + +Whoever has fallen from a previous high estate, is in his calamity the +butt even of cowards. + +As a Lion, worn out with years, and deserted by his strength, lay +drawing his last breath, a Wild Boar came up to him, with flashing +tusks,[22] and with a blow revenged an old affront. Next, with hostile +horns, a Bull pierced the body of his foe. An Ass, on seeing the wild +beast maltreated with impunity, tore up his forehead with his heels. On +this, expiring, he {said}: “I have borne, with indignation, the insults +of the brave; but in being inevitably forced to bear with you, disgrace +to nature! I seem to die a double death.” + + [Footnote I.22: _With flashing tusks_)--Ver. 5. “Fulmineus,” + “lightning-like,” is an epithet given by Ovid and Statius also, to + the tusks of the wild boar; probably by reason of their sharpness + and the impetuosity of the blow inflicted thereby. Scheffer + suggests that they were so called from their white appearance + among the black hair of the boar’s head.] + + +FABLE XXII. + +THE MAN AND THE WEASEL. + +A Weasel, on being caught by a Man, wishing to escape impending death: +“Pray,” said she, “do spare me, for ’tis I who keep your house clear of +troublesome mice.” The Man made answer: “If you did so for my sake, it +would be a reason for thanking you, {and} I should have granted you the +pardon you entreat. But, inasmuch as you do your best that you may enjoy +the scraps which they would have gnawed, and devour the mice as well, +don’t think of placing your pretended services to my account;” and so +saying, he put the wicked {creature} to death. + +Those persons ought to recognize this as applicable to themselves, whose +object is private advantage, and who boast to the unthinking of an +unreal merit. + + +FABLE XXIII. + +THE FAITHFUL DOG. + +The man who becomes liberal all of a sudden, gratifies the foolish, but +for the wary spreads his toils in vain. + +A Thief one night threw a crust of bread to a Dog, to try whether he +could be gained by the proffered victuals: “Hark you,” said the Dog, “do +you think to stop my tongue so that I may not bark for my master’s +property? You are greatly mistaken. For this sudden liberality bids me +be on the watch, that you may not profit by my neglect.” + + +FABLE XXIV. + +THE FROG AND THE OX. + +The needy man, while affecting to imitate the powerful, comes to ruin. + +Once on a time, a Frog espied an Ox in a meadow, and moved with envy at +his vast bulk, puffed out her wrinkled skin, {and} then asked her young +ones whether she was bigger than the Ox. They said “No.” Again, with +still greater efforts, she distended her skin, and in like manner +enquired which was the bigger:[23] they said: “The Ox.” At last, while, +full of indignation, she tried, with all her might, to puff herself out, +she burst her body on the spot. + + [Footnote I.23: _Which was the bigger_)--Ver. 8. “Quis major + esset. Illi dixerunt Bovem.” Bentley censures this line, and + thinks it spurious. In good Latin, he says “uter” would occupy the + place of “quis,” and “bovem” would be replaced by “bos.”] + + +FABLE XXV. + +THE DOG AND THE CROCODILE. + +Those who give bad advice to discreet persons, both lose their pains, +and are laughed to scorn. + +It has been related,[24] that Dogs drink at the river Nile running +along, that they may not be seized by the Crocodiles. Accordingly, a Dog +having begun to drink while running along, a Crocodile thus addressed +him: “Lap as leisurely as you like; drink on; come nearer, and don’t be +afraid,” said he. The other {replied}: “Egad, I would do so with all my +heart, did I not know that you are eager for my flesh.” + + [Footnote I.24: _It has been related_)--Ver. 3. Pliny, in his + Natural History, B. viii. c. 40, and Ælian, in his Various and + Natural Histories, relate the same fact as to the dogs drinking of + the Nile. “To treat a thing, as the dogs do the Nile,” was a + common proverb with the ancients, signifying to do it + superficially; corresponding with our homely saying, “To give it a + lick and a promise.” Macrobius, in the Saturnalia, B. i. c. 2, + mentions a story, that after the defeat at Mutina, when enquiry + was made as to what had become of Antony, one of his servants made + answer: “He has done what the dogs do in Egypt, he drank and ran + away.” + + +FABLE XXVI. + +THE FOX AND THE STORK. + +Harm should be done to no man; but if any one do an injury, this Fable +shows that he may be visited with a like return. + +A Fox is said to have given a Stork the first invitation to a banquet, +and to have placed before her some thin broth in a flat dish, of which +the hungry Stork could in no way get a taste. Having invited the Fox in +return, she set {before him} a narrow-mouthed jar,[25] full of minced +meat:[26] and, thrusting her beak into it, satisfied herself, {while} +she tormented her guest with hunger; who, after having in vain licked +the neck of the jar, as we have heard, thus addressed the foreign +bird:[27] “Every one is bound to bear patiently the results of his own +example.” + + [Footnote I.25: _Of minced meat_)--Ver. 7. “Intritus cibus,” + is thought here to signify a peculiar dish, consisting of bread + soaked in milk, cheese, garlic, and other herbs.] + + [Footnote I.26: _Narrow-mouthed jar_)--Ver. 8. The “lagena,” + or “lagona,” was a long-necked bottle or flagon, made of earth, + and much used for keeping wine or fruit.] + + [Footnote I.27: _The foreign bird_)--Ver. 11. Alluding + probably to the migratory habits of the stork, or the fact of her + being especially a native of Egypt.] + + +FABLE XXVII. + +THE DOG, THE TREASURE, AND THE VULTURE. + +This Fable may be applied to the avaricious, and to those, who, born to +a humble lot, affect to be called rich. + +Grubbing up human bones,[28] a Dog met with a Treasure; and, because he +had offended the Gods the Manes,[29] a desire for riches was inspired in +him, that so he might pay the penalty {due} to the holy character of the +place. Accordingly, while he was watching over the gold, forgetful of +food, he was starved to death; on which a Vulture, standing over him, is +reported to have said: “O Dog, you justly meet your death, who, begotten +at a cross-road, and bred up on a dunghill, have suddenly coveted regal +wealth.” + + [Footnote I.28: _Human bones_)--Ver. 3. This plainly refers to + the custom which prevailed among the ancients, of burying golden + ornaments, and even money, with the dead; which at length was + practised to such an excess, that at Rome the custom was forbidden + by law. It was probably practised to a great extent by the people + of Etruria; if we may judge from the discoveries of golden + ornaments frequently made in their tombs.] + + [Footnote I.29: _Gods the Manes_)--Ver. 4. Perhaps by “Deos + Manes” are meant the good and bad Genii of the deceased.] + + +FABLE XXVIII. + +THE FOX AND THE EAGLE. + +Men, however high in station, ought to be on their guard against the +lowly; because, to ready address, revenge lies near at hand. + +An Eagle one day carried off the whelps of a Fox, and placed them in +{her} nest before her young ones, for them to tear in pieces as food. +The mother, following her, began to entreat that she would not cause +such sorrow to her miserable {suppliant}. The other despised her, as +being safe in the very situation of the spot. The Fox snatched from an +altar a burning torch, and surrounded the whole tree with flames, +intending to mingle anguish to her foe with the loss of her offspring. +The Eagle, that she might rescue her young ones from the peril of death, +in a suppliant manner restored to the Fox her whelps in safety. + + +FABLE XXIX. + +THE ASS DERIDING THE BOAR. + +Fools often, while trying to raise a silly laugh, provoke others by +gross affronts, and cause serious danger to themselves. + +An Ass meeting a Boar: “Good morrow to you, brother,” says he. The other +indignantly rejects the salutation, and enquires why he thinks proper to +utter such an untruth. The Ass, with legs[30] crouching down, replies: +“If you deny that you are like me, at all events I have something very +like your snout.” The Boar, just on the point of making a fierce attack, +suppressed his rage, and {said}: “Revenge were easy for me, but I +decline to be defiled with {such} dastardly blood.” + + [Footnote I.30: _The ass, with legs_)--Ver. 7. This line is + somewhat modified in the translation.] + + +FABLE XXX. + +THE FROGS FRIGHTENED AT THE BATTLE OF THE BULLS. + +When the powerful[31] are at variance, the lowly are the sufferers. + +A Frog, viewing from a marsh, a combat of some Bulls: “Alas!” said she, +“what terrible destruction is threatening us.” Being asked by another +why she said so, as the Bulls were contending for the sovereignty of the +herd, and passed their lives afar from them: “Their habitation is at a +distance,” {said she}, “and they are of a different kind; still, he who +{is} expelled from the sovereignty of the meadow, will take to flight, +{and} come to the secret hiding-places in the fens, and trample and +crush us with his hard hoof. Thus does their fury concern our safety.” + + [Footnote I.31: _When the powerful_)--Ver. 1. This is similar + to the line of Horace, “Quicquid delirant reges, plectuntur + Achivi.”] + + +FABLE XXXI. + +THE KITE AND THE PIGEONS. + +He who entrusts himself to the protection of a wicked man, while he +seeks assistance, meets with destruction. + +Some Pigeons, having often escaped from a Kite, and by their swiftness +of wing avoided death, the spoiler had recourse to stratagem, and by a +crafty device of this nature, deceived the harmless race. “Why do you +prefer to live a life of anxiety, rather than conclude a treaty, and +make me {your} king, who can ensure your safety from every injury?” +They, putting confidence in him, entrusted themselves to the Kite, who, +on obtaining the sovereignty, began to devour them one by one, and to +exercise authority with his cruel talons. Then said one of those that +were left: “Deservedly are we smitten.” + + + + +BOOK II. + + +THE PROLOGUE. + +The plan of Æsop is confined to instruction by examples; nor by Fables +is anything else[1] aimed at than that the errors of mortals may be +corrected, and persevering industry[2] exert itself. Whatever the +playful invention, therefore, of the narrator, so long as it pleases the +ear, and answers its purpose, it is recommended by its merits, not by +the Author’s name. + +For my part, I will with all care follow the method of the sage;[3] but +if I should think fit to insert something[4] {of my own}, that variety +of subjects may gratify the taste, I trust, Reader, you will take it in +good part; provided that my brevity be a fair return for such a favour: +of which, that {my} praises may not be verbose, listen to the reason why +you ought to deny the covetous, {and} even to offer to the modest that +for which they have not asked. + + [Footnote II.1: _Is anything else_)--Ver. 2. Burmann thinks + that the object of the Author in this Prologue is to defend + himself against the censures of those who might blame him for not + keeping to his purpose, mentioned in the Prologue of the First + Book, of adhering to the fabulous matter used by Æsop, but mixing + up with such stories narratives of events that had happened in his + own time.] + + [Footnote II.2: _Persevering industry_)--Ver. 5. “Diligens + industria.” An industry or ingenuity that exerts itself in trying + to discover the meaning of his Fables.] + + [Footnote II.3: _Of the sage_)--Ver. 8. Meaning Æsop.] + + [Footnote II.4: _To insert something_)--Ver. 9. He probably + alludes to such contemporary narratives as are found in Fable v. + of the present Book; in Fable x. of the Third; in B. IV., Fables + v., xxi., xxiv.; and B. V., Fables i., v., vii.] + + +FABLE I. + +THE LION, THE ROBBER, AND THE TRAVELLER. + +While a Lion was standing over a Bullock, which he had brought to the +ground, a Robber came up, and demanded a share. “I would give it you,” +said {the Lion}, “were you not in the habit of taking without leave;” +and {so} repulsed the rogue. By chance, a harmless Traveller was led to +the same spot, and on seeing the wild beast, retraced his steps; on +which the Lion kindly said to him: “You have nothing to fear; boldly +take the share which is due to your modesty.” Then having divided the +carcase, he sought the woods, that he might make room for the Man. + +A very excellent example, and worthy of all praise; but covetousness is +rich and modesty in want.[5] + + [Footnote II.5: _Modesty in want_)--Ver. 12. Martial has a + similar passage, B. iv., Epig. 9:-- + + “Semper eris pauper, si pauper es, Æmiliane, + Dantur opes nulli nunc nisi divitibus.”] + + +FABLE II. + +THE TWO WOMEN OF DIFFERENT AGES BELOVED BY THE MIDDLE-AGED MAN. + +That the men, under all circumstances, are preyed upon by the women, +whether they love or are beloved, {this} truly we learn from examples. + +A Woman, not devoid of grace, held enthralled a certain Man of middle +age,[6] concealing her years by the arts of the toilet: a lovely Young +creature, too, had captivated the heart of the same person. Both, as +they were desirous to appear of the same age with him, began, each in +her turn, to pluck out the hair of the Man. While he imagined that he +was made trim by the care of the women, he suddenly found himself bald; +for the Young Woman had entirely pulled out the white hairs, the Old +Woman the black ones. + + [Footnote II.6: _Of middle age_)--Ver 8. It has been a matter + of doubt among Commentators to which “ætatis mediæ” applies--the + man or the woman. But as she is called “anus,” “an Old Woman,” in + the last line, it is most probable that the man is meant.] + + +FABLE III. + +THE MAN AND THE DOG. + +A Man, torn by the bite of a savage Dog, threw a piece of bread, dipt in +his blood, to the offender; a thing that he had heard was a remedy for +the wound. Then said Æsop: “Don’t do this before many dogs, lest they +devour us alive, when they know that such is the reward of guilt.” + +The success of the wicked is a temptation to many. + + +FABLE IV. + +THE EAGLE, THE CAT, AND THE WILD SOW. + +An Eagle had made her nest at the top of an oak; a Cat who had found a +hole in the middle, had kittened {there}; a Sow, a dweller in the woods, +had laid her offspring at the bottom. Then thus does the Cat with deceit +and wicked malice, destroy the community so formed by accident. She +mounts up to the nest of the Bird: “Destruction,” says she, “is +preparing for you, perhaps, too, for wretched me; for as you see, the +Sow, digging up the earth every day, is insidiously trying to overthrow +the oak, that she may easily seize our progeny on the ground.” Having +{thus} spread terror, and bewildered {the Eagle’s} senses, the Cat +creeps down to the lair of the bristly Sow: “In great danger,” says she, +“are your offspring; for as soon as you go out to forage with your young +litter, the Eagle is ready to snatch away from you your little pigs.” +Having filled this place likewise with alarm, she cunningly hides +herself in her safe hole. Thence she wanders forth on tiptoe by night, +and having filled herself and her offspring with food, she looks out all +day long, pretending alarm. Fearing the downfall, the Eagle sits still +in the branches; to avoid the attack of the spoiler, the Sow stirs not +abroad. Why make a long story? They perished through hunger, with their +young ones, and afforded the Cat and her kittens an ample repast. + +Silly credulity may take this as a proof how much evil a double-tongued +man may often contrive. + + +FABLE V. + +CÆSAR TO THE CHAMBERLAIN. + +There is a certain set of busybodies at Rome, hurriedly running to and +fro, busily engaged in idleness, out of breath about nothing at all, +with much ado doing nothing, a trouble to themselves, and most annoying +to others. It is my object, by a true story, to reform this race, if +indeed I can: it is worth your while to attend. + +Tiberius Cæsar, when on his way to Naples, came to his country-seat at +Misenum,[7] which, placed by the hand of Lucullus on the summit of the +heights, beholds the Sicilian sea in the distance, and that of Etruria +close at hand. One of the highly girt Chamberlains,[8] whose tunic of +Pelusian linen was nicely smoothed from his shoulders downwards, with +hanging fringes, while his master was walking through the pleasant +shrubberies, began with bustling officiousness to sprinkle[9] the +parched ground with a wooden watering-pot; but {only} got laughed at. +Thence, by short cuts {to him} well known, he runs before into another +walk,[10] laying the dust. Cæsar takes notice of the fellow, and +discerns his object. Just as he is supposing that there is some +extraordinary good fortune in store for him: “Come hither,” says his +master; on which he skips up to him, quickened by the joyous hope of a +sure reward. Then, in a jesting tone, thus spoke the mighty majesty of +the prince: “You have not profited much; your labour is all in vain; +manumission stands at a much higher price with me.”[11] + + [Footnote II.7: _Country-seat at Misenum_)--Ver. 8. This villa + was situate on Cape Misenum, a promontory of Campania, near Baiæ + and Cumæ, so called from Misenus, the trumpeter of Æneas, who was + said to have been buried there. The villa was originally built by + C. Marius, and was bought by Cornelia, and then by Lucullus, who + either rebuilt it or added extensively to it.] + + [Footnote II.8: _Of the chamberlains_)--Ver. 11. The + “atrienses” were a superior class of the domestic slaves. It was + their duty to take charge of the “atrium,” or hall; to escort + visitors or clients, and to explain to strangers all matters + connected with the pictures, statues, and other decorations of the + house.] + + [Footnote II.9: _To sprinkle_)--Ver. 16. Burmann suggests that + this duty did not belong to the “atriensis,” who would + consequently think that his courteous politeness would on that + account be still more pleasing to the Emperor.] + + [Footnote II.10: _Another walk_)--Ver. 18. The “xystus” was a + level piece of ground, in front of a portico, divided into + flower-beds of various shapes by borders of box.] + + [Footnote II.11: _Much higher price_)--Ver. 25. He alludes to + the Roman mode of manumission, or setting the slaves at liberty. + Before the master presented the slave to the Quæstor, to have the + “vindicta,” or lictor’s rod, laid on him, he turned him round and + gave him a blow on the face. In the word “veneunt,” “sell,” there + is a reference to the purchase of their liberty by the slaves, + which was often effected by means of their “peculium,” or + savings.] + + +FABLE VI. + +THE EAGLE, THE CROW, AND THE TORTOISE. + +No one is sufficiently armed against the powerful; but if a wicked +adviser joins them, nothing can withstand such a combination of violence +and unscrupulousness.[12] + +An Eagle carried a Tortoise aloft, who had hidden her body in her horny +abode, and in her concealment could not, while thus sheltered, be +injured in any way. A Crow came through the air, and flying near, +exclaimed: “You really have carried off a rich prize in your talons; but +if I don’t instruct you what you must do, in vain will you tire yourself +with the heavy weight.” A share being promised her, she persuades the +Eagle to dash the hard shell from the lofty stars upon a rock, that, it +being broken to pieces, she may easily feed upon the meat. Induced by +her words, the Eagle attends to her suggestion, and at the same time +gives a large share of the banquet to her instructress. + +Thus she who had been protected by the bounty of nature, being an +unequal match for the two, perished by an unhappy fate. + + [Footnote II.12: Literally: Whatever violence and + unscrupulousness attack, comes.] + + +FABLE VII. + +THE MULES AND THE ROBBERS. + +Laden with burdens, two Mules were travelling along; the one was +carrying baskets[13] with money, the other sacks distended with store of +barley. The former, rich with his burden, goes exulting along, with neck +erect, and tossing to-and-fro upon his throat {his} clear-toned +bell:[14] his companion follows, with quiet and easy step. Suddenly some +Robbers rush from ambush upon them, and amid the slaughter[15] pierce +the Mule with a sword, and carry off the money; the valueless barley +they neglect. While, then, the one despoiled was bewailing their +mishaps: “For my part,” says the other, “I am glad I was thought so +little of; for I have lost nothing, nor have I received hurt by a +wound.” + +According to the moral of this Fable, poverty is safe; great riches are +liable to danger. + + [Footnote II.13: _Carrying baskets_)--Ver. 2. “Fisci” were + baskets made of twigs, or panniers, in which the Romans kept and + carried about sums of money. Being used especially in the Roman + treasury, the word in time came to signify the money itself. Hence + our word “fiscal.”] + + [Footnote II.14: _Clear-toned bell_)--Ver. 5. Scheffer and + Gronovius think that the bell was used, as in some countries at + the present day, for the purpose of warning those who came in an + opposite direction to make room where the path was narrow.] + + [Footnote II.15: _Amid the slaughter_)--Ver. 8. He alludes no + doubt to the murder of the men conducting the mules by the + Robbers.] + + +FABLE VIII. + +THE STAG AND THE OXEN. + +A Stag, aroused from his woodland lair, to avoid impending death +threatened by huntsmen, repaired with blind fear to the nearest +farm-house, and hid himself in an ox-stall close at hand. Upon this, an +Ox said to him, as he concealed himself: “Why, what do you mean, unhappy +one, in thus rushing of your own accord upon destruction, and trusting +your life to the abode of man?” To this he suppliantly replied: “Do you +only spare me; the moment an opportunity is given I will again rush +forth.” Night in her turn takes the place of day; the Neat-herd brings +fodder, but yet sees him not. All the farm servants pass and repass +every now and then; no one perceives him; even the Steward passes by, +nor does he observe anything. Upon this, the stag, in his joy, began to +return thanks to the Oxen who had kept so still, because they had +afforded him hospitality in the hour of adversity. One of them made +answer: “We really do wish you well; but if he, who has a hundred eyes, +should come, your life will be placed in great peril.” In the meanwhile +the Master himself comes back from dinner; and having lately seen the +Oxen in bad condition, comes up to the rack: “Why,” says he, “is there +so little fodder? Is litter scarce? What great trouble is it to remove +those spiders’ webs?”[16] While he is prying into every corner, he +perceives too the branching horns of the Stag, and having summoned the +household, he orders him to be killed, and carries off the prize. + +This Fable signifies that the master sees better than any one else in +his own affairs. + + [Footnote II.16: _Those spiders’ webs_)--Ver. 23. The mode of + clearing away the spider webs may be seen described in the + beginning of the “Stichus” of Plautus.] + + +THE EPILOGUE. + +The Athenians erected a statue to the genius of Æsop, and placed him, +though a slave, upon an everlasting pedestal, that all might know that +the way to fame is open to all, and that glory is not awarded to birth +but to merit. Since another[17] has prevented me from being the first, +I have made it my object, a thing which still lay in my power, that he +should not be the only one. Nor is this envy, but emulation; and if +Latium shall favour my efforts, she will have still more {authors} whom +she may match with Greece. {But} if jealousy shall attempt to detract +from my labours, still it shall not deprive me of the consciousness of +deserving praise. If my attempts reach your ears, and {your} taste +relishes {these} Fables, as being composed with skill, {my} success +{then} banishes every complaint. But if, on the contrary, my learned +labours fall into the hands of those whom a perverse nature has brought +to the light of day, and {who} are unable to do anything except carp at +their betters, I shall endure my unhappy destiny[18] with strength of +mind, until Fortune is ashamed of her own injustice. + + [Footnote II.17: _Since another_)--Ver. 5. He probably refers + to Æsop: though Heinsius thinks that he refers to C. Mecænas + Melissus, mentioned by Ovid, in his Pontic Epistles, B. iv., El. + xvi., l. 30, a freedman of Mecænas, who compiled a book of jests + partly from the works of Æsop. Burmann, however, ridicules this + supposition.] + + [Footnote II.18: _Unhappy destiny_)--Ver. 17. The words + “fatale exitium” have been considered as being here + inappropriately used. It is very doubtful whether the last part of + this Epilogue is genuine.] + + + + +BOOK III. + + +THE PROLOGUE. + +TO EUTYCHUS.[1] + +If you have a desire, Eutychus, to read the little books of Phædrus, you +must keep yourself disengaged from business, that your mind, at liberty, +may relish the meaning of the lines. “But,” you say, “my genius is not +of such great value, that a moment of time should be lost {for it} to my +own pursuits.” There is no reason then why that should be touched by +your hands which is not suited for ears so engaged. Perhaps you will +say, “some holidays will come,[2] which will invite me to study with +mind unbent.” Will you {rather}, I ask you, read worthless ditties,[3] +than bestow attention upon your domestic concerns, give moments to your +friends, your leisure to your wife, relax your mind, and refresh your +body, in order that you may return more efficiently to your wonted +duties? You must change your purpose and your mode of life, if you have +thoughts of crossing the threshold of the Muses. I, whom my mother +brought forth on the Pierian hill,[4] upon which hallowed Mnemosyne, +nine times fruitful, bore the choir of Muses to thundering Jove: +although I was born almost in the very school itself, and have entirely +erased {all} care for acquiring wealth from my breast, and with the +approval of many have applied myself to these pursuits, am still with +difficulty received into the choir {of the Poets}. What do you imagine +must be the lot of him who seeks, with ceaseless vigilance, to amass +great wealth, preferring the sweets of gain to the labours of learning? + +But now, come of it what may (as Sinon said[5] when he was brought +before the King of Dardania), I will trace a third book with the pen of +Æsop, and dedicate it to you, in acknowledgment of your honor and your +goodness.[6] If you read it, I shall rejoice; but if otherwise, at least +posterity will have something with which to amuse themselves. + +Now will I explain in a few words why Fabulous narrative was invented. +Slavery,[7] subject to the will of another, because it did not dare to +say what it wished, couched its sentiments in Fables, and by pleasing +fictions eluded censure. In place of its foot-path I have made a road, +and have invented more than it left, selecting some points to my own +misfortune.[8] But if any other than Sejanus[9] had been the informer, +if any other the witness, if any other the judge, in fine, I should +confess myself deserving of such severe woes; nor should I soothe my +sorrow with these expedients. If any one shall make erroneous surmises, +and apply to himself what is applicable to all in common, he will +absurdly expose the secret convictions of his mind. And still, to him I +would hold myself excused; for it is no intention of mine to point at +individuals, but to describe life itself and the manners of mankind. +Perhaps some one will say, that I undertake a weighty task. If Æsop of +Phrygia, if Anacharsis of Scythia[10] could, by their genius, found a +lasting fame, why should I who am more nearly related to learned Greece, +forsake in sluggish indolence the glories of my country? especially as +the Thracian race numbers its own authors, and Apollo was the parent of +Linus, a Muse of Orpheus, who with his song moved rocks and tamed wild +beasts, and held the current of Hebrus in sweet suspense. Away then, +envy! nor lament in vain, because to me the customary fame is due. + +I have urged you to read {these lines}; I beg that you will give me your +sincere opinion[11] of them with {your} well-known candour. + + [Footnote III.1: _Eutychus_)--Ver. 2. It is not known with + certainty who this Eutychus was to whom he addresses himself. It + has been suggested that he is the same person who is mentioned by + Josephus, Antiq. B. xix., c. 4, as flourishing at the Court of + Caligula, and who had previously been a charioteer and inspector + of buildings at the stables of Claudius. He is also supposed, from + the words of the Epilogue of this Book, line 20-26, to have held + more than one public office. It has been suggested that he was the + freedman of the Emperor Claudius or Augustus, an inscription + having been found in the tomb of the freedmen of the latter to C. + Julius Eutychus. But it is hardly probable that he is the person + meant; as there is little doubt that Phædrus wrote the present + Book of Fables long after the time of Augustus. Indeed it has been + suggested by some that he wrote it as late as the reign of + Caligula.] + + [Footnote III.2: _Some holidays_)--Ver. 8. The Romans had + three kinds of public “feriæ,” or holidays, which all belonged to + the “dies nefasti,” or days on which no public business could be + done. These were the “feriæ stativæ,” “conceptivæ,” and + “imperativæ.” The first were held regularly, and on stated days + set forth in the Calendar. To these belonged the Lupercalia, + Carmentalia, and Agonalia. The “conceptivæ,” or “conceptæ,” were + moveable feasts held at certain seasons in every year, but not on + fixed days; the times for holding them being annually appointed by + the magistrates or priests. Among these were the “feriæ Latinæ,” + Sementivæ, Paganalia, and Compitalia. The “feriæ imperativæ” were + appointed to be held on certain emergencies by order of the + Consuls, Prætors, and Dictators; and were in general held to avert + national calamities or to celebrate great victories.] + + [Footnote III.3: _Worthless ditties_)--Ver. 10. “Nænia” were, + properly, the improvised songs that were sung at funerals by the + hired mourners, who were generally females. From their trivial + nature, the word came to be generally applied to all worthless + ditties, and under this name Phædrus, with all humility, alludes + to his Fables.] + + [Footnote III.4: _On the Pierian Hill_)--Ver. 17. Judging from + this passage it would appear that Phædrus was a Macedonian by + birth, and not, as more generally stated, a Thracian. Pieria was a + country on the south-east coast of Macedonia, through which ran a + ridge of mountains, a part of which were called Pieria, or the + Pierian mountain. The inhabitants are celebrated in the early + history of the music and poesy of Greece, as their country was one + of the earliest seats of the worship of the Muses, and Orpheus was + said to have been buried there. It is most probable that Phædrus + was carried away in slavery to Rome in his early years, and that + he remembered but little of his native country.] + + [Footnote III.5: _As Sinon said_)--Ver. 27. He here alludes to + the words of Sinon, the Grecian spy, when brought before Priam, in + the Second Book of Virgil, 77-78:-- + + “Cuncta equidem tibi, rex, fuerit quodcumque fatebor + Vera, inquit----” + + Others, again, suppose that this was a proverbial expression in + general use at Rome. It is not improbable that it may have become + so on being adopted from the work of Virgil: “Come what may of it, + as Sinon said.”] + + [Footnote III.6: _And your goodness_)--Ver. 30. “Honori et + meritis dedicam illum tuis.” We learn from ancient inscriptions + that this was a customary formula in dedications.] + + [Footnote III.7: _Slavery_)--Ver. 34. He probably alludes to + Æsop’s state of slavery, in the service of the philosopher + Xanthus.] + + [Footnote III.8: _To my own misfortune_)--Ver. 40. He + evidently alludes to some misfortune which has befallen him in + consequence of having alluded in his work to the events of his own + times. It has been suggested that he fell under the displeasure of + Tiberius and his minister Sejanus, in consequence of the covert + allusions made to them in Fables II and VI in the First Book. This + question is, however, involved in impenetrable obscurity.] + + [Footnote III.9: _Than Sejanus_)--Ver. 41. He means that Ælius + Sejanus had acted against him as both informer, witness, and + judge; but that had an honest man condemned him to the sufferings + he then experienced, he should not have complained. The nature of + the punishment here alluded to is not known.] + + [Footnote III.10: _Anacharsis of Scythia_)--Ver. 52. + A Scythian philosopher, and supposed contemporary of Æsop. He came + to Athens in pursuit of knowledge while Solon was the lawgiver of + that city. He is said to have written works on legislation and the + art of war.] + + +FABLE I. + +THE OLD WOMAN AND THE CASK. + +An Old Woman espied a Cask,[12] which had been drained to the dregs, +lying on the ground, {and} which still spread forth from its ennobled +shell a delightful smell of the Falernian lees.[13] After she had +greedily snuffed it up her nostrils with all her might; “O delicious +fragrance,[14]” said she, “how good I should say were your former +contents, when the remains of them are such!” + +What this refers to let him say who knows me.[15] + + [Footnote III.11: _Nearer to learned Greece_)--Ver. 54. + Alluding to Pieria, the place of his birth. The people of Pieria + were supposed to have been of Thracian origin.] + + [Footnote III.12: _A cask_)--Ver. 1. “Amphoram.” Properly, the + “amphora,” or earthen vessel with two handles, in which wine was + usually kept.] + + [Footnote III.13: _Falernian Lees_)--Ver. 2. The Falernian + wine held the second rank in estimation among the Romans. The + territory where it was grown commenced at the “Pons Campanus,” and + extended from the Massic Hills to the river Vulturnus. Pliny + mentions three kinds, the rough, the sweet, and the thin. It is + supposed to have been of an amber colour, and of considerable + strength. It was the custom to write the age of the wine and the + vintage on the “amphora,” or cask.] + + [Footnote III.14: _O, delicious fragrance_)--Ver. 5. “Anima,” + most probably applies to the savour or smell of the wine; though + some Commentators have thought that she addresses the cask as + “anima,” meaning “O dear soul;” others, that she speaks of the + wine as being the soul of life; while Walchius seems to think that + she is addressing her own soul, which is quite cheered by the + fumes.] + + [Footnote III.15: _Who knows me_)--Ver. 7. Burmann thinks that + the author covertly hints here at the habits of the Emperor + Tiberius in his old age, who still hankered after those vicious + indulgences which had been his main pursuits in his former days; + or else that the Poet simply refers to human life, in the same + spirit in which Seneca, Ep. lvii., calls old age, “fæx vitæ,” “the + lees of life.” Others again suppose that Phædrus alludes to his + own old age, and means that those who knew him when this Fable was + written, may judge from their present acquaintance with him what + he must have been in his younger days. Heinsius thinks that it + refers to the present state of servitude of Phædrus, compared with + his former liberty; but, if he was manumitted, as generally + supposed, by Augustus, and this Fable was not written till after + the death of Sejanus, that cannot be the case.] + + +FABLE II. + +THE PANTHER AND THE SHEPHERD. + +Repayment in kind is generally made by those who are despised. + +A Panther[16] had once inadvertently fallen into a pit. The rustics saw +her; some belaboured her with sticks, others pelted her with stones; +while some, on the other hand, moved with compassion, seeing that she +must die even though no one should hurt her, threw her some bread to +sustain existence. Night comes on apace; homeward they go without +concern, making sure of finding her dead on the following day. She, +however, after having recruited her failing strength, with a swift bound +effected her escape from the pit, and with hurried pace hastened to her +den. A few days intervening, she sallies forth, slaughters the flocks, +kills the shepherds themselves, and laying waste every side, rages with +unbridled fury. Upon this those who had shown mercy to the beast, +alarmed for their safety, made no demur to the loss {of their flocks, +and} begged only for their lives. But she {thus answered them}: +“I remember him who attacked me with stones, {and} him who gave me +bread; lay aside your fears; I return as an enemy to those {only} who +injured me.” + + [Footnote III.16: _A Panther_)--Ver. 2. Some have suggested, + Burmann and Guyetus in the number, that by the Panther is meant + Tiberius, who, during his banishment to the isle of Rhodes, + occupied himself in studying how to wreak his vengeance upon his + enemies at Rome, and, with the fury of the Panther, as soon as he + had the opportunity, glutted his vengeance. This notion, however, + seems more ingenious than well founded.] + + +FABLE III. + +ÆSOP AND THE FARMER. + +One taught by experience is proverbially said to be more quick-{witted} +than a wizard, but the reason is not told; which, now for the first +time, shall be made known by my Fable. + +The ewes of a certain Man who reared flocks, brought forth lambs with +human heads. Dreadfully alarmed at the prodigy, he runs full of concern +to the soothsayers. One answers that it bears reference to the life of +the owner, and that the danger must be averted with a victim. Another, +no wiser, affirms that it is meant that his wife is an adultress, and +his children are spurious; but that it can be atoned for by a victim of +greater age.[17] Why enlarge? They all differ in opinions, and greatly +aggravate the anxiety of the Man. Æsop being at hand, a sage of nice +discernment, whom nature could never deceive {by appearances}, +remarked:-- “If you wish, Farmer, to take due precautions against +{this} portent, find wives for your shepherds.”[18] + + [Footnote III.17: _Of greater age_)--Ver. 11. “Majori hostiâ;” + probably, a sheep of two years old instead of a lamb.] + + [Footnote III.18: _For your shepherds_)--Ver. 17. Plutarch + introduces Thales in his “Convivium Sapientium,” as telling a + somewhat similar story. Phædrus might, with better grace, have + omitted this so-called Fable.] + + +FABLE IV. + +THE BUTCHER AND THE APE. + +A man seeing an Ape hanging up at a Butcher’s among the rest of his +commodities and provisions, enquired how it might taste;[19] on which +the Butcher, joking, replied: “Just as the head is, such, I warrant, is +the taste.” + + [Footnote III.19: _How it might taste_)--Ver. 3. The Butcher + puns upon the twofold meaning of “sapio,” “to taste of,” or “have + a flavour,” and “to be wise.” The customer uses the word in the + former sense, while the Butcher answers it in the latter, and + perhaps in the former as well; “Such as the head is,” pointing to + it, “I’ll warrant the wisdom of the animal to be;” the words at + the same time bearing the meaning of, “It has an ape’s head, and + therefore it can only taste like the head of an ape.” “Sapor” + ordinarily means “flavour,” or “taste;” but Cicero uses it in the + signification of wisdom or genius. Many other significations of + this passage have been suggested by the various Editors.] + + +This I deem to be said more facetiously than correctly; for on the one +hand I have often found the good-looking to be very knaves, and on the +other I have known many with ugly features to be most worthy men. + + +FABLE V. + +ÆSOP AND THE INSOLENT MAN. + +Success leads many astray to their ruin. + +An Insolent Fellow threw a stone at Æsop. “Well done,” said he, and then +gave him a penny, thus continuing: “Upon my faith I have got no more, +but I will show you where you can get some; see, yonder comes a rich and +influential man; throw a stone at him in the same way, and you will +receive a due reward.” The other, being persuaded, did as he was +advised. His daring impudence, however, was disappointed of its hope, +for, being seized, he paid the penalty on the cross.[20] + + [Footnote III.20: _On the cross_)--Ver. 10. The cross was + especially used as an instrument of punishment for malefactors of + low station, and, as we see here, sometimes on very trivial + occasions.] + + +FABLE VI. + +THE FLY AND THE MULE. + +A Fly sat on the pole of a chariot, and rebuking the Mule: “How slow you +are,” said she; “will you not go faster? Take care that I don’t prick +your neck with my sting.” The Mule made answer: “I am not moved by your +words, but I fear him who, sitting on the next seat, guides my yoke[21] +with his pliant whip, and governs my mouth with the foam-covered reins. +Therefore, cease your frivolous impertinence, for I well know when to go +at a gentle pace, and when to run.” + +In this Fable, he may be deservedly ridiculed, who, without {any} +strength, gives utterance to vain threats. + + [Footnote III.21: _Guides my yoke_)--Ver. 6. “Jugum meum;” + meaning, “me who bear the yoke.”] + + +FABLE VII. + +THE DOG AND THE WOLF. + +I will shew in a few words how sweet is Liberty. + +A Wolf, quite starved with hunger, chanced to meet a well-fed Dog, and +as they stopped to salute each other, “Pray,” {said the Wolf}, “how is +it that you are so sleek? or on what food have you made so much flesh? +I, who am far stronger, am perishing with hunger.” The Dog frankly +{replied}: “You may enjoy the same condition, if you can render the like +service to your master.” “What {is it}?” said the other. “To be the +guardian of his threshold, {and} to protect the house from thieves at +night.” “I am quite ready for that,” {said the Wolf}; “at present I have +to endure snow and showers, dragging on a wretched existence in the +woods. How much more pleasant for me to be living under a roof, and, at +my ease, to be stuffed with plenty of victuals.” “Come along, then, with +me,” {said the Dog}. As they were going along, the Wolf observed the +neck of the Dog, where it was worn with the chain. “Whence comes this, +my friend?” “Oh, it is nothing.[22]” “Do tell me, though.” “Because I +appear to be fierce, they fasten me up in the day-time, that I may be +quiet when it is light, and watch when night comes; unchained at +midnight, I wander wherever I please. Bread is brought me without my +asking; from his own table my master gives me bones; the servants throw +me bits, and whatever dainties each person leaves; thus, without trouble +{on my part}, is my belly filled.” “Well, if you have a mind to go +anywhere, are you at liberty?” “Certainly not,” replied {the Dog}. +“{Then}, Dog, enjoy what you boast of; I would not be a king, to lose my +liberty.” + + [Footnote III.22: _It is nothing_)--Ver. 17. “Nihil est.” This + was a form of expression used when they wished to cut short any + disagreable question, to which they did not think fit to give a + direct answer.] + + +FABLE VIII. + +THE BROTHER AND SISTER. + +Warned by this lesson, often examine yourself. + +A certain Man had a very ugly Daughter, and also a Son, remarkable for +his handsome features. These, diverting themselves, as children do, +chanced to look into a mirror, as it lay upon their mother’s chair.[23] +He praises his own good looks; she is vexed, and cannot endure the +raillery of her boasting brother, construing everything (and how could +she do otherwise?) as a reproach {against herself}. Accordingly, off she +runs to her Father, to be avenged {on him} in her turn, and with great +rancour, makes a charge against the Son, how that he, though a male, has +been meddling with a thing that belongs to the women. Embracing them +both, kissing them, and dividing his tender affection between the two, +he said: “I wish you both to use the mirror every day: you, that you may +not spoil your beauty by vicious conduct; you, that you may make amends +by your virtues for your looks.” + + [Footnote III.23: _Their mother’s chair_)--Ver. 4. The + “cathedra” was properly a soft or easy chair used in the + “gynæcæa,” or women’s apartments. These were of various forms and + sizes, and had backs to them; it was considered effeminate for the + male sex to use them. “Sellæ” was the name of seats common to both + sexes. The use of the “speculum,” or mirror, was also confined to + the female sex; indeed, even Pallas or Minerva was represented as + shunning its use, as only befitting her more voluptuous + fellow-goddess, Venus.] + + +FABLE IX. + +SOCRATES TO HIS FRIENDS. + +The name of a friend is common; but fidelity is rarely found. + +Socrates having laid for himself the foundation of a small house (a man, +whose death I would not decline, if I could acquire {similar} fame, and +{like him} I could yield to envy, if I might be but acquitted[24] when +ashes); one of the people, no matter who, {amongst such passing remarks} +as are usual in these cases, asked: “Why do you, so famed as you are, +build so small a house?” + +“I {only} wish,” he replied, “I could fill it with real friends.” + + [Footnote III.24: _I might be acquitted_)--Ver. 4. He alludes + to the fate of Socrates, who, after he was put to death by his + countrymen, was publicly pronounced to be innocent, and a statue + was erected in his honour.] + + +FABLE X. + +THE POET, ON BELIEVING, AND NOT BELIEVING. + +It is dangerous alike to believe or to disbelieve. Of either fact, +I will briefly lay before you an instance. + +Hippolytus met his death,[25] because his step-mother was believed: +because Cassandra was not believed, Troy fell. Therefore, we ought to +examine strictly into the truth of a matter, rather than {suffer} an +erroneous impression to pervert our judgment. But, that I may not weaken +{this truth} by referring to fabulous antiquity, I will relate to you a +thing that happened within my own memory. + +A certain married Man, who was very fond of his Wife, having now +provided the white toga[26] for his Son, was privately taken aside by +his Freedman, who hoped that he should be substituted as his next heir, +{and} who, after telling many lies about the youth, and still more about +the misconduct of the chaste Wife, added, what he knew would especially +grieve one so fond, that a gallant was in the habit of paying her +visits, and that the honor of his house was stained with base adultery. +Enraged at the supposed guilt of his Wife, the husband pretended a +journey to his country-house, and privately stayed behind in town; then +at night he suddenly entered at the door, making straight to his Wife’s +apartment, in which the mother had ordered her son to sleep, keeping a +strict eye over his ripening years. While they are seeking for a light, +while the servants are hurrying to and fro, unable to restrain the +violence of his raging passion, he approaches the bed, and feels a head +in the dark. When he finds the hair cut close,[27] he plunges his sword +into {the sleeper’s} breast, caring for nothing, so he but avenge his +injury. A light being brought, at the same instant he beholds his son, +and his chaste wife sleeping in her apartment; who, fast locked in her +first sleep, had heard nothing: on the spot he inflicted punishment on +himself for his guilt, and fell upon the sword which a too easy belief +had unsheathed. The accusers indicted the woman, and dragged her to +Rome, before the Centumviri.[28] Innocent as she was, dark suspicion +weighed heavily against her, because she had become possessor of his +property: her patrons stand[29] and boldly plead the cause of the +guiltless woman. The judges then besought the Emperor Augustus that he +would aid them in the discharge of their oath, as the intricacy of the +case had embarrassed them. After he had dispelled the clouds raised by +calumny, and had discovered a sure source of truth[30]: “Let the +Freedman,” said he, “the cause of the mischief, suffer punishment; but +as for her, at the same instant bereft of a son, and deprived of a +husband, I deem her to be pitied rather than condemned. If the father of +the family had thoroughly enquired into the charge preferred, and had +shrewdly sifted the lying accusations, he would not, by a dismal crime, +have ruined his house from the very foundation.” + +Let the ear despise nothing, nor yet let it accord implicit belief at +once: since not only do those err whom you would be far from suspecting, +but those who do not err are {sometimes} falsely and maliciously +accused. + +This also may be a warning to the simple, not to form a judgment on +anything according to the opinion of another; for the different aims of +mortals either follow the bias of their goodwill or their prejudice. He +{alone} will be correctly estimated {by you}, whom you judge of by +personal experience. + +These points I have enlarged upon, as by too great brevity I have +offended some. + + [Footnote III.25: _Met his death_)--Ver. 3. The story of + Hippolytus, who met his death in consequence of the treachery of + his step-mother Phædra, is related at length in the Play of + Euripides of that name, and in the Fifteenth Book of Ovid’s + Metamorphoses. The fate of Cassandra, the daughter of Priam, who + in vain prophesied the fall of Troy, is related in the Second Book + of the Æneid, l. 246, _et seq._] + + [Footnote III.26: _The white toga_)--Ver. 10. The “toga + prætexta,” or Consular robe, was worn by the male children of the + Romans till their sixteenth year; when they assumed the ordinary + “toga,” which was called “pura,” because it had no purple border, + and was entirely white.] + + [Footnote III.27: _The hair cut close_)--Ver. 27. This is + appropriately introduced, as the hair of youths was allowed to + grow long until they had reached the age of manhood, on which it + was cut close, and consecrated to the Gods.] + + [Footnote III.28: _The Centumviri_)--Ver. 35. The “Centumviri” + were a body of 105 officers, whose duty it was to assist the + prætor in litigated questions. They were sometimes called “judices + selecti,” or “commissioned judges.”] + + [Footnote III.29: _The patrons stand_)--Ver. 37. The patrons + stood while pleading the causes of their clients, while the judges + sat, as with us.] + + [Footnote III.30: _Sure source of truth_)--Ver. 43. It is + suggested that the source of information here alluded to was the + evidence of the slaves, who had heard their master mention in his + last moments the treachery of his freedman. It is not probable + that the freedman voluntarily came forward, and declared the truth + to Augustus. In l. 39, Augustus is called “Divus,” as having been + deified after his death. Domitian was the first who was so called + during his lifetime.] + + +FABLE XI. + +THE EUNUCH TO THE ABUSIVE MAN. + +A Eunuch had a dispute with a scurrilous fellow, who, in addition to +obscene remarks and insolent abuse, reproached him with the misfortune +of his mutilated person. “Look you,” said {the Eunuch}, “this is the +only point as to which I am effectually staggered, forasmuch as I want +the evidences of integrity. But why, simpleton, do you charge me with +the faults of fortune? That {alone} is really disgraceful to a man, +which he has deserved to suffer.”[31] + + [Footnote III.31: _Deserved to suffer_)--Ver. 7. Though this + moral may apply to all misfortunes in general, it is supposed by + some of the Commentators that by the insulter some individual + notorious for his adulteries was intended to be represented; who + consequently merited by law to be reduced to the same situation as + the innocent Eunuch.] + + +FABLE XII. + +THE COCK AND THE PEARL. + +A young Cock, while seeking for food on a dunghill, found a Pearl, and +exclaimed: “What a fine thing are you to be lying in {so} unseemly a +place. If any one sensible of your value had espied you here, you would +long ago have returned to your former brilliancy. And it is I who have +found you, I to whom food is far preferable! I can be of no use to you +or you to me.” + +This I relate for those who have no relish for me.[32] + + [Footnote III.32: _Have no relish for me_)--Ver. 8. From this + passage we may infer either that Phædrus himself had many + censurers at Rome, or that the people in general were not admirers + of Fables.] + + +FABLE XIII. + +THE BEES AND THE DRONES, THE WASP SITTING AS JUDGE. + +Some Bees had made their combs in a lofty oak. Some lazy Drones asserted +that these belonged to them. The cause was brought into court, the Wasp +{sitting as} judge; who, being perfectly acquainted with either race, +proposed to the two parties these terms: “Your shape is not unlike, and +your colour is similar; so that the affair clearly and fairly becomes a +matter of doubt. But that my sacred duty may not be at fault through +insufficiency of knowledge, {each of you} take hives, and pour your +productions into the waxen cells; that from the flavour of the honey and +the shape of the comb, the maker of them, about which the present +dispute exists, may be evident.” The Drones decline; the proposal +pleases the Bees. Upon this, the Wasp pronounces sentence to the +following effect: “It is evident who cannot, and who did, make {them}; +wherefore, to the Bees I restore the fruits of their labours.” + +This Fable I should have passed by in silence, if the Drones had not +refused the proposed stipulation.[33] + + +FABLE XIV. + +ÆSOP AT PLAY. + +An Athenian seeing Æsop in a crowd of boys at play with nuts,[34] +stopped and laughed at him for a madman. As soon as the Sage,--a laugher +at others rather than one to be laughed at,--perceived this, he placed +an unstrung bow in the middle of the road: “Hark you, wise man,” said +he, “unriddle what I have done.” The people gather round. The man +torments his invention a long time, but cannot make out the reason of +the proposed question. At last he gives up. Upon this, the victorious +Philosopher says: “You will soon break the bow, if you always keep it +bent; but if you loosen it, it will be fit for use when you want it.” + +Thus ought recreation sometimes to be given to the mind, that it may +return to you better fitted for thought. + + [Footnote III.33: _The proposed stipulation_)--Ver. 17. It has + been suggested that Phædrus here alludes to some who had laid + claim to the authorship of his Fables, and had refused a challenge + given by him, such as that here given to the Drones, to test the + correctness of their assertions.] + + [Footnote III.34: _At play with nuts_)--Ver. 2. It is thought + by Schwabe that Phædrus wrote this Fable in defence of his early + patron Augustus, against those who censured him for the levity of + his conduct in his old age, as we learn from Suetonius that he + amused himself with fishing, playing with dice, pebbles, or nuts + with boys. --For some account of Roman games with nuts, see “The + Walnut-tree,” a fragment of Ovid, in vol. iii. p. 491, of Bohn’s + Translation of that author.] + + +FABLE XV. + +THE DOG TO THE LAMB. + +A Dog said to a Lamb[35] bleating among some She-Goats: “Simpleton, you +are mistaken; your mother is not here;” and pointed out some Sheep at a +distance, in a flock by themselves. “I am not looking for her,” {said +the Lamb}, “who, when she thinks fit, conceives, then carries her +unknown burden for a certain number of months, and at last empties out +the fallen bundle; but for her who, presenting her udder, nourishes me, +and deprives her young ones of milk that I may not go without.” “Still,” +said the Dog, “she ought to be preferred who brought you forth.” “Not at +all: how was she to know whether I should be born black or white?[36] +However, suppose she did know; seeing I was born a male, truly she +conferred a great obligation on me in giving me birth, that I might +expect the butcher every hour. Why should she, who had no power in +engendering me, be preferred to her who took pity on me as I lay, and of +her own accord shewed me a welcome affection? It is kindliness makes +parents, not the ordinary course {of Nature}.” + +By these lines the author meant to show that men are averse to fixed +rules, but are won by kind services. + + [Footnote III.35: _To a Lamb_)--Ver. 1. Burmann suggests that + this Fable is levelled against the cruelty of parents, who were + much in the habit of exposing their children, who were + consequently far from indebted to them. Schwabe conjectures that + the system of employing wet-nurses is intended here to be + censured.] + + [Footnote III.36: _Black or white_)--Ver. 10. This, though + disregarded by the mother, would be of importance to him, as the + black lambs were first selected for sacrifice.] + + +FABLE XVI. + +THE GRASSHOPPER AND THE OWL. + +He who does not conform to courtesy, mostly pays the penalty of his +superciliousness. + +A Grasshopper was making a chirping that was disagreeable to an Owl, who +was wont to seek her living in the dark, and in the day-time to take her +rest in a hollow tree. She was asked to cease her noise, but she began +much more loudly to send forth her note; entreaties urged again only set +her on still more. The Owl, when she saw she had no remedy, and that her +words were slighted, attacked the chatterer with this stratagem: “As +your song, which one might take for the tones of Apollo’s lyre, will not +allow me to go to sleep, I have a mind to drink some nectar which Pallas +lately gave me;[37] if you do not object, come, let us drink together.” +The other, who was parched with thirst, as soon as she found her voice +complimented, eagerly flew up. The Owl, coming forth from her hollow, +seized the trembling thing, and put her to death. + +Thus what she had refused when alive, she gave when dead. + + [Footnote III.37: _Pallas lately gave me_)--Ver. 13. The Owl + was sacred to Pallas.] + + +FABLE XVII. + +THE TREES UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE GODS. + +The Gods in days of yore made choice of such Trees as they wished to be +under their protection. The Oak pleased Jupiter, the Myrtle Venus, the +Laurel Phœbus, the Pine Cybele, the lofty Poplar Hercules. Minerva, +wondering why they had chosen the barren ones, enquired the reason. +Jupiter answered: “That we may not seem to sell the honor for the +fruit.” “Now, so heaven help me,”[38] said she, “let any one say what he +likes, but the Olive is more pleasing to me on account of its fruit.” +Then said the Father of the Gods and the Creator of men: “O daughter, it +is with justice that you are called wise by all; unless what we do is +useful, vain is our glory.”[39] + +This little Fable admonishes us to do nothing that is not profitable. + + [Footnote III.38: _So heaven help me_)--Ver. 8. “Mehercule,” + literally “By Hercules.” This was a form of oath used generally by + men, and Phædrus has been censured for here putting it in the + mouth of Minerva. Some Commentators also think that he is guilty + of a slight anachronism in using the name of Hercules here to give + emphasis to an asseveration; but there does not appear to be any + ground for so thinking, as the choice must, of course, be supposed + to have been made after his death and deification. In the + Amphitryon of Plautus, Mercury is represented as swearing by + Hercules before that God was born.] + + [Footnote III.39: _Vain is our glory_)--Ver. 12. “Nisi utile + est quod facimus, stulta est gloria.” This line is said to have + been found copied on a marble stone, as part of a sepulchral + inscription, at Alba Julia or Weissenburg, in Transylvania.] + + +FABLE XVIII. + +THE PEACOCK TO JUNO. + +A Peacock came to Juno, complaining sadly that she had not given to him +the song of the Nightingale; that it was the admiration of every ear, +while he himself was laughed at the very instant he raised his voice. +The Goddess, to console him, replied: “But you surpass the {nightingale} +in beauty, you surpass {him} in size; the brilliancy of the emerald +shines upon your neck; and you unfold a tail begemmed with painted +plumage.” “Wherefore {give} me,” he retorted, “a beauty that is dumb, if +I am surpassed in voice?” “By the will of the Fates,” {said she}, “have +your respective qualities been assigned; beauty to you, strength to the +Eagle, melody to the Nightingale, to the Raven presages, unpropitious +omens to the Crow; all of {these} are contented with their own +endowments.” + +Covet not that which has not been granted you, lest your baffled hopes +sink down to {useless} repinings. + + +FABLE XIX. + +ÆSOP’S ANSWER TO THE INQUISITIVE MAN. + +When Æsop was the only servant of his master, he was ordered to prepare +dinner earlier than usual. Accordingly, he went round to several houses, +seeking for fire,[40] and at last found a place at which to light his +lantern. Then as he had made a rather long circuit, he shortened the way +back, for he went home straight through the Forum. There a certain +Busybody in the crowd {said to him}: “Æsop, why with a light at +mid-day?” “I’m in search of a man,”[41] said he; and went hastily +homewards. + +If the inquisitive fellow reflected on this {answer}, he must have +perceived that the sage did not deem him a man, who could so +unseasonably rally him when busy. + + [Footnote III.40: _Seeking for fire_)--Ver. 3. Fire was + kindled in general by being kept smouldering in a log under the + ashes, from day to day, for culinary purposes; or else it was + begged from a neighbour, as we learn from the Aulularia of + Plautus, A. I., Sc. ii., l. 12 _et seq._; and so generally was + this done that we find it stated in the Trinummus, A. II., + sc. ii., l. 53, that it was the custom not to refuse fire when + asked for even to an enemy.] + + [Footnote III.41: _In search of a man_)--Ver 9. Meaning that + he did not deem the enquirer to be a man. The same story is told + in Diogenes Laertius, of Diogenes the Cynic.] + + +EPILOGUE.[42] + +There are yet remaining {Fables} for me to write, but I purposely +abstain; first, that I may not seem troublesome to you, whom a +multiplicity of matters distract; and next, that, if perchance any other +person is desirous to make a like attempt, he may still have something +left to do; although there is so abundant a stock of matter that an +artist will be wanting to the work, not work to the artist. I request +that you will give the reward to my brevity which you promised; make +good your word. For life each day is nearer unto death; and the greater +the time that is wasted in delays, the less the advantage that will +accrue to me. If you dispatch the matter quickly, the more lasting will +be {my} enjoyment; the sooner I receive {your favours}, the longer shall +I have the benefit {thereof}. While there are yet some remnants of a +wearied life,[43] there is room for {your} goodness; in aftertimes your +kindness will in vain endeavour to aid me, infirm with old age; for then +I shall have ceased to be able to enjoy your kindness, and death, close +at hand, will be claiming its due. I deem it foolish to address my +entreaties to you, when your compassion is so ready, spontaneously, to +render assistance. A criminal has often gained pardon by confessing; how +much more reasonably ought it to be granted to the innocent? It is your +province[44] {now to judge of my cause}; it will fall to others +by-and-by; and again by a like revolution, the turn of others will come. +Pronounce the sentence, as religion--as your oath permits; and give me +reason to rejoice in your decision. My feelings have passed the limits +they had proposed; but the mind is with difficulty restrained, which, +conscious of unsullied integrity, is exposed to the insults of spiteful +men. “Who are they?” you will ask: they will be seen in time. For my +part, so long as I shall continue in my senses, I shall take care to +recollect that “it is a dangerous thing for a man of humble birth to +murmur in public.[45]” + + [Footnote III.42: This and the following Prologue seem better + suited to their present places than to the close of the Fourth + Book, where in most of the editions they appear.] + + [Footnote III.43: _Of a wearied life_)--Ver. 15. It is + impossible to say with any certainty to what he refers; but the + most probable conjecture is that he has again got into trouble + through his compositions, and is begging Eutychus, in some public + capacity, immediately to give a favourable decision in his behalf. + That “Languens ævum” means a life worn out with misfortune, and + does not refer to himself as sinking, in want, under old age, is + evident from the next line. It has been conjectured by some that + Phædrus wrote these lines in prison, where he had been thrown + through the malice of his enemies.] + + [Footnote III.44: _It is your province_)--Ver. 24. He is + supposed to allude to some judicial position held by Eutychus, + which he would have to vacate at the end of a year, and be + succeeded by others, probably not so favourably disposed to + himself.] + + [Footnote III.45: _To murmur in public_)--Ver. 33. “Palam + mutire plebeio piaculum est.” These words are quoted from the + Telephus of Ennius.] + + + + +BOOK IV. + + +PROLOGUE. + +TO PARTICULO. + +When I had determined to put an end to my labours, with the view that +there might be material enough {left} for others, in my mind I silently +condemned {my} resolve. For even if there is any one desirous of the +like fame, how will he guess what it is I have omitted,[1] so as to wish +to hand down that same to posterity; since each man has a turn of +thinking of his own, and a tone peculiar to himself. It was not, +therefore, {any} fickleness, but assured grounds, that set me upon +writing {again}. Wherefore, Particulo,[2] as you are amused by Fables +(which I will style “Æsopian,” not “those of Æsop;” for whereas he +published but few, I have brought out a great many, employing the old +style, but with modern subjects), now at your leisure you shall peruse a +Fourth Book. If envy shall choose to carp at it, so long as it cannot +imitate,[3] why let it carp. I have gained glory {enough}, in that you, +and {others} like to you, have quoted my words in your writings, and +have thought me worthy of being long remembered. Why should I stand in +need of the applause of the illiterate? + + [Footnote IV.1: _I have omitted_)--Ver. 5. “Divinabit” seems + preferable here to “damnabit,” or “demonstrabit,” the other + readings; and Burmann is probably right in supposing that he means + to say that many of the Æsopian fables had not yet been used by + him, and though others may make use of them as bearing a general + moral, they will not be able so well as himself to point their + moral in reference to individuals or classes, in consequence of + his advantage in having already adapted many of them to the + censure of particular vices.] + + [Footnote IV.2: _Particulo_)--Ver. 10. Of Particulo nothing + whatever is known, except that he was a freedman.] + + [Footnote IV.3: _Cannot imitate_)--Ver. 16. Gronovius thinks + that he alludes to the Greek proverb “Μωμεῖσθαι ῥάδιον ἢ + μιμεῖσθαι.” “’Tis easier to blame than to imitate.”] + + +FABLE I. + +THE ASS AND THE PRIESTS OF CYBELE. + +He who has been born to ill luck, not only passes an unhappy life, but +even after death the cruel rigour of destiny pursues him. + +The Galli, {priests} of Cybele,[4] were in the habit, on their begging +excursions, of leading about an Ass, to carry their burdens. When he was +dead with fatigue and blows, his hide being stripped off, they made +themselves tambourines[5] therewith. Afterwards, on being asked by some +one what they had done with their favourite, they answered in these +words: “He fancied that after death he would rest in quiet; but see, +dead as he is, fresh blows are heaped upon him.” + + [Footnote IV.4: _Priests of Cybele_)--Ver. 4. During the + Festival of Cybele, the Galli or eunuch-priests of the Goddess + went about with an image of her seated on an ass, and beating + a tambourine, for the purpose of making a collection to defray + the expenses of the worship. They were called by the Greeks + μητραγύρται, “Collectors for the Mother.” See the Fasti of Ovid, + B. iv., l. 350, vol. i., p. 149, of Bohn’s Translation.] + + [Footnote IV.5: _Tambourines_)--Ver. 7. “The tympana,” which + were almost exactly similar to our tambourines, were covered with + the skin of asses or of oxen, and were beaten with the hand or a + small stick.] + + +FABLE II. + +THE WEASEL AND THE MICE. + +This way of writing seems to you facetious; and no doubt, while we have +nothing of more importance, we do sport with the pen. But examine these +Fables with attention, {and} what useful lessons will you find +{concealed} under them! Things are not always what they seem; first +appearances deceive many: few minds understand what skill has hidden in +an inmost corner. That I may not appear to have said this without +reason, I will add a Fable about the Weasel and the Mice. + +A Weasel, worn out with years and old age, being unable to overtake the +active Mice, rolled herself in flour, and threw herself carelessly along +in a dark spot. A Mouse, thinking her food, jumped upon her, and, being +caught, was put to death: another in like manner perished, and then a +third. Some others having followed, an {old} brindled fellow came, who +had escaped snares and mouse-traps full oft; and viewing from afar the +stratagem of the crafty foe: “So fare you well,[6]” said he, “you that +are lying there, as you are flour.” + + [Footnote IV.6: _So fare you well_)--Ver. 21. “Sic valeas.” + --“Fare you well, if you are flour, which you are not. I wish you + luck as much as I believe you are what you pretend to be, _i.e._, + not at all.”] + + +FABLE III. + +THE FOX AND THE GRAPES. + +Urged by hunger, a Fox, leaping with all her might, tried to reach a +cluster of Grapes upon a lofty vine. When {she found} she could not +reach them, she left them, saying: “They are not ripe yet; I don’t like +to eat them while sour.” + +Those who disparage what they cannot perform, ought to apply this lesson +to themselves. + + +FABLE IV. + +THE HORSE AND THE WILD BOAR. + +While a Wild Boar was wallowing, he muddied the shallow water, at which +a Horse had been in the habit of quenching his thirst. Upon this, +a disagreement arose. The Horse,[7] enraged with the beast, sought the +aid of man, and, raising him on his back, returned against the foe. +After the Horseman, hurling his javelins, had slain {the Boar}, he is +said to have spoken thus: “I am glad that I gave assistance at your +entreaties, for I have captured a prey, and have learned how useful you +are;” and so compelled him, unwilling as he was, to submit to the rein. +Then {said the Horse}, sorrowing: “Fool that I am! while seeking to +revenge a trifling matter, I have met with slavery.” + +This Fable will admonish the passionate, that it is better to be injured +with impunity, than to put ourselves in the power of another. + + [Footnote IV.7: _The horse_)--Ver. 3. “Sonipes,” literally + “sounding-hoof.” This was a name commonly given to the horse by + the Romans. Lucan repeatedly calls a war-horse by this epithet.] + + +FABLE V. + +ÆSOP INTERPRETING A WILL. + +I will show to posterity, by a short story, that there is often more +merit in one man than in a multitude. + +A Person, at his death, left three Daughters; one handsome, and hunting +for the men with her eyes; the second, an industrious spinner of +wool,[8] frugal, and fond of a country life; the third, given to wine, +and very ugly. Now the old man made their Mother his heir, on this +condition, that she should distribute his whole fortune equally among +the three, but in such a manner that they should not possess or enjoy +what was given them; {and} further, that as soon as they should cease to +have the property which they had received, they should pay over to their +Mother a hundred thousand sesterces. The rumour spreads all over Athens. +The anxious Mother consults the learned in the law. No one can explain +in what way they are not to possess what has been given, or have the +enjoyment {of it}; and then again, in what way those who have received +nothing, are to pay money. After a long time had been wasted, and still +the meaning of the will could not be understood, the Parent, +disregarding the strict letter of the law, consulted equity.[9] For the +Wanton, she sets aside the garments, female trinkets, silver +bathing-vessels, eunuchs, {and} beardless boys: for the Worker in wool, +the fields, cattle, farm, labourers, oxen, beasts of burden, and +implements of husbandry: for the Drinker, a store-room,[10] well stocked +with casks of old wine, a finely finished house,[11] and delightful +gardens. When she was intending to distribute what was thus set apart +for each, and the public approved, who knew them well; Æsop suddenly +stood up in the midst of the multitude, {and exclaimed}: “O! if +consciousness remained to their buried father, how would he grieve that +the people of Athens are unable to interpret his will!” + +On this, being questioned, he explained the error of them all: “The +house and the furniture, with the fine gardens, and the old wines, give +to the Worker in wool, so fond of a country life. The clothes, the +pearls, the attendants, and other things, make over to her who spends +her life in luxury. The fields, the vines, and the flocks, with the +shepherds, present to the Wanton. Not one will be able to retain +possession of what is alien to her taste. The Ungainly one will sell her +wardrobe to procure wine; the Wanton will part with the lands to procure +fine clothes; and she who delights in cattle, and attends to her +spinning, will get rid of her luxurious abode at any price. Thus, no one +will possess what was given, and they will pay to their Mother the sum +named from the price of the things, which each of them has sold.” + +Thus did the sagacity of one man find out what had baffled the +superficial enquiries of many. + + [Footnote IV.8: _Spinner of wool_)--Ver. 5. “Lanificam.” + Working in wool was the constant employment of the more + industrious among the females of the higher class. Ovid, in the + Fasti, Book ii., l. 742, represents Lucretia as being found thus + employed by her husband and Tarquinius. The Emperor Augustus + refused to wear any clothes that were not woven by the females of + his family.] + + [Footnote IV.9: _Consulted equity_)--Ver. 20. This seems to be + the meaning of “fidem advocare:” but the passage has caused + considerable difficulty to the Commentators.] + + [Footnote IV.10: _A store-room_)--Ver. 25. The “apotheca” was + a place in the upper part of the house, in which the Romans + frequently placed the amphoræ in which their wine was stored. It + was situate above the “fumarium,” as the smoke was thought to + heighten the flavour of the wine.] + + [Footnote IV.11: _A finely finished house_)--Ver. 26. + “Politam” probably refers to the care with which the houses of the + opulent in cities were smoothed by the workman’s art. According to + some Commentators, however, “domus polita” here means “a house + furnished with every luxury.”] + + +FABLE VI. + +THE BATTLE OF THE MICE AND THE WEASELS. + +When the Mice, overcome by the army of the Weasels, (whose History is +painted in {our} taverns[12]), took to flight, and crowded in +trepidation about their narrow lurking-holes, with difficulty getting +in, they managed, however, to escape death. Leaders, who had fastened +horns to their heads, in order that they might have a conspicuous sign +for {their} troops to follow in battle, stuck fast at the entrance, and +were captured by the enemy. The victor, sacrificing them with greedy +teeth, plunged them into the Tartarean recesses of his capacious paunch. + +Whenever a people is reduced to the last extremity, the high position of +its chiefs is in danger; the humble commonalty easily finds safety in +obscurity. + + [Footnote IV.12: _In our taverns_)--Ver. 2. We learn from + Horace and other ancient writers, that it was the custom to paint + comic subjects on the walls of the taverns; and similar subjects + have been found painted on walls at Pompeii.] + + +FABLE VII. + +THE POET’S DEFENCE AGAINST THE CENSURERS OF HIS FABLES. + +You, fastidious {critic}, who carp at my writings, and disdain to read +trifles of this kind, endure with some small patience this little book, +while I smooth down the severity of your brow, and Æsop comes forward in +a new and more lofty style.[13] + +Would that the pine had never fallen on the summits of Pelion[14] under +the Thessalian axe! and that Argus had never, with the aid of Pallas, +invented a way boldly to meet certain death, {in the} ship which, to the +destruction of Greeks and Barbarians, first laid open the bays of the +inhospitable Euxine. For both had the house of the proud Æetes to lament +it, and the realms of Pelias[15] fell by the guilt of Medea, who, after +concealing by various methods the cruelty of her disposition, there +effected her escape, by means of the limbs[16] of her brother, {and} +here embrued the hands of the daughters of Pelias in their father’s +blood. + +What think you of this? “This, too, is mere folly,” say you, “and is an +untrue story; for long before this, Minos, of more ancient date, +subjected the Ægæan seas with his fleet, and by seasonable correction, +punished {piratical} attacks.” What then can I possibly do for you, my +Cato of a Reader, if neither Fables[17] nor Tragic Stories suit your +taste? Do not be too severe upon {all} literary men, lest they repay you +the injury with interest. + +This is said to those who are over-squeamish in their folly, and, to +gain a reputation for wisdom, would censure heaven itself. + + [Footnote IV.13: _More lofty style_)--Ver. 5. “Cothurnis,” + literally “the buskins of Tragedy.”] + + [Footnote IV.14: _Summits of Pelion_)--Ver 6. The ship Argo + was said to have been built of wood grown on Mount Pelion. The + author alludes to the expedition of Jason to Colchis to fetch + thence the Golden Fleece.] + + [Footnote IV.15: _The realms of Pelias_)--Ver. 13. He alludes + to the death of Pelias, King of Thessaly, through the schemes of + Medea, daughter of Æetes, King of Colchis, at the hands of his own + daughters. See Ovid’s Metamorphoses, B. vii. l. 297, _et seq._] + + [Footnote IV.16: _Limbs of her brother_)--Ver. 15. When, on + her flight with Jason, Æetes pursued his daughter Medea, she, + having taken with her her brother Absyrtus, in order to retard her + father in the pursuit, cut her brother in pieces, and scattered + his limbs in the way. Thus, while the father was employed in + gathering the limbs of his son, Medea made her escape. The place + where this happened was thence said to have had the name of Tomi; + and to this place Ovid was banished by Augustus. See the Story + related in the Tristia of Ovid, B. iii. El. ix.] + + [Footnote IV.17: _If neither Fables_)--Ver. 22. By “fabellæ,” + he probably means Æsopian fables, while by “fabulæ,” the more + lofty stories of tragedy are meant. By “Cato,” he means a + censorious or over-scrupulous reader.] + + +FABLE VIII. + +THE VIPER AND THE FILE. + +Let him who with greedy teeth attacks one who can bite harder, consider +himself described in this Fable. + +A Viper came[18] into a smith’s workshop; {and} while on the search +whether there was anything fit to eat, fastened her teeth upon a File. +That, however, disdainfully exclaimed “Why, fool, do you try to wound me +with your teeth, who am in the habit of gnawing asunder every kind of +iron?” + + [Footnote IV.18: _A Viper entered_)--Ver. 3. Lokman, the + Arabian Fabulist, has the same fable; but there a Cat plays the + part of the Viper.] + + +FABLE IX. + +THE FOX AND THE GOAT. + +As soon as a crafty man has fallen into danger, he seeks to make his +escape by the sacrifice of another. + +A Fox, through inadvertence, having fallen into a well,[19] and being +closed in by the sides which were too high for her, a Goat parched with +thirst came to the same spot, and asked whether the water was good, and +in plenty. The other, devising a stratagem, {replied}: “Come down, {my} +friend: such is the goodness of the water, that my pleasure {in +drinking} cannot be satisfied.” Longbeard descended; then the Fox, +mounting on his high horns, escaped from the well, and left the Goat to +stick fast in the enclosed mud. + + [Footnote IV.19: _Fallen into a well_)--Ver. 3. Some of the + Commentators think that Tiberius and Sejanus are pointed at in + this Fable.] + + +FABLE X. + +OF THE VICES OF MEN. + +Jupiter has loaded us with a couple of Wallets: the one, filled with our +own vices, he has placed at our backs, {the other}, heavy with those of +others, he has hung before. + +From this circumstance, we are not able to see our own faults: but as +soon as others make a slip, we are ready to censure. + + +FABLE XI. + +A THIEF PILLAGING THE ALTAR OF JUPITER. + +A Thief lighted his Lamp at the altar of Jupiter, and then plundered it +by the help of its own light. Just as he was taking his departure, laden +with the results of his sacrilege, the Holy Place suddenly sent forth +these words: “Although these were the gifts of the wicked, and to me +abominable, so much so that I care not to be spoiled of them, still, +profane man, thou shalt pay the penalty with thy life, when hereafter, +the day of punishment, appointed by fate, arrives. But, that our fire, +by means of which piety worships the awful Gods, may not afford its +light to crime, I forbid that {henceforth} there shall be any such +interchange of light.” Accordingly, to this day, it is neither lawful +for a lamp {to be lighted} at the fire of the Gods, nor yet a sacrifice +kindled from a lamp.[20] + + [Footnote IV.20: _From a lamp_)--Ver. 13. The ancients were + compelled to light sacrifices to the Gods from torches, and not + with fire from a lamp. More usually a fire was kept constantly + burning in the temple for the purpose.] + + +No other than he who invented this Fable, could explain how many useful +lessons it affords. In the first place, it teaches that those whom you +yourself have brought up, may often be found the most hostile to you: +then again, it shows that crimes are punished not through the wrath of +the Gods, but at the time appointed by the Fates: lastly, it warns the +good to use nothing in common with the wicked. + + +FABLE XII. + +THE EVILS OF WEALTH. + +HERCULES and PLUTUS. + +Riches are deservedly despised by a man of worth,[21] because a +well-stored chest intercepts praise from its true objects. + +When Hercules was received into heaven as the reward of his virtues, and +saluted in turn the Gods who were congratulating him, on Plutus +approaching, who is the child of Fortune, he turned away his eyes. {His} +father, {Jupiter}, enquired the reason: “I hate him,” says he, “because +he is the friend of the wicked, and at the same time corrupts all by +presenting the temptation of gain.” + + [Footnote IV.21: _A man of worth_)--Ver. 1. It has been + suggested that by “forti viro,” Phædrus means a military man. The + word “fortis” seems rather here to mean “of real worth,” or “of + strong mind.” Some of ancient authors make Plutus to be the son of + Ceres and Jasius.] + + +FABLE XIII. + +THE LION REIGNING. + +Nothing is more advantageous to a man than to speak the truth; a maxim +that ought indeed to be approved of by all; but still sincerity is +frequently impelled to its own destruction. + +The Lion having made himself king of the wild beasts, and wishing to +acquire the reputation of equity, abandoned his former course {of +rapine}, and, content among them with a moderate supply of food, +distributed hallowed justice with incorruptible fidelity. But after +second thoughts began to prevail[22] + + *** *** *** + +_(The rest is lost)._ + + +FABLE XIV. + +PROMETHEUS. + + *** *** *** + *** *** *** + A fictione veretri linguam mulieris, + Affinitatem traxit inde obscœnitas. + Rogavit alter, tribadas et molles mares + Quæ ratio procreasset? Exposuit senex. + Idem Prometheus auctor vulgi fictilis + (Qui simul offendit ad fortunam, frangitur,) + Naturæ partes, veste quas celat pudor, + Quum separatim toto finxisset die, + Aptare mox ut posset corporibus suis, + Ad cœnam est invitatus subito a Libero; + Ubi irrigatus multo venas nectare + Sero domum est reversus titubanti pede. + Tum semisomno corde et errore ebrio, + Applicuit virginale generi masculo, + Et masculina membra applicuit fæminis; + Ita nunc libido pravo fruitur gaudio. + + +FABLE XV. + +THE SHE-GOATS AND THEIR BEARDS. + +The She-Goats[23] having obtained of Jupiter the favour of a beard, the +He-Goats, full of concern, began to be indignant that the females +rivalled them in their dignity. “Suffer them,” said {the God}, “to enjoy +their empty honours, and to use the badge that belongs to your rank, so +long as they are not sharers in your courage.” + +This Fable teaches you to bear that those who are inferior to you in +merit should be like you in outside appearances. + + [Footnote IV.22: _Began to prevail_)--Ver. 9. The remainder of + this Fable is lost. It is supposed to have been torn out of the + MS. of the writings of Phædrus by some pious monk, who, objecting + to the following Fable, destroyed the leaf which contained the + latter part of the present one, as well as some part of the next. + Orellius considers the lines ending with “obscœnitas” as the + fragment of a Fable distinct from the succeeding lines.] + + [Footnote IV.23: _The She-Goats_)--Ver. 1. This Fable is + thought by some to bear reference to the interference of Livia in + affairs of state.] + + +FABLE XVI. + +THE PILOT AND THE MARINERS. + +On a certain man complaining of his {adverse} fortune, Æsop, for the +purpose of consoling him, invented {this Fable}. + +A ship which had been tossed by a fierce tempest (while the passengers +were all in tears, and filled with apprehensions of death) on the day +suddenly changing to a serene aspect, began to be borne along in safety +upon the buoyant waves, and to inspire the mariners with an excess of +gladness. On this, the Pilot, who had been rendered wise by experience, +{remarked}: “We ought to be moderate in our joy, and to complain with +caution; for the whole of life is a mixture of grief and joy.” + + +FABLE XVII. + +THE EMBASSY OF THE DOGS TO JUPITER. + +The Dogs once sent[24] Ambassadors to Jupiter, to entreat of him a +happier lot in life, and that he would deliver them from the insulting +treatment of man, who gave them bread mixed with bran, and satisfied +their most urgent hunger with filthy offal. The ambassadors set out, +{but} with no hasty steps, while snuffing with their nostrils for food +in every filth. Being summoned, they fail to make their appearance. +After some difficulty Mercury finds them at last, and brings them up in +confusion. As soon, however, as they saw the countenance of mighty Jove, +in their fright they bewrayed the whole palace. Out they go, driven away +with sticks; but great Jove forbade that they should be sent back. {The +Dogs}, wondering that their Ambassadors did not return, {and} suspecting +that they had committed something disgraceful, after a while ordered +others to be appointed to aid them. Rumour {soon} betrayed the former +Ambassadors. Dreading that something of a similar nature may happen a +second time, they stuff the Dogs behind with perfumes, and plenty of +them. They give their directions; the Ambassadors are dispatched; at +once they take their departure. They beg for an audience, {and} +forthwith obtain it. Then did the most mighty Father of the Gods take +his seat {on his throne}, and brandish his thunders; all things began to +shake. The Dogs in alarm, so sudden was the crash, in a moment let fall +the perfumes with their dung. All cry out, that the affront must be +avenged. {But} before proceeding to punishment, thus spoke Jupiter:-- +“It is not for a King to send Ambassadors away, nor is it a difficult +matter to inflict a {proper} punishment on the offence; but by way of +judgment this is the reward you shall have. I don’t forbid their return, +but they shall be famished with hunger, lest they be not able to keep +their stomachs in order. And as for those who sent such despicable +{Ambassadors} as you, they shall never be free from the insults of man.” + +And so it is,[25] that even now {the Dogs} of the present day are in +expectation of their Ambassadors. When one of them sees a strange {Dog} +appear, he snuffs at his tail. + + [Footnote IV.24: _The Dogs once sent_)--Ver. 1. It is supposed + that in this singular Fable, Phædrus ridicules, in a covert + manner, some of the prevailing superstitions of his day, or else + that he satirizes Tiberius and Sejanus, while the Dogs signify the + Roman people.] + + [Footnote IV.25: _And so it is_)--Ver. 35. This and the next + line are regarded by many as spurious: indeed Hare is disinclined + to believe that this Fable was written by Phædrus at all.] + + +FABLE XVIII. + +THE MAN AND THE SNAKE. + +He who gives relief to the wicked has to repent it before long. + +A Man took up a Snake stiffened with frost, and warmed her in his bosom, +being compassionate to his own undoing; for when she had recovered, she +instantly killed the Man. On another one asking her the reason of {this} +crime, she made answer: “That people may learn not to assist the +wicked.”[26] + + [Footnote IV.26: _Not to assist the wicked_)--Ver. 5. It has + been remarked that Phædrus here deviates from nature, in making + the Serpent give a bad character of itself. Those who think that + Phædrus wrote after the time of Tiberius, suggest that Caligula is + represented by the snake, who wreaked his cruelty on his former + benefactors, Macro and Ennia.] + + +FABLE XIX. + +THE FOX AND THE DRAGON. + +While a Fox, digging a lair, was throwing out the earth, and making +deeper and more numerous burrows, she came to the farthest recesses of a +Dragon’s den,[27] who was watching some treasure hidden there. As soon +as {the Fox} perceived him, {she began}:-- “In the first place, I beg +that you will pardon my unintentional {intrusion}; and next, as you see +clearly enough that gold is not suited to my mode of life, have the +goodness to answer me: what profit do you derive from this toil, or what +is the reward, so great that you should be deprived of sleep, and pass +your life in darkness?” “None {at all},” replied the other; “but this +{task} has been assigned me by supreme Jove.” “Then you neither take +{anything} for yourself, nor give to another?” “Such is the will of the +Fates.” “Don’t be angry {then}, if I say frankly: the man is born under +the displeasure of the Gods who is like you.” + +As you must go to that place to which {others} have gone before, why in +the blindness of your mind do you torment your wretched existence? To +you I address myself, Miser, joy of your heir,[28] who rob the Gods of +their incense, yourself of food; who hear with sorrow the musical sound +of the lyre; whom the joyous notes of the pipes torment; from whom the +price of provisions extorts a groan;[29] who, while adding some +farthings to your estate, offend heaven by your sordid perjuries; who +are for cutting down[30] every expense at your funeral, for fear +Libitina[31] should be at all a gainer at the expense of your property. + + [Footnote IV.27: _Of a Dragon’s den_)--Ver. 3. In former + times, when riches were more commonly duried in the earth, it was + perhaps found convenient to encourage a superstitious notion, + which was very prevalent, that they were guarded by watchful + Dragons.] + + [Footnote IV.28: _Joy of your heir_)--Ver. 18. That is to say, + in his death.] + + [Footnote IV.29: _Extorts a groan_)--Ver. 22. So in the + Aulularia of Plautus, Act II. Sc. viii. the miser Euclio is + represented as groaning over the high price of provisions.] + + [Footnote IV.30: _Cutting down_)--Ver. 25. In his will.] + + [Footnote IV.31: _Lest Libitina_)--Ver. 26. The + “pollinctores,” or “undertakers,” kept their biers and other + implements required at funerals, at the Temple of the Goddess + Libitina.] + + +FABLE XX. + +PHÆDRUS. + +Although malice may dissemble for the present, I am still perfectly +aware what judgment it will think proper to arrive at. Whatever it shall +{here} deem worthy {to be transmitted} to posterity, it will say belongs +to Æsop; if it shall be not so well pleased with any portion, it will, +for any wager, contend that the same was composed by me. One who thus +thinks, I would refute once for all by {this} my answer: whether this +work is silly, or whether it is worthy of praise, he was the inventor: +my hand has brought it to perfection. But let us pursue our purpose in +the order we proposed. + + +FABLE XXI. + +THE SHIPWRECK OF SIMONIDES. + +A learned man has always a fund of riches in himself. + +Simonides, who wrote {such} excellent {lyric} poems, the more easily to +support his poverty, began to make a tour of the celebrated cities of +Asia, singing the praises of victors for such reward as he might +receive. After he had become enriched by this kind of gain, he resolved +to return to his native land by sea; (for he was born, it is said, in +the island of Ceos[32]). {Accordingly} he embarked in a ship, which a +dreadful tempest, together with its own rottenness, caused to founder at +sea. Some gathered together their girdles,[33] others their precious +effects, {which formed} the support of their existence. One who was over +inquisitive, {remarked}: “Are you going to save none of your property, +Simonides?” He made reply: “All my {possessions} are about me.” A few +{only} made their escape by swimming, for the majority, being weighed +down by their burdens, perished. Some thieves make their appearance, and +seize what each person has saved, leaving them naked. Clazomenæ, an +ancient city, chanced to be near; to which the shipwrecked persons +repaired. Here a person devoted to the pursuits of literature, who had +often read the lines of Simonides, and was a very great admirer of him +though he had never seen him, knowing from his very language {who he +was}, received him with the greatest pleasure into his house, and +furnished him with clothes, money, and attendants. The others +{meanwhile} were carrying about their pictures,[34] begging for +victuals. Simonides chanced to meet them; and, as soon as he saw them, +remarked: “I told you that all my property was about me; what you +endeavoured to save is lost.” + + [Footnote IV.32: _In the island of Ceos_)--Ver. 28. The poet + Simonides was born at Iulis, a city of the isle of Ceos, one of + the Cyclades, in the Ægæan Sea.] + + [Footnote IV.33: _Their girdles_)--Ver. 11. Among the + ancients, the zones or girdles were sometimes used for the purpose + of keeping money there; while sometimes purses were carried + suspended from them.] + + [Footnote IV.34: _Carrying about their pictures_)--Ver. 24. It + was the custom for shipwrecked persons to go about soliciting + charity with a painting suspended from the neck, representing + their calamity; much in the fashion which we sometimes see + followed at the present day.] + + +FABLE XXII. + +THE MOUNTAIN IN LABOUR. + +A Mountain[35] was in labour, sending forth dreadful groans, and there +was in the districts the highest expectation. After all, it brought +forth a Mouse. + +This is designed for you, who, when you have threatened great things, +produce nothing. + + [Footnote IV.35: _A Mountain_)--Ver. 1. Tachos, King of Egypt, + is said by Plutarch to have said to Agesilaüs, King of Sparta, + when he came to his assistance: “The mountain has been in labour, + Jupiter has been in alarm, but it has brought forth a mouse,” + alluding to the diminutive stature of Agesilaus; who contented + himself with replying, in answer to this rude remark: “One day I + shall appear to you even to be a lion.”] + + +FABLE XXIII. + +THE ANT AND THE FLY. + +An Ant and a Fly were contending with great warmth which was of the +greater importance. The Fly was the first to begin: “Can you possibly +compare with my endowments? When a sacrifice is made, I am the first to +taste of the entrails that belong to the Gods. I pass my time among the +altars, I wander through all the temples; soon as I have espied it, +I seat myself on the head of a king; and I taste of the chaste kisses of +matrons. I labour not, and yet enjoy the nicest of things: what like to +this, {good} rustic, falls to your lot?” “Eating with the Gods,” said +the Ant, “is certainly a thing to be boasted of; but by him who is +invited, not him who is loathed {as an intruder}. You talk about kings +and the kisses of matrons. While I am carefully heaping up a stock of +grain for winter, I see you feeding on filth about the walls. You +frequent the altars; yes, and are driven away as often as you come. You +labour not; therefore it is that you have nothing when you stand in need +of it. And, further, you boast about what modesty ought to conceal. You +tease me in summer; when winter comes you are silent. While the cold is +shrivelling you up and putting you to death, a well-stored abode +harbours me. Surely I have now pulled down your pride enough.” + +A Fable of this nature distinctly points out the characters of those who +set themselves off with unfounded praises, and of those whose virtues +gain solid fame. + + +FABLE XXIV. + +SIMONIDES PRESERVED BY THE GODS. + +I have said, above, how greatly learning is esteemed among men: I will +now hand down to posterity how great is the honor paid to it by the +Gods. + +Simonides, the very same of whom I have {before} made mention, agreed, +at a fixed price, to write a panegyric for a certain Pugilist,[36] who +had been victorious: {accordingly} he sought retirement. As the +meagreness of his subject cramped his imagination, he used, according to +general custom, the license of the Poet, and introduced the twin stars +of Leda,[37] citing them as an example of similar honours. He finished +the Poem according to contract, but received {only} a third part of the +sum agreed upon. On his demanding the rest: “They,” said he, “will give +it you whose praises occupy {the other} two-thirds; but, that I may feel +convinced that you have not departed in anger, promise to dine with me, +{as} I intend to-day to invite my kinsmen, in the number of whom I +reckon you.” Although defrauded, and smarting under the injury, in order +that he might not, by parting on bad terms, break off all friendly +intercourse, he promised that he would. At the hour named he returned, +{and} took his place at table. The banquet shone joyously with its cups; +the house resounded with gladness, amid vast preparations, when, on a +sudden, two young men, covered with dust, and dripping with +perspiration, their bodies of more than human form, requested one of the +servants to call Simonides to them, {and say} that it was of consequence +to him to make no delay. The man, quite confused, called forth +Simonides; {and} hardly had he put one foot out of the banquetting room, +when suddenly the fall of the ceiling crushed the rest, and no young men +were to be seen at the gate. + +When the circumstances of the story I have told were made known, all +were persuaded that the personal intervention of the Divinities had +saved the Poet’s life by way of reward. + + [Footnote IV.36: _A certain Pugilist_)--Ver. 5. “Pyctæ;” from + the Greek πυκτὴς, a “boxer,” or “pugilist,” Latinized.] + + [Footnote IV.37: _Twin stars of Leda_)--Ver. 9. Castor and + Pollux, the twin sons of Leda.] + + +EPILOGUE. + +There are still remaining many things which I might say, and there is a +copious abundance of subjects; but {though} witticisms, well-timed, are +pleasing; out of place, they disgust. Wherefore, most upright Particulo +(a name destined to live in my writings, so long as a value shall +continue to be set upon the Latin literature), if {you like not} my +genius, at least approve my brevity, which has the more just claim to be +commended, seeing how wearisome Poets {usually} are.[38] + + [Footnote IV.38: _Usually are_)--Ver. 9. Orellius introduces + this after Fable V in the Fifth Book.] + + + + +BOOK V. + + +PROLOGUE. + +If I shall anywhere insert the name of Æsop, to whom I have already +rendered every {honor} that was his due, know that it is for the sake of +{his} authority, just as some statuaries do in our day, who obtain a +much greater price for their productions, if they inscribe the name of +Praxiteles on their marbles, and Myron[1] on their polished silver. +{Therefore} let {these} Fables obtain a hearing. Carping envy more +readily favours the works of antiquity than those of the present day. +But now I turn to a Fable, with a moral to the purpose. + + [Footnote V.1: _And Myron_)--Ver. 7. Myron was a famous + sculptor, statuary, and engraver, of Greece. He was a native of + Eleutheræ, in Bœotia, and according to Petronius Arbiter, died in + extreme poverty.] + + +FABLE I. + +DEMETRIUS AND MENANDER. + +Demetrius,[2] who was called Phalereus, unjustly took possession of the +sovereignty of Athens. The mob, according to their usual practice, rush +from all quarters vying with each other, and cheer him, and wish him +joy. Even the chief men kiss the hand by which they are oppressed, while +they silently lament the sad vicissitudes of fortune. Moreover, those +who live in retirement, and take their ease, come creeping in last of +all, that their absence may not injure them. Among these Menander, +famous[3] for his Comedies (which Demetrius, who did not know him, had +read, and had admired the genius of the man), perfumed with unguents, +and clad in a flowing robe, came with a mincing and languid step. As +soon as the Tyrant caught sight of him at the end of the train: “What +effeminate wretch,” said he, “is this, who presumes to come into my +presence?” Those near him made answer: “This is Menander the Poet.” +Changed in an instant, he exclaimed: “A more agreeable looking man could +not possibly exist.” + + [Footnote V.2: _Called Phalereus_)--Ver. 1. Demetrius + Phalereus, the statesman, philosopher, and ruler of Athens, was so + called from the Attic demus, or borough of Phalerus, where he was + born. He died in exile in Egypt, according to some accounts, of + the bite of a serpent. There seems no good reason for giving to + his rule over the Athenians the epithet of “improbum,” found in + the next line, although in the latter years of his government he + gave himself up in a great measure to sensual pursuits.] + + [Footnote V.3: _Menander, famous_)--Ver. 9. Menander, the + inventor of the New Comedy. Some of the Comedies of Terence are + Translations from his works.] + + +FABLE II. + +THE TRAVELLERS AND THE ROBBER. + +Two Soldiers having fallen in with a Robber, one fled, while the other +stood his ground, and defended himself with a stout right-hand. The +Robber slain, his cowardly companion comes running up, and draws his +sword; then throwing back his travelling cloak,[4] says: “Let’s have +him;” “I’ll take care he shall soon know whom he attacks.” On this, he +who had vanquished {the robber made answer}: “I wish you had seconded me +just now at least with those words; I should have been still more +emboldened, believing them true; now keep your sword quiet, as well as +your silly tongue, that you may be able to deceive others who don’t know +you. I, who have experienced with what speed you take to your heels, +know full well that no dependence is to be placed upon your valour.” + +This story may be applied to him who is courageous in prosperity, in +times of danger takes to flight. + + [Footnote V.4: _His travelling cloak_)--Ver. 5. The “pænula” + was a travelling-cloak made of leather or wool, with a hood + attached to it, to cover the head.] + + +FABLE III. + +THE BALD MAN AND THE FLY. + +A Fly bit the bare pate of a Bald Man; who, endeavouring to crush it, +gave himself a heavy blow. Then said the Fly jeeringly: “You wanted to +revenge the sting of a tiny insect with death; what will you do to +yourself, who have added insult to injury?” {The Man} made answer: “I am +easily reconciled to myself, because I know that there was no intention +of doing harm. But you, worthless insect, and one of a contemptible +race, who take a delight in drinking human blood, I could wish to +destroy you, even at a heavier penalty.” + +This Fable teaches that pardon is to be granted to him who errs through +mistake. But him who is designedly mischievous, I deem to be deserving +of {any} punishment. + + +FABLE IV. + +THE MAN AND THE ASS. + +A Man having sacrificed a young boar to the god Hercules, to whom he +owed performance of a vow {made} for the preservation of his health, +ordered the remains of the barley to be set for the Ass. But he refused +{to touch it}, and said: “I would most willingly accept your food, if he +who had been fed upon it had not had his throat cut.” + +Warned by the significance of this Fable, I have always been careful to +avoid the gain that exposed to hazard. “But,” say you, “those who have +got riches by rapine, are {still} in possession of them.” Come, then, +let us enumerate those, who, being detected, have come to a bad end; you +will find that those {so} punished constitute a great majority. + +Rashness brings luck to a few, misfortune to most. + + +FABLE V. + +THE BUFFOON AND THE COUNTRYMAN. + +Men are in the habit of erring through prejudice; and while they stand +up in defence of their erroneous notions, {are wont} to be driven by +plain facts to confession of their mistakes. + +A rich Man, about to entertain the people with grand shows, invited all, +by the promise of a reward, to exhibit whatever new piece of ingenuity +any one could. The Performers came to the contest for fame, among whom a +Buffoon, well known for his drollery, said that he had a kind of +entertainment which had never yet been brought out at {any} theatre. The +rumour, spreading, brought together the {whole} city; and the places, +empty shortly before, sufficed not for the multitude. But as soon as he +appeared on the stage, alone, {and} without any apparatus, any +stage-assistants, the very intenseness of expectation produced silence. +Suddenly, he dropped down his head towards his bosom, and so well did he +imitate the voice of a pig with his own, that they concluded there was a +real one under his cloak, and ordered it to be shaken out. This being +done, as soon as they found that nothing was discovered, they loaded the +Man with many praises, and bestowed upon him the greatest applause. + +A Countryman seeing this take place: “Egad,” said he, “he shan’t surpass +me;” and immediately gave out that he would do the same thing still +better on the following day. A still greater crowd assembled. Prejudice +had already taken possession of their minds, and they took their seats, +determined to deride, and not as {unbiassed} spectators. Both Performers +come forth. First, the Buffoon grunts away, and excites their applause, +and awakens their acclamations. Next, the Countryman, pretending that he +concealed a pig beneath his clothes (which, in fact, he did; but quite +unsuspected, because they had found none about the other), twitched the +ear of the real {pig}, which he was concealing, and with the pain forced +from it its natural cry. The people shouted with one voice that the +Buffoon had given a much more exact imitation, and ordered the +Countryman to be driven from the stage. On this, he produced the pig +itself from the folds of his cloak, and convicting them of their +disgraceful mistake by a manifest proof: “Look,” said {he}, “this shows +what sort of judges you are.” + + +FABLE VI. + +THE TWO BALD MEN. + +A Bald Man chanced to find a comb in the public road. Another, equally +destitute of hair, came up: “Come,” said he, “shares, whatever it is you +have found.” The other showed the booty, and added withal: “The will of +the Gods has favoured us, but through the malignity of fate, we have +found, as the saying is, a coal instead of a treasure.” + +This complaint befits him whom hope has disappointed. + + +FABLE VII. + +PRINCEPS, THE FLUTE-PLAYER. + +When a weak mind, beguiled by frivolous applause, has once given way to +insolent self-sufficiency, {such} foolish vanity is easily exposed to +ridicule. + +Princeps, the Flute-player, was pretty well known, being accustomed to +accompany Bathyllus[5] with his music on the stage. It chanced that, at +a representation, I don’t well remember what it was, while the +flying-machine[6] was being whirled along, he fell heavily, through +inadvertence, and broke his left leg, when he would much rather have +parted with two right ones.[7] He was picked up and carried to his house +groaning aloud. Some months pass by before his cure is completed. As is +the way with the spectators, for {they are} a merry race, the man began +to be missed, by whose blasts the vigour of the dancer was wont to be +kept at full stretch. + +A certain Nobleman was about to exhibit a show, just when Princeps was +beginning to walk abroad. With a present {and} entreaties he prevailed +upon him merely to present himself on the day of the show. When the day +came a rumour about the Flute-player ran through the theatre. Some +affirmed that he was dead, some that he would appear before them without +delay. The curtain falling,[8] the thunders rolled,[9] and the Gods +conversed in the usual form. At this moment the Chorus struck up a song +unknown to him who had so recently returned; of which the burthen was +this: “Rejoice, Rome, in security, for your prince [{Princeps}] is +well.” All rise with one consent and applaud. The Flute-player kisses +hands, {and} imagines that his friends are congratulating him. The +Equestrian order perceive the ridiculous mistake, and with loud laughter +encore the song. It is repeated. My man {now} throws himself {sprawling} +at full length upon the stage.[10] Ridiculing him, the Knights applaud; +while the people fancy he is {only} asking for a chaplet. When, however, +the reality came to be known throughout all the tiers, Princeps, his leg +bound up with a snow-white fillet, clad in snow-white tunic, {and} +snow-white shoes,[11] while pluming himself on the honors really paid to +the Deified House,[12] was thrust out headlong by common consent. + + [Footnote V.5: _Accompany Bathyllus_)--Ver. 5. He alludes to + Bathyllus, the favourite and freedman of Mecænas, and who brought + to perfection pantomimic dancing at Rome.] + + [Footnote V.6: _Flying-machine_)--Ver. 7. The “pegma” was a + piece of machinery used on the stage for the purpose of aiding the + ascents and descents of the Gods there represented.] + + [Footnote V.7: _Losing two right ones_)--Ver. 9. The Poet puns + on the twofold meanings of the word “tibia,” which signifies the + main bone of the leg, and a pipe or flute. These pipes were + right-handed or left-handed, probably varying in tone, two being + played at a time. Explained at length, the pun means, “Princeps + broke his left leg, when he could have better afforded to break + two right-handed pipes.”] + + [Footnote V.8: _The curtain falling_)--Ver. 23. The “aulæum,” + or stage-curtain, called also “siparium,” was a piece of tapestry + stretched on a frame, which, rising before the stage, concealed it + till the actors appeared. Instead of drawing up this curtain to + discover the stage and actors, according to the present practice, + it was depressed when the play began, and fell beneath the level + of the stage: whence “aulæa premuntur” or “mittuntur,” “the + curtain is dropped,” meant that the play had began.] + + [Footnote V.9: _The thunders rolled_)--Ver. 23. This thunder + was made by the noise of rolling stones in copper vessels.] + + [Footnote V.10: _Upon the stage_)--Ver. 32. The “pulpitum” was + properly an elevated place on the proscenium, or space between the + scene and the orchestra.] + + [Footnote V.11: _Snow-white shoes_)--Ver. 37. We learn from + Ovid and other authors that white shoes were solely worn by the + female sex.] + + [Footnote V.12: _To the Deified house_)--Ver. 38. Taking to + himself the honor that belonged to the house of Augustus, which + was worshipped with Divine honors.] + + +FABLE VIII. + +THE EMBLEM OF OPPORTUNITY. + +A Bald Man, balancing on a razor’s edge, fleet of foot, his forehead +covered with hair,[13] his body naked--if you have caught him, hold him +fast; when he has once escaped, not Jupiter himself can overtake him: he +is the emblem how shortlived is Opportunity. + +The ancients devised such a portraiture of Time, {to signify} that +slothful delay should not hinder the execution of our purposes. + + [Footnote V.13: _His forehead covered with hair_)--Ver. 2. + From this figure of Time or Opportunity, Time came to be + represented in the middle ages with a tuft of hair on his + forehead; whence our common expression “To take time by the + forelock,” signifying to make the best of an opportunity.] + + +FABLE IX. + +THE BULL AND THE CALF. + +When a Bull was struggling with his horns in a narrow passage, and could +hardly effect an entrance to the manger, a Calf began to point out in +what way he might turn himself: “Hush,” said {the Bull}, “I knew that +before you were born.” + +Let him who would instruct a wiser man, consider {this as} said to +himself. + + +FABLE X. + +THE HUNTSMAN AND THE DOG. + +A Dog, who had always given satisfaction to his master by his boldness +against swift and savage beasts, began to grow feeble under increasing +years. On one occasion, being urged to the combat with a bristling Boar, +he seized him by the ear; but, through the rottenness of his teeth, let +go his prey. Vexed at this, the Huntsman upbraided the Dog. Old +Barker[14] {replied}: “It is not my courage that disappoints you, but my +strength. You commend me for what I have been; and you blame me that I +am not {what I was}.” + +You, Philetus,[15] may easily perceive why I have written this. + + [Footnote V.14: _Old Barker_)--Ver. 7. We may here enumerate + the names of this nature, which we find given by Phædrus to + various animals: “laniger,” “wool-bearer,” the sheep; “auritulus,” + “long-ears,” the ass; “sonipes,” “sounding-hoof,” the horse; + “barbatus,” “long-beard,” the goat; “retorridus,” “brindle,” the + mouse; and “latrans,” “barker,” the dog.] + + [Footnote V.15: _Philetus._)--Ver. 10. Of this Philetus + nothing certain is known, but he is supposed to have been a + freedman of the emperor Claudius.] + + + + +THE NEW FABLES, + +BY SOME ATTRIBUTED TO PHÆDRUS.[1] + + [Footnote NF.1: _Attributed to Phædrus_)--Cassito and + Jannelli, with several other critics, are strongly of opinion that + these Fables were written by Phædrus. On a critical examination, + however, they will be found to be so dissimilar in style and + language from those acknowledged to be by Phædrus, that it is very + difficult not to come to the conclusion that they are the work of + some more recent writer, of inferior genius, and less pure + latinity. They were first published in 1809, at Naples, by + Cassito, from a MS. which had belonged to Nicholas Perotti, + Archbishop of Sipontum or Manfredonia, at the end of the fifteenth + century, and who, notwithstanding his assertions to the contrary, + was perhaps either the author of them or altered them very + materially. They appear in the MSS. in a mutilated condition; and + the lacunæ have been filled up according to the fancy of the + successive Editors of the Fables. Those inserted in Gail’s edition + have in general been here adopted.] + + +FABLE I. + +THE APE AND THE FOX. + +_The Greedy Man is not willing to give even from his superabundance._ + +An Ape asked a Fox for a part of her tail, that he might decently cover +his naked hinder parts therewith; but the ill-natured creature +{replied}: “Although it grow {even} longer {than it is}, still I will +sooner drag it through mud and brambles, than give you ever so small a +part {thereof}.” + + +FABLE II. + +THE AUTHOR. + +_We must not require what is unreasonable._ + +If Nature had[2] formed the human race according to my notions, it would +have been far better endowed: for she would have given us every good +quality that indulgent Fortune has bestowed on {any} animal: the +strength of the Elephant, and the impetuous force of the Lion, the +age of the Crow, the majestic port of the fierce Bull, the gentle +tractableness of the fleet Horse; and Man should still have had the +ingenuity that is peculiarly his own. Jupiter in heaven laughs to +himself, no doubt, he who, in his mighty plan, denied these {qualities} +to men, lest our audacity should wrest {from him} the sceptre of the +world. Contented, therefore, with the gifts of unconquered Jove, let us +pass the years of our time allotted by fate, nor attempt more than +mortality permits. + + [Footnote NF.2: _If nature had_)--Ver. 1. This can hardly be + styled a Fable; it is merely an Epilogue or moral lesson.] + + +FABLE III. + +MERCURY AND THE TWO WOMEN. + +_Another Fable on the same subject._ + +Once on a time, two Women had given their guest, Mercury, a mean and +sordid entertainment; one of the women had a little son in the cradle, +while the profession of a Courtesan had its charms for the other. In +order, therefore that he might give a suitable return for their +services, when about to depart, and just crossing the threshold, he +said: “In me you behold a God; I will give you at once whatever each may +wish.” The Mother makes her request, and asks that she may immediately +see her Son graced with a beard; the Courtesan {requests} that whatever +she touches may follow her. Mercury flies away--the women return +in-doors: behold the infant, with a beard, is crying aloud. The +Courtesan happened to laugh heartily at this, on which the humours {of +the head} filled her nostrils, as is often the case. Intending therefore +to blow her nose, she seized it with her hand, and drew out its length +to the ground; and {thus}, while laughing at another, she became herself +a subject for laughter.[3] + + [Footnote NF.3: _For laughter_)--Ver. 17. This story savours + more of the false wit of the middle ages than of the genius of + Phædrus.] + + +FABLE IV. + +PROMETHEUS AND CUNNING. + +_On Truth and Falsehood._ + +When once Prometheus, the framer of a new race, had formed Truth from +fine earth, that she might be able to dispense justice among mankind, +being suddenly summoned by the messenger of great Jove, he left {his} +workshop in charge of treacherous Cunning, whom he had lately received +in apprenticeship. The latter, inflamed by zeal, with clever hand formed +an image of similar appearance, corresponding stature, and like in every +limb, so far as the time permitted. When nearly the whole had now been +wondrously set up, he found he had no clay to make the feet. {His} +master came back, and Cunning, confused by fear at his quick return, sat +down in his own place. Prometheus, admiring so strong a resemblance, +wished the merit to appear to belong to his own skill, {and} therefore +placed the two images together in the furnace. When they were thoroughly +baked, and life had been breathed into them, hallowed Truth moved on +with modest gait; but her imperfect copy remained fixed on the spot. +Thence the spurious image, the result of the stealthy work, was called +Mendacity,[4] because they say, she has no feet,--an assertion with +which I readily agree. + + [Footnote NF.4: _Was called Mendacity_)--Ver. 21. There is a + sort of pun intended upon the word “menda,” a blemish. Because + Falsehood was blemished in having no feet, she was called + “mendacium” or “mendacity.” Here the author’s etymology is at + fault, as the word “mendacity” comes from “mentior,” to lie; which + is not likely to have been derived from “menda.” Besides, + Falsehood, whether she has feet or not, generally travels more + speedily than Truth.] + + +FABLE V.[5] + +THE AUTHOR. + +_Nothing is long concealed._ + +* * * Pretended vices are sometimes profitable to men, but still the +truth appears in time. + + [Footnote NF.5: _Fable V._)--This seems to be only a fragment; + probably the moral of a Fable now lost.] + + +FABLE VI. + +THE SIGNIFICATION OF THE PUNISHMENTS OF TARTARUS. + +_The meaning is to be considered, not the mere words._ + +The story of Ixion, whirling round upon the wheel, teaches {us} what a +rolling thing is fortune. Sisyphus, with immense labour, pushing the +stone up the lofty hill, which ever, his labour lost, rolls back from +the top, shows that men’s miseries are endless. When Tantalus is +athirst, standing in the midst of the river, the greedy are described, +whom a sufficiency of blessings surrounds, but none can they enjoy. The +wicked Danaïds carry water in urns, and cannot fill their pierced +vessels; just so, whatever you bestow on luxury, will flow out beneath. +Wretched Tityus is stretched over nine acres,[6] presenting for dire +punishment a liver that ever grows again: by this it is shown that the +greater the extent of land a man possesses, the heavier are his cares. +Antiquity purposely wrapped up the truth, in order that the wise might +understand--the ignorant remain in error. + + [Footnote NF.6: _Nine acres_)--Ver. 13. “Jugera.” The + “jugerum” was a piece of land 240 feet long by 120 wide.] + + +FABLE VII. + +THE AUTHOR. + +_On the Oracle of Apollo._ + +Phœbus! who dost inhabit Delphi and the beauteous Parnassus, say what is +most useful to us. Why do the locks of the holy prophetess stand erect; +the tripods shake; the holy shrines resound; the laurels, too,[7] +quiver, and the very day grow pale? Smitten by the Divinity, the Pythia +utters {these} words, and the warning of the Delian God instructs the +nations: “Practise virtue; pay your vows to the Gods above; defend your +country, your parents, your children, {and} your chaste wives with arms; +repel the foe with the sword; assist your friends; spare the wretched; +favour the good; meet the treacherous face to face; punish offences; +chastise the impious; inflict vengeance on those who, by base adultery, +defile the marriage couch; beware of the wicked; trust no man too far.” +Thus having said, the Maiden falls frenzied to the ground: frenzied, +indeed, for what she said, she said in vain. + + [Footnote NF.7: _The laurels, too_)--Ver. 5. The “cortina” or + oracular shrine was surrounded with laurels; which were said to + quiver while the oracles were being pronounced. This is probably + the most beautiful portion of these newly-discovered poems. Still, + it cannot with propriety be called a Fable.] + + +FABLE VIII. + +ÆSOP AND THE AUTHOR. + +_On a bad Author who praised himself._ + +A Person had recited[8] some worthless composition to Æsop, in which he +had inordinately bragged about himself. Desirous, therefore, to know +what the Sage thought {thereof}: “Does it appear to you,” said he, “that +I have been too conceited? I have no empty confidence in my own +capacity.” Worried to death with the execrable volume, Æsop replied: +“I greatly approve of your bestowing praise on yourself, for it will +never be your lot to receive it from another.” + + [Footnote NF.8: _A person had recited_)--Ver. 1. Adry remarks + that this is not a Fable, but only an Epigram.] + + +FABLE IX. + +POMPEIUS MAGNUS AND HIS SOLDIER. + +_How difficult it is to understand a man._ + +A Soldier of Pompeius Magnus, a man of huge bulk, by talking mincingly +and walking with an affected gait, had acquired the character of an +effeminate wretch, {and that} most fully established. Lying in wait by +night for the beasts of burden of his General, he drives away the mules +{laden} with garments and gold, and a vast weight of silver. A rumour of +what has been done gets abroad; the soldier is accused, {and} carried +off to the Prætorium. On this, Magnus {says to him}: “How say you? Have +you dared to rob me, comrade?” The soldier forthwith spits into his left +hand, and scatters about the spittle with his fingers. “Even thus, +General,” says he, “may my eyes drip out, if I have seen or touched +{your property}.” Then Magnus, a man of easy disposition, orders the +false accusers to be sent about their business,[9] and will not believe +the man guilty of so great audacity. + +Not long afterwards a barbarian, confiding in his strength of hand, +challenges one of the Romans. Each man fears to accept the challenge, +and the leaders of highest rank mutter {among themselves}. At length, +this effeminate wretch in appearance, but Mars in prowess, approached +the General, who was seated on his tribunal, and, with a lisping voice, +said “May I?”[10] But Magnus, getting angry, as {well he might}, the +matter being so serious, ordered him to be turned out. Upon this, an +aged man among the Chieftain’s friends, {remarked}: “I think it would be +better for this person to be exposed to the hazards of Fortune, since in +him our loss would be but small, than a valiant man, who, if conquered +through {some} mischance, might entail upon you a charge of rashness.” +Magnus acquiesced, and gave the Soldier permission to go out to meet +{the champion}, whose head, to the surprise of the army, he whipped off +sooner than you could say it, and returned victorious. Thereupon said +Pompeius: “With great pleasure I present you with the soldier’s crown, +because you have vindicated the honor of the Roman name; nevertheless,” +said he, “may my eyes drip out” (imitating the unseemly act with which +the Soldier had accompanied his oath), “if you did not carry off my +property from among the baggage.” + + [Footnote NF.9: _About their business_)--Ver. 13. The words + suggested in Orellius, “Indicii falsi auctores propelli jubet,” + are used here to fill up the lacuna.] + + [Footnote NF.10: _May I?_)--Ver. 29. “Licet?” meaning: “Do you + give me permission to go against the enemy?” The story about the + spittle savours of the middle ages.] + + +FABLE X. + +JUNO, VENUS, AND THE HEN. + +_On the Lustfulness of Women._ + +When Juno[11] was praising her own chastity, Venus did not lose the +opportunity of a joke, and, to show that there was no female equal to +herself {in that virtue}, is said to have asked this question of the +Hen: “Tell me, will you, with how much food could you be satisfied?” The +hen replied: “Whatever you give me will be enough; but still you must +let me scratch a bit with my feet.” “To keep you from scratching,” said +{the Goddess}, “is a measure of wheat enough?” “Certainly; indeed it is +too much; but still do allow me to scratch.” “In fine,” {said Venus}, +“what do you require, on condition of not scratching at all?” Then at +last the hen confessed the weak point in her nature: “Though a {whole} +barn were open for me, still scratch I must.” Juno is said to have +laughed at the joke of Venus, for by the Hen she meant the Female Sex. + + [Footnote NF.11: _When Juno_)--Ver. 1. This story is both + silly and in very bad taste.] + + +FABLE XI. + +THE FATHER OF A FAMILY AND ÆSOP. + +_How a bad-tempered Son may be tamed._ + +A Father of a family had a passionate Son, who, as soon as he had got +out of his fathers sight, inflicted many a blow upon the servants, and +gave loose to the impetuous temper of youth. Æsop consequently told this +short story to the old man. + +A certain Man was yoking an old Ox along with a Calf; and when the Ox +shunning {to bear} the yoke with a neck so unfit for it, alleged the +failing strength of his years: “You have no reason to fear,” said the +Countryman, “I don’t do this that you may labour, but that you may tame +him, who with his heels and horns has made many lame.” Just so, unless +you always keep your son by you, and by your management restrain his +temper, take care that the broils in your house don’t increase to a +still greater degree. Gentleness is the remedy for a bad temper.[12] + + [Footnote NF.12: _Remedy for a bad temper_)--Ver. 15. This + doctrine is stated in far too general terms.] + + +FABLE XII. + +THE PHILOSOPHER AND THE VICTOR IN THE GYMNASTIC GAMES. + +_How Boastfulness may sometimes be checked._ + +A Philosopher chancing to find the Victor in a gymnastic contest too +fond of boasting, asked him whether his adversary had been the stronger +man. {To this} the other {replied}: “Don’t mention it; my strength was +far greater.” “Then, you simpleton,” retorted {the Philosopher}, “what +praise do you deserve, if you, being the stronger, have conquered one +who was not so powerful? You might perhaps have been tolerated if you +had told us that you had conquered one who was your superior in +strength.” + + +FABLE XIII. + +THE ASS AND THE LYRE. + +_How Genius is often wasted through Misfortune._ + +An Ass espied a Lyre lying in a meadow: he approached and tried the +strings with his hoof; they sounded at his touch. “By my faith, a pretty +thing,” said he; “it happens unfortunately that I am not skilled in the +art. If any person of greater skill had found it, he might have charmed +my ears with divine notes.” + +So Genius is often wasted through Misfortune.[13] + + [Footnote NF.13: _Genius often wasted._)--Ver. 7. It seems to + border upon the absurd to speak of an ass losing the opportunity + of cultivating his “ingenium.” He can hardly with propriety be + quoted under any circumstances as a specimen of a “mute inglorious + Milton.”] + + +FABLE XIV. + +THE WIDOW AND THE SOLDIER. + +_The great Inconstancy and Lustfulness of Women._ + +A certain Woman[14] had for some years lost her beloved Husband, and had +placed his body in a tomb; and as she could by no means be forced from +it, and passed her life in mourning at the sepulchre, she obtained a +distinguished character for strict chastity. In the meantime, some +persons who had plundered the temple of Jupiter suffered the penalty of +crucifixion. In order that no one might remove their remains, soldiers +were appointed as guards of the dead bodies, close by the monument in +which the woman had shut herself up. Some time after, one of the Guards, +being thirsty, asked, in the middle of the night, for some water, of a +servant-maid, who chanced just then to be assisting her mistress, who +was going to rest; for she had been watching by a lamp, and had +prolonged her vigils to a late hour. The door being a little open, the +Soldier peeps in, and beholds a Woman, emaciated indeed, but of +beauteous features. His smitten heart is immediately inflamed, and he +gradually burns with unchaste desires. His crafty shrewdness invents a +thousand pretences for seeing her more frequently. Wrought upon by daily +intercourse, by degrees she became more complaisant to the stranger, and +soon enthralled his heart by a closer tie. While the careful Guard is +here passing his nights, a body is missed from one of the crosses. The +Soldier in his alarm relates to the Woman what has happened; but the +chaste Matron replies: “You have no grounds for fear;” and gives up the +body of her Husband to be fastened to the cross, that he may not undergo +punishment for his negligence. + +Thus did profligacy usurp the place of honour. + + [Footnote NF.14: _A certain Woman_)--Ver. 1. This is the story + of the Matron of Ephesus, told in a much more interesting manner + by Petronius Arbiter.] + + +FABLE XV. + +THE RICH SUITOR AND THE POOR ONE. + +_Fortune sometimes favours Men beyond their hopes and expectations._ + +Two Youths were courting a Maiden at the same time; the Rich man got the +better of the birth and good looks of the Poor one. When the appointed +day for the nuptials had arrived, the woe-begone Lover, because he could +not endure his grief, betook himself to some gardens near at hand; +a little beyond which, the splendid villa of the Rich man was about to +receive the Maiden from her mother’s bosom, as his house in the city +seemed not to be roomy enough. The marriage procession is arranged, +a great crowd flocks to the scene, and Hymenæus gives the marriage +torch. Now an Ass, which used to gain a living for the Poor man, was +standing at the threshold of a gate; and it so happens the maidens lead +him along, that the fatigues of the way may not hurt the tender feet {of +the Bride}. On a sudden, by the pity of Venus, the heavens are swept by +winds, the crash of thunder resounds through the firmament, and brings +on a rough night with heavy rain; light is withdrawn from their eyes, +and at the same moment a storm of hail, spreading in all directions, +beats upon them, frightening and scattering them on all sides, +compelling each to seek safety for himself in flight. The Ass runs under +the well-known roof close at hand, and with a loud voice gives notice of +his presence. The servants run out of doors, behold with admiration the +beautiful Maiden, and then go and tell their master. He, seated at table +with a few companions, was consoling his passion with repeated draughts. +When the news was brought him, exulting with delight, {both} Bacchus and +Venus exhorting him, he celebrated his joyous nuptials amid the +applauses of his comrades. The bride’s parents sought their daughter +through the crier, {while} the intended Husband grieved at the loss of +his Wife. After what had taken place became known to the public, all +agreed in approving of the favour shown by the Gods of heaven. + + +FABLE XVI. + +ÆSOP AND HIS MISTRESS. + +_How injurious it often is to tell the Truth._ + +Æsop being in the service of an Ugly Woman, who wasted the whole day in +painting herself up, and used fine clothes, pearls, gold, {and} silver, +yet found no one who would touch her with a finger: “May I {say} a few +words?” said he. “Say on,” {she replied}. “{Then} I think,” {said he}, +“that you will effect anything you wish, if you lay aside your +ornaments.” “Do I then seem to you so much preferable by myself?” {said +she}. “Why, no; if you don’t make presents, your bed will enjoy its +repose.” “But your sides,” she replied, “shan’t enjoy their repose;”[15] +and ordered the talkative Slave to be flogged. Shortly after a thief +took away a silver bracelet. When the Woman was told that it could not +be found, full of fury she summoned all {her slaves}, and threatened +them with a severe flogging if they did not tell the truth. “Threaten +others,” said {Æsop}, “indeed you won’t trick me, mistress; I was lately +beaten with the whip because I told the truth.” + + [Footnote NF.15: _Shan’t enjoy their repose_)--Ver. 9. The + play upon the word “cessabo,” seems redolent of the wit of the + middle ages, and not of the days of Phædrus.] + + +FABLE XVII. + +A COCK CARRIED IN A LITTER BY CATS. + +_An extreme feeling of Security often leads Men into Danger._ + +A Cock had some Cats to carry him in his litter: a Fox on seeing him +borne along in this pompous manner, said: “I advise you to be on your +guard against treachery, for if you were to examine the countenances of +those creatures, you would pronounce that they are carrying a booty, not +a burden.” As soon as the savage brotherhood[16] began to be hungry, +they tore their Master to pieces, and went shares in the proceeds of +their guilt. + + [Footnote NF.16: _Savage brotherhood_)--Ver. 6. “Societas.” + The brotherhood of litter-carriers, perhaps four or six in + number.] + + +FABLE XVIII. + +THE SOW BRINGING FORTH, AND THE WOLF + +_We must first make trial of a Man before we entrust ourselves to him._ + +A Sow was lying and groaning, her travail coming on; a Wolf came running +to her aid, and, offering his assistance, said that he could perform the +duties of midwife. She, however, understanding the treachery of the +wicked animal, rejected the suspicious services of the evil-doer, and +said: “If you keep at a greater distance it is enough.” + +But had she entrusted herself to the perfidious Wolf, she would have had +just as much pain to cry for, and her death {into the bargain}. + + +FABLE XIX. + +THE RUNAWAY SLAVE AND ÆSOP. + +_There is no necessity to add evil to evil._ + +A Slave, when running away from a Master of severe disposition, met +Æsop, to whom he was known as a neighbour: “Why {are} you in such a +hurry?” {said Æsop}. “I’ll tell you candidly, father,” {said the other}, +“for you are worthy to be called by that name, as our sorrows are safely +entrusted to you. Stripes are in superabundance; victuals fail: every +now and then I am sent to the farm as a slave to the rustics {there}: if +he dines at home I am kept standing by him all night, or if he is +invited out, I remain until daylight in the street. I have fairly earned +my liberty; but with grey hairs I am {still} a slave. If I were +conscious to myself of any fault, I should bear this patiently: I never +have had a bellyful, and, unhappy that I am, I have to put up with a +severe master besides. For these reasons, and {for others} which it +would take too long to recount, I have determined to go wherever my feet +may carry me.” “Listen then,” said Æsop; “When you have committed no +fault, you suffer these inconveniences as you say: what if you had +offended? What do you suppose you would {then} have had to suffer?” + +By such advice he was prevented from running away. + + +FABLE XX. + +THE CHARIOT-HORSE SOLD FOR THE MILL. + +_Whatever happens, we must bear it with equanimity._ + +A certain Man withdrew from his chariot a Horse, ennobled by many +victories, and sold him for the mill. As he was being led out of doors +from the mill-stones to water, he saw his fellows going towards the +Circus, to celebrate the joyous contests at the games. With tears +starting forth, he said, “Go on and be happy; celebrate without me the +festive day in the race; at the place to which the accursed hand of the +thief has dragged me, will I lament my sad fate.” + + +FABLE XXI. + +THE HUNGRY BEAR. + +_Hunger sharpens the wits._ + +If at any time[17] sustenance is wanting to the Bear in the woods, he +runs to the rocky shore, and, grasping a rock, gradually lets down his +shaggy thighs into the water; and as soon as the Crabs have stuck to the +long hair, betaking himself to shore, the crafty fellow shakes off his +sea-spoil, and enjoys the food that he has collected in every quarter. +Thus even in Fools does hunger sharpen the wits. + + [Footnote NF.17: _If at any time_)--Ver. 1. This is not a + Fable; it is merely an anecdote in natural history, and one not + very unlikely to have been true.] + + +FABLE XXII. + +THE TRAVELLER AND THE RAVEN. + +_Men are very frequently imposed upon by words._ + +A Man while going through the fields along his solitary path, heard the +word “Hail!” whereat he stopped for a moment, but seeing no one, went on +his way. Again the same sound saluted him from a hidden spot; encouraged +by the hospitable voice, he stopped short, that whoever it was might +receive the like civility. When, looking all about, he had remained long +in perplexity, and had lost the time in which he might have walked some +miles, a Raven showed himself, and hovering above him, continually +repeated “Hail!” Then, perceiving that he had been deluded: “Perdition +seize you,” said he, “most mischievous bird, to have thus delayed me +when I was in such a hurry.” + + +FABLE XXIII. + +THE SHEPHERD AND THE SHE-GOAT. + +_Nothing is secret which shall not be made manifest._[18] + +A Shepherd had broken[19] the horn of a She-Goat with his staff, {and} +began to entreat her not to betray him to his Master. “Although unjustly +injured,” {said she}, “still, I shall be silent; but the thing itself +will proclaim your offence.” + + [Footnote NF.18: _Be made manifest_)--Ver. 1. This moral is + couched in the same words as St. Luke, viii. 17: “For nothing is + secret which shall not be made manifest.”] + + [Footnote NF.19: _A Shepherd had broken_)--Ver. 1. As Adry + remarks, this Fable more closely resembles the brevity and + elegance of Phædrus.] + + +FABLE XXIV. + +THE SERPENT AND THE LIZARD. + +_When the Lion’s skin fails, the Fox’s must be employed; that is to say, +when strength fails, we must employ craftiness._ + +A Serpent chanced to catch a Lizard by the tail; but when she tried to +devour it with open throat, it snatched up a little twig that lay close +at hand, and, holding it transversely with pertinacious bite, checked +the greedy jaws, agape to devour it, by this cleverly contrived +impediment. So the Serpent dropped the prey from her mouth unenjoyed. + + +FABLE XXV. + +THE CROW AND THE SHEEP. + +_Many are in the habit of injuring the weak and cringing to the +powerful._ + +An pestilent Crow had taken her seat upon a Sheep; which after carrying +her a long time on her back and much against her inclination, remarked: +“If you had done thus to a Dog with his sharp teeth, you would have +suffered for it.” To this the rascally {Crow replied}: “I despise the +defenceless, and I yield to the powerful; I know whom to vex, and whom +to flatter craftily; by these means I put off my old age for years.” + + +FABLE XXVI. + +THE SERVANT AND THE MASTER. + +_There is no curse more severe than a bad conscience._ + +A Servant having been guilty[20] of a secret offence in debauching the +wife of his master, on the latter coming to know of it, he said, in the +presence of those standing by: “Are you quite pleased with yourself? +For, when you ought not, you do please yourself; but not with impunity, +for when you ought to be pleased, you cannot be.” + + [Footnote NF.20: _Having been guilty_)--Ver. 5. Chambry, one + of the French Editors, omits this, as unworthy of Phædrus, and + Adry pronounces it unintelligible. The meaning of this, which is + Jannelli’s version, seems to be: “When you ought not to please + yourself, you do please yourself, in committing the crime; but the + consequence is that, afterwards, when you ought to feel pleased, + in that you have gratified your desires, you cannot, in + consequence of your guilty conscience.” It is so mutilated, + however, that Cassitti, Jannelli, and other Editors give entirely + different versions.] + + +FABLE XXVII. + +THE HARE AND THE HERDSMAN. + +_Many are kind in words, faithless at heart._ + +A Hare was flying from the Huntsman with speedy foot, and being seen by +a Herdsman, as she was creeping into a thicket: “By the Gods of heaven, +I beg of you,” said she, “and by all your hopes, do not betray me, +Herdsman; I have never done any injury to this field.”[21] “Don’t be +afraid,” the Countryman replied, “remain concealed without +apprehension.” And now the Huntsman coming up, {enquired}: “Pray, +Herdsman, has a Hare come this way?” “She did come, but went off that +way to the left;” {he answered}, winking and nodding to the right. The +Huntsman in his haste did not understand him, and hurried out of sight. + +Then {said} the Herdsman: “Are you not glad that I concealed you?” +“I don’t deny,” said she, “that to your tongue I owe most sincere +thanks, and I return them, but I wish you may be deprived of your +perfidious eyes.” + + [Footnote NF.21: _Injury to this field_)--Ver. 4. The Hare is + more an enemy to the flowers in gardens than to the fields. It was + probably for this reason that the Romans sacrificed this animal to + the Goddess Flora.] + + +FABLE XXVIII. + +THE YOUNG MAN AND THE COURTESAN. + +_Many things are pleasing which still are not to our advantage._ + +While a perfidious Courtesan was fawning upon a Youth, and he, though +wronged {by her} many a time and oft, still showed himself indulgent to +the Woman, the faithless {Creature thus addressed him}: “Though many +contend {for me} with {their} gifts, still do I esteem you the most.” +The Youth, recollecting how many times he had been deceived, replied: +“Gladly, my love, do I hear these words; not because you are constant, +but because you administer to my pleasures.” + + +FABLE XXIX. + +THE BEAVER. + +_Many would escape, if for the sake of safety they would disregard their +comforts._ + +The Beaver (to which the talkative Greeks have given the name of Castor, +thus bestowing upon an animal the name of a God[22]--they who boast of +the abundance of their epithets) when can no longer escape the dogs, is +said to bite off his testicles, because he is aware that it is for them +he is sought; a thing which I would not deny being done through an +instinct granted by the Gods; for as soon as the Huntsman has found the +drug, he ceases his pursuit, and calls off the dogs. + +If men could manage, so as to be ready to part with what they own, in +order to live in safety for the future, there would be no one to devise +stratagems to the detriment of the naked body. + + [Footnote NF.22: _Name of a God_)--Ver. 3. This pun upon the + resemblance of “Castor,” the name of the demigod, to “Castor,” + “a beaver,” seems to be a puerile pun; and the remark upon the + limited “copia verborum” of the Greeks, seems more likely to + proceed from the Archbishop of Sipontum than from Phædrus, who was + evidently proud of his Grecian origin.] + + +FABLE XXX. + +THE BUTTERFLY AND THE WASP. + +_Not past but present Fortune must be regarded._ + +A Butterfly[23] seeing a Wasp flying by: “Oh, sad is our lot,” said she, +“derived from the depths of hell, from the recesses of which we have +received our existence. I, eloquent in peace, brave in battle, most +skilled in every art, whatever I once was, behold, light and rotten, and +mere ashes do I fly.[24] You, who were a Mule[25] with panniers, hurt +whomsoever you choose, by fixing your sting in him.” The Wasp, too, +uttered these words, well suited to her disposition: “Consider not what +we were, but what we now are.” + + [Footnote NF.23: _A Butterfly_)--Ver. 1. This Fable is in a + sadly mutilated state, and critics are at a loss to say, with any + certainty, what is meant by it. Whether the supposed word in l. 2, + “barathris,” (if really the correct reading), means the depths of + hell, or the inner folds of the leaves in which the Butterfly is + enveloped in the chrysalis state, or whether it means something + else, will probably always remain a matter of doubt. However, the + Fable seems to allude to the prevalent idea, that the soul, when + disengaged from the body, took the form of a butterfly. Indeed + the Greeks called both the soul and a butterfly by the name of + ψυχή. There are six or seven different versions of the first + five lines.] + + [Footnote NF.24: _Ashes do I fly_)--Ver. 6. It is just + possible that this may allude to the soul being disengaged from + the corruption of the body.] + + [Footnote NF.25: _Who were a Mule_)--Ver. 7. She would seem + here to allude to the doctrine of the transmigration of souls. It + may possibly have been a notion, that as the human soul took the + form of a Butterfly, the souls of animals appeared in the shapes + of Wasps and Flies.] + + +FABLE XXXI. + +THE GROUND-SWALLOW AND THE FOX. + +_Confidence is not to be placed in the wicked._ + +A Bird which the Rustics call a Ground-Swallow ({terraneola}), because +it makes its nest in the ground, chanced to meet a wicked Fox, on seeing +whom she soared aloft on her wings. “Save you,” said the other; “why, +pray, do you fly from me, as though I had not abundance of food in the +meadows,--crickets, beetles, {and} plenty of locusts. You have nothing +to fear, I beg {to assure you}; I love you dearly for your quiet ways, +and your harmless life.” {The Bird} replied: “You speak very fairly, +indeed; however, I am not near you, but up in the air; I shall therefore +proceed, and that is the way in which I trust my life to you.” + + +FABLE XXXII. + +THE EPILOGUE.[26] + +_Of those who read this book._ + +Whatever my Muse has here written in sportive mood, both malice and +worth equally join in praising; but the latter with candour, while the +other is secretly annoyed. + + [Footnote NF.26: _The Epilogue_)--This appears in reality to + be only the Fragment of an Epilogue.] + + + + +ÆSOPIAN FABLES.[1] + +THE AUTHORS OF WHICH ARE NOT KNOWN + + [Footnote AF.1: _Æsopian Fables_)--These Æsopian Fables appear + much more worthy of the genius of Phædrus than the preceding ones, + which have been attributed to him by the Italian Editors. The name + of the author or authors of these is unknown; but from the + internal evidence, it is not improbable that some may have been + composed by Phædrus.] + + +FABLE I. + +THE SICK KITE. + +A Kite having been sick for many months, and seeing now there was no +longer any hope of his recovery, asked his Mother to go round the sacred +places, and make the most earnest vows for his recovery. “I will do so, +my Son,” said she, “but I am greatly afraid I shall obtain no help; but +you, who have polluted every temple {and} every altar with your ravages, +sparing no sacrificial food, what is it you would now have me ask?” + + +FABLE II. + +THE HARES TIRED OF LIFE. + +He who cannot endure his own misfortune, let him look at others, and +learn patience. + +On one occasion, the Hares being scared in the woods by a great noise, +cried out, that, on account of their continued alarms, they would end +their lives. So they repaired to a certain pond, into which, in their +despondency, they were going to throw themselves. Alarmed at their +approach, some Frogs fled distractedly into the green sedge. “Oh!” says +one {of the hares}, “there are others too whom fear of misfortune +torments. Endure existence as others do.” + + +FABLE III. + +JUPITER AND THE FOX. + +No fortune conceals baseness of nature. + +Jupiter having changed a Fox into a human shape, while she was sitting +as a Mistress on a royal throne, she saw a beetle creeping out of a +corner, and sprang nimbly towards the well-known prey. The Gods of +heaven smiled; the Great Father was ashamed, and expelled the Concubine, +repudiated and disgraced, addressing her in these words: “Live on in the +manner that you deserve, you, who cannot make a worthy use of my +kindness.” + + +FABLE IV. + +THE LION AND THE MOUSE. + +This Fable teaches that no one should hurt those of more humble +condition. + +While a Lion was asleep in a wood, where some Field-Mice were sporting +about, one of them by chance leaped upon the Lion as he lay. The Lion +awoke and seized the wretched {creature} with a sudden spring. The +captive implored pardon {and} suppliantly confessed his crime, a sin of +imprudence. The Monarch, not deeming it a glorious thing to exact +vengeance for this, pardoned him and let him go. A few days after, the +Lion, while roaming by night, fell into a trap. When he perceived that +he was caught in the snare, he began to roar with his loudest voice. At +this tremendous noise the Mouse instantly ran to his assistance, and +exclaimed: “You have no need to fear; I will make an adequate return for +your great kindness.” Immediately he began to survey all the knots and +the fastenings of the knots; and gnawing the strings after he had +examined them, loosened the snare. Thus did the Mouse restore the +captured Lion to the woods. + + +FABLE V. + +THE MAN AND THE TREES. + +Those perish, who give assistance to their foes. + +A certain Man, having made an axe, besought the Trees to afford him a +handle from their wood that would prove firm: they all desired that a +piece of Olive-tree should be given. He accepted the offer, and, fitting +on the handle, set to work with the axe to hew down the huge trunks. +While he was selecting such as he thought fit, the Oak is reported thus +to have said to the Ash: “We richly deserve to be cut down.” + + +FABLE VI. + +THE MOUSE AND THE FROG. + +A Mouse, in order that he might pass over a river with greater ease, +sought the aid of a Frog. She tied the fore leg of the Mouse to her +hinder thigh. Hardly had they swum to the middle of the river, when the +Frog dived suddenly, trying to reach the bottom, that she might +perfidiously deprive the Mouse of life. While he struggled with all his +might not to sink, a Kite that was flying near at hand, beheld the prey, +and seizing the floundering Mouse in his talons, at the same time bore +off the Frog that was fastened to him. + +Thus do men often perish while meditating the destruction others. + + +FABLE VII. + +THE TWO COCKS AND THE HAWK. + +A Cock who had often fought with {another} Cock, and been beaten, +requested a Hawk {to act as} umpire in the contest. The latter conceived +hopes, if both should come, of devouring him who should first present +himself. Shortly after, when he saw that they had come to plead their +cause, he seized the one who first brought his case into court. The +victim clamorously exclaimed: “’Tis not I that should be punished, but +the one who took to flight;” the Bird {replied}: “Do not suppose that +you can this day escape my talons; it is just that you should now +yourself endure the treacheries you were planning for another.”[2] + +He who often cogitates upon the death of others, little knows what sad +Fate he may be preparing for himself. + + [Footnote AF.2: _Planning for another_)--Ver. 10. The nature + of the reason assigned by the Hawk is not very clear. Perhaps the + writer did not care that he should give even so much as a specious + reason.] + + +FABLE VIII. + +THE SNAIL AND THE APE. + +A Snail, smitten with admiration of a Mirror which she had found, began +to climb its shining face, and lick it, fancying she could confer no +greater favour upon it, than to stain its brightness with her slime. An +Ape, when he saw the Mirror {thus} defiled, remarked: “He who allows +himself to be trodden by such {beings}, deserves to suffer such a +disgrace.” + +This Fable is written for those Women who unite themselves to ignorant +and foolish Men. + + +FABLE IX. + +THE CITY MOUSE AND COUNTRY MOUSE. + +A City Mouse being once entertained at the table of a Country one, dined +on humble acorns in a hole. Afterwards he prevailed upon the Countryman +by his entreaties to enter the city and a cellar that abounded with the +choicest things. Here, while they were enjoying remnants of various +kinds, the door is thrown open, and in comes the Butler; the Mice, +terrified at the noise, fly in different directions, and the City one +easily hides himself in his well-known holes; while the unfortunate +Rustic, all trepidation in that strange house, and dreading death, runs +to-and-fro along the walls. When the Butler had taken what he wanted, +and had shut the door, the City Mouse bade the Country one again to +take courage. The latter, still in a state of perturbation, replied: +“I hardly can take any food for fear. Do you think he will come?” +--“Why are you in such a fright?” said the City one; “come, let us +enjoy dainties which you may seek in vain in the country.” The +Countryman {replied}: “You, who don’t know what it is to fear, will +enjoy all these things; but, free from care and at liberty, may acorns +be my food!” + +’Tis better to live secure in poverty, than to be consumed by the cares +attendant upon riches. + + +FABLE X. + +THE ASS FAWNING UPON HIS MASTER. + +An Ass, seeing the Dog fawn upon his master, and how he was crammed at +his table each day, and had bits thrown to him in abundance by the +Servants, thus remarked: “If the Master and the Servants are so very +fond of a most filthy Dog, what must it be with me, if I should pay him +similar attentions, who am much better than this Dog, and useful and +praiseworthy in many respects; who am supported by the pure streams of +undefiled water, and never in the habit of feeding upon nasty food? +Surely I am more worthy than a whelp to enjoy a happy life, and to +obtain the highest honor.” While the Ass is thus soliloquising, he sees +his Master enter the stable; so running up to him in haste and braying +aloud, he leaps upon him, claps both feet on his shoulders, begins to +lick his face; and tearing his clothes with his dirty hoofs, he fatigues +his Master with his heavy weight, as he stupidly fawns upon him. At +their Master’s outcry the Servants run to the spot, and seizing +everywhere such sticks and stones as come in their way, they punish the +braying {beast}, and knocking him off his Master’s body, soon send him +back, half-dead to the manger, with sore limbs and battered rump. + +{This} Fable teaches that a fool is not to thrust himself upon those who +do not want him, or affect to perform the part of one superior {to him}. + + +FABLE XI. + +THE CRANE, THE CROW, AND THE COUNTRYMAN. + +A Crane and a Crow had made a league on oath, that the Crane should +protect the Crow against the Birds, {and} that the Crow should foretell +the future, so that the Crane might be on her guard. After this, on +their frequently flying into the fields of a certain Countryman, and +tearing up by the roots what had been sown, the owner of the field saw +it, and being vexed, cried out: “Give me a stone, Boy, that I may hit +the Crane.” When the Crow heard this, at once she warned the Crane, who +took all due precaution. On another day, too, the Crow hearing him ask +for a stone, again warned the Crane carefully to avoid the danger. The +Countryman, suspecting that the divining Bird heard his commands, said +to the Boy: “If I say, give me a cake, do you secretly hand me a stone.” +The Crane came {again}; he bade the Boy give him a cake, but the Boy +gave him a stone, with which he hit the Crane, and broke her legs. The +Crane, on being wounded, said: “Prophetic Crow, where now are your +auspices? Why did you not hasten to warn your companion, as you swore +you would, that no such evil might befall me?” The Crow made answer: “It +is not my art that deserves to be blamed; but the purposes of +double-tongued people are so deceiving, who say one thing and do +another.” + +Those who impose upon the inexperienced by deceitful promises, fail not +to cajole them by-and-bye with pretended reasons. + + +FABLE XII. + +THE BIRDS AND THE SWALLOW. + +The Birds having assembled in one spot, saw a Man sowing flax in a +field. When the Swallow found that they thought nothing at all of this, +she is reported to have called them together, and thus addressed them: +“Danger awaits us all from this, if the seed should come to maturity.” +The Birds laughed {at her}. When the crop, however, sprang up, the +Swallow again remarked: “Our destruction is impending; come, let us root +up the noxious blades, lest, if they shortly grow up, nets may be made +thereof, and we may be taken by the contrivances of man.” The Birds +persist in laughing at the words of the Swallow, and foolishly despise +{this} most prudent advice. But she, in her caution, at once betook +herself to Man, that she might suspend her nest in safety under his +rafters. The Birds, however, who had disregarded her wholesome advice, +being caught in nets made of the flax, came to an untimely end. + + +FABLE XIII. + +THE PARTRIDGE AND THE FOX. + +Once on a time a Partridge was sitting in a lofty tree. A Fox came up, +and began {thus} to speak: “O Partridge, how beautiful is your aspect! +Your beak transcends the coral; your thighs the brightness of purple. +And then, if you were to sleep, how much more beauteous you would be.” +As soon as the silly Bird had closed her eyes, that instant the Fox +seized the credulous thing. Suppliantly she uttered these words, mingled +with loud cries: “O Fox, I beseech you, by the graceful dexterity of +your exquisite skill, utter my name as before, and then you shall devour +me.” The Fox, willing to speak, opened his mouth, and so the Partridge +escaped destruction. Then said the deluded Fox: “What need was there for +me to speak?” The Partridge retorted: “And what necessity was there for +me to sleep, when my hour for sleep had not come?” + +This is for those who speak when there is no occasion, and who sleep +when it is requisite to be on the watch. + + +FABLE XIV. + +THE ASS, THE OX, AND THE BIRDS. + +An Ass and an Ox, fastened to the same yoke, were drawing a waggon. +While the Ox was pulling with all his might he broke his horn. The Ass +swears that he experiences no help whatever from his weak companion. +Exerting himself in the labour, the Ox breaks his other horn, and at +length falls dead upon the ground. Presently, the Herdsman loads the Ass +with the flesh of the Ox, and he breaks down amid a thousand blows, and +stretched in the middle of the road, expires. The Birds flying to the +prey, exclaim: “If you had shown yourself compassionate to the Ox when +he entreated you, you would not have been food for us through your +untimely death.” + + +FABLE XV. + +THE LION AND THE SHEPHERD. + +A Lion,[3] while wandering in a wood, trod on a thorn, and soon after +came up, wagging his tail, to a Shepherd: “Don’t be alarmed,” {said he}, +“I suppliantly entreat your aid; I am not in search for prey.” Lifting +up the {wounded} foot, the Man places it in his lap, and, taking out the +thorn, relieves {the patient’s} severe pain: whereupon the Lion returns +to the woods. Some time after, the Shepherd (being accused on a false +charge) is condemned, and is ordered to be exposed to ravening Beasts at +the ensuing games. While the Beasts, on being let out,[4] are roaming +to-and-fro, the Lion recognizes the Man who effected the cure, and again +raising his foot, places it in the Shepherd’s lap. The King, as soon as +he aware of this, immediately restored the Lion to the woods, and the +Shepherd to his friends. + + [Footnote AF.3: _A Lion_)--Ver. 1. This story is also told by + Seneca--De Beneficiis, B. II. c. 19, and by Aulus Gellius, B. III. + c. 14.] + + [Footnote AF.4: _The Beasts, on being let out_)--Ver. 10. The + beasts were sent forth from “caveæ,” or “cages,” into the area of + the Circus or Amphitheatre.] + + +FABLE XVI. + +THE GNAT AND THE BULL. + +A Gnat having challenged a Bull to a trial of strength, all the People +came to see the combat. Then {said} the Gnat: “’Tis enough that you have +come to meet me in combat; for {though} little in my own idea, I am +great in your judgment,” {and so saying}, he took himself off on light +wing through the air, and duped the multitude, and eluded the threats of +the Bull. {Now} if the Bull had kept in mind his strength of neck, and +had contemned an ignoble foe, the vapouring of the trifler would have +been all in vain. + +He loses character who puts himself on a level with the undeserving. + + +FABLE XVII. + +THE HORSE AND THE ASS. + +A Steed, swelling {with pride} beneath his trappings, met an Ass, and +because the latter, wearied with his load, made room very slowly: +“Hardly,” said {the Horse}, “can I restrain myself from kicking you +severely.” The Ass held his peace, only appealing with his groans to the +Gods. The Horse in a short space of time, broken-winded with running, is +sent to the farm. There the Ass espying him laden with dung, thus jeered +him: “Where are your former trappings, vain boaster, who have now fallen +into the misery which you treated with such contempt?” + +Let not the fortunate man, unmindful of the uncertainty of fortune, +despise the lowly one, seeing that he knows not what he may come to +himself. + + +FABLE XVIII. + +THE BIRDS, THE BEASTS, AND THE BAT. + +The Birds were at war with the Beasts, and the conquerors were defeated +in their turn; but the Bat, fearing the doubtful issue of {the strife}, +always betook himself to those whom he saw victorious. When they had +returned to their former state of peace, the fraud was apparent to both +sides; convicted therefore of a crime so disgraceful, {and} flying from +the light, he thenceforth hid himself in deep darkness, always flying +alone by night. + +Whoever offers himself for sale to both sides, will live a life of +disgrace, hateful to them both. + + +FABLE XIX. + +THE NIGHTINGALE, THE HAWK, AND THE FOWLER. + +While a Hawk was sitting in a Nightingale’s nest, on the watch for a +Hare, he found there some young ones. The Mother, alarmed at the danger +of her offspring, flew up, and suppliantly entreated him to spare her +young ones. “I will do what you wish,” he replied, “if you will sing me +a tuneful song with a clear voice.” On this, much as her heart failed +her, still, through fear, she obeyed, and being compelled, full of grief +she sang. The Hawk, who had seized the prey, {then} said: “You have not +sung your best;” and, seizing one of the young ones with his claws, +began to devour it. A Fowler approaches from another direction, and +stealthily extending his reed,[5] touches the perfidious {creature} with +bird-lime, and drags him to the ground. + +Whoever lays crafty stratagems for others, ought to beware that he +himself be not entrapped by cunning. + + [Footnote AF.5: _Extending his reed_)--Ver. 13. From this it + would appear, that fowlers stood behind trees, and used reeds + tipped with birdlime, for the purpose of taking birds.] + + +FABLE XX. + +THE WOLF, THE FOX, AND THE SHEPHERD. + +A Wolf, in the course of time, had collected a store in his den, that he +might have food, which he might enjoy at his ease for many months. +A Fox, on learning this, went to the Wolf’s den, and {said} with +tremulous voice: “Is all right, brother? For not having seen you on the +look-out for prey in your woods, life has been saddened every day.” The +Wolf, when he perceived the envy of his rival, {replied}: “You have not +come hither from any anxiety on my account, but that you may get a +share. I know what is your deceitful aim.” The Fox enraged, comes to a +Shepherd, {and} says: “Shepherd, will you return me thanks, if to-day I +deliver up to you the enemy of your flock, so that you need have no more +anxiety?” The Shepherd {replied}: “I will serve you, and will with +pleasure give you anything you like.” She points out the Wolf’s den to +the Shepherd, who shuts him in, despatches him immediately with a spear, +and gladly gratifies his rival with the property of another. When, +however, the Fox had fallen into the Hunter’s hands, being caught and +mangled by the Dogs, she said: “Hardly have I done an injury to another, +ere I am now punished {myself}.” + +Whoever ventures to injure another, ought to beware lest a greater evil +befall himself. + + +FABLE XXI. + +THE SHEEP AND THE WOLVES. + +When the Sheep and the Wolves[6] engaged in battle, the former, safe +under the protection of the dogs, were victorious. The Wolves sent +ambassadors, and demanded a peace, ratified on oath, on these terms; +that the Sheep should give up the Dogs, and receive as hostages the +whelps of the Wolves. The Sheep, hoping that lasting concord would be +thus secured, did as the Wolves demanded. Shortly after, when the whelps +began to howl, the Wolves, alleging as a pretext, that their young ones +were being murdered, and that the peace had been broken by the Sheep, +made a simultaneous rush on every side, and attacked the latter {thus} +deprived of protectors; {and} so a late repentance condemned their folly +in putting faith in their enemies. + +If a person gives up to others the safeguard under which he has +previously lived in security, he will afterwards wish it back, but in +vain. + + [Footnote AF.6: _The Sheep and the Wolves_)--Ver. 1. + Demosthenes is said to have related this Fable to the Athenians, + when dissuading them from surrendering the Orators to Alexander.] + + +FABLE XXII. + +THE APE AND THE FOX. + +An Ape asked a Fox to spare him some part of her exceeding length of +tail, with which he might be enabled to cover his most unseemly hinder +parts. “For of what use,” said he, “is a tail of such extraordinary +length? For what purpose do you drag such a vast weight along the +ground?” The Fox {answered}: “Even if it were longer, and much bulkier, +I would rather drag it along the ground and through mud and thorns, than +give you a part; that you might not appear more comely through what +covers me.” + +Greedy and rich {man}, this Fable has a lesson for you, who, though you +have a superabundance, still give nothing to the poor. + + +FABLE XXIII. + +THE WOLF, THE SHEPHERD, AND THE HUNTSMAN. + +A Wolf, flying from the Huntsman’s close pursuit, was seen by a +Shepherd, {who noticed} which way he fled, and in what spot he concealed +himself. “Herdsman,” {said} the terrified fugitive, “by all your hopes, +do not, I do adjure you by the great Gods, betray an innocent being, who +has done you no injury.” + +“Don’t fear,” the Shepherd replied; “I’ll point in another direction.” +Soon after, the Huntsman comes up in haste: “Shepherd, have you not seen +a Wolf come this way? Which way did he run?” The Shepherd replied, in a +loud voice: “He certainly did come, but he fled to the left,” but he +secretly motioned with his eyes towards the right. The other did not +understand him, and went on in haste. Then {said} the Shepherd to the +Wolf: “What thanks will you give me for having concealed you?” “To your +tongue, I give especial ones,” said the Wolf, “but on your deceitful +eyes I pray that the darkness of eternal night may fall.” + +He who, courteous in his words, conceals deceit in his heart, may +understand that he is himself described in this Fable. + + +FABLE XXIV. + +THE TRUTHFUL MAN, THE LIAR, AND THE APES. + +A Liar and a Truthful Man, while travelling together, chanced to come +into the land of the Apes. One of the number, who had made himself King, +seeing them, ordered them to be detained, that he might learn what men +said of him, {and} at the same time he ordered all the Apes to stand in +lengthened array on the right and left; and that a throne should be +placed for himself, as he had formerly seen was the practice with the +Kings among men. After this he questions the men {so} ordered to be +brought before him: “What do you think of me, strangers?” “You seem to +be a most mighty King,” the Liar replied. “What of these whom you see +now about me?” “These are ministers,[7] these are lieutenants, and +leaders of troops.” The Ape thus lyingly praised, together with his +crew, orders a present to be given to the flatterer. On this the +Truth-teller {remarked} to himself: “If so great the reward for lying, +with what gifts shall I not be presented, if, according to my custom, +I tell the truth?” The Ape then {turns} to the Truthful Man: “And what +do you think of me and those whom you see standing before me?” He made +answer: “You are a genuine Ape, and all these {are} Apes, who are like +you.” The King, enraged, ordered him to be torn with teeth and claws, +because he had told the truth. + +A courtly lie is praised by the wicked; plain-spoken truth brings +destruction on the good. + + [Footnote AF.7: _Your ministers_)--Ver. 13. “Comites” here + seems to mean “ministers,” in the sense in which the word was used + in the times of the later Roman emperors.] + + +FABLE XXV. + +THE MAN AND THE LION. + +A Man was disputing with a Lion which was the stronger of the two, and +while they were seeking evidence on the matter in dispute, they came at +last to a sepulchre, on which {the human disputant} pointed out a Lion, +depicted with his jaws rent asunder by a Man--a striking proof of +superior strength. The Lion made answer: “This was painted by a human +hand; if Lions knew how to paint, you would see the man undermost. But I +will give a more convincing proof of our valour.” He {accordingly} led +the Man to some games,[8] where, calling his attention to men slain in +reality by Lions, he said: “There is no need of the testimony of +pictures here; real valour is shown by deeds.” + +{This} Fable teaches that liars use colouring in vain, when a sure test +is produced. + + [Footnote AF.8: _Some games_)--Ver. 9. “Spectaculum,” or + “venatio.” These were exhibited by the wealthy Romans in the + amphitheatre or circus, and on some occasions many hundred beasts + were slain in one day. Of course, as here mentioned, their + assailants would sometimes meet with an untimely end.] + + +FABLE XXVI. + +THE STORK, THE GOOSE, AND THE HAWK. + +A Stork, having come to a well-known pool, found a Goose diving +frequently beneath the water, {and} enquired why she did so. The other +replied: “This is our custom, and we find our food in the mud; and then, +besides, we thus find safety, and escape the attack of the Hawk when he +comes against us.” “I am much stronger than the Hawk,” said the Stork; +“if you choose to make an alliance with me, you will be able +victoriously to deride him.” The Goose believing her, and immediately +accepting her aid, goes with her into the fields: forthwith comes the +Hawk, and seizes the Goose in his remorseless claws and devours her, +while the Stork flies off. The Goose {called out after her}: “He who +trusts himself to so weak a protector, deserves to come to a still worse +end.” + + +FABLE XXVII. + +THE SHEEP AND THE CROW. + +A Crow, sitting at her ease upon a Sheep’s back, pecked her with her +beak. After she had done this for a long time, the Sheep, so patient +under injury, remarked: “If you had offered this affront to the Dog, you +could not have endured his barking.” But the Crow {thus answered} the +Sheep: “I never sit on the neck of one so strong, as I know whom I may +provoke; my years having taught me cunning, I am civil to the robust, +but insolent to the defenceless. Of such a nature have the Gods thought +fit to create me.” + +{This} Fable was written for those base persons who oppress the +innocent, {and} fear to annoy the bold. + + +FABLE XXVIII. + +THE ANT AND THE GRASSHOPPER. + +In winter time, an Ant was dragging forth from her hole, and drying, the +grains which, in her foresight, she had collected during the summer. +A Grasshopper, being hungry, begged her to give him something: the Ant +{replied}: “What were you doing in summer?” The other {said}: “I had not +leisure to think of the future: I was wandering through hedges and +meadows, singing away.” The Ant laughing, and carrying back the grains, +said: “Very well, you who were singing away in the summer, dance in the +winter.” + +Let the sluggard always labour at the proper time, lest when he has +nothing, he beg in vain. + + +FABLE XXIX. + +THE HORSE AND THE ASS. + +An Ass asked a Horse for a little barley. “With all my heart,” said he, +“if I had more than I wanted, I would give you plenty, in accordance +with my dignified position; but bye-and-bye, as soon as I shall have +come to my manger in the evening, I will give you a sackful of wheat.” +The Ass replied: “If you now deny me on a trifling occasion, what am I +to suppose you will do on one of greater importance?” + +They who, while making great promises, refuse small favours, show that +they are very tenacious of giving. + + +FABLE XXX. + +THE OLD LION AND THE FOX. + +Worn with years, a Lion pretended illness. Many Beasts came for the +purpose of visiting the sick King, whom at once he devoured. But a wary +Fox stood at a distance before the den, saluting the King. On the Lion +asking her why she did not come in: “Because,” {said she}, “I see many +foot-marks of those who have gone in, but none of those who came out.” + +The dangers of others are generally of advantage to the wary. + + +FABLE XXXI. + +THE CAMEL AND THE FLEA. + +A Flea, chancing to sit on the back of a Camel who was going along +weighed down with heavy burdens, was quite delighted with himself, as he +appeared to be so much higher. After they had made a long journey, they +came together in the evening to the stable. The Flea immediately +exclaimed, skipping lightly to the ground: “See, I have got down +directly, that I may not weary you any longer, {so} galled as you are.” +The Camel {replied}: “I thank you; but neither when you were on me did I +find myself oppressed by your weight, nor do I feel myself at all +lightened now you have dismounted.” + +He who, while he is of no standing, boasts to be of a lofty one, falls +under contempt when he comes to be known. + + +FABLE XXXII. + +THE KID AND THE WOLF. + +A She-Goat, that she might keep her young one in safety, on going forth +to feed, warned {her} heedless Kid not to open the door, because she +knew that many wild beasts were prowling about the cattle stalls. When +she was gone, there came a Wolf, imitating the voice of the dam, and +ordered the door to be opened for him. When the Kid heard him, looking +through a chink, he said to the Wolf: “I hear a sound like my Mother’s +{voice}, but you are a deceiver, and an enemy to me; under my Mother’s +voice you are seeking to drink my blood, and stuff yourself with my +flesh. Farewell.” + +’Tis greatly to the credit of children to be obedient to their parents. + + +FABLE XXXIII. + +THE POOR MAN AND THE SERPENT. + +In the house of a certain Poor Man, a Serpent was always in the habit of +coming to his table, and being fed there plentifully upon the crumbs. +Shortly after, the Man becoming rich, he began to be angry with the +Serpent, and wounded him with an axe. After the lapse of some time he +returned to his former poverty. When he saw that like the varying lot of +the Serpent, his own fortunes also changed, he coaxingly begged him to +pardon the offence. Then said the Serpent to him: “You will repent of +your wickedness until my wound is healed; don’t suppose, however, that I +take you henceforth with implicit confidence to be my friend. Still, +I could wish to be reconciled with you, if only I could never recall to +mind the perfidious axe.” + +He deserves to be suspected, who has once done an injury; and an +intimacy with him is always to be renewed with caution. + + +FABLE XXXIV. + +THE EAGLE AND THE KITE. + +An Eagle was sitting on a branch with a Kite, in sorrowful mood. “Why,” +{said} the Kite, “do I see you with such a melancholy air?” “I am +looking out,” said she, “for a mate suited to myself, and cannot find +one.” “Take me,” {said the Kite}, “who am so much stronger than you.” +“Well, are you able to get a living by what you can carry away?” “Many’s +the time that I have seized and carried off an ostrich in my talons.” +Induced by his words, the Eagle took him as her mate. A short time +having passed after the nuptials, the Eagle {said}: “Go and carry off +for me the booty you promised me.” Soaring aloft, the Kite brings back a +field-mouse, most filthy, and stinking from long-contracted mouldiness. +“Is this,” said the Eagle, “the performance of your promise?” The Kite +replied to her: “That I might contract a marriage with royalty, there is +nothing I would not have pledged myself to do, although I knew that I +was unable.” + +Those who seek anxiously for partners of higher rank, painfully lament a +deception that has united them to the worthless. + + + * * * * * + * * * * + + + THE FABLES OF PHÆDRUS, + + Translated Into English Verse + By CHRISTOPHER SMART, A.M., + Fellow Of Pembroke Hall, Cambridge. + + + + +BOOK I. + + +PROLOGUE. + + What from the founder Esop fell, + In neat familiar verse I tell: + Twofold’s the genius of the page, + To make you smile and make you sage. + But if the critics we displease, + By wrangling brutes and talking trees, + Let them remember, ere they blame, + We’re working neither sin nor shame; + ’Tis but a play to form the youth + By fiction, in the cause of truth. + + +FABLE I. THE WOLF AND THE LAMB. + + By thirst incited; to the brook + The Wolf and Lamb themselves betook. + The Wolf high up the current drank, + The Lamb far lower down the bank. + Then, bent his rav’nous maw to cram, + The Wolf took umbrage at the Lamb. + “How dare you trouble all the flood, + And mingle my good drink with mud?” + “Sir,” says the Lambkin, sore afraid, + “How should I act, as you upbraid? + The thing you mention cannot be, + The stream descends from you to me.” + Abash’d by facts, says he, “I know + ’Tis now exact six months ago + You strove my honest fame to blot”-- + “Six months ago, sir, I was not.” + “Then ’twas th’ old ram thy sire,” he cried, + And so he tore him, till he died. + To those this fable I address + Who are determined to oppress, + And trump up any false pretence, + But they will injure innocence. + + +II. THE FROGS DESIRING A KING. + + With equal laws when Athens throve, + The petulance of freedom drove + Their state to license, which o’erthrew + Those just restraints of old they knew. + Hence, as a factious discontent + Through every rank and order went, + Pisistratus the tyrant form’d + A party, and the fort he storm’d: + Which yoke, while all bemoan’d in grief, + (Not that he was a cruel chief, + But they unused to be controll’d) + Then Esop thus his fable told: + The Frogs, a freeborn people made, + From out their marsh with clamor pray’d + That Jove a monarch would assign + With power their manners to refine. + The sovereign smiled, and on their bog + Sent his petitioners a log, + Which, as it dash’d upon the place, + At first alarm’d the tim’rous race. + But ere it long had lain to cool, + One slily peep’d out of the pool, + And finding it a king in jest, + He boldly summon’d all the rest. + Now, void of fear, the tribe advanced, + And on the timber leap’d and danced, + And having let their fury loose, + In gross affronts and rank abuse, + Of Jove they sought another king, + For useless was this wooden thing. + Then he a water-snake empower’d, + Who one by one their race devour’d. + They try to make escape in vain, + Nor, dumb through fear, can they complain. + By stealth they Mercury depute, + That Jove would once more hear their suit, + And send their sinking state to save; + But he in wrath this answer gave: + “You scorn’d the good king that you had, + And therefore you shall bear the bad.” + Ye likewise, O Athenian friends, + Convinced to what impatience tends, + Though slavery be no common curse, + Be still, for fear of worse and worse. + + +III. THE VAIN JACKDAW. + + Lest any one himself should plume, + And on his neighbour’s worth presume; + But still let Nature’s garb prevail-- + Esop has left this little tale: + A Daw, ambitious and absurd, + Pick’d up the quills of Juno’s bird; + And, with the gorgeous spoil adorn’d, + All his own sable brethren scorn’d, + And join’d the peacocks--who in scoff + Stripp’d the bold thief, and drove him off. + The Daw, thus roughly handled, went + To his own kind in discontent: + But they in turn contemn the spark, + And brand with many a shameful mark. + Then one he formerly disdain’d, + “Had you,” said he, “at home remain’d-- + Content with Nature’s ways and will, + You had not felt the peacock’s bill; + Nor ’mongst the birds of your own dress + Had been deserted in distress.” + + +IV. THE DOG IN THE RIVER. + + The churl that wants another’s fare + Deserves at least to lose his share. + As through the stream a Dog convey’d + A piece of meat, he spied his shade + In the clear mirror of the flood, + And thinking it was flesh and blood, + Snapp’d to deprive him of the treat:-- + But mark the glutton’s self-defeat, + Miss’d both another’s and his own, + Both shade and substance, beef and bone. + + +V. THE HEIFER, GOAT, SHEEP, AND LION. + + A partnership with men in power + We cannot build upon an hour. + This Fable proves the fact too true: + An Heifer, Goat, and harmless Ewe, + Were with the Lion as allies, + To raise in desert woods supplies. + There, when they jointly had the luck + To take a most enormous buck, + The Lion first the parts disposed, + And then his royal will disclosed. + “The first, as Lion hight, I crave; + The next you yield to me, as brave; + The third is my peculiar due, + As being stronger far than you; + The fourth you likewise will renounce, + For him that touches, I shall trounce.” + Thus rank unrighteousness and force + Seized all the prey without remorse. + + +VI. THE FROGS AND SUN. + + When Esop saw, with inward grief, + The nuptials of a neighb’ring thief, + He thus his narrative begun: + Of old ’twas rumor’d that the Sun + Would take a wife: with hideous cries + The quer’lous Frogs alarm’d the skies. + Moved at their murmurs, Jove inquired + What was the thing that they desired? + When thus a tenant of the lake, + In terror, for his brethren spake: + “Ev’n now one Sun too much is found, + And dries up all the pools around, + Till we thy creatures perish here; + But oh, how dreadfully severe, + Should he at length be made a sire, + And propagate a race of fire!” + + +VII. THE FOX AND THE TRAGIC MASK. + + A Fox beheld a Mask-- “O rare + The headpiece, if but brains were there!” + This holds--whene’er the Fates dispense + Pomp, pow’r, and everything but sense. + + +VIII. THE WOLF AND CRANE. + + Who for his merit seeks a price + From men of violence and vice, + Is twice a fool--first so declared, + As for the worthless he has cared; + Then after all, his honest aim + Must end in punishment and shame. + A bone the Wolf devour’d in haste, + Stuck in his greedy throat so fast, + That, tortured with the pain, he roar’d, + And ev’ry beast around implored, + That who a remedy could find + Should have a premium to his mind. + A Crane was wrought upon to trust + His oath at length--and down she thrust + Her neck into his throat impure, + And so perform’d a desp’rate cure. + At which, when she desired her fee, + “You base, ungrateful minx,” says he, + “Whom I so kind forbore to kill, + And now, forsooth, you’d bring your bill!” + + +IX. THE HARE AND THE SPARROW. + + Still to give cautions, as a friend, + And not one’s own affairs attend, + Is but impertinent and vain, + As these few verses will explain. + A Sparrow taunted at a Hare + Caught by an eagle high in air, + And screaming loud-- “Where now,” says she, + “Is your renown’d velocity? + Why loiter’d your much boasted speed?” + Just as she spake, an hungry glede + Did on th’ injurious railer fall, + Nor could her cries avail at all. + The Hare, with its expiring breath, + Thus said: “See comfort ev’n in death! + She that derided my distress + Must now deplore her own no less.” + + +X. THE WOLF AND FOX, WITH THE APE FOR JUDGE. + + Whoe’er by practice indiscreet + Has pass’d for a notorious cheat, + Will shortly find his credit fail, + Though he speak truth, says Esop’s tale. + The Wolf the Fox for theft arraign’d; + The Fox her innocence maintain’d: + The Ape, as umpire, takes his seat; + Each pleads his cause with skill and heat. + Then thus the Ape, with aspect grave, + The sentence from the hustings gave: + “For you, Sir Wolf, I do descry + That all your losses are a lie-- + And you, with negatives so stout, + O Fox! have stolen the goods no doubt.” + + +XI. THE ASS AND THE LION HUNTING. + + A coward, full of pompous speech, + The ignorant may overreach; + But is the laughing-stock of those + Who know how far his valor goes. + Once on a time it came to pass, + The Lion hunted with the Ass, + Whom hiding in the thickest shade + He there proposed should lend him aid, + By trumpeting so strange a bray, + That all the beasts he should dismay, + And drive them o’er the desert heath + Into the lurking Lion’s teeth. + Proud of the task, the long-ear’d loon + Struck up such an outrageous tune, + That ’twas a miracle to hear-- + The beasts forsake their haunts with fear, + And in the Lion’s fangs expired: + Who, being now with slaughter tired, + Call’d out the Ass, whose noise he stops. + The Ass, parading from the copse, + Cried out with most conceited scoff, + “How did my music-piece go off?” + “So well--were not thy courage known, + Their terror had been all my own!” + + +XII. THE STAG AT THE FOUNTAIN. + + Full often what you now despise + Proves better than the things you prize; + Let Esop’s narrative decide: + A Stag beheld, with conscious pride, + (As at the fountain-head he stood) + His image in the silver flood, + And there extols his branching horns, + While his poor spindle-shanks he scorns-- + But, lo! he hears the hunter’s cries, + And, frighten’d, o’er the champaign flies-- + His swiftness baffles the pursuit: + At length a wood receives the brute, + And by his horns entangled there, + The pack began his flesh to tear: + Then dying thus he wail’d his fate: + “Unhappy me! and wise too late! + How useful what I did disdain! + How grievous that which made me vain.” + + +XIII. THE FOX AND THE CROW. + + His folly in repentance ends, + Who, to a flatt’ring knave attends. + A Crow, her hunger to appease, + Had from a window stolen some cheese, + And sitting on a lofty pine + In state, was just about to dine. + This, when a Fox observed below, + He thus harangued the foolish Crow: + “Lady, how beauteous to the view + Those glossy plumes of sable hue! + Thy features how divinely fair! + With what a shape, and what an air! + Could you but frame your voice to sing, + You’d have no rival on the wing.” + But she, now willing to display + Her talents in the vocal way, + Let go the cheese of luscious taste, + Which Renard seized with greedy haste. + The grudging dupe now sees at last + That for her folly she must fast. + + +XIV. THE COBBLER TURNED DOCTOR. + + A bankrupt Cobbler, poor and lean, + (No bungler e’er was half so mean) + Went to a foreign place, and there + Began his med’cines to prepare: + But one of more especial note + He call’d his sovereign antidote; + And by his technical bombast + Contrived to raise a name at last. + It happen’d that the king was sick, + Who, willing to detect the trick, + Call’d for some water in an ewer, + Poison in which he feign’d to pour + The antidote was likewise mix’d; + He then upon th’ empiric fix’d + To take the medicated cup, + And, for a premium, drink it up + The quack, through dread of death, confess’d + That he was of no skill possess’d; + But all this great and glorious job + Was made of nonsense and the mob. + Then did the king his peers convoke, + And thus unto th’ assembly spoke: + “My lords and gentlemen, I rate + Your folly as inordinate, + Who trust your heads into his hand, + Where no one had his heels japann’d.”-- + This story their attention craves + Whose weakness is the prey of knaves. + + +XV. THE SAPIENT ASS. + + In all the changes of a state, + The poor are the most fortunate, + Who, save the name of him they call + Their king, can find no odds at all. + The truth of this you now may read-- + A fearful old man in a mead, + While leading of his Ass about, + Was startled at the sudden shout + Of enemies approaching nigh. + He then advised the Ass to fly, + “Lest we be taken in the place:” + But loth at all to mend his pace, + “Pray, will the conqueror,” quoth Jack, + “With double panniers load my back?” + “No,” says the man. “If that’s the thing,” + Cries he, “I care not who is king.” + + +XVI. THE SHEEP, THE STAG, AND THE WOLF. + + When one rogue would another get + For surety in a case of debt, + ’Tis not the thing t’ accept the terms, + But dread th’ event--the tale affirms. + A Stag approach’d the Sheep, to treat + For one good bushel of her wheat. + “The honest Wolf will give his bond.” + At which, beginning to despond, + “The Wolf (cries she) ’s a vagrant bite. + And you are quickly out of sight; + Where shall I find or him or you + Upon the day the debt is due?” + + +XVII. THE SHEEP, THE DOG, AND THE WOLF. + + Liars are liable to rue + The mischief they’re so prone to do. + The Sheep a Dog unjustly dunn’d + One loaf directly to refund, + Which he the Dog to the said Sheep + Had given in confidence to keep. + The Wolf was summoned, and he swore + It was not one, but ten or more. + The Sheep was therefore cast at law + To pay for things she never saw. + But, lo! ere many days ensued, + Dead in a ditch the Wolf she view’d: + “This, this,” she cried, “is Heaven’s decree + Of justice on a wretch like thee.” + + +XIX. THE BITCH AND HER PUPPIES. + + Bad men have speeches smooth and fair, + Of which, that we should be aware, + And such designing villains thwart, + The underwritten lines exhort. + A Bitch besought one of her kin + For room to put her Puppies in: + She, loth to say her neighbour nay, + Directly lent both hole and hay. + But asking to be repossess’d, + For longer time the former press’d, + Until her Puppies gather’d strength, + Which second lease expired at length; + And when, abused at such a rate, + The lender grew importunate, + “The place,” quoth she, “I will resign + When you’re a match for me and mine.” + + +XX. THE HUNGRY DOGS. + + A stupid plan that fools project, + Not only will not take effect, + But proves destructive in the end + To those that bungle and pretend. + Some hungry Dogs beheld an hide + Deep sunk beneath the crystal tide, + Which, that they might extract for food, + They strove to drink up all the flood; + But bursten in the desp’rate deed, + They perish’d, ere they could succeed. + + +XXI. THE OLD LION. + + Whoever, to his honor’s cost, + His pristine dignity has lost, + Is the fool’s jest and coward’s scorn, + When once deserted and forlorn. + With years enfeebled and decay’d, + A Lion gasping hard was laid: + Then came, with furious tusk, a boar, + To vindicate his wrongs of yore: + The bull was next in hostile spite, + With goring horn his foe to smite: + At length the ass himself, secure + That now impunity was sure, + His blow too insolently deals, + And kicks his forehead with his heels. + Then thus the Lion, as he died: + “’Twas hard to bear the brave,” he cried; + “But to be trampled on by thee + Is Nature’s last indignity; + And thou, O despicable thing, + Giv’st death at least a double sting.” + + +XXII. THE MAN AND THE WEASEL. + + A Weasel, by a person caught, + And willing to get off, besought + The man to spare. “Be not severe + On him that keeps your pantry clear + Of those intolerable mice.” + “This were,” says he, “a work of price, + If done entirely for my sake, + And good had been the plea you make: + But since, with all these pains and care, + You seize yourself the dainty fare + On which those vermin used to fall, + And then devour the mice and all, + Urge not a benefit in vain.” + This said, the miscreant was slain. + The satire here those chaps will own, + Who, useful to themselves alone, + And bustling for a private end, + Would boast the merit of a friend. + + +XXIII. THE FAITHFUL HOUSE-DOG. + + A Man that’s gen’rous all at once + May dupe a novice or a dunce; + But to no purpose are the snares + He for the knowing ones prepares. + When late at night a felon tried + To bribe a Dog with food, he cried, + “What ho! do you attempt to stop + The mouth of him that guards the shop? + You ’re mightily mistaken, sir, + For this strange kindness is a spur, + To make me double all my din, + Lest such a scoundrel should come in.” + + +XXIV. THE PROUD FROG. + + When poor men to expenses run, + And ape their betters, they’re undone. + An Ox the Frog a-grazing view’d, + And envying his magnitude, + She puffs her wrinkled skin, and tries + To vie with his enormous size: + Then asks her young to own at least + That she was bigger than the beast. + They answer, No. With might and main + She swells and strains, and swells again. + “Now for it, who has got the day?” + The Ox is larger still, they say. + At length, with more and more ado, + She raged and puffed, and burst in two. + + +XXV. THE DOG AND THE CROCODILE. + + Who give bad precepts to the wise, + And cautious men with guile advise, + Not only lose their toil and time, + But slip into sarcastic rhyme. + The dogs that are about the Nile, + Through terror of the Crocodile, + Are therefore said to drink and run. + It happen’d on a day, that one, + As scamp’ring by the river side, + Was by the Crocodile espied: + “Sir, at your leisure drink, nor fear + The least design or treach’ry here.” + “That,” says the Dog, “ma’m, would I do + With all my heart, and thank you too, + But as you can on dog’s flesh dine, + You shall not taste a bit of mine.” + + +XXVI. THE FOX AND THE STORK. + + One should do injury to none; + But he that has th’ assault begun, + Ought, says the fabulist, to find + The dread of being served in kind, + A Fox, to sup within his cave + The Stork an invitation gave, + Where, in a shallow dish, was pour’d + Some broth, which he himself devour’d; + While the poor hungry Stork was fain + Inevitably to abstain. + The Stork, in turn, the Fox invites, + And brings her liver and her lights + In a tall flagon, finely minced, + And thrusting in her beak, convinced + The Fox that he in grief must fast, + While she enjoy’d the rich repast. + Then, as in vain he lick’d the neck, + The Stork was heard her guest to check, + “That every one the fruits should bear + Of their example, is but fair.” + + +XXVII. THE DOG, TREASURE, AND VULTURE. + + A Dog, while scratching up the ground, + ’Mongst human bones a treasure found; + But as his sacrilege was great, + To covet riches was his fate, + And punishment of his offence; + He therefore never stirr’d from thence, + But both in hunger and the cold, + With anxious care he watch’d the gold, + Till wholly negligent of food, + A ling’ring death at length ensued. + Upon his corse a Vulture stood, + And thus descanted:-- “It is good, + O Dog, that there thou liest bereaved + Who in the highway wast conceived, + And on a scurvy dunghill bred, + Hadst royal riches in thy head.” + + +XXVIII. THE FOX AND EAGLE. + + Howe’er exalted in your sphere, + There’s something from the mean to fear; + For, if their property you wrong, + The poor’s revenge is quick and strong. + When on a time an Eagle stole + The cubs from out a Fox’s hole, + And bore them to her young away, + That they might feast upon the prey, + The dam pursues the winged thief, + And deprecates so great a grief; + But safe upon the lofty tree, + The Eagle scorn’d the Fox’s plea. + With that the Fox perceived at hand + An altar, whence she snatch’d a brand, + And compassing with flames the wood, + Put her in terror for her brood. + She therefore, lest her house should burn, + Submissive did the cubs return. + + +XXIX. THE FROGS AND BULLS. + + Men of low life are in distress + When great ones enmity profess. + There was a Bull-fight in the fen, + A Frog cried out in trouble then, + “Oh, what perdition on our race!” + “How,” says another, “can the case + Be quite so desp’rate as you’ve said? + For they’re contending who is head, + And lead a life from us disjoin’d, + Of sep’rate station, diverse kind.”-- + “But he, who worsted shall retire, + Will come into this lowland mire, + And with his hoof dash out our brains, + Wherefore their rage to us pertains.” + + +XXX. THE KITE AND THE DOVES. + + He that would have the wicked reign, + Instead of help will find his bane. + The Doves had oft escaped the Kite, + By their celerity of flight; + The ruffian then to coz’nage stoop’d, + And thus the tim’rous race he duped: + “Why do you lead a life of fear, + Rather than my proposals hear? + Elect me for your king, and + I Will all your race indemnify.” + They foolishly the Kite believed, + Who having now the pow’r received, + Began upon the Doves to prey, + And exercise tyrannic sway. + “Justly,” says one who yet remain’d, + “We die the death ourselves ordain’d.” + + + + +BOOK II. + + +PROLOGUE. + + The way of writing Esop chose, + Sound doctrine by example shows; + For nothing by these tales is meant, + So much as that the bad repent; + And by the pattern that is set, + Due diligence itself should whet. + Wherefore, whatever arch conceit + You in our narratives shall meet + (If with the critic’s ear it take, + And for some special purpose make), + Aspires by real use to fame, + Rather than from an author’s name. + In fact, with all the care I can, + I shall abide by Esop’s plan: + But if at times I intersperse + My own materials in the verse, + That sweet variety may please + The fancy, and attention ease; + Receive it in a friendly way; + Which grace I purpose to repay + By this consciousness of my song; + Whose praises, lest they be too long, + Attend, why you should stint the sneak, + But give the modest, ere they seek. + + +FABLE I. THE JUDICIOUS LION. + + + A Lion on the carcass stood + Of a young heifer in the wood; + A robber that was passing there, + Came up, and ask’d him for a share. + “A share,” says he, “you should receive, + But that you seldom ask our leave + For things so handily removed.” + At which the ruffian was reproved. + It happen’d that the selfsame day + A modest pilgrim came that way, + And when he saw the Lion, fled: + Says he, “There is no cause of dread, + In gentle tone--take you the chine, + Which to your merit I assign.”-- + Then having parted what he slew, + To favour his approach withdrew. + A great example, worthy praise, + But not much copied now-a-days! + For churls have coffers that o’erflow, + And sheepish worth is poor and low. + + +II. THE BALD-PATE DUPE. + + Fondling or fondled--any how-- + (Examples of all times allow) + That men by women must be fleeced. + A dame, whose years were well increased, + But skill’d t’ affect a youthful mien, + Was a staid husband’s empress queen; + Who yet sequester’d half his heart + For a young damsel, brisk and smart. + They, while each wanted to attach + Themselves to him, and seem his match, + Began to tamper with his hair. + He, pleased with their officious care, + Was on a sudden made a coot; + For the young strumpet, branch and root, + Stripp’d of the hoary hairs his crown, + E’en as th’ old cat grubb’d up the brown. + + +III. THE MAN AND THE DOG. + + Torn by a Cur, a man was led + To throw the snappish thief some bread + Dipt in the blood, which, he was told, + Had been a remedy of old. Then + Esop thus:-- “Forbear to show + A pack of dogs the thing you do, + Lest they should soon devour us quite, + When thus rewarded as they bite.” + One wicked miscreant’s success + Makes many more the trade profess. + + +IV. THE EAGLE, THE CAT, AND THE SOW. + + An Eagle built upon an oak + A Cat and kittens had bespoke + A hole about the middle bough; + And underneath a woodland + Sow Had placed her pigs upon the ground. + Then treach’rous Puss a method found + To overthrow, for her own good, + The peace of this chance neighbourhood + First to the Eagle she ascends-- + “Perdition on your head impends, + And, far too probable, on mine; + For you observe that grubbing + Swine Still works the tree to overset, + Us and our young with ease to get.” + Thus having filled the Eagle’s pate + With consternation very great, + Down creeps she to the Sow below; + “The Eagle is your deadly foe, + And is determined not to spare + Your pigs, when you shall take the air.” + Here too a terror being spread, + By what this tattling gossip said, + She slily to her kittens stole, + And rested snug within her hole. + Sneaking from thence with silent tread + By night her family she fed, + But look’d out sharply all the day, + Affecting terror and dismay. + The Eagle lest the tree should fall, + Keeps to the boughs, nor stirs at all; + And anxious for her grunting race, + The Sow is loth to quit her place. + In short, they and their young ones starve, + And leave a prey for Puss to carve. + Hence warn’d ye credulous and young, + Be cautious of a double tongue. + + +V. CÆSAR AND HIS SLAVE. + + There is in town a certain set + Of mortals, ever in a sweat, + Who idly bustling here and there, + Have never any time to spare, + While upon nothing they discuss + With heat, and most outrageous fuss, + Plague to themselves, and to the rest + A most intolerable pest. + I will correct this stupid clan + Of busy-bodies, if I can, + By a true story; lend an ear, + ’Tis worth a trifler’s time to hear. + Tiberius Cæsar, in his way + To Naples, on a certain day + Came to his own Misenian seat, + (Of old Lucullus’s retreat,) + Which from the mountain top surveys + Two seas, by looking different ways. + Here a shrewd slave began to cringe + With dapper coat and sash of fringe, + And, as his master walk’d between + The trees upon the tufted green, + Finding the weather very hot, + Officiates with his wat’ring-pot; + And still attending through the glade, + Is ostentatious of his aid. + Cæsar turns to another row, + Where neither sun nor rain could go; + He, for the nearest cut he knows, + Is still before with pot and rose. + Cæsar observes him twist and shift, + And understands the fellow’s drift; + “Here, you sir,” says th’ imperial lord. + The bustler, hoping a reward, + Runs skipping up. The chief in jest + Thus the poor jackanapes address’d + “As here is no great matter done, + Small is the premium you have won: + The cuffs that make a servant free, + Are for a better man than thee.” + + +VI. THE EAGLE, CARRION CROW, AND TORTOISE. + + No soul can warrant life or right, + Secure from men of lawless might; + But if a knave’s advice assist, + ’Gainst fraud and force what can exist? + An Eagle on a Tortoise fell, + And mounting bore him by the shell: + She with her house her body screens, + Nor can be hurt by any means. + A Carrion Crow came by that way, + “You’ve got,” says she, “a luscious prey; + But soon its weight will make you rue, + Unless I show you what to do.” + The captor promising a share, + She bids her from the upper air + To dash the shell against a rock, + Which would be sever’d by the shock. + The Eagle follows her behest, + Then feasts on turtle with his guest. + Thus she, whom Nature made so strong, + And safe against external wrong, + No match for force, and its allies, + To cruel death a victim dies. + + +VII. THE MULES AND ROBBERS. + + Two laden Mules were on the road-- + A charge of money was bestowed + Upon the one, the other bore + Some sacks of barley. He before. + Proud of his freight, begun to swell, + Stretch’d out his neck, and shook his bell. + The poor one, with an easy pace, + Came on behind a little space, + When on a sudden, from the wood + A gang of thieves before them stood; + And, while the muleteers engage, + Wound the poor creature in their rage + Eager they seize the golden prize, + But the vile barley-bags despise. + The plunder’d mule was all forlorn, + The other thank’d them for their scorn: + “’Tis now my turn the head to toss, + Sustaining neither wound nor loss.” + The low estate’s from peril clear, + But wealthy men have much to fear. + + +VIII. THE STAG AND THE OXEN. + + A Stag unharbour’d by the hounds, + Forth from his woodland covert bounds, + And blind with terror, at th’ alarm + Of death, makes to a neighb’ring farm; + There snug conceals him in some straw, + Which in an ox’s stall he saw. + “Wretch that thou art!” a bullock cried, + “That com’st within this place to hide; + By trusting man you are undone, + And into sure destruction run.” + But he with suppliant voice replies: + “Do you but wink with both your eyes, + I soon shall my occasions shape, + To make from hence a fair escape.” + The day is spent, the night succeeds, + The herdsman comes, the cattle feeds, + But nothing sees--then to and fro + Time after time the servants go; + Yet not a soul perceives the case. + The steward passes by the place, + Himself no wiser than the rest. + The joyful Stag his thanks address’d + To all the Oxen, that he there + Had found a refuge in despair. + “We wish you well,” an Ox return’d, + “But for your life are still concern’d, + For if old Argus come, no doubt, + His hundred eyes will find you out.” + Scarce had the speaker made an end, + When from the supper of a friend + The master enters at the door, + And, seeing that the steers were poor + Of late, advances to the rack. + “Why were the fellow’s hands so slack? + Here’s hardly any straw at all, + Brush down those cobwebs from the wall. + Pray how much labour would it ask?” + While thus he undertakes the task, + To dust, and rummage by degrees, + The Stag’s exalted horns he sees: + Then calling all his folks around, + He lays him breathless on the ground. + The master, as the tale declares, + Looks sharpest to his own affairs. + + +EPILOGUE. + + A statue of great cost and fame + Th’ Athenians raised to Esop’s name, + Him setting on th’ eternal base, + Whom servile rank could not disgrace; + That they might teach to all mankind + The way to honor’s unconfined, + That glory’s due to rising worth, + And not alone to pomp and birth. + Since then another seized the post + Lest I priority should boast, + This pow’r and praise was yet my own, + That he should not excel alone: + Nor is this Envy’s jealous ire, + But Emulation’s genuine fire. + And if Rome should approve my piece, + She’ll soon have more to rival Greece. + But should th’ invidious town declare + Against my plodding over-care, + They cannot take away, nor hurt + Th’ internal conscience of desert. + If these my studies reach their aim, + And, reader, your attention claim, + If your perception fully weighs + The drift of these my labour’d lays; + Then such success precludes complaint. + But if the Picture which I paint + Should happen to attract their sight, + Whom luckless Nature brought to light, + Who scorn the labours of a man, + And when they carp do all they can; + Yet must this fatal cause to mourn + With all its bitterness be borne, + Till fortune be ashamed of days, + When genius fails, and int’rest sways. + + + + +BOOK III. + +PROLOGUE, TO EUTYCHUS. + + + The tales of Phædrus would you read, + O Eutychus, you must be freed + From business, that the mind unbent + May take the author’s full intent. + You urge that this poetic turn + Of mine is not of such concern, + As with your time to interfere + A moment’s space: ’tis therefore clear + For those essays you have no call, + Which suit not your affairs at all. + A time may come, perhaps you’ll say, + That I shall make a holiday, + And have my vacant thoughts at large, + The student’s office to discharge-- + And can you such vile stuff peruse, + Rather than serve domestic views, + Return the visits of a friend, + Or with your wife your leisure spend, + Relax your mind, your limbs relieve, + And for new toil new strength receive? + From worldly cares you must estrange + Your thoughts, and feel a perfect change, + If to Parnassus you repair, + And seek for your admission there, + Me--(whom a Grecian mother bore + On Hill Pierian, where of yore + Mnemosyne in love divine + Brought forth to Jove the tuneful Nine. + Though sprung where genius reign’d with art, + I grubb’d up av’rice from my heart, + And rather for applause than pay, + Embrace the literary way) + Yet as a writer and a wit, + With some abatements they admit. + What is his case then, do you think, + Who toils for wealth nor sleeps a wink, + Preferring to the pleasing pain + Of composition sordid gain? + But hap what will (as Sinon said, + When to king Priam he was led), + I book the third shall now fulfil, + With Æsop for my master still; + Which book I dedicate to you, + As both to worth and honour due. + Pleased, if you read--if not, content + As conscious of a sure event, + That these my fables shall remain, + And after-ages entertain. + In a few words I now propose + To point from whence the Fable rose. + A servitude was all along + Exposed to most oppressive wrong, + The suff’rer therefore did not dare + His heart’s true dictates to declare; + But couch’d his meaning in the veil + Of many an allegoric tale, + And jesting with a moral aim, + Eluded all offence and blame. + This is the path that I pursue, + Inventing more than Æsop knew; + And certain topics by-the-by, + To my own hindrence did I try. + But was there any of mankind, + Besides Sejanus, so inclined, + Who was alone to work my fall, + Informer, witness, judge and all; + I would confess the slander true, + And own such hardships were my due; + Nor would I fly, my grief to ease, + To such poor lenitives as these. + If any through suspicion errs, + And to himself alone refers, + What was design’d for thousands more + He’ll show too plainly, where he’s sore. + Yet ev’n from such I crave excuse, + For (far from personal abuse) + My verse in gen’ral would put down + True life and manners of the town. + But here, perhaps, some one will ask + Why I, forsooth, embraced this task? + If Esop, though a Phrygian, rose, + And ev’n derived from Scythian snows; + If Anacharsis could devise + By wit to gain th’ immortal prize; + Shall I, who to learn’d Greece belong, + Neglect her honour and her song, + And by dull sloth myself disgrace? + Since we can reckon up in Thrace, + The authors that have sweetest sung, + Where Linus from Apollo sprung; + And he whose mother was a muse, + Whose voice could tenderness infuse + To solid rocks, strange monsters quell’d, + And Hebrus in his course withheld. + Envy, stand clear, or thou shalt rue + Th’ attack, for glory is my due. + Thus having wrought upon your ear, + I beg that you would be sincere, + And in the poet’s cause avow + That candor, all the world allow. + + +FABLE I. THE OLD WOMAN AND EMPTY CASK. + + An ancient dame a firkin sees, + In which the rich Falernian lees + Send from the nobly tinctured shell + A rare and most delicious smell! + There when a season she had clung + With greedy nostrils to the bung, + “O spirit exquisitely sweet!” + She cried, “how perfectly complete + Were you of old, and at the best, + When ev’n your dregs have such a zest!” + They’ll see the drift of this my rhyme, + Who knew the author in his prime. + + +II. THE PANTHER AND SHEPHERDS. + + Their scorn comes home to them again + Who treat the wretched with disdain. + A careless Panther long ago + Fell in a pit, which overthrow + The Shepherds all around alarm’d; + When some themselves with cudgels arm’d; + Others threw stones upon its head; + But some in pity sent her bread, + As death was not the creature’s due. + The night came on--the hostile crew + Went home, not doubting in the way + To find the Panther dead next day. + But she, recovering of her strength, + Sprang from the pit and fled at length. + But rushing in a little space + From forth her den upon the place, + She tears the flock, the Shepherd slays, + And all the region round dismays. + Then they began to be afraid + Who spared the beast and lent their aid; + They reck not of the loss, but make + Their pray’r for life, when thus she spake: + “I well remember them that threw + The stones, and well remember you + Who gave me bread--desist to fear, + For ’twas the oppressor brought me here.” + + +III. THE APE’S HEAD. + + A certain person, as he stood + Within the shambles buying food, + Amongst the other kitchen fare + Beheld an Ape suspended there; + And asking how ’twould taste, when dress’d, + The butcher shook his head in jest; + “If for such prog your fancy is, + Judge of the flavour by the phiz.” + This speech was not so true as keen, + For I in life have often seen + Good features with a wicked heart, + And plainness acting virtue’s part. + + +IV. ESOP AND THE INSOLENT FELLOW. + + Fools from success perdition meet. + An idle wretch about the street + At Esop threw a stone in rage. + “So much the better,” quoth the sage, + And gives three farthings for the job; + “I’ve no more money in my fob; + But if you’ll follow my advice, + More shall be levied in a trice.” + It happen’d that the selfsame hour + Came by a man of wealth and pow’r. + “There, throw your pellet at my lord, + And you shall have a sure reward!” + The fellow did as he was told; + But mark the downfall of the bold; + His hopes are baulk’d, and, lo! he gains + A rope and gibbet for his pains. + + +V. THE FLY AND THE MULE. + + A Fly that sat upon the beam Rated the + Mule: “Why, sure you dream? + Pray get on faster with the cart + Or I shall sting you till you smart!” + She answers: “All this talk I hear + With small attention, but must fear + Him who upon the box sustains + The pliant whip, and holds the reins. + Cease then your pertness--for I know + When to give back, and when to go.” + This tale derides the talking crew, + Whose empty threats are all they do. + + +VI. THE DOG AND THE WOLF. + + I will, as briefly as I may, + The sweets of liberty display. + A Wolf half famish’d, chanced to see + A Dog, as fat as dog could be: + For one day meeting on the road, + They mutual compliments bestowed: + “Prithee,” says Isgrim, faint and weak, + “How came you so well fed and sleek? + I starve, though stronger of the two.” + “It will be just as well with you,” + The Dog quite cool and frank replied, + “If with my master you’ll abide.” + “For what?” “Why merely to attend, + And from night thieves the door defend.” + “I gladly will accept the post, + What! shall I bear with snow and frost + And all this rough inclement plight, + Rather than have a home at night, + And feed on plenty at my ease?” + “Come, then, with me” --the Wolf agrees. + But as they went the mark he found, + Where the Dog’s collar had been bound: + “What’s this, my friend?” “Why, nothing.” + “Nay, Be more explicit, sir, I pray.” + “I’m somewhat fierce and apt to bite, + Therefore they hold me pretty tight, + That in the day-time I may sleep, + And night by night my vigils keep. + At evening tide they let me out, + And then I freely walk about: + Bread comes without a care of mine. + I from my master’s table dine; + The servants throw me many a scrap, + With choice of pot-liquor to lap; + So, I’ve my bellyful, you find.” + “But can you go where you’ve a mind?” + “Not always, to be flat and plain.” + “Then, Dog, enjoy your post again, + For to remain this servile thing, + Old Isgrim would not be a king.” + + +VII. THE BROTHER AND SISTER. + + Warn’d by our council, oft beware, + And look into yourself with care. + There was a certain father had + A homely girl and comely lad. + These being at their childish play + Within their mother’s room one day, + A looking-glass was in the chair, + And they beheld their faces there. + The boy grows prouder as he looks; + The girl is in a rage, nor brooks + Her boasting brother’s jests and sneers, + Affronted at each word she hears: + Then to her father down she flies, + And urges all she can devise + Against the boy, who could presume + To meddle in a lady’s room. + At which, embracing each in turn, + With most affectionate concern, + “My dears,” he says, “ye may not pass + A day without this useful glass; + You, lest you spoil a pretty face, + By doing things to your disgrace; + You, by good conduct to correct + Your form, and beautify defect.” + + +VIII. A SAYING OF SOCRATES. + + Though common be the name of friend, + Few can to faithfulness pretend, + That Socrates (whose cruel case, + I’d freely for his fame embrace, + And living any envy bear + To leave my character so fair) + Was building of a little cot, + When some one, standing on the spot, + Ask’d, as the folks are apt to do, + “How comes so great a man as you + Content with such a little hole?”-- + “I wish,” says he, “with all my soul + That this same little house I build + Was with true friends completely fill’d.” + + +IX. OF DOUBT AND CREDULITY. + + ’Tis frequently of bad event + To give or to withhold assent. + Two cases will th’ affair explain-- + The good Hippolytus was slain; + In that his stepdame credit found, + And Troy was levell’d with the ground; + Because Cassandra’s prescious care + Sought, but obtain’d no credence there. + The facts should then be very strong, + Lest the weak judge determine wrong: + But that I may not make too free + With fabulous antiquity, + I now a curious tale shall tell, + Which I myself remember well. + An honest man, that loved his wife, + Was introducing into life + A son upon the man’s estate. + One day a servant (whom, of late, + He with his freedom had endu’d) + Took him aside, and being shrewd, + Supposed that he might be his heir + When he’d divulged the whole affair. + Much did he lie against the youth, + But more against the matron’s truth: + And hinted that, which worst of all + Was sure a lover’s heart to gall, + The visits of a lusty rake, + And honour of his house at stake. + He at this scandal taking heat, + Pretends a journey to his seat; + But stopp’d at hand, while it was light, + Where, on a sudden, and by night, + He to his wife’s apartment sped, + Where she had put the lad to bed, + As watchful of his youthful bloom. + While now they’re running to the room, + And seek a light in haste, the sire, + No longer stifling of his ire, + Flies to the couch, where grouping round, + A head, but newly shaved, he found; + Then, as alone, he vengeance breath’d, + The sword within his bosom sheath’d-- + The candle ent’ring, when he spied + The bleeding youth, and by his side + The spotless dame, who being fast + Asleep, knew nothing that had pass’d, + Instant in utmost grief involved, + He vengeance for himself resolved; + And on that very weapon flew, + Which his too cred’lous fury drew. + Th’ accusers take the woman straight, + And drag to the centumvirate; + Th’ ill-natured world directly built + A strong suspicion of her guilts, + As she th’ estate was to enjoy-- + The lawyers all their skill employ; + And a great spirit those exert + Who most her innocence assert. + The judges then to Cæsar pray’d + That he would lend his special aid; + Who, as they acted upon oath, + Declared themselves extremely loth + To close this intricate affair-- + He, taking then himself the chair, + The clouds of calumny displaced. + And Truth up to her fountain traced. + “Let the freedman to vengeance go, + The cause of all this scene of woe: + For the poor widow, thus undone, + Deprived of husband and of son, + To pity has a greater plea + Than condemnation, I decree-- + But if the man, with caution due, + Had rather blamed than listen’d to + The vile accuser, and his lie + Had strictly search’d with Reason’s eye, + This desp’rate guilt he had not known, + Nor branch and root his house o’erthrown.” + Nor wholly scorn, nor yet attend + Too much at what the tatlers vend, + Because there’s many a sad neglect. + Where you have little to suspect; + And treach’rous persons will attaint + Men, against whom there’s no complaint. + Hence simple folks too may be taught + How to form judgments as they ought, + And not see with another’s glass; + For things are come to such a pass, + That love and hate work diff’rent ways, + As int’rest or ambition sways. + Them you may know, in them confide, + Whom by experience you have tried. + Thus have I made a long amends + For that brief style which some offends. + + +XI. THE COCK AND THE PEARL. + + A Cock, while scratching all around, + A Pearl upon the dunghill found: + “O splendid thing in foul disgrace, + Had there been any in the place + That saw and knew thy worth when sold, + Ere this thou hadst been set in gold. + But I, who rather would have got + A corn of barley, heed thee not; + No service can there render’d be + From me to you, and you to me.” + I write this tale to them alone + To whom in vain my pearls are thrown. + + +XII. THE BEES AND THE DRONES. + + Up in a lofty oak the Bees + Had made their honey-combs: but these + The Drones asserted they had wrought. + Then to the bar the cause was brought + Before the wasp, a learned chief, + Who well might argue either brief, + As of a middle nature made. + He therefore to both parties said: + “You’re not dissimilar in size, + And each with each your color vies, + That there’s a doubt concerning both: + But, lest I err, upon my oath, + Hives for yourselves directly choose, + And in the wax the work infuse, + That, from the flavor and the form, + We may point out the genuine swarm.” + The Drones refuse, the Bees agree-- + Then thus did Justice Wasp decree: + “Who can, and who cannot, is plain, + So take, ye Bees, your combs again.” + This narrative had been suppress’d + Had not the Drones refused the test. + + +XIII. ESOP PLAYING. + + As Esop was with boys at play, + And had his nuts as well as they, + A grave Athenian, passing by, + Cast on the sage a scornful eye, + As on a dotard quite bereaved: + Which, when the moralist perceived, + (Rather himself a wit profess’d + Than the poor subject of a jest) + Into the public way he flung + A bow that he had just unstrung: + “There solve, thou conjurer,” he cries, + “The problem, that before thee lies.” + The people throng; he racks his brain, + Nor can the thing enjoin’d explain. + At last he gives it up--the seer + Thus then in triumph made it clear: + “As the tough bow exerts its spring, + A constant tension breaks the string; + But if ’tis let at seasons loose, + You may depend upon its use.” + Thus recreative sports and play + Are good upon a holiday, + And with more spirit they’ll pursue + The studies which they shall renew. + + +XIV. THE DOG AND THE LAMB. + + A Dog bespoke a sucking Lamb, + That used a she-goat as her dam, + “You little fool, why, how you baa! + This goat is not your own mamma:” + Then pointed to a distant mead, + Where several sheep were put to feed. + “I ask not,” says the Lamb, “for her + Who had me first at Nature’s spur, + And bore me for a time about, + Then, like a fardel, threw me out; + But her that is content to bilk + Her own dear kids, to give me milk.” + “Yet she that yean’d you sure,” says Tray, + “Should be preferr’d” --“I tell thee nay-- + Whence could she know that what she hid + Was black or white?--but grant she did-- + I being thus a male begot + ’Twas no great favor, since my lot + Was hour by hour, throughout my life, + To dread the butcher and his knife. + Why should I therefore give my voice + For her who had no pow’r or choice + In my production, and not cleave + To her so ready to relieve, + When she beheld me left alone, + And has such sweet indulgence shown?” + Kind deeds parental love proclaim, + Not mere necessity and name. + + +XV. THE OWL AND THE GRASSHOPPER. + + Those who will not the forms obey + To be obliging in their way, + Must often punishment abide + For their ill-nature, and their pride. + A Grasshopper, in rank ill-will, + Was very loud and very shrill + Against a sapient Owl’s repose, + Who was compelled by day to doze + Within a hollow oak’s retreat, + As wont by night to quest for meat-- + She is desired to hold her peace. + But at the word her cries increase; + Again requested to abate + Her noise, she’s more importunate. + The Owl perceiving no redress, + And that her words were less and less + Accounted of, no longer pray’d, + But thus an artifice essay’d: + “Since ’tis impossible to nod, + While harping like the Delphian god, + You charm our ears, stead of a nap, + A batch of nectar will I tap, + Which lately from Minerva came; + Now if you do not scorn the same, + Together let us bumpers ply.” + The Grasshopper, extremely dry, + And, finding she had hit the key + That gain’d applause, approach’d with glee; + At which the Owl upon her flew, + And quick the trembling vixen slew. + Thus by her death she was adjudged + To give what in her life she grudged. + + +XVI. THE TREES PROTECTED. + + The gods took certain trees (th’ affair + Was some time since) into their care. + The oak was best approved by Jove, + The myrtle by the queen of love; + The god of music and the day + Vouchsafed to patronise the bay; + The pine Cybele chanced to please, + And the tall poplar Hercules. + Minerva upon this inquired + Why they all barren trees admired? + “The cause,” says Jupiter, “is plain, + Lest we give honour up for gain.” + “Let every one their fancy suit, + I choose the olive for its fruit.” + The sire of gods and men replies, + “Daughter, thou shalt be reckon’d wise + By all the world, and justly too; + For whatsover things we do, + If not a life of useful days, + How vain is all pretence to praise!” + Whate’er experiments you try, + Have some advantage in your eye. + + +XVII. JUNO AND THE PEACOCK. + + Her fav’rite bird to Juno came, + And was in dudgeon at the dame, + That she had not attuned her throat + With Philomela’s matchless note; + “She is the wonder of all ears; + But when I speak the audience sneers.” + The goddess to the bird replied, + (Willing to have him pacified,) + “You are above the rest endued + With beauty and with magnitude; + Your neck the em’rald’s gloss outvies, + And what a blaze of gemmeous dies + Shines from the plumage of your tail!” + “All this dumb show will not avail,” + Cries he, “if I’m surpass’d in voice.” + “The fates entirely have the choice + Of all the lots--fair form is yours; + The eagle’s strength his prey secures; + The nightingale can sing an ode; + The crow and raven may forebode: + All these in sheer contentment crave + No other voice than Nature gave.” + By affectation be not sway’d, + Where Nature has not lent her aid; + Nor to that flatt’ring hope attend, + Which must in disappointment end. + + +XVIII. ESOP AND THE IMPORTUNATE FELLOW. + + Esop (no other slave at hand) + Received himself his lord’s command + An early supper to provide. + From house to house he therefore tried + To beg the favor of a light; + At length he hit upon the right. + But as when first he sallied out + He made his tour quite round about, + On his return he took a race + Directly, cross the market-place: + When thus a talkative buffoon, + “Esop, what means this light at noon?” + He answer’d briefly, as he ran, + “Fellow, I’m looking for a man.” + Now if this jackanapes had weigh’d + The true intent of what was said, + He’d found that Esop had no sense + Of manhood in impertinence. + + +XIX. THE ASS AND PRIESTS OF CYBELE. + + The luckless wretch that’s born to woe + Must all his life affliction know-- + And harder still, his cruel fate + Will on his very ashes wait. + Cybele’s priests, in quest of bread, + An Ass about the village led, + With things for sale from door to door; + Till work’d and beaten more and more, + At length, when the poor creature died, + They made them drums out of his hide. + Then question’d “how it came to pass + They thus could serve their darling Ass?” + The answer was, “He thought of peace + In death, and that his toils would cease; + But see his mis’ry knows no bounds, + Still with our blows his back resounds.” + + + + +BOOK IV. + + +PROLOGUE. + + To you, who’ve graver things bespoke, + This seems no better than a joke, + And light for mere amusement made; + Yet still we drive the scribbling trade, + And from the pen our pleasure find, + When we’ve no greater things to mind. + Yet if you look with care intense, + These tales your toil shall recompense; + Appearance is not always true, + And thousands err by such a view. + ’Tis a choice spirit that has pried + Where clean contrivance chose to hide; + That this is not at random said, + I shall produce upon this head + A fable of an arch device, + About the Weasel and the Mice. + + +FABLE I. THE WEAZEL AND MICE. + + A Weasel, worn with years, and lame, + That could not overtake its game, + Now with the nimble Mice to deal, + Disguised herself with barley meal; + Then negligent her limbs she spread + In a sly nook, and lay for dead. + A Mouse that thought she there might feed, + Leapt up, and perish’d in the deed; + A second in like manner died; + A third, and sundry more beside: + Then comes the brindled Mouse, a chap + That oft escaped both snare and trap, + And seeing how the trick was played, + Thus to his crafty foe he said:-- + “So may’st thou prosper day and night, + As thou art not an errant bite.” + + +II. THE FOX AND THE GRAPES. + + An hungry Fox with fierce attack + Sprang on a Vine, but tumbled back, + Nor could attain the point in view, + So near the sky the bunches grew. + As he went off, “They’re scurvy stuff,” + Says he, “and not half ripe enough-- + And I’ve more rev’rence for my tripes + Than to torment them with the gripes.” + For those this tale is very pat + Who lessen what they can’t come at. + + +III. THE HORSE AND BOAR. + + A Wild-Boar wallow’d in the flood, + And troubled all the stream with mud, + Just where a horse to drink repair’d-- + He therefore having war declared, + Sought man’s alliance for the fight, + And bore upon his back the knight; + Who being skill’d his darts to throw, + Despatched the Wild-Boar at a blow. + Then to the steed the victor said, + “I’m glad you came to me for aid, + For taught how useful you can be, + I’ve got at once a spoil and thee.” + On which the fields he made him quit, + To feel the spur and champ the bit. + Then he his sorrow thus express’d: + “I needs must have my wrongs redress’d, + And making tyrant man the judge, + Must all my life become a drudge.” + This tale the passionate may warn, + To bear with any kind of scorn; + And rather all complaint withdraw + Than either go to war or law. + + +IV. ESOP AND THE WILL. + + That one man sometimes is more shrewd + Than a stupendous multitude, + To after-times I shall rehearse + In my concise familiar verse. + A certain man on his decease, + Left his three girls so much a-piece: + The first was beautiful and frail, + With eyes still hunting for the male; + The second giv’n to spin and card, + A country housewife working hard; + The third but very ill to pass, + A homely slut, that loved her glass. + The dying man had left his wife + Executrix, and for her life + Sole tenant, if she should fulfil + These strange provisos of his will: + “That she should give th’ estate in fee + In equal portions to the three; + But in such sort, that this bequest + Should not be holden or possess’d; + Then soon as they should be bereav’n + Of all the substance that was giv’n, + They must for their good mother’s ease + Make up an hundred sesterces.” + This spread through Athens in a trice; + The prudent widow takes advice. + But not a lawyer could unfold + How they should neither have nor hold + The very things that they were left. + Besides, when once they were bereft, + How they from nothing should confer + The money that was due to her. + When a long time was spent in vain, + And no one could the will explain, + She left the counsellors unfeed, + And thus of her own self decreed: + The minstrels, trinkets, plate, and dress, + She gave the Lady to possess. + Then Mrs. Notable she stocks + With all the fields, the kine and flocks: + The workmen, farm, with a supply + Of all the tools of husbandry. + Last, to the Guzzler she consigns + The cellar stored with good old wines, + A handsome house to see a friend, + With pleasant gardens at the end. + Thus as she strove th’ affair to close, + By giving each the things they chose, + And those that knew them every one + Highly applauded what was done + Esop arose, and thus address’d + The crowd that to his presence press’d: + “O that the dead could yet perceive! + How would the prudent father grieve, + That all th’ Athenians had not skill + Enough to understand his will!” + Then at their joint request he solved + That error, which had all involved. + “The gardens, house, and wine vaults too, + Give to the spinster as her due; + The clothes, the jewels, and such ware, + Be all the tippling lady’s share; + The fields, the barns, and flocks of sheep, + Give the gay courtesan to keep. + Not one will bear the very touch + Of things that thwart their tastes so much; + The slut to fill her cellar straight + Her wardrobe will evacuate; + The lady soon will sell her farms, + For garments to set off her charms; + But she that loves the flocks and kine + Will alienate her stores of wine, + Her rustic genius to employ. + Thus none their portions shall enjoy, + And from the money each has made + Their mother shall be duly paid.” + Thus one man by his wit disclosed + The point that had so many posed. + + +V. THE BATTLE OF THE MICE AND WEASELS. + + The routed Mice upon a day + Fled from the Weasels in array; + But in the hurry of the flight, + What with their weakness and their fright + Each scarce could get into his cave: + Howe’er, at last their lives they save. + But their commanders (who had tied + Horns to their heads in martial pride, + Which as a signal they design’d + For non-commission’d mice to mind) + Stick in the entrance as they go, + And there are taken by the foe, + Who, greedy of the victim, gluts + With mouse-flesh his ungodly guts. + Each great and national distress + Must chiefly mighty men oppress; + While folks subordinate and poor + Are by their littleness secure. + + +VI. PHÆDRUS TO THE CAVILLERS. + + Thou that against my tales inveigh’st, + As much too pleasant for thy taste; + Egregious critic, cease to scoff, + While for a time I play you off, + And strive to soothe your puny rage. + As Esop comes upon the stage, + And dress’d entirely new in Rome, + Thus enters with the tragic plume.-- + “O that the fair Thessalian pine + Had never felt the wrath divine, + And fearless of the axe’s wound, + Had still the Pelian mountain crown’d! + That Argus by Palladian aid + Had ne’er the advent’rous vessel made; + In which at first, without dismay, + Death’s bold professors won their way, + In which th’ inhospitable main + Was first laid open for the bane + Of Grecians and barbarians too. + Which made the proud Æetas rue, + And whence Medea’s crimes to nought + The house and reign of Pelias brought. + She--while in various forms she tries + Her furious spirit to disguise, + At one place in her flight bestow’d + Her brother’s limbs upon the road; + And at another could betray + The daughters their own sire to slay.” + How think you now?--What arrant trash! + And our assertions much too rash!-- + Since prior to th’ Ægean fleet + Did Minos piracy defeat, + And made adventures on the sea. + How then shall you and I agree? + Since, stern as Cato’s self, you hate + All tales alike, both small and great. + Plague not too much the man of parts; + For he that does it surely smarts.-- + This threat is to the fools, that squeam + At every thing of good esteem; + And that they may to taste pretend, + Ev’n heaven itself will discommend. + + +VII. THE VIPER AND THE FILE. + + He that a greater biter bites, + His folly on himself requites, + As we shall manifest forthwith.-- + There was a hovel of a smith, + Where a poor Viper chanced to steal, + And being greedy of a meal, + When she had seized upon a file, + Was answer’d in this rugged style: + “Why do you think, O stupid snake! + On me your usual meal to make, + Who’ve sharper teeth than thine by far, + And can corrode an iron bar?” + + +VIII. THE FOX AND THE GOAT. + + A crafty knave will make escape, + When once he gets into a scrape, + Still meditating self-defence, + At any other man’s expense. + A Fox by some disaster fell + Into a deep and fenced well: + A thirsty Goat came down in haste, + And ask’d about the water’s taste, + If it was plentiful and sweet? + At which the Fox, in rank deceit, + “So great the solace of the run, + I thought I never should have done. + Be quick, my friend, your sorrows drown.” + This said, the silly Goat comes down. + The subtle Fox herself avails, + And by his horns the mound she scales, + And leaves the Goat in all the mire, + To gratify his heart’s desire. + + +IX. THE TWO BAGS. + + Great Jove, in his paternal care, + Has giv’n a man two Bags to bear; + That which his own default contains + Behind his back unseen remains; + But that which others’ vice attests + Swags full in view before our breasts. + Hence we’re inevitably blind, + Relating to the Bag behind; + But when our neighbours misdemean, + Our censures are exceeding keen. + + +X. THE SACRILEGIOUS THIEF. + + A villain to Jove’s altar came + To light his candle in the flame, + And robb’d the god in dead of night, + By his own consecrated light: + Then thus an awful voice was sent, + As with the sacrilege he went: + “Though all this gold and silver plate + As gifts of evil men I hate; + And their removal from the fane + Can cause the Deity no pain; + Yet, caitiff, at th’ appointed time, + Thy life shall answer for thy crime. + But, for the future, lest this blaze, + At which the pious pray and praise, + Should guide the wicked, I decree + That no such intercourse there be.” + Hence to this day all men decline + To light their candle at the shrine; + Nor from a candle e’er presume + The holy light to re-illume. + How many things are here contain’d, + By him alone can be explain’d + Who could this useful tale invent. + In the first place, herein is meant, + That they are often most your foes + Who from your fost’ring hand arose. + Next, that the harden’d villain’s fate + Is not from wrath precipitate, + But rather at a destined hour. + Lastly, we’re charg’d with all our pow’r, + To keep ourselves, by care intense, + From all connexions with offence. + + +XI. HERCULES AND PLUTUS. + + Wealth by the brave is justly scorn’d, + Since men are from the truth suborn’d, + And a full chest perverts their ways + From giving or deserving praise. + When Hercules, for matchless worth, + Was taken up to heav’n from earth, + As in their turns to all the crowd + Of gratulating gods he bow’d, + When Plutus, Fortune’s son, he spies, + He from his face averts his eyes. + Jove ask’d the cause of this disgust: + “I hate him, as he is unjust, + To wicked men the most inclined, + And grand corrupter of mankind.” + + +XII. THE HE-GOATS AND SHE-GOATS. + + When the She-Goats from Jove obtain’d + A beard, th’ indignant Males complain’d, + That females by this near approach + Would on their gravity encroach. + “Suffer, my sapient friends,” says he, + “Their eminence in this degree, + And bear their beard’s most graceful length, + As they can never have your strength.” + Warn’d by this little tale, agree + With men in gen’ral form’d like thee, + While you by virtue still exceed, + And in the spirit take the lead. + + +XIII. THE PILOT AND SAILORS. + + On hearing a poor man lament + His worldly thoughts in discontent, + Esop this tale began to write, + For consolation and delight. + The ship by furious tempests toss’d, + The Mariners gave all for lost; + But midst their tears and dread, the scene + Is changed at once, and all serene. + The wind is fair, the vessel speeds, + The Sailors’ boist’rous joy exceeds: + The Pilot then, by peril wise, + Was prompted to philosophise. + “’Tis right to put a due restraint + On joy, and to retard complaint, + Because alternate hope and fright + Make up our lives of black and white.” + + +XIV. THE MAN AND THE ADDER. + + He, that malicious men relieves, + His folly in a season grieves. + A Man, against himself humane, + Took up an Adder, that had lain + And stiffen’d in the frosty air, + And in his bosom placed with care, + Where she with speed recov’ring breath, + Her benefactor stung to death. + Another Adder near the place, + On asking why she was so base, + Was told, “’Tis others to dissuade + From giving wickedness their aid.” + + +XV. THE FOX AND THE DRAGON. + + A Fox was throwing up the soil, + And while with his assiduous toil + He burrow’d deep into the ground, + A Dragon in his den he found, + A-watching hidden treasure there, + Whom seeing, Renard speaks him fair: + “First, for your pardon I apply + For breaking on your privacy; + Then, as you very plainly see + That gold is of no use to me, + Your gentle leave let me obtain + To ask you, what can be the gain + Of all this care, and what the fruit, + That you should not with sleep recruit + Your spirits, but your life consume + Thus in an everlasting gloom?” + “’Tis not my profit here to stay,” + He cries; “but I must Jove obey.” + “What! will you therefore nothing take + Yourself, nor others welcome make?” + “Ev’n so the fates decree:” --“Then, sir, + Have patience, whilst I do aver + That he who like affections knows + Is born with all the gods his foes. + Since to that place you needs must speed, + Where all your ancestors precede, + Why in the blindness of your heart + Do you torment your noble part?” + All this to thee do I indite, + Thou grudging churl, thy heir’s delight, + Who robb’st the gods of incense due, + Thyself of food and raiment too; + Who hear’st the harp with sullen mien, + To whom the piper gives the spleen; + Who’rt full of heavy groans and sighs + When in their price provisions rise; + Who with thy frauds heaven’s patience tire + To make thy heap a little higher, + And, lest death thank thee, in thy will + Hast tax’d the undertaker’s bill. + + +XVI. PHÆDRUS, ON HIS FABLES. + + What certain envious hearts intend + I very clearly comprehend, + Let them dissemble e’er so much.-- + When they perceive the master’s touch, + And find ’tis likely to endure, + They’ll say ’tis Esop to be sure-- + But what appears of mean design, + At any rate they’ll vouch for mine. + These in a word I would refute: + Whether of great or no repute, + What sprung from Esop’s fertile thought + This hand has to perfection brought; + But waiving things to our distaste, + Let’s to the destined period haste. + + +XVII. THE SHIPWRECK OF SIMONIDES. + + A man, whose learned worth is known, + Has always riches of his own. + Simonides, who was the head + Of lyric bards, yet wrote for bread, + His circuit took through every town + In Asia of the first renown, + The praise of heroes to rehearse, + Who gave him money for his verse. + When by this trade much wealth was earn’d, + Homewards by shipping he return’d + (A Cean born, as some suppose): + On board he went, a tempest rose, + Which shook th’ old ship to that degree, + She founder’d soon as out at sea. + Some purses, some their jewels tie + About them for a sure supply; + But one more curious, ask’d the seer, + “Poet, have you got nothing here?” + “My all,” says he, “is what I am.”-- + On this some few for safety swam + (For most o’erburden’d by their goods, + Were smother’d in the whelming floods). + The spoilers came, the wealth demand, + And leave them naked on the strand. + It happen’d for the shipwreck’d crew + An ancient city was in view, + By name Clazomena, in which + There lived a scholar learn’d and rich, + Who often read, his cares to ease, + The verses of Simonides, + And was a vast admirer grown + Of this great poet, though unknown. + Him by his converse when he traced, + He with much heartiness embraced, + And soon equipp’d the bard anew, + With servants, clothes, and money too, + The rest benevolence implored, + With case depicted on a board: + Which when Simonides espied, + “I plainly told you all,” he cried, + “That all my wealth was in myself; + As for your chattels and your pelf, + On which ye did so much depend, + They’re come to nothing in the end.” + + +XVIII. THE MOUNTAIN IN LABOR. + + The Mountain labor’d, groaning loud, + On which a num’rous gaping crowd + Of noodles came to see the sight, + When, lo! a mouse was brought to light! + This tale’s for men of swagg’ring cast, + Whose threats, voluminous and vast, + With all their verse and all their prose, + Can make but little on’t, God knows. + + +XIX. THE ANT AND THE FLY. + + An Ant and Fly had sharp dispute + Which creature was of most repute; + When thus began the flaunting Fly: + “Are you so laudible as I? + I, ere the sacrifice is carved, + Precede the gods; first come, first served-- + Before the altar take my place, + And in all temples show my face, + Whene’er I please I set me down + Upon the head that wears a crown. + I with impunity can taste + The kiss of matrons fair and chaste. + And pleasure without labor claim-- + Say, trollop, canst thou do the same?” + “The feasts of gods are glorious fare. + No doubt, to those who’re welcome there; + But not for such detested things.-- + You talk of matron’s lips and kings; + I, who with wakeful care and pains + Against the winter hoard my grains, + Thee feeding upon ordure view.-- + The altars you frequent, ’tis true; + But still are driv’n away from thence, + And elsewhere, as of much offence. + A life of toil you will not lead, + And so have nothing when you need. + Besides all this, you talk with pride + Of things that modesty should hide. + You plague me here, while days increase, + But when the winter comes you cease. + Me, when the cold thy life bereaves, + A plenteous magazine receives. + I think I need no more advance + To cure you of your arrogance.” + The tenor of this tale infers + Two very diff’rent characters; + Of men self-praised and falsely vain, + And men of real worth in grain. + + +XX. THE ESCAPE OF SIMONIDES. + + Th’ attention letters can engage, + Ev’n from a base degen’rate age, + I’ve shown before; and now shall show + Their lustre in another view, + And tell a memorable tale, + How much they can with heav’n prevail. + Simonides, the very same + We lately had a call to name, + Agreed for such a sum to blaze + A certain famous champion’s praise. + He therefore a retirement sought, + But found the theme on which he wrote + So scanty, he was forced to use + Th’ accustom’d license of the muse, + And introduced and praise bestow’d + On Leda’s sons to raise his ode; + With these the rather making free, + As heroes in the same degree. + He warranted his work, and yet + Could but one third of payment get. + Upon demanding all the due, + “Let them,” says he, “pay t’other two, + Who take two places in the song; + But lest you think I do you wrong + And part in dudgeon--I invite + Your company to sup this night, + For then my friends and kin I see, + ’Mongst which I choose to reckon thee.” + Choused and chagrined, yet shunning blame, + He promised, set the hour, and came; + As fearful lest a favour spurn’d + Should to an open breach be turn’d. + The splendid banquet shone with plate, + And preparations full of state + Made the glad house with clamors roar-- + When on a sudden at the door + Two youths, with sweat and dust besmear’d, + Above the human form appear’d, + And charged forthwith a little scout + To bid Simonides come out, + That ’twas his int’rest not to stay.-- + The slave, in trouble and dismay, + Roused from his seat the feasting bard, + Who scarce had stirr’d a single yard + Before the room at once fell in, + And crush’d the champion and his kin. + No youths before the door are found.-- + The thing soon spread the country round; + And when each circumstance was weigh’d, + They knew the gods that visit made, + And saved the poet’s life in lieu + Of those two-thirds which yet were due. + + +EPILOGUE TO EUTYCHUS. + + I yet have stock in hand to spare, + And could write on--but will forbear-- + First, lest I tire a friend, whose state + And avocations are so great: + And then, if other pens should try + This moral scheme as well as I, + They may have something to pursue:-- + Yet if the spacious field we view, + More men are wanting for the plan, + Rather than matter for the man. + Now for that prize I make my plea + You promised to my brevity. + Keep your kind word; for life, my friend, + Is daily nearer to its end; + And I shall share your love the less + The longer you your hand repress: + The sooner you the boon insure, + The more the tenure must endure; + And if I quick possession take, + The greater profit must I make, + While yet declining age subsists, + A room for friendly aid exists. + Anon with tasteless years grown weak, + In vain benevolence will seek + To do me good--when Death at hand + Shall come and urge his last demand. + ’Tis folly, you’ll be apt to say, + A thousand times to beg and pray + Of one with so much worth and sense, + Whose gen’rous bounty is propense. + If e’er a miscreant succeeds, + By fair confession of his deeds, + An innocent offender’s case + Is far more worthy of your grace. + You for example sake begin, + Then others to the lure you’ll win, + And in rotation more and more + Will soon communicate their store. + Consider in your mind how far + At stake your word and honour are; + And let your closing the debate + By what I may congratulate. + I have been guilty of excess + Beyond my thought in this address + But ’tis not easy to refrain + A spirit work’d up to disdain + By wretches insolent and vile, + With a clear conscience all the while. + You’ll ask me, sir, at whom I hint-- + In time they may appear in print. + But give me leave to cite a phrase + I met with in my boyish days. + “’Tis dangerous for the mean and low + Too plain their grievances to show.” + This is advice I shall retain + While life and sanity remain. + + + + +BOOK V. + + +PROLOGUE, TO PARTICULO + + When I resolved my hand to stay + For this, that others might have play, + On reconsidering of my part + I soon recanted in my heart: + For if a rival should arise, + How can he possibly devise + The things that I have let alone, + Since each man’s fancy is his own, + And likewise colouring of the piece?-- + It was not therefore mere caprice, + But strong reflection made me write: + Wherefore since you in tales delight, + Which I, in justice, after all, + Not Esop’s, but Esopian call; + Since he invented but a few; + I more, and some entirely new, + Keeping indeed the ancient style, + With fresh materials all the while. + As at your leisure you peruse + The fourth collection of my muse, + That you may not be at a stand, + A fifth shall shortly come to hand; + ’Gainst which, if as against the rest, + Malignant cavillers protest, + Let them carp on, and make it plain + They carp at what they can’t attain. + My fame’s secure, since I can show + How men of eminence like you, + My little book transcribe and quote, + As like to live of classic note. + It is th’ ambition of my pen + To win th’ applause of learned men. + + +I. DEMETRIUS AND MENANDER. + + If Esop’s name at any time + I bring into this measured rhyme, + To whom I’ve paid whate’er I owe, + Let all men by these presents know, + I with th’ old fabulist make free, + To strengthen my authority. + As certain sculptors of the age, + The more attention to engage, + And raise their price, the curious please, + By forging of Praxiteles; + And in like manner they purloin + A Myro to their silver coin. + ’Tis thus our fables we can smoke, + As pictures for their age bespoke: + For biting envy, in disgust + To new improvements, favors rust; + But now a tale comes in of course, + Which these assertions will enforce. + Demetrius, who was justly call’d + The tyrant, got himself install’d, + And held o’er Athens impious sway. + The crowd, as ever is the way, + Came, eager rushing far and wide, + And, “Fortunate event!” they cried. + The nobles came, the throne address’d: + The hand by which they were oppress’d + They meekly kiss’d, with inward stings + Of anguish for the face of things. + The idlers also, with the tribe + Of those who to themselves prescribe + Their ease and pleasure, in the end + Came sneaking, lest they should offend. + Amongst this troop Menander hies, + So famous for his comedies. + (Him, though he was not known by sight, + The tyrant read with great delight, + Struck with the genius of the bard.) + In flowing robes bedaub’d with nard, + And saunt’ring tread he came along, + Whom, at the bottom of the throng, + When Phalereus beheld, he said: + “How dares that fribble show his head + In this our presence?” he was told-- + “It is Menander you behold.” + Then, changed at once from fierce to bland, + He call’d, and took him by the hand. + + +II. THE THIEF AND THE TRAVELLERS. + + Two men equipp’d were on their way; + One fearful; one without dismay, + An able fencer. As they went, + A robber came with black intent; + Demanding, upon pain of death, + Their gold and silver in a breath. + At which the man of spirit drew, + And instantly disarm’d and slew + The Thief, his honor to maintain. + Soon as the rogue was fairly slain, + The tim’rous chap began to puff, + And drew his sword, and stripp’d in buff-- + “Leave me alone with him! stand back! + I’ll teach him whom he should attack.” + Then he who fought, “I wish, my friend, + But now you’d had such words to lend; + I might have been confirm’d the more, + Supposing truth to all you swore; + Then put your weapon in the sheath, + And keep your tongue within your teeth, + Though you may play an actor’s part + On them who do not know your heart. + I, who have seen this very day + How lustily you ran away, + Experience when one comes to blows + How far your resolution goes.” + This narrative to those I tell + Who stand their ground when all is well; + But in the hour of pressing need + Abash’d, most shamefully recede. + + +III. THE BALD MAN AND THE FLY. + + As on his head she chanced to sit, + A Man’s bald pate a Gadfly bit; + He, prompt to crush the little foe, + Dealt on himself a grievous blow: + At which the Fly, deriding said, + “You that would strike an insect dead + For one slight sting, in wrath so strict, + What punishment will you inflict + Upon yourself, who was so blunt + To do yourself this gross affront?”-- + “O,” says the party, “as for me, + I with myself can soon agree. + The spirit of th’ intention’s all; + But thou, detested cannibal! + Blood-sucker! to have thee secured + More would I gladly have endured.” + What by this moral tale is meant + Is--those who wrong not with intent + Are venial; but to those that do + Severity, I think, is due. + + +IV. THE MAN AND THE ASS. + + A certain Man, when he had made + A sacrifice, for special aid + To Hercules, and kill’d a swine, + Did for his Ass’s share assign + All the remainder of the corn; + But he, rejecting it with scorn, + Thus said: “I gladly would partake-- + But apprehend that life’s at stake; + For he you fatted up and fed + With store of this, is stuck and dead.” + Struck with the import of this tale, + I have succeeded to prevail + Upon my passions, and abstain, + From peril of immod’rate gain. + But, you will say, those that have come + Unjustly by a handsome sum, + Upon the pillage still subsist-- + Why, if we reckon up the list, + You’ll find by far the major part + Have been conducted in the cart: + Temerity for some may do, + But many more their rashness rue. + + +V. THE BUFFOON AND COUNTRY-FELLOW. + + In ev’ry age, in each profession, + Men err the most by prepossession; + But when the thing is clearly shown, + Is fairly urged, and fully known, + We soon applaud what we deride, + And penitence succeeds to pride. + A certain noble, on a day, + Having a mind to show away, + Invited by reward the mimes + And play’rs and tumblers of the times, + And built a large commodious stage + For the choice spirits of the age: + But, above all, amongst the rest + There came a genius who profess’d + To have a curious trick in store + That never was perform’d before. + Through all the town this soon got air, + And the whole house was like a fair; + But soon his entry as he made, + Without a prompter or parade, + ’Twas all expectance and suspense, + And silence gagg’d the audience. + He, stooping down and looking big, + So wondrous well took off a pig, + All swore ’twas serious, and no joke, + For that, or underneath his cloak + He had concealed some grunting elf, + Or was a real hog himself. + A search was made--no pig was found-- + With thund’ring claps the seats resound, + And pit, and box, and gall’ries roar + With-- “O rare! bravo!” and “encore.” + Old Roger Grouse, a country clown, + Who yet knew something of the town, + Beheld the mimic of his whim, + And on the morrow challenged him + Declaring to each beau and belle + That he this grunter would excel. + The morrow came--the crowd was greater-- + But prejudice and rank ill-nature + Usurp’d the minds of men and wenches, + Who came to hiss and break the benches. + The mimic took his usual station, + And squeak’d with general approbation; + Again “Encore! encore!” they cry-- + “’Tis quite the thing, ’tis very high.” + Old Grouse conceal’d, amidst this racket, + A real pig beneath his jacket-- + Then forth he came, and with his nail + He pinch’d the urchin by the tail. + The tortured pig, from out his throat, + Produced the genuine nat’ral note. + All bellow’d out ’twas very sad! + Sure never stuff was half so bad. + “That like a pig!” each cried in scoff; + “Pshaw! nonsense! blockhead! off! off! off!” + The mimic was extoll’d, and Grouse + Was hiss’d, and catcall’d from the house. + “Soft ye, a word before I go,” + Quoth honest Hodge; and stooping low, + Produced the pig, and thus aloud + Bespoke the stupid partial crowd: + “Behold, and learn from this poor cratur, + How much you critics know of natur!” + + +TO PARTICULO + + As yet my muse is not to seek, + But can from fresh materials speak; + And our poetic fountain springs + With rich variety of things. + But you’re for sallies short and sweet; + Long tales their purposes defeat. + Wherefore, thou worthiest, best of men + Particulo, for whom my pen + Immortal honour will insure, + Long as a rev’rence shall endure + For Roman learning--if this strain + Cannot your approbation gain, + Yet, yet my brevity admire, + Which may the more to praise aspire, + The more our poets now-a-days + Are tedious in their lifeless lays. + + +VI. THE TWO BALD MEN. + + As on his way a Bald-pate went, + He found a comb by accident; + Another, with a head as bare, + Pursued, and hollow’d for a share. + The first produced the prize, and cried, + “Good Providence was on our side; + But by the strange caprice of Fate, + We’re to no purpose fortunate; + And, as the proverb says, have found + A hobnail, for a hundred pound.” + They by this tale may be relieved + Whose sanguine hopes have been deceived. + + +VII. PRINCE THE PIPER. + + A little, friv’lous, abject mind, + Pleased with the rabble, puff’d with wind, + When once, as fast as pride presumes, + Itself with vanity it plumes, + Is by fond lightness brought with ease + To any ridicule you please. + One Prince, a piper to the play, + Was rather noted in his way, + As call’d upon to show his art, + Whene’er Bathyllus did his part. + He being at a certain fair, + (I do not well remember where,) + While they pull’d down the booth in haste, + Not taking heed, his leg displaced, + He from the scaffold fell so hard-- + (Would he his pipes had rather marr’d! + Though they, poor fellow! were to him + As dear almost as life and limb). + Borne by the kind officious crowd, + Home he’s conducted, groaning loud. + Some months elapsed before he found + Himself recover’d of his wound: + Meantime, according to their way, + The droll frequenters of the play + Had a great miss of him, whose touch + The dancers’ spirits raised so much. + A certain man of high renown + Was just preparing for the town + Some games the mob to entertain, + When Prince began to walk again; + Whom, what with bribes and pray’rs, his grace + Prevail’d upon to show his face + In this performance, by all means-- + And while he waits behind the scenes, + A rumour through the house is spread, + By certain, that “the piper’s dead.” + Others cried out, “The man is here, + And will immediately appear.” + The curtain draws, the lightnings flash, + The gods speak out their usual trash. + An ode, not to the Piper known, + Was to the chorus leader shown, + Which he was order’d to repeat, + And which was closed with this conceit-- + “Receive with joy, O loyal Rome, + Thy Prince just rescued from his tomb.” + They all at once stand up and clap, + At which my most facetious chap + Kisses his hand, and scrapes and bows + To his good patrons in the house. + First the equestrian order smoke + The fool’s mistake, and high in joke, + Command the song to be encored; + Which ended, flat upon the board + The Piper falls, the knights acclaim; + The people think that Prince’s aim + Is for a crown of bays at least. + Now all the seats perceived the jest, + And with his bandage white as snow, + White frock, white pumps, a perfect beauty + Proud of the feats he had achieved, + And these high honours he received, + With one unanimous huzza, Poor + Prince was kick’d out of the play. + + +VIII. OPPORTUNITY. + + Bald, naked, of a human shape, + With fleet wings ready to escape, + Upon a razor’s edge his toes, + And lock that on his forehead grows-- + Him hold, when seized, for goodness’ sake, + For Jove himself cannot retake + The fugitive when once he’s gone. + The picture that we here have drawn + Is Opportunity so brief.-- + The ancients, in a bas-relief, + Thus made an effigy of Time, + That every one might use their prime; + Nor e’er impede, by dull delay, + Th’ effectual business of to-day. + + +IX. THE BULL AND THE CALF. + + A Bull was struggling to secure + His passage at a narrow door, + And scarce could reach the rack of hay, + His horns so much were in his way. + A Calf officious, fain would show + How he might twist himself and go. + “Hold thou thy prate; all this,” says he, + “Ere thou wert calved was known to me.” + He, that a wiser man by half + Would teach, may think himself this Calf. + + +X. THE OLD DOG AND THE HUNTSMAN. + + A Dog, that time and often tried, + His master always satisfied; + And whensoever he assail’d, + Against the forest-beasts prevail’d + Both by activity and strength, + Through years began to flag at length. + One day, when hounded at a boar, + His ear he seized, as heretofore; + But with his teeth, decay’d and old, + Could not succeed to keep his hold. + At which the huntsman, much concern’d, + The vet’ran huff’d, who thus return’d: + “My resolution and my aim, + Though not my strength, are still the same; + For what I am if I am chid, + Praise what I was, and what I did.” + Philetus, you the drift perceive + Of this, with which I take my leave. + + +THE END. + + LONDON: PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, LIMITED, + STAMFORD STREET AND CHARING CROSS. + + + * * * * * + * * * * + * * * * * + +Errata (noted by transcriber) + +Inconsistencies in fable numbering are described at the beginning of the +Table of Contents. All footnotes (Fn.), Æsopian Fables (AF) and New +Fables (NF) are in Riley only. + +“Invisible” means that there is an appropriately sized blank space in +the text, but the letter itself is absent. + + Fn. I.26 The “lagena,” or “lagona,” was a long-necked bottle + [_standard spelling is “lagoena” or “lagœna”_] + Fn. II.6 she is called “anus,” “an Old Woman,” + [_The Latin language had two unrelated words spelled “anus”. The + one referenced here is “anūs” with long final U._] + Fn. V.7 the word “tibia,” which signifies the main bone of the leg + [_Not an error: until recently, English “leg” often had the + narrower meaning of “lower leg”._] + + +Errors and inconsistencies: + +RILEY + + Fn. III.2 The “feriæ imperativæ” were appointed to be held [feræ] + Fn. III.22 to cut short any disagreable question + [_spelling unchanged_] + III.XIX If the inquisitive fellow reflected [inquistive] + Fn. IV.27 riches were more commonly buried in the earth [duried] + V.V excites their applause, and awakens [awaken] + NF IX as {well he might} + [_“as // as” at page break, italicized as shown_] + NF XXIX when can no longer escape the dogs + [_text unchanged: probable missing word “when he can...”_ + _missing space “longerescape”_] + NF Fn. 22: This pun upon the resemblance [resesemblance] + AF VI while meditating the destruction others. + [_text unchanged: probable missing word “destruction of others”_] + AF XV The King, as soon as he aware of this + [_text unchanged: missing verb in “he ... aware”_] + AF XXVI the attack of the Hawk when he comes [cames] + AF XXVIII dragging forth from her hole [her her] + +SMART + + I.XXVI In a tall flagon, finely minced, [Ina tall] + II.Prol. I shall abide by Esop’s plan: [my] + II.Epil. Him setting on th’ eternal base, [th’ the eternal] + -- That they might teach to all mankind [makind] + III.Prol. From worldly cares you must estrange [wordly] + -- With Æsop for my master still; + -- Inventing more than Æsop knew; + [_anomalous spelling unchanged in both] + -- To my own hindrence did I try. [_spelling unchanged_] + III.VII Warn’d by our council, oft beware + [_text unchanged: error for “counsel”?_] + IV.I FABLE I. THE WEAZEL AND MICE. [_spelling unchanged_] + IV.XIX And men of real worth in grain. + [_text unchanged: probable missing word “in the grain”_] + IV.Epi. This moral scheme as well as I [morals cheme] + + +Missing or incorrect footnote tags: + + III.Prol. TO EUTYCHUS.[1] + -- Anacharsis of Scythia[10] could + IV.VI (whose History is painted in {our} taverns[12]) + [_printed “1” for “2”_] + V.I Demetrius,[2] who was called Phalereus + [_printed “1” for “2”_] + New Fables: BY SOME ATTRIBUTED TO PHÆDRUS.[1] + NF.XXI If at any time[17] sustenance is wanting + + +Incorrect punctuation or capitalization: + +RILEY + + I.I “Indeed,” answered the Lamb, [’ for ”] + Fn. I.12 _This new cause of astonishment_)--Ver. 8. Never + [_anomalous -- after line number_] + I.XXV he drank and ran away.” [, for .] + Fn. III.13 _Falernian Lees_ [_body text has lower-case “lees”_] + Fn. III.14 _O, delicious fragrance_ + [_body text has no comma after “O”_] + Fn. IV.4 to defray the expenses of the worship. [, for .] + -- B. iv., l. 350, vol. i., p. 149 [vol. .i,] + IV.XVII not able to keep their stomachs in order. [order..] + IV.XIX who rob the Gods of their incense, yourself of food + [_printed “your-/yourself” at line break_] + Fn. V.13 signifying to make the best of an opportunity. + [_superfluous ” at end_] + Fn. V.15 _Philetus._) [_anomalous ._] + Fn. NF.4 the word “menda,” a blemish. + [_superfluous ” at end: blemish.”_] + Fn. NF.23 by the name of ψυχή [ψύχη] + +SMART + + I.VIII And now, forsooth, you’d bring your bill!” [’ for ”] + III.V Pray get on faster with the cart + [_superfluous “ at beginning (top of page)] + IV.XX How much they can with heav’n prevail. [, for .] + V.Prol. And likewise colouring of the piece?-- + [_superfluous close quote: piece?”--] + + +Mechanical Errors: + +RILEY + + I.XIV {in consideration of} a stated reward. [_d. invisible_] + I.XV feeding an Ass in a meadow [_i of “in” invisible_] + II.Epil. a book of jests partly from the works of Æsop. + [_f of “of” invisible_] + AF.XXVIII dance in the winter [_d invisible_] + +SMART + + I.XX But proves destructive in the end [_B invisible_] + III.VII “My dears,” he says, “ye may not pass + [_line-final s missing or invisible_] + III.VIII “I wish,” says he, “with all my soul + [_line-final l missing or invisible_] + III.XIX Cybele’s priests, in quest of bread, + [_s of “quest” invisible_] + + +Missing or invisible punctuation: + + _Unless otherwise noted, the quotation mark “ or ” is missing._ + +RILEY + + I.II continue to endure your bad fortune.’” [_inner ’ missing_] + I.III to feel {the additional pang} of this repulse.” + I.X have stolen what you so speciously deny.” + I.XI I should have fled in alarm like {the rest}.” + Fn I.12 heard the voice of an ass in the forests before. + [_final . missing_] + I.XXIII that you may not profit by my neglect.” + I.XXVII have suddenly coveted regal wealth.” + I.XXIX to be defiled with {such} dastardly blood.” + I.XXX “and they are of a different kind + II.V manumission stands at a much higher price with me.” + Fn II.5 Vera, inquit----” + Fn II.12 Whatever violence and unscrupulousness attack, comes. + [_final . missing_] + Fn III.15 manumitted, as generally supposed, by Augustus + [_second , missing_] + III.VII “how is it that you are so sleek? + IV.XVIII “That people may learn not to assist the wicked.”[26] + IV.XXIV my kinsmen, in the number of whom I reckon you.” + Fn V.12 which was worshipped with Divine honors. + [_final . missing_] + V.X you blame me that I am not {what I was}.” + NF XXIV dropped the prey from her mouth unenjoyed. + [_final . missing_] + NF XXV you would have suffered for it.” + NF XXVII never done any injury to this field.” + NF XXIII and your harmless life.” + NF XXX by fixing your sting in him.” + AF XIII how much more beauteous you would be.” + +SMART + +_In titles, the final . is missing or invisible._ + + I.XI “How did my music-piece go off?” [_close quote missing_] + I.XVI THE SHEEP, THE STAG, AND THE WOLF. + I.XXI “But to be trampled on by thee + I.XXX THE KITE AND THE DOVES. + III.XII THE BEES AND THE DRONES. + III.XVII But when I speak the audience sneers.” + IV.IV Enough to understand his will!” + IV.VI The daughters their own sire to slay.” + IV.VIII Be quick, my friend, your sorrows drown.” + IV.X THE SACRILEGIOUS THIEF. + IV.XX THE ESCAPE OF SIMONIDES. + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Fables of Phædrus, by Phaedrus + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE FABLES OF PHÆDRUS *** + +***** This file should be named 25512-0.txt or 25512-0.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/2/5/5/1/25512/ + +Produced by Louise Hope, Carl Hudkins and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This +file was produced from images generously made available +by The Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries) + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + https://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. diff --git a/25512-0.zip b/25512-0.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..21d8ccf --- /dev/null +++ b/25512-0.zip diff --git a/25512-8.txt b/25512-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6ac8330 --- /dev/null +++ b/25512-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,7949 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Fables of Phdrus, by Phaedrus + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Fables of Phdrus + Literally translated into English prose with notes + +Author: Phaedrus + +Translator: Henry Thomas Riley + Christopher Smart + +Release Date: May 18, 2008 [EBook #25512] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE FABLES OF PHDRUS *** + + + + +Produced by Louise Hope, Carl Hudkins and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This +file was produced from images generously made available +by The Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries) + + + + + +[Transcriber's Note: + +This e-text is intended for users whose text readers cannot display +the "real" (Unicode, utf-8) version of the file. Greek words in the +Notes have been transliterated and shown between +marks+. The "oe" +ligature is written as the separate letters "oe". + +The text is taken from an omnibus volume that also contained Riley's +translation of the six surviving plays of Terence. The full title page +has been retained for completeness, but the sections of the Preface and +Contents that apply only to Terence have been omitted. + +In the original text, words and phrases supplied by the translator +(Riley only) were printed in _italics_. In this e-text they are shown in +{braces}. Italics in the notes and commentary are shown conventionally +with _lines_, boldface by =marks=. + +Footnotes have been renumbered within each Book, and grouped after their +Fables. The name is spelled "sop" in Riley, "Esop" in Smart and in the +Contents. Inconsistencies in fable numbering are described at the +beginning of the Table of Contents. + +Typographical errors are listed at the end of the text.] + + + * * * * * + * * * * + + + The + COMEDIES + of + TERENCE. + + And + + The FABLES of PHDRUS. + + Literally Translated into English Prose + with Notes, + + By HENRY THOMAS RILEY, B.A. + Late Scholar Of Clare Hall, Cambridge. + + To Which Is Added + A METRICAL TRANSLATION OF PHDRUS, + By CHRISTOPHER SMART, A.M. + + + London: George Bell & Sons, York Street, + Covent Garden. + 1887. + + + + +PREFACE. + + +In the Translation of Phdrus, the Critical Edition by Orellius, 1831, +has been used, and in the sopian Fables, the text of the Parisian +Edition of Gail, 1826. The Notes will, it is believed, be found to +embody the little that is known of the contemporary history of the +Author. + + H. T. R. + + + + +CONTENTS. + + +THE FABLES OF PHDRUS. + + [Transcriber's Note: + + The Table of Contents refers primarily to the Riley text. Fables + I.XXIX, III.III, and several Fables in Book IV are missing in Smart; + Riley's Fable IV.I, "The Ass and the Priests of Cybele", is Smart's + III.XIX. Where Smart's numbers are different, they have been added + in [brackets] after the page reference. + + In the text, Book III, Fable XI is "The Eunuch to the Abusive Man"; + all following fables in Riley are numbered one higher than in the + Table of Contents. This fable is missing from Smart but the number + X is skipped, as was number I.XVIII.] + +BOOK I. + + Prose. Verse. + Prologue 365 473 + Fable I. The Wolf and the Lamb 365 473 + II. The Frogs asking for a King 366 474 + III. The vain Jackdaw and the Peacock 367 475 + IV. The Dog carrying some Meat across a River 368 476 + V. The Cow, the She-Goat, the Sheep, + and the Lion 368 476 + VI. The Frogs' complaint against the Sun 369 476 + VII. The Fox and the Tragic Mask 369 477 + VIII. The Wolf and the Crane 370 477 + IX. The Sparrow and the Hare 370 478 + X. The Wolf, the Fox, and the Ape 371 478 + XI. The Ass and the Lion hunting 371 478 + XII. The Stag at the Stream 372 479 + XIII. The Fox and the Raven 372 480 + XIV. The Cobbler turned Physician 373 480 + XV. The Ass and the Old Shepherd 373 481 + XVI. The Stag, the Sheep, and the Wolf 374 481 + XVII. The Sheep, the Dog, and the Wolf 374 482 + XVIII. The Woman in Labour 375 --- + XIX. The Bitch and her Whelps 375 482 + XX. The hungry Dogs 376 483 + XXI. The aged Lion, the Wild Boar, + the Bull, and the Ass 376 483 + XXII. The Man and the Weasel 376 483 + XXIII. The Faithful Dog 377 484 + XXIV. The Frog and the Ox 378 484 + XXV. The Dog and the Crocodile 377 485 + XXVI. The Fox and the Stork 378 485 + XXVII. The Dog, the Treasure, and the Vulture 379 486 + XXVIII. The Fox and the Eagle 380 486 + XXIX. The Ass deriding the Boar 380 --- + XXX. The Frogs frightened at the + Battle of the Bulls 380 487 [XXIX] + XXXI. The Kite and the Pigeons 381 487 [XXX] + + +BOOK II. + + Prologue 382 488 + Fable I. The Lion, the Robber, and the Traveller 383 488 + II. Two Women of different Ages beloved by + the Middle-aged Man 383 489 + III. The Man and the Dog 384 489 + IV. The Eagle, the Cat, and the Sow 384 490 + V. Csar to the Chamberlain 385 491 + VI. The Eagle, the Crow, and the Tortoise 386 492 + VII. The Mules and Robbers 387 492 + VIII. The Stag and the Oxen 387 493 + Epilogue 388 494 + + +BOOK III. + + Prologue, to Eutychus 390 497 + Fable I. The Old Woman and the Cask 393 498 + II. The Panther and Shepherd 394 498 + III. Esop and the Farmer 395 --- + IV. The Butcher and the Ape 395 499 [III] + V. Esop and the Insolent Man 395 499 [IV] + VI. The Fly and the Mule 396 499 [V] + VII. The Dog and the Wolf 397 500 [VI] + VIII. The Brother and Sister 398 501 [VII] + IX. Socrates to his Friends 398 502 [VIII] + X. The Poet on Believing and not Believing 399 502 [IX] + [XI. The Eunuch to the Abusive Man 401 --- ] + XI. The Cock and the Pearl [XII] 401 504 + XII. The Bees and the Drones, the Wasp + sitting as judge [XIII] 402 505 + XIII. Esop at play [XIV] 402 505 + XIV. The Dog to the Lamb [XV] 403 506 + XV. The Grasshopper and the Owl [XVI] 404 507 + XVI. The Trees under the Protection + of the Gods [XVII] 405 508 + XVII. The Peacock to Juno [XVIII] 405 509 + XVIII. Esop's Answer to the Inquisitive Man [XIX] 406 509 + Epilogue 407 --- + +BOOK IV. + + Prologue 409 510 + Fable I. The Ass and the Priests of Cybele 410 509 + [III.XIX in Smart] + II. The Weasel and the Mice 411 510 [I] + III. The Fox and the Grapes 411 511 [II] + IV. The Horse and the Wild Boar 411 511 [III] + V. Esop interpreting a Will 412 512 [IV] + VI. The Battle of the Mice and the Weasels 413 514 [V] + VII. The Poet's Defence against the Censurers + of his Fables 414 514 [VI] + VIII. The Viper and the File 415 515 [VII] + IX. The Fox and the Goat 415 516 [VIII] + X. Of the Vices of Men 416 516 [IX] + XI. A Thief pillaging the Altar of Jupiter 416 517 [X] + XII. Hercules and Plutus 417 517 [XI] + XIII. The Lion reigning 417 --- + XIV. Prometheus 418 --- + XV. The She-Goats and their Beards 418 518 [XII] + XVI. The Pilot and the Mariners 419 518 [XIII] + XVII. The Embassy of the Dogs to Jupiter 419 --- + XVIII. The Man and the Snake 420 519 [XIV] + XIX. The Fox and the Dragon 421 519 [XV] + XX. Phdrus 422 520 [XVI] + XXI. The Shipwreck of Simonides 422 520 [XVII] + XXII. The Mountain in Labour 423 522 [XVIII] + XXIII. The Ant and the Fly 424 522 [XIX] + XXIV. Simonides preserved by the Gods 425 523 [XX] + Epilogue 426 524 + + +BOOK V. + + Prologue 427 526 + Fable I. Demetrius and Menander 427 527 + II. The Travellers and the Robber 428 528 + III. The Bald Man and the Fly 429 529 + IV. The Man and the Ass 429 529 + V. The Buffoon and Countryman 429 530 + VI. The Two Bald Men 431 532 + VII. Princeps the Flute Player 431 532 + VIII. The Emblem of Opportunity 433 534 + IX. The Bull and the Calf 433 534 + X. The Huntsman and the Dog 433 535 + + +THE NEW FABLES--Attributed to Phdrus. + + Fable I. The Ape and the Fox 435 + II. The Author 436 + III. Mercury and the two Women 436 + IV. Prometheus and Cunning 437 + V. The Author 438 + VI. The signification of the Punishments + of Tartarus 438 + VII. The Author 439 + VIII. sop and the Author 439 + IX. Pompeius Magnus and his Soldier 440 + X. Juno, Venus, and the Hen 441 + XI. The Father of a Family and sop 442 + XII. The Philosopher and the Victor + in the Gymnastic Games 442 + XIII. The Ass and the Lyre 443 + XIV. The Widow and the Soldier 443 + XV. The Rich Suitor and the Poor One 444 + XVI. sop and his Mistress 445 + XVII. A Cock carried in a Litter by Cats 446 + XVIII. The Sow bringing forth and the Wolf 446 + XIX. The Runaway Slave and sop 447 + XX. The Chariot Horse sold for the Mill 447 + XXI. The Hungry Bear 448 + XXII. The Traveller and the Raven 449 + XXIII. The Shepherd and the She-Goat 449 + XXIV. The Serpent and the Lizard 449 + XXV. The Crow and the Sheep 450 + XXVI. The Servant and the Master 450 + XXVII. The Hare and the Herdsman 450 + XXVIII. The Young Man and the Courtesan 451 + XXIX. The Beaver 451 + XXX. The Butterfly and the Wasp 452 + XXXI. The Ground-Swallow and the Fox 453 + Epilogue 453 + + +SOPIAN FABLES--The Authors of Which Are Not Known. + + Fable I. The Sick Kite 454 + II. The Hares tired of Life 454 + III. Jupiter and the Fox 455 + IV. The Lion and the Mouse 455 + V. The Man and the Trees 456 + VI. The Mouse and the Frog 456 + VII. The Two Cocks and the Hawk 456 + VIII. The Snail and the Ape 457 + IX. The City Mouse and the Country Mouse 457 + X. The Ass fawning upon his Master 458 + XI. The Crane, the Crow, and the Countryman 459 + XII. The Birds and the Swallow 459 + XIII. The Partridge and the Fox 460 + XIV. The Ass, the Ox, and the Birds 461 + XV. The Lion and the Shepherd 461 + XVI. The Goat and the Bull 462 + XVII. The Horse and the Ass 462 + XVIII. The Birds, the Beasts, and the Bat 463 + XIX. The Nightingale, the Hawk, and the Fowler 463 + XX. The Wolf, the Fox, and the Shepherd 464 + XXI. The Sheep and the Wolves 464 + XXII. The Ape and the Fox 465 + XXIII. The Wolf, the Huntsman, and the Shepherd 465 + XXIV. The Truthful Man, the Liar, and the Apes 466 + XXV. The Man and the Lion 467 + XXVI. The Stork, the Goose, and the Hawk 467 + XXVII. The Sheep and the Crow 468 + XXVIII. The Ant and the Grasshopper 468 + XXIX. The Horse and the Ass 469 + XXX. The Old Lion and the Fox 469 + XXXI. The Camel and the Flea 469 + XXXII. The Kid and the Wolf 470 + XXXIII. The Poor Man and the Serpent 470 + XXXIV. The Eagle and the Kite 471 + + + + +THE FABLES OF PHDRUS. + + + + +BOOK I. + +THE PROLOGUE. + + +The matter which sop, the inventor {of Fables}, has provided, Ihave +polished in Iambic verse. The advantages of {this} little work are +twofold--that it excites laughter, and by counsel guides the life {of +man}. But if any one shall think fit to cavil, because not only wild +beasts, but even trees speak, let him remember that we are disporting in +fables. + + +FABLE I. + +THE WOLF AND THE LAMB. + +Driven by thirst, a Wolf and a Lamb had come to the same stream; the +Wolf stood above, and the Lamb at a distance below. Then, the spoiler, +prompted by a ravenous maw, alleged a pretext for a quarrel. "Why," said +he, "have you made the water muddy for me {while I am} drinking?" The +Fleece-bearer, trembling, {answered}: "Prithee, Wolf, how can I do what +you complain of? The water is flowing downwards from you to where I am +drinking." The other, disconcerted by the force of truth, {exclaimed}: +"Six months ago, you slandered me." "Indeed," answered the Lamb, "Iwas +not born {then}." "By Hercules," said {the Wolf}, "{then 'twas} your +father slandered me;" and so, snatching him up, he tore him to pieces, +killing him unjustly. + +This Fable is applicable to those men who, under false pretences, +oppress the innocent. + + +FABLE II. + +THE FROGS ASKING FOR A KING. + +When Athens[1] was flourishing under just laws, liberty grown wanton +embroiled the city, and license relaxed the reins of ancient discipline. +Upon this, the partisans of factions conspiring, Pisistratus the +Tyrant[2] seized the citadel. When the Athenians were lamenting their +sad servitude (not that he was cruel, but because every burden is +grievous to those who are unused to it), and began to complain, sop +related a Fable to the following effect:-- + +"The Frogs, roaming at large in their marshy fens, with loud clamour +demanded of Jupiter a king, who, by {his} authority, might check their +dissolute manners. The Father of the Gods smiled, and gave them a little +Log, which, on being thrown {among them} startled the timorous race by +the noise and sudden commotion in the bog. When it had lain for some +time immersed in the mud, one {of them} by chance silently lifted his +head above the water, and having taken a peep at the king, called up all +the rest. Having got the better of their fears, vying with each other, +they swim towards him, and the insolent mob leap upon the Log. After +defiling it with every kind of insult, they sent to Jupiter, requesting +another king, because the one that had been given them was useless. Upon +this, he sent them a Water Snake,[3] who with his sharp teeth began to +gobble them up one after another. Helpless they strive in vain to escape +death; terror deprives them of voice. By stealth, therefore, they send +through Mercury a request to Jupiter, to succour them in their distress. +Then said the God in reply: 'Since you would not be content with your +good fortune, continue to endure your bad fortune.'" + +"Do you also, O fellow-citizens," said {sop}, "submit to the present +evil, lest a greater one befall you." + + [Footnote I.1: _When Athens_)--Ver. 1. This probably alludes + to the government of Solon, when Archon of Athens.] + + [Footnote I.2: _Pisistratus the Tyrant_)--Ver. 5. From Suidas + and Eusebius we learn that sop died in the fifty-fourth Olympiad, + while Pisistratus did not seize the supreme power at Athens till + the first year of the fifty-fifth. These dates, however, have been + disputed by many, and partly on the strength of the present + passage.] + + [Footnote I.3: _A Water-Snake_)--Ver. 24. Pliny tells us that + the "hydrus" lives in the water, and is exceedingly venomous. Some + Commentators think that Phdrus, like sop, intends to conceal a + political meaning under this Fable, and that by the Water-Snake he + means Caligula, and by the Log, Tiberius. Others, perhaps with + more probability, think that the cruelty of Tiberius alone is + alluded to in the mention of the snake. Indeed, it is doubtful + whether Phdrus survived to the time of Caligula: and it is more + generally believed that the First and Second Books were written in + the time of Augustus and Tiberius.] + + +FABLE III. + +THE VAIN JACKDAW AND THE PEACOCK. + +That one ought not to plume oneself on the merits which belong to +another, but ought rather to pass his life in his own proper guise, sop +has given us this illustration:-- + +A Jackdaw, swelling[4] with empty pride, picked up some feathers which +had fallen from a Peacock, and decked himself out {therewith}; upon +which, despising his own {kind}, he mingled with a beauteous flock of +Peacocks. They tore his feathers from off the impudent bird, and put him +to flight with their beaks. The Jackdaw, {thus} roughly handled, in +grief hastened to return to his own kind; repulsed by whom, he had to +submit to sad disgrace. Then said one of those whom he had formerly +despised: "If you had been content with our station, and had been ready +to put up with what nature had given, you would neither have experienced +the former affront, nor would your ill fortune have had to feel {the +additional pang} of this repulse." + + [Footnote I.4: _A Jackdaw, swelling_)--Ver. 4. Scheffer thinks + that Sejanus is alluded to under this image.] + + +FABLE IV. + +THE DOG CARRYING SOME MEAT ACROSS A RIVER. + +He who covets what belongs to another, deservedly loses his own. + +As a Dog, swimming[5] through a river, was carrying a piece of meat, he +saw his own shadow in the watery mirror; and, thinking that it was +another booty carried by another {dog}, attempted to snatch it away; but +his greediness {was} disappointed, he both dropped the food which he was +holding in his mouth, and was after all unable to reach that at which he +grasped. + + [Footnote I.5: _As a Dog swimming_)--Ver. 9. Lessing finds + some fault with the way in which this Fable is related, and with + fair reason. The Dog swimming would be likely to disturb the water + to such a degree, that it would be impossible for him to see with + any distinctness the reflection of the meat. The version which + represents him as crossing a bridge is certainly more consistent + with nature.] + + +FABLE V. + +THE COW, THE SHE-GOAT, THE SHEEP, AND THE LION. + +An alliance with the powerful is never to be relied upon: the present +Fable testifies the truth of my maxim. + +A Cow, a She-Goat, and a Sheep[6] patient under injuries, were partners +in the forests with a Lion. When they had captured a Stag of vast bulk, +thus spoke the Lion, after it had been divided into shares: "Because my +name is Lion, Itake the first; the second you will yield to me because +I am courageous; then, because I am the strongest,[7] the third will +fall to my lot; if anyone touches the fourth, woe betide him." + +Thus did unscrupulousness seize upon the whole prey for itself. + + [Footnote I.6: _And a Sheep_)--Ver. 3. Lessing also censures + this Fable on the ground of the partnership being contrary to + nature; neither the cow, the goat, nor the sheep feed on flesh.] + + [Footnote I.7: _I am the strongest_)--Ver. 9. Some critics + profess to see no difference between "sum fortis" in the eighth + line, and "plus valeo" here; but the former expression appears to + refer to his courage, and the latter to his strength. However, the + second and third reasons are nothing but reiterations of the first + one, under another form. Davidson remarks on this passage: "Iam + not certain that the Poet meant any distinction; nay, there is, + perhaps, apropriety in supposing that he industriously makes the + Lion plead twice upon the same title, to represent more strongly + by what unjust claims men in power often invade the property of + another."] + + +FABLE VI. + +THE FROGS' COMPLAINT AGAINST THE SUN. + +sop, on seeing the pompous wedding of a thief, who was his neighbour, +immediately began to relate the following story: + +Once on a time, when the Sun was thinking of taking a wife,[8] the Frogs +sent forth their clamour to the stars. Disturbed by their croakings, +Jupiter asked the cause of their complaints. Then {said} one of the +inhabitants of the pool: "As it is, by himself he parches up all the +standing waters, and compels us unfortunates to languish and die in +{our} scorched abode. What is to become of us, if he beget children?" + + [Footnote I.8: _Taking a wife_)--Ver. 3. It has been suggested + by Brotier and Desbillons, that in this Fable Phdrus covertly + alludes to the marriage which was contemplated by Livia, or + Livilla, the daughter of the elder Drusus and Antonia, and the + wife of her first-cousin, the younger Drusus, with the infamous + Sejanus, the minister and favourite of Tiberius, after having, + with his assistance, removed her husband by poison. In such case, + the Frogs will represent the Roman people, the Sun Sejanus, who + had greatly oppressed them, and by Jupiter, Tiberius will be + meant.] + + +FABLE VII. + +THE FOX AND THE TRAGIC MASK. + +A Fox, by chance, casting his eyes on a Tragic Mask: "Ah," said she, +"great as is its beauty, still it has no brains."[9] + +This is meant for those to whom fortune has granted honor and renown, +leaving them void of common sense. + + [Footnote I.9: _Has no brains_)--Ver. 2. To make the sense of + this remark of the Fox the more intelligible, we must bear in mind + that the ancient masks covered the whole head, and sometimes + extended down to the shoulders; consequently, their resemblance to + the human head was much more striking than in the masks of the + present day.] + + +FABLE VIII. + +THE WOLF AND THE CRANE. + +He who expects a recompense for his services from the dishonest commits +a twofold mistake; first, because he assists the undeserving, and in the +next place, because he cannot be gone while he is yet safe. + +A bone that he had swallowed stuck in the jaws of a Wolf. Thereupon, +overcome by extreme pain, he began to tempt all and sundry by great +rewards to extract the cause of misery. At length, on his taking an +oath, aCrane was prevailed on, and, trusting the length of her neck to +his throat, she wrought, with danger to herself, acure for the Wolf. +When she demanded the promised reward for this {service}, "You are an +ungrateful one," replied {the Wolf}, "to have taken your head in safety +out of my mouth, and {then} to ask for a reward." + + +FABLE IX. + +THE SPARROW AND THE HARE. + +Let us show, in a few lines, that it is unwise to be heedless[10] of +ourselves, while we are giving advice to others. + +A Sparrow upbraided a Hare that had been pounced upon by an Eagle, and +was sending forth piercing cries. "Where now," said he, "is that +fleetness for which you are so remarkable? Why were your feet {thus} +tardy?" While he was speaking, aHawk seizes him unawares, and kills +him, shrieking aloud with vain complaints. The Hare, almost dead, as a +consolation in his agony, {exclaimed}: "You, who so lately, free from +care, were ridiculing my misfortunes, have now to deplore your own fate +with as woful cause." + + [Footnote I.10: _To be heedless_)--Ver. 1. "Cavere" is a word + of legal signification, meaning to give advice to a person by way + of assistance or precaution, as a patron to his client.] + + +FABLE X. + +THE WOLF, THE FOX, AND THE APE. + +Whoever has once become notorious by base fraud, even if he speaks the +truth, gains no belief. To this, ashort Fable of sop bears witness. + +A Wolf indicted a Fox upon a charge of theft; the latter denied that she +was amenable to the charge. Upon this, the Ape sat as judge between +them; and when each of them had pleaded his cause, the Ape is said to +have pronounced {this} sentence: "You, {Wolf}, appear not to have lost +what you demand; Ibelieve that you, {Fox}, have stolen what you so +speciously deny." + + +FABLE XI. + +THE ASS AND THE LION HUNTING. + +A dastard, who in his talk brags of his prowess, and is devoid of +courage,[11] imposes upon strangers, but is the jest of all who know +him. + +A Lion having resolved to hunt in company with an Ass, concealed him in +a thicket, and at the same time enjoined him to frighten the wild beasts +with his voice, to which they were unused, while he himself was to catch +them as they fled. Upon this, Long-ears, with all his might, suddenly +raised a cry, and terrified the beasts with {this} new cause of +astonishment.[12] While, in their alarm, they are flying to the +well-known outlets, they are overpowered by the dread onset of the Lion; +who, after he was wearied with slaughter, called forth the Ass {from his +retreat}, and bade him cease his clamour. On this the other, in his +insolence, {inquired}: "What think you of the assistance given by my +voice?" "Excellent!" said {the Lion}, "so much so, that if I had not +been acquainted with your spirit and your race, Ishould have fled in +alarm like {the rest}." + + [Footnote I.11: _Devoid of courage_)--Ver. 1. Burmann suggests, + with great probability, that Phdrus had here in mind those + braggart warriors, who have been so well described by Plautus and + Terence, under the characters of Pyrgopolynices and Thraso.] + + [Footnote I.12: _This new cause of astonishment_)--Ver. 8. Never + having heard the voice of an ass in the forests before.] + + +FABLE XII. + +THE STAG AT THE STREAM. + +This story shows that what you contemn is often found of more utility +than what you load with praises. + +A Stag, when he had drunk at a stream, stood still, and gazed upon his +likeness in the water. While there, in admiration, he was praising his +branching horns, and finding fault with the extreme thinness of his +legs, suddenly roused by the cries of the huntsmen, he took to flight +over the plain, and with nimble course escaped the dogs. Then a wood +received the beast; in which, being entangled and caught by his horns, +the dogs began to tear him to pieces with savage bites. While dying, he +is said to have uttered these words: "Oh, how unhappy am I, who now too +late find out how useful to me were the things that I despised; and what +sorrow the things I used to praise, have caused me." + + +FABLE XIII. + +THE FOX AND THE RAVEN. + +He who is delighted at being flattered with artful words, {generally} +pays the ignominious penalty of a late repentance. + +As a Raven, perched in a lofty tree, was about to eat a piece of cheese, +stolen from a window,[13] aFox espied him, {and} thereupon began thus +to speak: "ORaven, what a glossiness there is upon those feathers of +yours! What grace you carry in your shape and air! If you had a voice, +no bird whatever would be superior to you." On this, the other, while, +in his folly, attempting to show off his voice, let fall the cheese from +his mouth, which the crafty Fox with greedy teeth instantly snatched up. +Then, too late, the Raven, thus, in his stupidity overreached, heaved a +bitter sigh. + +By this story[14] it is shown, how much ingenuity avails, {and} how +wisdom is always an overmatch for strength. + + [Footnote I.13: _From a window_)--Ver. 3. Burmann suggests + that the window of a house in which articles of food were exposed + for sale, is probably meant.] + + [Footnote I.14: _By this story_)--Ver. 13. Heinsius thinks + this line and the next to be spurious; because, though Phdrus + sometimes at the beginning mentions the design of his Fable, he + seldom does so at the end. In this conjecture he is followed by + Bentley, Sanadon, and many others of the learned.] + + + +FABLE XIV. + +THE COBBLER TURNED PHYSICIAN. + +A bungling Cobbler, broken down by want, having begun to practise physic +in a strange place, and selling his antidote[15] under a feigned name, +gained some reputation for himself by his delusive speeches. + +Upon this, the King of the city, who lay ill, being afflicted with a +severe malady, asked for a cup, for the purpose of trying him; and then +pouring water into it, and pretending that he was mixing poison with the +fellow's antidote, ordered him to drink it off, {in consideration of} a +stated reward. Through fear of death, the cobbler then confessed that +not by any skill in the medical art, but through the stupidity of the +public, he had gained his reputation. The King, having summoned a +council, thus remarked: "What think you of the extent of your madness, +when you do not hesitate to trust your lives[16] to one to whom no one +would trust his feet to be fitted with shoes?" + +This, I should say with good reason, is aimed at those through whose +folly impudence makes a profit. + + [Footnote I.15: _Selling his antidote_)--Ver. 3. "Antidotum" + probably means a universal remedy, capable of curing all natural + diseases, as well as neutralizing the effects of poison.] + + [Footnote I.16: _Trust your lives_)--Ver. 15. He seems to pun + upon the word "capita," as meaning not only "the life," but "the + head," in contradistinction to "the feet," mentioned in the next + line. As in l.2 we find that he came to a place where he was not + known, we must suppose that the Cobbler confessed to the King his + former calling.] + + +FABLE XV. + +THE ASS AND THE OLD SHEPHERD. + +In a change of government, the poor change nothing beyond the name of +their master. That this is the fact this little Fable shows. + +A timorous Old Man was feeding an Ass in ameadow. Frightened by a +sudden alarm of the enemy, he tried to persuade the Ass to fly, lest +they should be taken prisoners. But he leisurely replied: "Pray, do you +suppose that the conqueror will place double panniers upon me?" The Old +Man said, "No." "Then what matters it to me, so long as I have to carry +my panniers, whom I serve?" + + +FABLE XVI. + +THE STAG, THE SHEEP, AND THE WOLF. + +When a rogue offers his name as surety in a doubtful case, he has no +design to act straight-forwardly, but is looking to mischief. + +A Stag asked a Sheep for a measure[17] of wheat, aWolf being his +surety. The other, however, suspecting fraud, {replied}: "The Wolf has +always been in the habit of plundering and absconding; you, of rushing +out of sight with rapid flight: where am I to look for you both when the +day comes?"[18] + + [Footnote I.17: _For a measure_)--Ver. 3. Properly "modius;" + the principal dry measure of the Romans. It was equal to one-third + of the amphora, and therefore to nearly two gallons English.] + + [Footnote I.18: _Day comes_)--Ver. 6. "Quum dies adveniat," + alaw term, signifying "when the day of payment comes."] + + +FABLE XVII. + +THE SHEEP, THE DOG, AND THE WOLF. + +Liars generally[19] pay the penalty of their guilt. + +A Dog, who was a false accuser, having demanded of a Sheep a loaf of +bread, which he affirmed he had entrusted to her charge; aWolf, +summoned as a witness, affirmed that not only one was owing but ten. +Condemned on false testimony, the Sheep had to pay what she did not owe. +Afew days after, the Sheep saw the Wolf lying in a pit. "This," said +she, "is the reward of villany, sent by the Gods." + + [Footnote I.19: _Liars generally_)--Ver. 1. It is supposed by + some that this Fable is levelled against the informers who + infested Rome in the days of Tiberius.] + + +FABLE XVIII. + +THE WOMAN IN LABOUR. + +No one returns with good will to the place which has done him a +mischief. + +Her months completed,[20] a Woman in labour lay upon the ground, +uttering woful moans. Her Husband entreated her to lay her body on the +bed, where she might with more ease deposit her ripe burden. "Ifeel far +from confident," said she, "that my pains can end in the place where +they originated." + + [Footnote I.20: _Her months completed_)--Ver. 2. Plutarch + relates this, not as a Fable, but as a true narrative.] + + +FABLE XIX. + +THE BITCH AND HER WHELPS. + +The fair words of a wicked man are fraught with treachery, and the +subjoined lines warn us to shun them. + +A Bitch, ready to whelp,[21] having entreated another that she might +give birth to her offspring in her kennel, easily obtained the favour. +Afterwards, on the other asking for her place back again, she renewed +her entreaties, earnestly begging for a short time, until she might be +enabled to lead forth her whelps when they had gained sufficient +strength. This time being also expired, {the other} began more urgently +to press for her abode: "If" said {the tenant}, "you can be a match for +me and my litter, Iwill depart from the place." + + [Footnote I.21: _Ready to whelp_)--Ver. 3. Justin, B.I., + c.3, mentions this Fable with some little variation, as being + related by a Ligurian to Comanus, the son of King Nannus, who had + granted (about B.C. 540) some land to the Phocans for the + foundation of the city of Massilia; signifying thereby that the + natives would be quickly dispossessed by the newcomers.] + + +FABLE XX. + +THE HUNGRY DOGS. + +An ill-judged project is not only without effect, but also lures mortals +to their destruction. + +Some Dogs espied a raw hide sunk in a river. In order that they might +more easily get it out and devour it, they fell to drinking up the +water; they burst, however, and perished before they could reach what +they sought. + + +FABLE XXI. + +THE AGED LION, THE WILD BOAR, THE BULL, AND THE ASS. + +Whoever has fallen from a previous high estate, is in his calamity the +butt even of cowards. + +As a Lion, worn out with years, and deserted by his strength, lay +drawing his last breath, aWild Boar came up to him, with flashing +tusks,[22] and with a blow revenged an old affront. Next, with hostile +horns, aBull pierced the body of his foe. An Ass, on seeing the wild +beast maltreated with impunity, tore up his forehead with his heels. On +this, expiring, he {said}: "Ihave borne, with indignation, the insults +of the brave; but in being inevitably forced to bear with you, disgrace +to nature! Iseem to die a double death." + + [Footnote I.22: _With flashing tusks_)--Ver. 5. "Fulmineus," + "lightning-like," is an epithet given by Ovid and Statius also, to + the tusks of the wild boar; probably by reason of their sharpness + and the impetuosity of the blow inflicted thereby. Scheffer + suggests that they were so called from their white appearance + among the black hair of the boar's head.] + + +FABLE XXII. + +THE MAN AND THE WEASEL. + +A Weasel, on being caught by a Man, wishing to escape impending death: +"Pray," said she, "do spare me, for 'tis I who keep your house clear of +troublesome mice." The Man made answer: "If you did so for my sake, it +would be a reason for thanking you, {and} I should have granted you the +pardon you entreat. But, inasmuch as you do your best that you may enjoy +the scraps which they would have gnawed, and devour the mice as well, +don't think of placing your pretended services to my account;" and so +saying, he put the wicked {creature} to death. + +Those persons ought to recognize this as applicable to themselves, whose +object is private advantage, and who boast to the unthinking of an +unreal merit. + + +FABLE XXIII. + +THE FAITHFUL DOG. + +The man who becomes liberal all of a sudden, gratifies the foolish, but +for the wary spreads his toils in vain. + +A Thief one night threw a crust of bread to a Dog, to try whether he +could be gained by the proffered victuals: "Hark you," said the Dog, "do +you think to stop my tongue so that I may not bark for my master's +property? You are greatly mistaken. For this sudden liberality bids me +be on the watch, that you may not profit by my neglect." + + +FABLE XXIV. + +THE FROG AND THE OX. + +The needy man, while affecting to imitate the powerful, comes to ruin. + +Once on a time, a Frog espied an Ox in a meadow, and moved with envy at +his vast bulk, puffed out her wrinkled skin, {and} then asked her young +ones whether she was bigger than the Ox. They said "No." Again, with +still greater efforts, she distended her skin, and in like manner +enquired which was the bigger:[23] they said: "The Ox." At last, while, +full of indignation, she tried, with all her might, to puff herself out, +she burst her body on the spot. + + [Footnote I.23: _Which was the bigger_)--Ver. 8. "Quis major + esset. Illi dixerunt Bovem." Bentley censures this line, and + thinks it spurious. In good Latin, he says "uter" would occupy the + place of "quis," and "bovem" would be replaced by "bos."] + + +FABLE XXV. + +THE DOG AND THE CROCODILE. + +Those who give bad advice to discreet persons, both lose their pains, +and are laughed to scorn. + +It has been related,[24] that Dogs drink at the river Nile running +along, that they may not be seized by the Crocodiles. Accordingly, aDog +having begun to drink while running along, aCrocodile thus addressed +him: "Lap as leisurely as you like; drink on; come nearer, and don't be +afraid," said he. The other {replied}: "Egad, Iwould do so with all my +heart, did I not know that you are eager for my flesh." + + [Footnote I.24: _It has been related_)--Ver. 3. Pliny, in his + Natural History, B.viii. c.40, and lian, in his Various and + Natural Histories, relate the same fact as to the dogs drinking of + the Nile. "To treat a thing, as the dogs do the Nile," was a + common proverb with the ancients, signifying to do it + superficially; corresponding with our homely saying, "To give it a + lick and a promise." Macrobius, in the Saturnalia, B.i. c.2, + mentions a story, that after the defeat at Mutina, when enquiry + was made as to what had become of Antony, one of his servants made + answer: "He has done what the dogs do in Egypt, he drank and ran + away." + + +FABLE XXVI. + +THE FOX AND THE STORK. + +Harm should be done to no man; but if any one do an injury, this Fable +shows that he may be visited with a like return. + +A Fox is said to have given a Stork the first invitation to a banquet, +and to have placed before her some thin broth in a flat dish, of which +the hungry Stork could in no way get a taste. Having invited the Fox in +return, she set {before him} a narrow-mouthed jar,[25] full of minced +meat:[26] and, thrusting her beak into it, satisfied herself, {while} +she tormented her guest with hunger; who, after having in vain licked +the neck of the jar, as we have heard, thus addressed the foreign +bird:[27] "Every one is bound to bear patiently the results of his own +example." + + [Footnote I.25: _Of minced meat_)--Ver. 7. "Intritus cibus," + is thought here to signify a peculiar dish, consisting of bread + soaked in milk, cheese, garlic, and other herbs.] + + [Footnote I.26: _Narrow-mouthed jar_)--Ver. 8. The "lagena," + or "lagona," was a long-necked bottle or flagon, made of earth, + and much used for keeping wine or fruit.] + + [Footnote I.27: _The foreign bird_)--Ver. 11. Alluding + probably to the migratory habits of the stork, or the fact of her + being especially a native of Egypt.] + + +FABLE XXVII. + +THE DOG, THE TREASURE, AND THE VULTURE. + +This Fable may be applied to the avaricious, and to those, who, born to +a humble lot, affect to be called rich. + +Grubbing up human bones,[28] a Dog met with a Treasure; and, because he +had offended the Gods the Manes,[29] adesire for riches was inspired in +him, that so he might pay the penalty {due} to the holy character of the +place. Accordingly, while he was watching over the gold, forgetful of +food, he was starved to death; on which a Vulture, standing over him, is +reported to have said: "ODog, you justly meet your death, who, begotten +at a cross-road, and bred up on a dunghill, have suddenly coveted regal +wealth." + + [Footnote I.28: _Human bones_)--Ver. 3. This plainly refers to + the custom which prevailed among the ancients, of burying golden + ornaments, and even money, with the dead; which at length was + practised to such an excess, that at Rome the custom was forbidden + by law. It was probably practised to a great extent by the people + of Etruria; if we may judge from the discoveries of golden + ornaments frequently made in their tombs.] + + [Footnote I.29: _Gods the Manes_)--Ver. 4. Perhaps by "Deos + Manes" are meant the good and bad Genii of the deceased.] + + +FABLE XXVIII. + +THE FOX AND THE EAGLE. + +Men, however high in station, ought to be on their guard against the +lowly; because, to ready address, revenge lies near at hand. + +An Eagle one day carried off the whelps of a Fox, and placed them in +{her} nest before her young ones, for them to tear in pieces as food. +The mother, following her, began to entreat that she would not cause +such sorrow to her miserable {suppliant}. The other despised her, as +being safe in the very situation of the spot. The Fox snatched from an +altar a burning torch, and surrounded the whole tree with flames, +intending to mingle anguish to her foe with the loss of her offspring. +The Eagle, that she might rescue her young ones from the peril of death, +in a suppliant manner restored to the Fox her whelps in safety. + + +FABLE XXIX. + +THE ASS DERIDING THE BOAR. + +Fools often, while trying to raise a silly laugh, provoke others by +gross affronts, and cause serious danger to themselves. + +An Ass meeting a Boar: "Good morrow to you, brother," says he. The other +indignantly rejects the salutation, and enquires why he thinks proper to +utter such an untruth. The Ass, with legs[30] crouching down, replies: +"If you deny that you are like me, at all events I have something very +like your snout." The Boar, just on the point of making a fierce attack, +suppressed his rage, and {said}: "Revenge were easy for me, but I +decline to be defiled with {such} dastardly blood." + + [Footnote I.30: _The ass, with legs_)--Ver. 7. This line is + somewhat modified in the translation.] + + +FABLE XXX. + +THE FROGS FRIGHTENED AT THE BATTLE OF THE BULLS. + +When the powerful[31] are at variance, the lowly are the sufferers. + +A Frog, viewing from a marsh, a combat of some Bulls: "Alas!" said she, +"what terrible destruction is threatening us." Being asked by another +why she said so, as the Bulls were contending for the sovereignty of the +herd, and passed their lives afar from them: "Their habitation is at a +distance," {said she}, "and they are of a different kind; still, he who +{is} expelled from the sovereignty of the meadow, will take to flight, +{and} come to the secret hiding-places in the fens, and trample and +crush us with his hard hoof. Thus does their fury concern our safety." + + [Footnote I.31: _When the powerful_)--Ver. 1. This is similar + to the line of Horace, "Quicquid delirant reges, plectuntur + Achivi."] + + +FABLE XXXI. + +THE KITE AND THE PIGEONS. + +He who entrusts himself to the protection of a wicked man, while he +seeks assistance, meets with destruction. + +Some Pigeons, having often escaped from a Kite, and by their swiftness +of wing avoided death, the spoiler had recourse to stratagem, and by a +crafty device of this nature, deceived the harmless race. "Why do you +prefer to live a life of anxiety, rather than conclude a treaty, and +make me {your} king, who can ensure your safety from every injury?" +They, putting confidence in him, entrusted themselves to the Kite, who, +on obtaining the sovereignty, began to devour them one by one, and to +exercise authority with his cruel talons. Then said one of those that +were left: "Deservedly are we smitten." + + + + +BOOK II. + + +THE PROLOGUE. + +The plan of sop is confined to instruction by examples; nor by Fables +is anything else[1] aimed at than that the errors of mortals may be +corrected, and persevering industry[2] exert itself. Whatever the +playful invention, therefore, of the narrator, so long as it pleases the +ear, and answers its purpose, it is recommended by its merits, not by +the Author's name. + +For my part, I will with all care follow the method of the sage;[3] but +if I should think fit to insert something[4] {of my own}, that variety +of subjects may gratify the taste, Itrust, Reader, you will take it in +good part; provided that my brevity be a fair return for such a favour: +of which, that {my} praises may not be verbose, listen to the reason why +you ought to deny the covetous, {and} even to offer to the modest that +for which they have not asked. + + [Footnote II.1: _Is anything else_)--Ver. 2. Burmann thinks + that the object of the Author in this Prologue is to defend + himself against the censures of those who might blame him for not + keeping to his purpose, mentioned in the Prologue of the First + Book, of adhering to the fabulous matter used by sop, but mixing + up with such stories narratives of events that had happened in his + own time.] + + [Footnote II.2: _Persevering industry_)--Ver. 5. "Diligens + industria." An industry or ingenuity that exerts itself in trying + to discover the meaning of his Fables.] + + [Footnote II.3: _Of the sage_)--Ver. 8. Meaning sop.] + + [Footnote II.4: _To insert something_)--Ver. 9. He probably + alludes to such contemporary narratives as are found in Fable v. + of the present Book; in Fable x. of the Third; in B.IV., Fables + v., xxi., xxiv.; and B.V., Fables i., v., vii.] + + +FABLE I. + +THE LION, THE ROBBER, AND THE TRAVELLER. + +While a Lion was standing over a Bullock, which he had brought to the +ground, aRobber came up, and demanded a share. "Iwould give it you," +said {the Lion}, "were you not in the habit of taking without leave;" +and {so} repulsed the rogue. By chance, aharmless Traveller was led to +the same spot, and on seeing the wild beast, retraced his steps; on +which the Lion kindly said to him: "You have nothing to fear; boldly +take the share which is due to your modesty." Then having divided the +carcase, he sought the woods, that he might make room for the Man. + +A very excellent example, and worthy of all praise; but covetousness is +rich and modesty in want.[5] + + [Footnote II.5: _Modesty in want_)--Ver. 12. Martial has a + similar passage, B.iv., Epig. 9:-- + + "Semper eris pauper, si pauper es, miliane, + Dantur opes nulli nunc nisi divitibus."] + + +FABLE II. + +THE TWO WOMEN OF DIFFERENT AGES BELOVED BY THE MIDDLE-AGED MAN. + +That the men, under all circumstances, are preyed upon by the women, +whether they love or are beloved, {this} truly we learn from examples. + +A Woman, not devoid of grace, held enthralled a certain Man of middle +age,[6] concealing her years by the arts of the toilet: alovely Young +creature, too, had captivated the heart of the same person. Both, as +they were desirous to appear of the same age with him, began, each in +her turn, to pluck out the hair of the Man. While he imagined that he +was made trim by the care of the women, he suddenly found himself bald; +for the Young Woman had entirely pulled out the white hairs, the Old +Woman the black ones. + + [Footnote II.6: _Of middle age_)--Ver 8. It has been a matter + of doubt among Commentators to which "tatis medi" applies--the + man or the woman. But as she is called "anus," "an Old Woman," in + the last line, it is most probable that the man is meant.] + + +FABLE III. + +THE MAN AND THE DOG. + +A Man, torn by the bite of a savage Dog, threw a piece of bread, dipt in +his blood, to the offender; athing that he had heard was a remedy for +the wound. Then said sop: "Don't do this before many dogs, lest they +devour us alive, when they know that such is the reward of guilt." + +The success of the wicked is a temptation to many. + + +FABLE IV. + +THE EAGLE, THE CAT, AND THE WILD SOW. + +An Eagle had made her nest at the top of an oak; aCat who had found a +hole in the middle, had kittened {there}; aSow, adweller in the woods, +had laid her offspring at the bottom. Then thus does the Cat with deceit +and wicked malice, destroy the community so formed by accident. She +mounts up to the nest of the Bird: "Destruction," says she, "is +preparing for you, perhaps, too, for wretched me; for as you see, the +Sow, digging up the earth every day, is insidiously trying to overthrow +the oak, that she may easily seize our progeny on the ground." Having +{thus} spread terror, and bewildered {the Eagle's} senses, the Cat +creeps down to the lair of the bristly Sow: "In great danger," says she, +"are your offspring; for as soon as you go out to forage with your young +litter, the Eagle is ready to snatch away from you your little pigs." +Having filled this place likewise with alarm, she cunningly hides +herself in her safe hole. Thence she wanders forth on tiptoe by night, +and having filled herself and her offspring with food, she looks out all +day long, pretending alarm. Fearing the downfall, the Eagle sits still +in the branches; to avoid the attack of the spoiler, the Sow stirs not +abroad. Why make a long story? They perished through hunger, with their +young ones, and afforded the Cat and her kittens an ample repast. + +Silly credulity may take this as a proof how much evil a double-tongued +man may often contrive. + + +FABLE V. + +CSAR TO THE CHAMBERLAIN. + +There is a certain set of busybodies at Rome, hurriedly running to and +fro, busily engaged in idleness, out of breath about nothing at all, +with much ado doing nothing, atrouble to themselves, and most annoying +to others. It is my object, by a true story, to reform this race, if +indeed I can: it is worth your while to attend. + +Tiberius Csar, when on his way to Naples, came to his country-seat at +Misenum,[7] which, placed by the hand of Lucullus on the summit of the +heights, beholds the Sicilian sea in the distance, and that of Etruria +close at hand. One of the highly girt Chamberlains,[8] whose tunic of +Pelusian linen was nicely smoothed from his shoulders downwards, with +hanging fringes, while his master was walking through the pleasant +shrubberies, began with bustling officiousness to sprinkle[9] the +parched ground with a wooden watering-pot; but {only} got laughed at. +Thence, by short cuts {to him} well known, he runs before into another +walk,[10] laying the dust. Csar takes notice of the fellow, and +discerns his object. Just as he is supposing that there is some +extraordinary good fortune in store for him: "Come hither," says his +master; on which he skips up to him, quickened by the joyous hope of a +sure reward. Then, in a jesting tone, thus spoke the mighty majesty of +the prince: "You have not profited much; your labour is all in vain; +manumission stands at a much higher price with me."[11] + + [Footnote II.7: _Country-seat at Misenum_)--Ver. 8. This villa + was situate on Cape Misenum, apromontory of Campania, near Bai + and Cum, so called from Misenus, the trumpeter of neas, who was + said to have been buried there. The villa was originally built by + C. Marius, and was bought by Cornelia, and then by Lucullus, who + either rebuilt it or added extensively to it.] + + [Footnote II.8: _Of the chamberlains_)--Ver. 11. The + "atrienses" were a superior class of the domestic slaves. It was + their duty to take charge of the "atrium," or hall; to escort + visitors or clients, and to explain to strangers all matters + connected with the pictures, statues, and other decorations of the + house.] + + [Footnote II.9: _To sprinkle_)--Ver. 16. Burmann suggests that + this duty did not belong to the "atriensis," who would + consequently think that his courteous politeness would on that + account be still more pleasing to the Emperor.] + + [Footnote II.10: _Another walk_)--Ver. 18. The "xystus" was a + level piece of ground, in front of a portico, divided into + flower-beds of various shapes by borders of box.] + + [Footnote II.11: _Much higher price_)--Ver. 25. He alludes to + the Roman mode of manumission, or setting the slaves at liberty. + Before the master presented the slave to the Qustor, to have the + "vindicta," or lictor's rod, laid on him, he turned him round and + gave him a blow on the face. In the word "veneunt," "sell," there + is a reference to the purchase of their liberty by the slaves, + which was often effected by means of their "peculium," or + savings.] + + +FABLE VI. + +THE EAGLE, THE CROW, AND THE TORTOISE. + +No one is sufficiently armed against the powerful; but if a wicked +adviser joins them, nothing can withstand such a combination of violence +and unscrupulousness.[12] + +An Eagle carried a Tortoise aloft, who had hidden her body in her horny +abode, and in her concealment could not, while thus sheltered, be +injured in any way. ACrow came through the air, and flying near, +exclaimed: "You really have carried off a rich prize in your talons; but +if I don't instruct you what you must do, in vain will you tire yourself +with the heavy weight." Ashare being promised her, she persuades the +Eagle to dash the hard shell from the lofty stars upon a rock, that, it +being broken to pieces, she may easily feed upon the meat. Induced by +her words, the Eagle attends to her suggestion, and at the same time +gives a large share of the banquet to her instructress. + +Thus she who had been protected by the bounty of nature, being an +unequal match for the two, perished by an unhappy fate. + + [Footnote II.12: Literally: Whatever violence and + unscrupulousness attack, comes.] + + +FABLE VII. + +THE MULES AND THE ROBBERS. + +Laden with burdens, two Mules were travelling along; the one was +carrying baskets[13] with money, the other sacks distended with store of +barley. The former, rich with his burden, goes exulting along, with neck +erect, and tossing to-and-fro upon his throat {his} clear-toned +bell:[14] his companion follows, with quiet and easy step. Suddenly some +Robbers rush from ambush upon them, and amid the slaughter[15] pierce +the Mule with a sword, and carry off the money; the valueless barley +they neglect. While, then, the one despoiled was bewailing their +mishaps: "For my part," says the other, "Iam glad I was thought so +little of; for I have lost nothing, nor have I received hurt by a +wound." + +According to the moral of this Fable, poverty is safe; great riches are +liable to danger. + + [Footnote II.13: _Carrying baskets_)--Ver. 2. "Fisci" were + baskets made of twigs, or panniers, in which the Romans kept and + carried about sums of money. Being used especially in the Roman + treasury, the word in time came to signify the money itself. Hence + our word "fiscal."] + + [Footnote II.14: _Clear-toned bell_)--Ver. 5. Scheffer and + Gronovius think that the bell was used, as in some countries at + the present day, for the purpose of warning those who came in an + opposite direction to make room where the path was narrow.] + + [Footnote II.15: _Amid the slaughter_)--Ver. 8. He alludes no + doubt to the murder of the men conducting the mules by the + Robbers.] + + +FABLE VIII. + +THE STAG AND THE OXEN. + +A Stag, aroused from his woodland lair, to avoid impending death +threatened by huntsmen, repaired with blind fear to the nearest +farm-house, and hid himself in an ox-stall close at hand. Upon this, an +Ox said to him, as he concealed himself: "Why, what do you mean, unhappy +one, in thus rushing of your own accord upon destruction, and trusting +your life to the abode of man?" To this he suppliantly replied: "Do you +only spare me; the moment an opportunity is given I will again rush +forth." Night in her turn takes the place of day; the Neat-herd brings +fodder, but yet sees him not. All the farm servants pass and repass +every now and then; no one perceives him; even the Steward passes by, +nor does he observe anything. Upon this, the stag, in his joy, began to +return thanks to the Oxen who had kept so still, because they had +afforded him hospitality in the hour of adversity. One of them made +answer: "We really do wish you well; but if he, who has a hundred eyes, +should come, your life will be placed in great peril." In the meanwhile +the Master himself comes back from dinner; and having lately seen the +Oxen in bad condition, comes up to the rack: "Why," says he, "is there +so little fodder? Is litter scarce? What great trouble is it to remove +those spiders' webs?"[16] While he is prying into every corner, he +perceives too the branching horns of the Stag, and having summoned the +household, he orders him to be killed, and carries off the prize. + +This Fable signifies that the master sees better than any one else in +his own affairs. + + [Footnote II.16: _Those spiders' webs_)--Ver. 23. The mode of + clearing away the spider webs may be seen described in the + beginning of the "Stichus" of Plautus.] + + +THE EPILOGUE. + +The Athenians erected a statue to the genius of sop, and placed him, +though a slave, upon an everlasting pedestal, that all might know that +the way to fame is open to all, and that glory is not awarded to birth +but to merit. Since another[17] has prevented me from being the first, +Ihave made it my object, athing which still lay in my power, that he +should not be the only one. Nor is this envy, but emulation; and if +Latium shall favour my efforts, she will have still more {authors} whom +she may match with Greece. {But} if jealousy shall attempt to detract +from my labours, still it shall not deprive me of the consciousness of +deserving praise. If my attempts reach your ears, and {your} taste +relishes {these} Fables, as being composed with skill, {my} success +{then} banishes every complaint. But if, on the contrary, my learned +labours fall into the hands of those whom a perverse nature has brought +to the light of day, and {who} are unable to do anything except carp at +their betters, Ishall endure my unhappy destiny[18] with strength of +mind, until Fortune is ashamed of her own injustice. + + [Footnote II.17: _Since another_)--Ver. 5. He probably refers + to sop: though Heinsius thinks that he refers to C. Mecnas + Melissus, mentioned by Ovid, in his Pontic Epistles, B.iv., El. + xvi., l.30, afreedman of Mecnas, who compiled a book of jests + partly from the works of sop. Burmann, however, ridicules this + supposition.] + + [Footnote II.18: _Unhappy destiny_)--Ver. 17. The words + "fatale exitium" have been considered as being here + inappropriately used. It is very doubtful whether the last part of + this Epilogue is genuine.] + + + + +BOOK III. + + +THE PROLOGUE. + +TO EUTYCHUS.[1] + +If you have a desire, Eutychus, to read the little books of Phdrus, you +must keep yourself disengaged from business, that your mind, at liberty, +may relish the meaning of the lines. "But," you say, "my genius is not +of such great value, that a moment of time should be lost {for it} to my +own pursuits." There is no reason then why that should be touched by +your hands which is not suited for ears so engaged. Perhaps you will +say, "some holidays will come,[2] which will invite me to study with +mind unbent." Will you {rather}, Iask you, read worthless ditties,[3] +than bestow attention upon your domestic concerns, give moments to your +friends, your leisure to your wife, relax your mind, and refresh your +body, in order that you may return more efficiently to your wonted +duties? You must change your purpose and your mode of life, if you have +thoughts of crossing the threshold of the Muses. I, whom my mother +brought forth on the Pierian hill,[4] upon which hallowed Mnemosyne, +nine times fruitful, bore the choir of Muses to thundering Jove: +although I was born almost in the very school itself, and have entirely +erased {all} care for acquiring wealth from my breast, and with the +approval of many have applied myself to these pursuits, am still with +difficulty received into the choir {of the Poets}. What do you imagine +must be the lot of him who seeks, with ceaseless vigilance, to amass +great wealth, preferring the sweets of gain to the labours of learning? + +But now, come of it what may (as Sinon said[5] when he was brought +before the King of Dardania), Iwill trace a third book with the pen of +sop, and dedicate it to you, in acknowledgment of your honor and your +goodness.[6] If you read it, Ishall rejoice; but if otherwise, at least +posterity will have something with which to amuse themselves. + +Now will I explain in a few words why Fabulous narrative was invented. +Slavery,[7] subject to the will of another, because it did not dare to +say what it wished, couched its sentiments in Fables, and by pleasing +fictions eluded censure. In place of its foot-path I have made a road, +and have invented more than it left, selecting some points to my own +misfortune.[8] But if any other than Sejanus[9] had been the informer, +if any other the witness, if any other the judge, in fine, Ishould +confess myself deserving of such severe woes; nor should I soothe my +sorrow with these expedients. If any one shall make erroneous surmises, +and apply to himself what is applicable to all in common, he will +absurdly expose the secret convictions of his mind. And still, to him I +would hold myself excused; for it is no intention of mine to point at +individuals, but to describe life itself and the manners of mankind. +Perhaps some one will say, that I undertake a weighty task. If sop of +Phrygia, if Anacharsis of Scythia[10] could, by their genius, found a +lasting fame, why should I who am more nearly related to learned Greece, +forsake in sluggish indolence the glories of my country? especially as +the Thracian race numbers its own authors, and Apollo was the parent of +Linus, aMuse of Orpheus, who with his song moved rocks and tamed wild +beasts, and held the current of Hebrus in sweet suspense. Away then, +envy! nor lament in vain, because to me the customary fame is due. + +I have urged you to read {these lines}; Ibeg that you will give me your +sincere opinion[11] of them with {your} well-known candour. + + [Footnote III.1: _Eutychus_)--Ver. 2. It is not known with + certainty who this Eutychus was to whom he addresses himself. It + has been suggested that he is the same person who is mentioned by + Josephus, Antiq. B.xix., c.4, as flourishing at the Court of + Caligula, and who had previously been a charioteer and inspector + of buildings at the stables of Claudius. He is also supposed, from + the words of the Epilogue of this Book, line 20-26, to have held + more than one public office. It has been suggested that he was the + freedman of the Emperor Claudius or Augustus, an inscription + having been found in the tomb of the freedmen of the latter to C. + Julius Eutychus. But it is hardly probable that he is the person + meant; as there is little doubt that Phdrus wrote the present + Book of Fables long after the time of Augustus. Indeed it has been + suggested by some that he wrote it as late as the reign of + Caligula.] + + [Footnote III.2: _Some holidays_)--Ver. 8. The Romans had + three kinds of public "feri," or holidays, which all belonged to + the "dies nefasti," or days on which no public business could be + done. These were the "feri stativ," "conceptiv," and + "imperativ." The first were held regularly, and on stated days + set forth in the Calendar. To these belonged the Lupercalia, + Carmentalia, and Agonalia. The "conceptiv," or "concept," were + moveable feasts held at certain seasons in every year, but not on + fixed days; the times for holding them being annually appointed by + the magistrates or priests. Among these were the "feri Latin," + Sementiv, Paganalia, and Compitalia. The "feri imperativ" were + appointed to be held on certain emergencies by order of the + Consuls, Prtors, and Dictators; and were in general held to avert + national calamities or to celebrate great victories.] + + [Footnote III.3: _Worthless ditties_)--Ver. 10. "Nnia" were, + properly, the improvised songs that were sung at funerals by the + hired mourners, who were generally females. From their trivial + nature, the word came to be generally applied to all worthless + ditties, and under this name Phdrus, with all humility, alludes + to his Fables.] + + [Footnote III.4: _On the Pierian Hill_)--Ver. 17. Judging from + this passage it would appear that Phdrus was a Macedonian by + birth, and not, as more generally stated, aThracian. Pieria was a + country on the south-east coast of Macedonia, through which ran a + ridge of mountains, apart of which were called Pieria, or the + Pierian mountain. The inhabitants are celebrated in the early + history of the music and poesy of Greece, as their country was one + of the earliest seats of the worship of the Muses, and Orpheus was + said to have been buried there. It is most probable that Phdrus + was carried away in slavery to Rome in his early years, and that + he remembered but little of his native country.] + + [Footnote III.5: _As Sinon said_)--Ver. 27. He here alludes to + the words of Sinon, the Grecian spy, when brought before Priam, in + the Second Book of Virgil, 77-78:-- + + "Cuncta equidem tibi, rex, fuerit quodcumque fatebor + Vera, inquit----" + + Others, again, suppose that this was a proverbial expression in + general use at Rome. It is not improbable that it may have become + so on being adopted from the work of Virgil: "Come what may of it, + as Sinon said."] + + [Footnote III.6: _And your goodness_)--Ver. 30. "Honori et + meritis dedicam illum tuis." We learn from ancient inscriptions + that this was a customary formula in dedications.] + + [Footnote III.7: _Slavery_)--Ver. 34. He probably alludes to + sop's state of slavery, in the service of the philosopher + Xanthus.] + + [Footnote III.8: _To my own misfortune_)--Ver. 40. He + evidently alludes to some misfortune which has befallen him in + consequence of having alluded in his work to the events of his own + times. It has been suggested that he fell under the displeasure of + Tiberius and his minister Sejanus, in consequence of the covert + allusions made to them in Fables II and VI in the First Book. This + question is, however, involved in impenetrable obscurity.] + + [Footnote III.9: _Than Sejanus_)--Ver. 41. He means that lius + Sejanus had acted against him as both informer, witness, and + judge; but that had an honest man condemned him to the sufferings + he then experienced, he should not have complained. The nature of + the punishment here alluded to is not known.] + + [Footnote III.10: _Anacharsis of Scythia_)--Ver. 52. + AScythian philosopher, and supposed contemporary of sop. He came + to Athens in pursuit of knowledge while Solon was the lawgiver of + that city. He is said to have written works on legislation and the + art of war.] + + +FABLE I. + +THE OLD WOMAN AND THE CASK. + +An Old Woman espied a Cask,[12] which had been drained to the dregs, +lying on the ground, {and} which still spread forth from its ennobled +shell a delightful smell of the Falernian lees.[13] After she had +greedily snuffed it up her nostrils with all her might; "Odelicious +fragrance,[14]" said she, "how good I should say were your former +contents, when the remains of them are such!" + +What this refers to let him say who knows me.[15] + + [Footnote III.11: _Nearer to learned Greece_)--Ver. 54. + Alluding to Pieria, the place of his birth. The people of Pieria + were supposed to have been of Thracian origin.] + + [Footnote III.12: _A cask_)--Ver. 1. "Amphoram." Properly, the + "amphora," or earthen vessel with two handles, in which wine was + usually kept.] + + [Footnote III.13: _Falernian Lees_)--Ver. 2. The Falernian + wine held the second rank in estimation among the Romans. The + territory where it was grown commenced at the "Pons Campanus," and + extended from the Massic Hills to the river Vulturnus. Pliny + mentions three kinds, the rough, the sweet, and the thin. It is + supposed to have been of an amber colour, and of considerable + strength. It was the custom to write the age of the wine and the + vintage on the "amphora," or cask.] + + [Footnote III.14: _O, delicious fragrance_)--Ver. 5. "Anima," + most probably applies to the savour or smell of the wine; though + some Commentators have thought that she addresses the cask as + "anima," meaning "O dear soul;" others, that she speaks of the + wine as being the soul of life; while Walchius seems to think that + she is addressing her own soul, which is quite cheered by the + fumes.] + + [Footnote III.15: _Who knows me_)--Ver. 7. Burmann thinks that + the author covertly hints here at the habits of the Emperor + Tiberius in his old age, who still hankered after those vicious + indulgences which had been his main pursuits in his former days; + or else that the Poet simply refers to human life, in the same + spirit in which Seneca, Ep. lvii., calls old age, "fx vit," "the + lees of life." Others again suppose that Phdrus alludes to his + own old age, and means that those who knew him when this Fable was + written, may judge from their present acquaintance with him what + he must have been in his younger days. Heinsius thinks that it + refers to the present state of servitude of Phdrus, compared with + his former liberty; but, if he was manumitted, as generally + supposed, by Augustus, and this Fable was not written till after + the death of Sejanus, that cannot be the case.] + + +FABLE II. + +THE PANTHER AND THE SHEPHERD. + +Repayment in kind is generally made by those who are despised. + +A Panther[16] had once inadvertently fallen into a pit. The rustics saw +her; some belaboured her with sticks, others pelted her with stones; +while some, on the other hand, moved with compassion, seeing that she +must die even though no one should hurt her, threw her some bread to +sustain existence. Night comes on apace; homeward they go without +concern, making sure of finding her dead on the following day. She, +however, after having recruited her failing strength, with a swift bound +effected her escape from the pit, and with hurried pace hastened to her +den. Afew days intervening, she sallies forth, slaughters the flocks, +kills the shepherds themselves, and laying waste every side, rages with +unbridled fury. Upon this those who had shown mercy to the beast, +alarmed for their safety, made no demur to the loss {of their flocks, +and} begged only for their lives. But she {thus answered them}: +"Iremember him who attacked me with stones, {and} him who gave me +bread; lay aside your fears; Ireturn as an enemy to those {only} who +injured me." + + [Footnote III.16: _A Panther_)--Ver. 2. Some have suggested, + Burmann and Guyetus in the number, that by the Panther is meant + Tiberius, who, during his banishment to the isle of Rhodes, + occupied himself in studying how to wreak his vengeance upon his + enemies at Rome, and, with the fury of the Panther, as soon as he + had the opportunity, glutted his vengeance. This notion, however, + seems more ingenious than well founded.] + + +FABLE III. + +SOP AND THE FARMER. + +One taught by experience is proverbially said to be more quick-{witted} +than a wizard, but the reason is not told; which, now for the first +time, shall be made known by my Fable. + +The ewes of a certain Man who reared flocks, brought forth lambs with +human heads. Dreadfully alarmed at the prodigy, he runs full of concern +to the soothsayers. One answers that it bears reference to the life of +the owner, and that the danger must be averted with a victim. Another, +no wiser, affirms that it is meant that his wife is an adultress, and +his children are spurious; but that it can be atoned for by a victim of +greater age.[17] Why enlarge? They all differ in opinions, and greatly +aggravate the anxiety of the Man. sop being at hand, asage of nice +discernment, whom nature could never deceive {by appearances}, +remarked:-- "If you wish, Farmer, to take due precautions against +{this} portent, find wives for your shepherds."[18] + + [Footnote III.17: _Of greater age_)--Ver. 11. "Majori hosti;" + probably, asheep of two years old instead of a lamb.] + + [Footnote III.18: _For your shepherds_)--Ver. 17. Plutarch + introduces Thales in his "Convivium Sapientium," as telling a + somewhat similar story. Phdrus might, with better grace, have + omitted this so-called Fable.] + + +FABLE IV. + +THE BUTCHER AND THE APE. + +A man seeing an Ape hanging up at a Butcher's among the rest of his +commodities and provisions, enquired how it might taste;[19] on which +the Butcher, joking, replied: "Just as the head is, such, Iwarrant, is +the taste." + + [Footnote III.19: _How it might taste_)--Ver. 3. The Butcher + puns upon the twofold meaning of "sapio," "to taste of," or "have + a flavour," and "to be wise." The customer uses the word in the + former sense, while the Butcher answers it in the latter, and + perhaps in the former as well; "Such as the head is," pointing to + it, "I'll warrant the wisdom of the animal to be;" the words at + the same time bearing the meaning of, "It has an ape's head, and + therefore it can only taste like the head of an ape." "Sapor" + ordinarily means "flavour," or "taste;" but Cicero uses it in the + signification of wisdom or genius. Many other significations of + this passage have been suggested by the various Editors.] + + +This I deem to be said more facetiously than correctly; for on the one +hand I have often found the good-looking to be very knaves, and on the +other I have known many with ugly features to be most worthy men. + + +FABLE V. + +SOP AND THE INSOLENT MAN. + +Success leads many astray to their ruin. + +An Insolent Fellow threw a stone at sop. "Well done," said he, and then +gave him a penny, thus continuing: "Upon my faith I have got no more, +but I will show you where you can get some; see, yonder comes a rich and +influential man; throw a stone at him in the same way, and you will +receive a due reward." The other, being persuaded, did as he was +advised. His daring impudence, however, was disappointed of its hope, +for, being seized, he paid the penalty on the cross.[20] + + [Footnote III.20: _On the cross_)--Ver. 10. The cross was + especially used as an instrument of punishment for malefactors of + low station, and, as we see here, sometimes on very trivial + occasions.] + + +FABLE VI. + +THE FLY AND THE MULE. + +A Fly sat on the pole of a chariot, and rebuking the Mule: "How slow you +are," said she; "will you not go faster? Take care that I don't prick +your neck with my sting." The Mule made answer: "Iam not moved by your +words, but I fear him who, sitting on the next seat, guides my yoke[21] +with his pliant whip, and governs my mouth with the foam-covered reins. +Therefore, cease your frivolous impertinence, for I well know when to go +at a gentle pace, and when to run." + +In this Fable, he may be deservedly ridiculed, who, without {any} +strength, gives utterance to vain threats. + + [Footnote III.21: _Guides my yoke_)--Ver. 6. "Jugum meum;" + meaning, "me who bear the yoke."] + + +FABLE VII. + +THE DOG AND THE WOLF. + +I will shew in a few words how sweet is Liberty. + +A Wolf, quite starved with hunger, chanced to meet a well-fed Dog, and +as they stopped to salute each other, "Pray," {said the Wolf}, "how is +it that you are so sleek? or on what food have you made so much flesh? +I, who am far stronger, am perishing with hunger." The Dog frankly +{replied}: "You may enjoy the same condition, if you can render the like +service to your master." "What {is it}?" said the other. "To be the +guardian of his threshold, {and} to protect the house from thieves at +night." "Iam quite ready for that," {said the Wolf}; "at present I have +to endure snow and showers, dragging on a wretched existence in the +woods. How much more pleasant for me to be living under a roof, and, at +my ease, to be stuffed with plenty of victuals." "Come along, then, with +me," {said the Dog}. As they were going along, the Wolf observed the +neck of the Dog, where it was worn with the chain. "Whence comes this, +my friend?" "Oh, it is nothing.[22]" "Do tell me, though." "Because I +appear to be fierce, they fasten me up in the day-time, that I may be +quiet when it is light, and watch when night comes; unchained at +midnight, Iwander wherever I please. Bread is brought me without my +asking; from his own table my master gives me bones; the servants throw +me bits, and whatever dainties each person leaves; thus, without trouble +{on my part}, is my belly filled." "Well, if you have a mind to go +anywhere, are you at liberty?" "Certainly not," replied {the Dog}. +"{Then}, Dog, enjoy what you boast of; Iwould not be a king, to lose my +liberty." + + [Footnote III.22: _It is nothing_)--Ver. 17. "Nihil est." This + was a form of expression used when they wished to cut short any + disagreable question, to which they did not think fit to give a + direct answer.] + + +FABLE VIII. + +THE BROTHER AND SISTER. + +Warned by this lesson, often examine yourself. + +A certain Man had a very ugly Daughter, and also a Son, remarkable for +his handsome features. These, diverting themselves, as children do, +chanced to look into a mirror, as it lay upon their mother's chair.[23] +He praises his own good looks; she is vexed, and cannot endure the +raillery of her boasting brother, construing everything (and how could +she do otherwise?) as a reproach {against herself}. Accordingly, off she +runs to her Father, to be avenged {on him} in her turn, and with great +rancour, makes a charge against the Son, how that he, though a male, has +been meddling with a thing that belongs to the women. Embracing them +both, kissing them, and dividing his tender affection between the two, +he said: "Iwish you both to use the mirror every day: you, that you may +not spoil your beauty by vicious conduct; you, that you may make amends +by your virtues for your looks." + + [Footnote III.23: _Their mother's chair_)--Ver. 4. The + "cathedra" was properly a soft or easy chair used in the + "gynca," or women's apartments. These were of various forms and + sizes, and had backs to them; it was considered effeminate for the + male sex to use them. "Sell" was the name of seats common to both + sexes. The use of the "speculum," or mirror, was also confined to + the female sex; indeed, even Pallas or Minerva was represented as + shunning its use, as only befitting her more voluptuous + fellow-goddess, Venus.] + + +FABLE IX. + +SOCRATES TO HIS FRIENDS. + +The name of a friend is common; but fidelity is rarely found. + +Socrates having laid for himself the foundation of a small house (a man, +whose death I would not decline, if I could acquire {similar} fame, and +{like him} I could yield to envy, if I might be but acquitted[24] when +ashes); one of the people, no matter who, {amongst such passing remarks} +as are usual in these cases, asked: "Why do you, so famed as you are, +build so small a house?" + +"I {only} wish," he replied, "I could fill it with real friends." + + [Footnote III.24: _I might be acquitted_)--Ver. 4. He alludes + to the fate of Socrates, who, after he was put to death by his + countrymen, was publicly pronounced to be innocent, and a statue + was erected in his honour.] + + +FABLE X. + +THE POET, ON BELIEVING, AND NOT BELIEVING. + +It is dangerous alike to believe or to disbelieve. Of either fact, +Iwill briefly lay before you an instance. + +Hippolytus met his death,[25] because his step-mother was believed: +because Cassandra was not believed, Troy fell. Therefore, we ought to +examine strictly into the truth of a matter, rather than {suffer} an +erroneous impression to pervert our judgment. But, that I may not weaken +{this truth} by referring to fabulous antiquity, Iwill relate to you a +thing that happened within my own memory. + +A certain married Man, who was very fond of his Wife, having now +provided the white toga[26] for his Son, was privately taken aside by +his Freedman, who hoped that he should be substituted as his next heir, +{and} who, after telling many lies about the youth, and still more about +the misconduct of the chaste Wife, added, what he knew would especially +grieve one so fond, that a gallant was in the habit of paying her +visits, and that the honor of his house was stained with base adultery. +Enraged at the supposed guilt of his Wife, the husband pretended a +journey to his country-house, and privately stayed behind in town; then +at night he suddenly entered at the door, making straight to his Wife's +apartment, in which the mother had ordered her son to sleep, keeping a +strict eye over his ripening years. While they are seeking for a light, +while the servants are hurrying to and fro, unable to restrain the +violence of his raging passion, he approaches the bed, and feels a head +in the dark. When he finds the hair cut close,[27] he plunges his sword +into {the sleeper's} breast, caring for nothing, so he but avenge his +injury. Alight being brought, at the same instant he beholds his son, +and his chaste wife sleeping in her apartment; who, fast locked in her +first sleep, had heard nothing: on the spot he inflicted punishment on +himself for his guilt, and fell upon the sword which a too easy belief +had unsheathed. The accusers indicted the woman, and dragged her to +Rome, before the Centumviri.[28] Innocent as she was, dark suspicion +weighed heavily against her, because she had become possessor of his +property: her patrons stand[29] and boldly plead the cause of the +guiltless woman. The judges then besought the Emperor Augustus that he +would aid them in the discharge of their oath, as the intricacy of the +case had embarrassed them. After he had dispelled the clouds raised by +calumny, and had discovered a sure source of truth[30]: "Let the +Freedman," said he, "the cause of the mischief, suffer punishment; but +as for her, at the same instant bereft of a son, and deprived of a +husband, Ideem her to be pitied rather than condemned. If the father of +the family had thoroughly enquired into the charge preferred, and had +shrewdly sifted the lying accusations, he would not, by a dismal crime, +have ruined his house from the very foundation." + +Let the ear despise nothing, nor yet let it accord implicit belief at +once: since not only do those err whom you would be far from suspecting, +but those who do not err are {sometimes} falsely and maliciously +accused. + +This also may be a warning to the simple, not to form a judgment on +anything according to the opinion of another; for the different aims of +mortals either follow the bias of their goodwill or their prejudice. He +{alone} will be correctly estimated {by you}, whom you judge of by +personal experience. + +These points I have enlarged upon, as by too great brevity I have +offended some. + + [Footnote III.25: _Met his death_)--Ver. 3. The story of + Hippolytus, who met his death in consequence of the treachery of + his step-mother Phdra, is related at length in the Play of + Euripides of that name, and in the Fifteenth Book of Ovid's + Metamorphoses. The fate of Cassandra, the daughter of Priam, who + in vain prophesied the fall of Troy, is related in the Second Book + of the neid, l.246, _et seq._] + + [Footnote III.26: _The white toga_)--Ver. 10. The "toga + prtexta," or Consular robe, was worn by the male children of the + Romans till their sixteenth year; when they assumed the ordinary + "toga," which was called "pura," because it had no purple border, + and was entirely white.] + + [Footnote III.27: _The hair cut close_)--Ver. 27. This is + appropriately introduced, as the hair of youths was allowed to + grow long until they had reached the age of manhood, on which it + was cut close, and consecrated to the Gods.] + + [Footnote III.28: _The Centumviri_)--Ver. 35. The "Centumviri" + were a body of 105 officers, whose duty it was to assist the + prtor in litigated questions. They were sometimes called "judices + selecti," or "commissioned judges."] + + [Footnote III.29: _The patrons stand_)--Ver. 37. The patrons + stood while pleading the causes of their clients, while the judges + sat, as with us.] + + [Footnote III.30: _Sure source of truth_)--Ver. 43. It is + suggested that the source of information here alluded to was the + evidence of the slaves, who had heard their master mention in his + last moments the treachery of his freedman. It is not probable + that the freedman voluntarily came forward, and declared the truth + to Augustus. In l.39, Augustus is called "Divus," as having been + deified after his death. Domitian was the first who was so called + during his lifetime.] + + +FABLE XI. + +THE EUNUCH TO THE ABUSIVE MAN. + +A Eunuch had a dispute with a scurrilous fellow, who, in addition to +obscene remarks and insolent abuse, reproached him with the misfortune +of his mutilated person. "Look you," said {the Eunuch}, "this is the +only point as to which I am effectually staggered, forasmuch as I want +the evidences of integrity. But why, simpleton, do you charge me with +the faults of fortune? That {alone} is really disgraceful to a man, +which he has deserved to suffer."[31] + + [Footnote III.31: _Deserved to suffer_)--Ver. 7. Though this + moral may apply to all misfortunes in general, it is supposed by + some of the Commentators that by the insulter some individual + notorious for his adulteries was intended to be represented; who + consequently merited by law to be reduced to the same situation as + the innocent Eunuch.] + + +FABLE XII. + +THE COCK AND THE PEARL. + +A young Cock, while seeking for food on a dunghill, found a Pearl, and +exclaimed: "What a fine thing are you to be lying in {so} unseemly a +place. If any one sensible of your value had espied you here, you would +long ago have returned to your former brilliancy. And it is I who have +found you, Ito whom food is far preferable! Ican be of no use to you +or you to me." + +This I relate for those who have no relish for me.[32] + + [Footnote III.32: _Have no relish for me_)--Ver. 8. From this + passage we may infer either that Phdrus himself had many + censurers at Rome, or that the people in general were not admirers + of Fables.] + + +FABLE XIII. + +THE BEES AND THE DRONES, THE WASP SITTING AS JUDGE. + +Some Bees had made their combs in a lofty oak. Some lazy Drones asserted +that these belonged to them. The cause was brought into court, the Wasp +{sitting as} judge; who, being perfectly acquainted with either race, +proposed to the two parties these terms: "Your shape is not unlike, and +your colour is similar; so that the affair clearly and fairly becomes a +matter of doubt. But that my sacred duty may not be at fault through +insufficiency of knowledge, {each of you} take hives, and pour your +productions into the waxen cells; that from the flavour of the honey and +the shape of the comb, the maker of them, about which the present +dispute exists, may be evident." The Drones decline; the proposal +pleases the Bees. Upon this, the Wasp pronounces sentence to the +following effect: "It is evident who cannot, and who did, make {them}; +wherefore, to the Bees I restore the fruits of their labours." + +This Fable I should have passed by in silence, if the Drones had not +refused the proposed stipulation.[33] + + +FABLE XIV. + +SOP AT PLAY. + +An Athenian seeing sop in a crowd of boys at play with nuts,[34] +stopped and laughed at him for a madman. As soon as the Sage,--a laugher +at others rather than one to be laughed at,--perceived this, he placed +an unstrung bow in the middle of the road: "Hark you, wise man," said +he, "unriddle what I have done." The people gather round. The man +torments his invention a long time, but cannot make out the reason of +the proposed question. At last he gives up. Upon this, the victorious +Philosopher says: "You will soon break the bow, if you always keep it +bent; but if you loosen it, it will be fit for use when you want it." + +Thus ought recreation sometimes to be given to the mind, that it may +return to you better fitted for thought. + + [Footnote III.33: _The proposed stipulation_)--Ver. 17. It has + been suggested that Phdrus here alludes to some who had laid + claim to the authorship of his Fables, and had refused a challenge + given by him, such as that here given to the Drones, to test the + correctness of their assertions.] + + [Footnote III.34: _At play with nuts_)--Ver. 2. It is thought + by Schwabe that Phdrus wrote this Fable in defence of his early + patron Augustus, against those who censured him for the levity of + his conduct in his old age, as we learn from Suetonius that he + amused himself with fishing, playing with dice, pebbles, or nuts + with boys. --For some account of Roman games with nuts, see "The + Walnut-tree," afragment of Ovid, in vol. iii. p.491, of Bohn's + Translation of that author.] + + +FABLE XV. + +THE DOG TO THE LAMB. + +A Dog said to a Lamb[35] bleating among some She-Goats: "Simpleton, you +are mistaken; your mother is not here;" and pointed out some Sheep at a +distance, in a flock by themselves. "Iam not looking for her," {said +the Lamb}, "who, when she thinks fit, conceives, then carries her +unknown burden for a certain number of months, and at last empties out +the fallen bundle; but for her who, presenting her udder, nourishes me, +and deprives her young ones of milk that I may not go without." "Still," +said the Dog, "she ought to be preferred who brought you forth." "Not at +all: how was she to know whether I should be born black or white?[36] +However, suppose she did know; seeing I was born a male, truly she +conferred a great obligation on me in giving me birth, that I might +expect the butcher every hour. Why should she, who had no power in +engendering me, be preferred to her who took pity on me as I lay, and of +her own accord shewed me a welcome affection? It is kindliness makes +parents, not the ordinary course {of Nature}." + +By these lines the author meant to show that men are averse to fixed +rules, but are won by kind services. + + [Footnote III.35: _To a Lamb_)--Ver. 1. Burmann suggests that + this Fable is levelled against the cruelty of parents, who were + much in the habit of exposing their children, who were + consequently far from indebted to them. Schwabe conjectures that + the system of employing wet-nurses is intended here to be + censured.] + + [Footnote III.36: _Black or white_)--Ver. 10. This, though + disregarded by the mother, would be of importance to him, as the + black lambs were first selected for sacrifice.] + + +FABLE XVI. + +THE GRASSHOPPER AND THE OWL. + +He who does not conform to courtesy, mostly pays the penalty of his +superciliousness. + +A Grasshopper was making a chirping that was disagreeable to an Owl, who +was wont to seek her living in the dark, and in the day-time to take her +rest in a hollow tree. She was asked to cease her noise, but she began +much more loudly to send forth her note; entreaties urged again only set +her on still more. The Owl, when she saw she had no remedy, and that her +words were slighted, attacked the chatterer with this stratagem: "As +your song, which one might take for the tones of Apollo's lyre, will not +allow me to go to sleep, Ihave a mind to drink some nectar which Pallas +lately gave me;[37] if you do not object, come, let us drink together." +The other, who was parched with thirst, as soon as she found her voice +complimented, eagerly flew up. The Owl, coming forth from her hollow, +seized the trembling thing, and put her to death. + +Thus what she had refused when alive, she gave when dead. + + [Footnote III.37: _Pallas lately gave me_)--Ver. 13. The Owl + was sacred to Pallas.] + + +FABLE XVII. + +THE TREES UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE GODS. + +The Gods in days of yore made choice of such Trees as they wished to be +under their protection. The Oak pleased Jupiter, the Myrtle Venus, the +Laurel Phoebus, the Pine Cybele, the lofty Poplar Hercules. Minerva, +wondering why they had chosen the barren ones, enquired the reason. +Jupiter answered: "That we may not seem to sell the honor for the +fruit." "Now, so heaven help me,"[38] said she, "let any one say what he +likes, but the Olive is more pleasing to me on account of its fruit." +Then said the Father of the Gods and the Creator of men: "Odaughter, it +is with justice that you are called wise by all; unless what we do is +useful, vain is our glory."[39] + +This little Fable admonishes us to do nothing that is not profitable. + + [Footnote III.38: _So heaven help me_)--Ver. 8. "Mehercule," + literally "By Hercules." This was a form of oath used generally by + men, and Phdrus has been censured for here putting it in the + mouth of Minerva. Some Commentators also think that he is guilty + of a slight anachronism in using the name of Hercules here to give + emphasis to an asseveration; but there does not appear to be any + ground for so thinking, as the choice must, of course, be supposed + to have been made after his death and deification. In the + Amphitryon of Plautus, Mercury is represented as swearing by + Hercules before that God was born.] + + [Footnote III.39: _Vain is our glory_)--Ver. 12. "Nisi utile + est quod facimus, stulta est gloria." This line is said to have + been found copied on a marble stone, as part of a sepulchral + inscription, at Alba Julia or Weissenburg, in Transylvania.] + + +FABLE XVIII. + +THE PEACOCK TO JUNO. + +A Peacock came to Juno, complaining sadly that she had not given to him +the song of the Nightingale; that it was the admiration of every ear, +while he himself was laughed at the very instant he raised his voice. +The Goddess, to console him, replied: "But you surpass the {nightingale} +in beauty, you surpass {him} in size; the brilliancy of the emerald +shines upon your neck; and you unfold a tail begemmed with painted +plumage." "Wherefore {give} me," he retorted, "abeauty that is dumb, if +I am surpassed in voice?" "By the will of the Fates," {said she}, "have +your respective qualities been assigned; beauty to you, strength to the +Eagle, melody to the Nightingale, to the Raven presages, unpropitious +omens to the Crow; all of {these} are contented with their own +endowments." + +Covet not that which has not been granted you, lest your baffled hopes +sink down to {useless} repinings. + + +FABLE XIX. + +SOP'S ANSWER TO THE INQUISITIVE MAN. + +When sop was the only servant of his master, he was ordered to prepare +dinner earlier than usual. Accordingly, he went round to several houses, +seeking for fire,[40] and at last found a place at which to light his +lantern. Then as he had made a rather long circuit, he shortened the way +back, for he went home straight through the Forum. There a certain +Busybody in the crowd {said to him}: "sop, why with a light at +mid-day?" "I'm in search of a man,"[41] said he; and went hastily +homewards. + +If the inquisitive fellow reflected on this {answer}, he must have +perceived that the sage did not deem him a man, who could so +unseasonably rally him when busy. + + [Footnote III.40: _Seeking for fire_)--Ver. 3. Fire was + kindled in general by being kept smouldering in a log under the + ashes, from day to day, for culinary purposes; or else it was + begged from a neighbour, as we learn from the Aulularia of + Plautus, A.I., Sc.ii., l.12 _et seq._; and so generally was + this done that we find it stated in the Trinummus, A.II., + sc.ii., l.53, that it was the custom not to refuse fire when + asked for even to an enemy.] + + [Footnote III.41: _In search of a man_)--Ver 9. Meaning that + he did not deem the enquirer to be a man. The same story is told + in Diogenes Laertius, of Diogenes the Cynic.] + + +EPILOGUE.[42] + +There are yet remaining {Fables} for me to write, but I purposely +abstain; first, that I may not seem troublesome to you, whom a +multiplicity of matters distract; and next, that, if perchance any other +person is desirous to make a like attempt, he may still have something +left to do; although there is so abundant a stock of matter that an +artist will be wanting to the work, not work to the artist. Irequest +that you will give the reward to my brevity which you promised; make +good your word. For life each day is nearer unto death; and the greater +the time that is wasted in delays, the less the advantage that will +accrue to me. If you dispatch the matter quickly, the more lasting will +be {my} enjoyment; the sooner I receive {your favours}, the longer shall +I have the benefit {thereof}. While there are yet some remnants of a +wearied life,[43] there is room for {your} goodness; in aftertimes your +kindness will in vain endeavour to aid me, infirm with old age; for then +I shall have ceased to be able to enjoy your kindness, and death, close +at hand, will be claiming its due. Ideem it foolish to address my +entreaties to you, when your compassion is so ready, spontaneously, to +render assistance. Acriminal has often gained pardon by confessing; how +much more reasonably ought it to be granted to the innocent? It is your +province[44] {now to judge of my cause}; it will fall to others +by-and-by; and again by a like revolution, the turn of others will come. +Pronounce the sentence, as religion--as your oath permits; and give me +reason to rejoice in your decision. My feelings have passed the limits +they had proposed; but the mind is with difficulty restrained, which, +conscious of unsullied integrity, is exposed to the insults of spiteful +men. "Who are they?" you will ask: they will be seen in time. For my +part, so long as I shall continue in my senses, Ishall take care to +recollect that "it is a dangerous thing for a man of humble birth to +murmur in public.[45]" + + [Footnote III.42: This and the following Prologue seem better + suited to their present places than to the close of the Fourth + Book, where in most of the editions they appear.] + + [Footnote III.43: _Of a wearied life_)--Ver. 15. It is + impossible to say with any certainty to what he refers; but the + most probable conjecture is that he has again got into trouble + through his compositions, and is begging Eutychus, in some public + capacity, immediately to give a favourable decision in his behalf. + That "Languens vum" means a life worn out with misfortune, and + does not refer to himself as sinking, in want, under old age, is + evident from the next line. It has been conjectured by some that + Phdrus wrote these lines in prison, where he had been thrown + through the malice of his enemies.] + + [Footnote III.44: _It is your province_)--Ver. 24. He is + supposed to allude to some judicial position held by Eutychus, + which he would have to vacate at the end of a year, and be + succeeded by others, probably not so favourably disposed to + himself.] + + [Footnote III.45: _To murmur in public_)--Ver. 33. "Palam + mutire plebeio piaculum est." These words are quoted from the + Telephus of Ennius.] + + + + +BOOK IV. + + +PROLOGUE. + +TO PARTICULO. + +When I had determined to put an end to my labours, with the view that +there might be material enough {left} for others, in my mind I silently +condemned {my} resolve. For even if there is any one desirous of the +like fame, how will he guess what it is I have omitted,[1] so as to wish +to hand down that same to posterity; since each man has a turn of +thinking of his own, and a tone peculiar to himself. It was not, +therefore, {any} fickleness, but assured grounds, that set me upon +writing {again}. Wherefore, Particulo,[2] as you are amused by Fables +(which I will style "sopian," not "those of sop;" for whereas he +published but few, Ihave brought out a great many, employing the old +style, but with modern subjects), now at your leisure you shall peruse a +Fourth Book. If envy shall choose to carp at it, so long as it cannot +imitate,[3] why let it carp. Ihave gained glory {enough}, in that you, +and {others} like to you, have quoted my words in your writings, and +have thought me worthy of being long remembered. Why should I stand in +need of the applause of the illiterate? + + [Footnote IV.1: _I have omitted_)--Ver. 5. "Divinabit" seems + preferable here to "damnabit," or "demonstrabit," the other + readings; and Burmann is probably right in supposing that he means + to say that many of the sopian fables had not yet been used by + him, and though others may make use of them as bearing a general + moral, they will not be able so well as himself to point their + moral in reference to individuals or classes, in consequence of + his advantage in having already adapted many of them to the + censure of particular vices.] + + [Footnote IV.2: _Particulo_)--Ver. 10. Of Particulo nothing + whatever is known, except that he was a freedman.] + + [Footnote IV.3: _Cannot imitate_)--Ver. 16. Gronovius thinks + that he alludes to the Greek proverb "+Mmeisthai rhadion + mimeisthai.+" "'Tis easier to blame than to imitate."] + + +FABLE I. + +THE ASS AND THE PRIESTS OF CYBELE. + +He who has been born to ill luck, not only passes an unhappy life, but +even after death the cruel rigour of destiny pursues him. + +The Galli, {priests} of Cybele,[4] were in the habit, on their begging +excursions, of leading about an Ass, to carry their burdens. When he was +dead with fatigue and blows, his hide being stripped off, they made +themselves tambourines[5] therewith. Afterwards, on being asked by some +one what they had done with their favourite, they answered in these +words: "He fancied that after death he would rest in quiet; but see, +dead as he is, fresh blows are heaped upon him." + + [Footnote IV.4: _Priests of Cybele_)--Ver. 4. During the + Festival of Cybele, the Galli or eunuch-priests of the Goddess + went about with an image of her seated on an ass, and beating + a tambourine, for the purpose of making a collection to defray + the expenses of the worship. They were called by the Greeks + +mtragurtai+, "Collectors for the Mother." See the Fasti of Ovid, + B.iv., l.350, vol. i., p.149, of Bohn's Translation.] + + [Footnote IV.5: _Tambourines_)--Ver. 7. "The tympana," which + were almost exactly similar to our tambourines, were covered with + the skin of asses or of oxen, and were beaten with the hand or a + small stick.] + + +FABLE II. + +THE WEASEL AND THE MICE. + +This way of writing seems to you facetious; and no doubt, while we have +nothing of more importance, we do sport with the pen. But examine these +Fables with attention, {and} what useful lessons will you find +{concealed} under them! Things are not always what they seem; first +appearances deceive many: few minds understand what skill has hidden in +an inmost corner. That I may not appear to have said this without +reason, Iwill add a Fable about the Weasel and the Mice. + +A Weasel, worn out with years and old age, being unable to overtake the +active Mice, rolled herself in flour, and threw herself carelessly along +in a dark spot. AMouse, thinking her food, jumped upon her, and, being +caught, was put to death: another in like manner perished, and then a +third. Some others having followed, an {old} brindled fellow came, who +had escaped snares and mouse-traps full oft; and viewing from afar the +stratagem of the crafty foe: "So fare you well,[6]" said he, "you that +are lying there, as you are flour." + + [Footnote IV.6: _So fare you well_)--Ver. 21. "Sic valeas." + --"Fare you well, if you are flour, which you are not. Iwish you + luck as much as I believe you are what you pretend to be, _i.e._, + not at all."] + + +FABLE III. + +THE FOX AND THE GRAPES. + +Urged by hunger, a Fox, leaping with all her might, tried to reach a +cluster of Grapes upon a lofty vine. When {she found} she could not +reach them, she left them, saying: "They are not ripe yet; Idon't like +to eat them while sour." + +Those who disparage what they cannot perform, ought to apply this lesson +to themselves. + + +FABLE IV. + +THE HORSE AND THE WILD BOAR. + +While a Wild Boar was wallowing, he muddied the shallow water, at which +a Horse had been in the habit of quenching his thirst. Upon this, +adisagreement arose. The Horse,[7] enraged with the beast, sought the +aid of man, and, raising him on his back, returned against the foe. +After the Horseman, hurling his javelins, had slain {the Boar}, he is +said to have spoken thus: "Iam glad that I gave assistance at your +entreaties, for I have captured a prey, and have learned how useful you +are;" and so compelled him, unwilling as he was, to submit to the rein. +Then {said the Horse}, sorrowing: "Fool that I am! while seeking to +revenge a trifling matter, Ihave met with slavery." + +This Fable will admonish the passionate, that it is better to be injured +with impunity, than to put ourselves in the power of another. + + [Footnote IV.7: _The horse_)--Ver. 3. "Sonipes," literally + "sounding-hoof." This was a name commonly given to the horse by + the Romans. Lucan repeatedly calls a war-horse by this epithet.] + + +FABLE V. + +SOP INTERPRETING A WILL. + +I will show to posterity, by a short story, that there is often more +merit in one man than in a multitude. + +A Person, at his death, left three Daughters; one handsome, and hunting +for the men with her eyes; the second, an industrious spinner of +wool,[8] frugal, and fond of a country life; the third, given to wine, +and very ugly. Now the old man made their Mother his heir, on this +condition, that she should distribute his whole fortune equally among +the three, but in such a manner that they should not possess or enjoy +what was given them; {and} further, that as soon as they should cease to +have the property which they had received, they should pay over to their +Mother a hundred thousand sesterces. The rumour spreads all over Athens. +The anxious Mother consults the learned in the law. No one can explain +in what way they are not to possess what has been given, or have the +enjoyment {of it}; and then again, in what way those who have received +nothing, are to pay money. After a long time had been wasted, and still +the meaning of the will could not be understood, the Parent, +disregarding the strict letter of the law, consulted equity.[9] For the +Wanton, she sets aside the garments, female trinkets, silver +bathing-vessels, eunuchs, {and} beardless boys: for the Worker in wool, +the fields, cattle, farm, labourers, oxen, beasts of burden, and +implements of husbandry: for the Drinker, astore-room,[10] well stocked +with casks of old wine, afinely finished house,[11] and delightful +gardens. When she was intending to distribute what was thus set apart +for each, and the public approved, who knew them well; sop suddenly +stood up in the midst of the multitude, {and exclaimed}: "O! if +consciousness remained to their buried father, how would he grieve that +the people of Athens are unable to interpret his will!" + +On this, being questioned, he explained the error of them all: "The +house and the furniture, with the fine gardens, and the old wines, give +to the Worker in wool, so fond of a country life. The clothes, the +pearls, the attendants, and other things, make over to her who spends +her life in luxury. The fields, the vines, and the flocks, with the +shepherds, present to the Wanton. Not one will be able to retain +possession of what is alien to her taste. The Ungainly one will sell her +wardrobe to procure wine; the Wanton will part with the lands to procure +fine clothes; and she who delights in cattle, and attends to her +spinning, will get rid of her luxurious abode at any price. Thus, no one +will possess what was given, and they will pay to their Mother the sum +named from the price of the things, which each of them has sold." + +Thus did the sagacity of one man find out what had baffled the +superficial enquiries of many. + + [Footnote IV.8: _Spinner of wool_)--Ver. 5. "Lanificam." + Working in wool was the constant employment of the more + industrious among the females of the higher class. Ovid, in the + Fasti, Book ii., l.742, represents Lucretia as being found thus + employed by her husband and Tarquinius. The Emperor Augustus + refused to wear any clothes that were not woven by the females of + his family.] + + [Footnote IV.9: _Consulted equity_)--Ver. 20. This seems to be + the meaning of "fidem advocare:" but the passage has caused + considerable difficulty to the Commentators.] + + [Footnote IV.10: _A store-room_)--Ver. 25. The "apotheca" was + a place in the upper part of the house, in which the Romans + frequently placed the amphor in which their wine was stored. It + was situate above the "fumarium," as the smoke was thought to + heighten the flavour of the wine.] + + [Footnote IV.11: _A finely finished house_)--Ver. 26. + "Politam" probably refers to the care with which the houses of the + opulent in cities were smoothed by the workman's art. According to + some Commentators, however, "domus polita" here means "a house + furnished with every luxury."] + + +FABLE VI. + +THE BATTLE OF THE MICE AND THE WEASELS. + +When the Mice, overcome by the army of the Weasels, (whose History is +painted in {our} taverns[12]), took to flight, and crowded in +trepidation about their narrow lurking-holes, with difficulty getting +in, they managed, however, to escape death. Leaders, who had fastened +horns to their heads, in order that they might have a conspicuous sign +for {their} troops to follow in battle, stuck fast at the entrance, and +were captured by the enemy. The victor, sacrificing them with greedy +teeth, plunged them into the Tartarean recesses of his capacious paunch. + +Whenever a people is reduced to the last extremity, the high position of +its chiefs is in danger; the humble commonalty easily finds safety in +obscurity. + + [Footnote IV.12: _In our taverns_)--Ver. 2. We learn from + Horace and other ancient writers, that it was the custom to paint + comic subjects on the walls of the taverns; and similar subjects + have been found painted on walls at Pompeii.] + + +FABLE VII. + +THE POET'S DEFENCE AGAINST THE CENSURERS OF HIS FABLES. + +You, fastidious {critic}, who carp at my writings, and disdain to read +trifles of this kind, endure with some small patience this little book, +while I smooth down the severity of your brow, and sop comes forward in +a new and more lofty style.[13] + +Would that the pine had never fallen on the summits of Pelion[14] under +the Thessalian axe! and that Argus had never, with the aid of Pallas, +invented a way boldly to meet certain death, {in the} ship which, to the +destruction of Greeks and Barbarians, first laid open the bays of the +inhospitable Euxine. For both had the house of the proud etes to lament +it, and the realms of Pelias[15] fell by the guilt of Medea, who, after +concealing by various methods the cruelty of her disposition, there +effected her escape, by means of the limbs[16] of her brother, {and} +here embrued the hands of the daughters of Pelias in their father's +blood. + +What think you of this? "This, too, is mere folly," say you, "and is an +untrue story; for long before this, Minos, of more ancient date, +subjected the gan seas with his fleet, and by seasonable correction, +punished {piratical} attacks." What then can I possibly do for you, my +Cato of a Reader, if neither Fables[17] nor Tragic Stories suit your +taste? Do not be too severe upon {all} literary men, lest they repay you +the injury with interest. + +This is said to those who are over-squeamish in their folly, and, to +gain a reputation for wisdom, would censure heaven itself. + + [Footnote IV.13: _More lofty style_)--Ver. 5. "Cothurnis," + literally "the buskins of Tragedy."] + + [Footnote IV.14: _Summits of Pelion_)--Ver 6. The ship Argo + was said to have been built of wood grown on Mount Pelion. The + author alludes to the expedition of Jason to Colchis to fetch + thence the Golden Fleece.] + + [Footnote IV.15: _The realms of Pelias_)--Ver. 13. He alludes + to the death of Pelias, King of Thessaly, through the schemes of + Medea, daughter of etes, King of Colchis, at the hands of his own + daughters. See Ovid's Metamorphoses, B.vii. l.297, _et seq._] + + [Footnote IV.16: _Limbs of her brother_)--Ver. 15. When, on + her flight with Jason, etes pursued his daughter Medea, she, + having taken with her her brother Absyrtus, in order to retard her + father in the pursuit, cut her brother in pieces, and scattered + his limbs in the way. Thus, while the father was employed in + gathering the limbs of his son, Medea made her escape. The place + where this happened was thence said to have had the name of Tomi; + and to this place Ovid was banished by Augustus. See the Story + related in the Tristia of Ovid, B.iii. El. ix.] + + [Footnote IV.17: _If neither Fables_)--Ver. 22. By "fabell," + he probably means sopian fables, while by "fabul," the more + lofty stories of tragedy are meant. By "Cato," he means a + censorious or over-scrupulous reader.] + + +FABLE VIII. + +THE VIPER AND THE FILE. + +Let him who with greedy teeth attacks one who can bite harder, consider +himself described in this Fable. + +A Viper came[18] into a smith's workshop; {and} while on the search +whether there was anything fit to eat, fastened her teeth upon a File. +That, however, disdainfully exclaimed "Why, fool, do you try to wound me +with your teeth, who am in the habit of gnawing asunder every kind of +iron?" + + [Footnote IV.18: _A Viper entered_)--Ver. 3. Lokman, the + Arabian Fabulist, has the same fable; but there a Cat plays the + part of the Viper.] + + +FABLE IX. + +THE FOX AND THE GOAT. + +As soon as a crafty man has fallen into danger, he seeks to make his +escape by the sacrifice of another. + +A Fox, through inadvertence, having fallen into a well,[19] and being +closed in by the sides which were too high for her, aGoat parched with +thirst came to the same spot, and asked whether the water was good, and +in plenty. The other, devising a stratagem, {replied}: "Come down, {my} +friend: such is the goodness of the water, that my pleasure {in +drinking} cannot be satisfied." Longbeard descended; then the Fox, +mounting on his high horns, escaped from the well, and left the Goat to +stick fast in the enclosed mud. + + [Footnote IV.19: _Fallen into a well_)--Ver. 3. Some of the + Commentators think that Tiberius and Sejanus are pointed at in + this Fable.] + + +FABLE X. + +OF THE VICES OF MEN. + +Jupiter has loaded us with a couple of Wallets: the one, filled with our +own vices, he has placed at our backs, {the other}, heavy with those of +others, he has hung before. + +From this circumstance, we are not able to see our own faults: but as +soon as others make a slip, we are ready to censure. + + +FABLE XI. + +A THIEF PILLAGING THE ALTAR OF JUPITER. + +A Thief lighted his Lamp at the altar of Jupiter, and then plundered it +by the help of its own light. Just as he was taking his departure, laden +with the results of his sacrilege, the Holy Place suddenly sent forth +these words: "Although these were the gifts of the wicked, and to me +abominable, so much so that I care not to be spoiled of them, still, +profane man, thou shalt pay the penalty with thy life, when hereafter, +the day of punishment, appointed by fate, arrives. But, that our fire, +by means of which piety worships the awful Gods, may not afford its +light to crime, Iforbid that {henceforth} there shall be any such +interchange of light." Accordingly, to this day, it is neither lawful +for a lamp {to be lighted} at the fire of the Gods, nor yet a sacrifice +kindled from a lamp.[20] + + [Footnote IV.20: _From a lamp_)--Ver. 13. The ancients were + compelled to light sacrifices to the Gods from torches, and not + with fire from a lamp. More usually a fire was kept constantly + burning in the temple for the purpose.] + + +No other than he who invented this Fable, could explain how many useful +lessons it affords. In the first place, it teaches that those whom you +yourself have brought up, may often be found the most hostile to you: +then again, it shows that crimes are punished not through the wrath of +the Gods, but at the time appointed by the Fates: lastly, it warns the +good to use nothing in common with the wicked. + + +FABLE XII. + +THE EVILS OF WEALTH. + +HERCULES and PLUTUS. + +Riches are deservedly despised by a man of worth,[21] because a +well-stored chest intercepts praise from its true objects. + +When Hercules was received into heaven as the reward of his virtues, and +saluted in turn the Gods who were congratulating him, on Plutus +approaching, who is the child of Fortune, he turned away his eyes. {His} +father, {Jupiter}, enquired the reason: "Ihate him," says he, "because +he is the friend of the wicked, and at the same time corrupts all by +presenting the temptation of gain." + + [Footnote IV.21: _A man of worth_)--Ver. 1. It has been + suggested that by "forti viro," Phdrus means a military man. The + word "fortis" seems rather here to mean "of real worth," or "of + strong mind." Some of ancient authors make Plutus to be the son of + Ceres and Jasius.] + + +FABLE XIII. + +THE LION REIGNING. + +Nothing is more advantageous to a man than to speak the truth; amaxim +that ought indeed to be approved of by all; but still sincerity is +frequently impelled to its own destruction. + +The Lion having made himself king of the wild beasts, and wishing to +acquire the reputation of equity, abandoned his former course {of +rapine}, and, content among them with a moderate supply of food, +distributed hallowed justice with incorruptible fidelity. But after +second thoughts began to prevail[22] + + *** *** *** + +_(The rest is lost)._ + + +FABLE XIV. + +PROMETHEUS. + + *** *** *** + *** *** *** + A fictione veretri linguam mulieris, + Affinitatem traxit inde obscoenitas. + Rogavit alter, tribadas et molles mares + Qu ratio procreasset? Exposuit senex. + Idem Prometheus auctor vulgi fictilis + (Qui simul offendit ad fortunam, frangitur,) + Natur partes, veste quas celat pudor, + Quum separatim toto finxisset die, + Aptare mox ut posset corporibus suis, + Ad coenam est invitatus subito a Libero; + Ubi irrigatus multo venas nectare + Sero domum est reversus titubanti pede. + Tum semisomno corde et errore ebrio, + Applicuit virginale generi masculo, + Et masculina membra applicuit fminis; + Ita nunc libido pravo fruitur gaudio. + + +FABLE XV. + +THE SHE-GOATS AND THEIR BEARDS. + +The She-Goats[23] having obtained of Jupiter the favour of a beard, the +He-Goats, full of concern, began to be indignant that the females +rivalled them in their dignity. "Suffer them," said {the God}, "to enjoy +their empty honours, and to use the badge that belongs to your rank, so +long as they are not sharers in your courage." + +This Fable teaches you to bear that those who are inferior to you in +merit should be like you in outside appearances. + + [Footnote IV.22: _Began to prevail_)--Ver. 9. The remainder of + this Fable is lost. It is supposed to have been torn out of the + MS. of the writings of Phdrus by some pious monk, who, objecting + to the following Fable, destroyed the leaf which contained the + latter part of the present one, as well as some part of the next. + Orellius considers the lines ending with "obscoenitas" as the + fragment of a Fable distinct from the succeeding lines.] + + [Footnote IV.23: _The She-Goats_)--Ver. 1. This Fable is + thought by some to bear reference to the interference of Livia in + affairs of state.] + + +FABLE XVI. + +THE PILOT AND THE MARINERS. + +On a certain man complaining of his {adverse} fortune, sop, for the +purpose of consoling him, invented {this Fable}. + +A ship which had been tossed by a fierce tempest (while the passengers +were all in tears, and filled with apprehensions of death) on the day +suddenly changing to a serene aspect, began to be borne along in safety +upon the buoyant waves, and to inspire the mariners with an excess of +gladness. On this, the Pilot, who had been rendered wise by experience, +{remarked}: "We ought to be moderate in our joy, and to complain with +caution; for the whole of life is a mixture of grief and joy." + + +FABLE XVII. + +THE EMBASSY OF THE DOGS TO JUPITER. + +The Dogs once sent[24] Ambassadors to Jupiter, to entreat of him a +happier lot in life, and that he would deliver them from the insulting +treatment of man, who gave them bread mixed with bran, and satisfied +their most urgent hunger with filthy offal. The ambassadors set out, +{but} with no hasty steps, while snuffing with their nostrils for food +in every filth. Being summoned, they fail to make their appearance. +After some difficulty Mercury finds them at last, and brings them up in +confusion. As soon, however, as they saw the countenance of mighty Jove, +in their fright they bewrayed the whole palace. Out they go, driven away +with sticks; but great Jove forbade that they should be sent back. {The +Dogs}, wondering that their Ambassadors did not return, {and} suspecting +that they had committed something disgraceful, after a while ordered +others to be appointed to aid them. Rumour {soon} betrayed the former +Ambassadors. Dreading that something of a similar nature may happen a +second time, they stuff the Dogs behind with perfumes, and plenty of +them. They give their directions; the Ambassadors are dispatched; at +once they take their departure. They beg for an audience, {and} +forthwith obtain it. Then did the most mighty Father of the Gods take +his seat {on his throne}, and brandish his thunders; all things began to +shake. The Dogs in alarm, so sudden was the crash, in a moment let fall +the perfumes with their dung. All cry out, that the affront must be +avenged. {But} before proceeding to punishment, thus spoke Jupiter:-- +"It is not for a King to send Ambassadors away, nor is it a difficult +matter to inflict a {proper} punishment on the offence; but by way of +judgment this is the reward you shall have. Idon't forbid their return, +but they shall be famished with hunger, lest they be not able to keep +their stomachs in order. And as for those who sent such despicable +{Ambassadors} as you, they shall never be free from the insults of man." + +And so it is,[25] that even now {the Dogs} of the present day are in +expectation of their Ambassadors. When one of them sees a strange {Dog} +appear, he snuffs at his tail. + + [Footnote IV.24: _The Dogs once sent_)--Ver. 1. It is supposed + that in this singular Fable, Phdrus ridicules, in a covert + manner, some of the prevailing superstitions of his day, or else + that he satirizes Tiberius and Sejanus, while the Dogs signify the + Roman people.] + + [Footnote IV.25: _And so it is_)--Ver. 35. This and the next + line are regarded by many as spurious: indeed Hare is disinclined + to believe that this Fable was written by Phdrus at all.] + + +FABLE XVIII. + +THE MAN AND THE SNAKE. + +He who gives relief to the wicked has to repent it before long. + +A Man took up a Snake stiffened with frost, and warmed her in his bosom, +being compassionate to his own undoing; for when she had recovered, she +instantly killed the Man. On another one asking her the reason of {this} +crime, she made answer: "That people may learn not to assist the +wicked."[26] + + [Footnote IV.26: _Not to assist the wicked_)--Ver. 5. It has + been remarked that Phdrus here deviates from nature, in making + the Serpent give a bad character of itself. Those who think that + Phdrus wrote after the time of Tiberius, suggest that Caligula is + represented by the snake, who wreaked his cruelty on his former + benefactors, Macro and Ennia.] + + +FABLE XIX. + +THE FOX AND THE DRAGON. + +While a Fox, digging a lair, was throwing out the earth, and making +deeper and more numerous burrows, she came to the farthest recesses of a +Dragon's den,[27] who was watching some treasure hidden there. As soon +as {the Fox} perceived him, {she began}:-- "In the first place, Ibeg +that you will pardon my unintentional {intrusion}; and next, as you see +clearly enough that gold is not suited to my mode of life, have the +goodness to answer me: what profit do you derive from this toil, or what +is the reward, so great that you should be deprived of sleep, and pass +your life in darkness?" "None {at all}," replied the other; "but this +{task} has been assigned me by supreme Jove." "Then you neither take +{anything} for yourself, nor give to another?" "Such is the will of the +Fates." "Don't be angry {then}, if I say frankly: the man is born under +the displeasure of the Gods who is like you." + +As you must go to that place to which {others} have gone before, why in +the blindness of your mind do you torment your wretched existence? To +you I address myself, Miser, joy of your heir,[28] who rob the Gods of +their incense, yourself of food; who hear with sorrow the musical sound +of the lyre; whom the joyous notes of the pipes torment; from whom the +price of provisions extorts a groan;[29] who, while adding some +farthings to your estate, offend heaven by your sordid perjuries; who +are for cutting down[30] every expense at your funeral, for fear +Libitina[31] should be at all a gainer at the expense of your property. + + [Footnote IV.27: _Of a Dragon's den_)--Ver. 3. In former + times, when riches were more commonly duried in the earth, it was + perhaps found convenient to encourage a superstitious notion, + which was very prevalent, that they were guarded by watchful + Dragons.] + + [Footnote IV.28: _Joy of your heir_)--Ver. 18. That is to say, + in his death.] + + [Footnote IV.29: _Extorts a groan_)--Ver. 22. So in the + Aulularia of Plautus, Act II. Sc.viii. the miser Euclio is + represented as groaning over the high price of provisions.] + + [Footnote IV.30: _Cutting down_)--Ver. 25. In his will.] + + [Footnote IV.31: _Lest Libitina_)--Ver. 26. The + "pollinctores," or "undertakers," kept their biers and other + implements required at funerals, at the Temple of the Goddess + Libitina.] + + +FABLE XX. + +PHDRUS. + +Although malice may dissemble for the present, Iam still perfectly +aware what judgment it will think proper to arrive at. Whatever it shall +{here} deem worthy {to be transmitted} to posterity, it will say belongs +to sop; if it shall be not so well pleased with any portion, it will, +for any wager, contend that the same was composed by me. One who thus +thinks, Iwould refute once for all by {this} my answer: whether this +work is silly, or whether it is worthy of praise, he was the inventor: +my hand has brought it to perfection. But let us pursue our purpose in +the order we proposed. + + +FABLE XXI. + +THE SHIPWRECK OF SIMONIDES. + +A learned man has always a fund of riches in himself. + +Simonides, who wrote {such} excellent {lyric} poems, the more easily to +support his poverty, began to make a tour of the celebrated cities of +Asia, singing the praises of victors for such reward as he might +receive. After he had become enriched by this kind of gain, he resolved +to return to his native land by sea; (for he was born, it is said, in +the island of Ceos[32]). {Accordingly} he embarked in a ship, which a +dreadful tempest, together with its own rottenness, caused to founder at +sea. Some gathered together their girdles,[33] others their precious +effects, {which formed} the support of their existence. One who was over +inquisitive, {remarked}: "Are you going to save none of your property, +Simonides?" He made reply: "All my {possessions} are about me." Afew +{only} made their escape by swimming, for the majority, being weighed +down by their burdens, perished. Some thieves make their appearance, and +seize what each person has saved, leaving them naked. Clazomen, an +ancient city, chanced to be near; to which the shipwrecked persons +repaired. Here a person devoted to the pursuits of literature, who had +often read the lines of Simonides, and was a very great admirer of him +though he had never seen him, knowing from his very language {who he +was}, received him with the greatest pleasure into his house, and +furnished him with clothes, money, and attendants. The others +{meanwhile} were carrying about their pictures,[34] begging for +victuals. Simonides chanced to meet them; and, as soon as he saw them, +remarked: "Itold you that all my property was about me; what you +endeavoured to save is lost." + + [Footnote IV.32: _In the island of Ceos_)--Ver. 28. The poet + Simonides was born at Iulis, acity of the isle of Ceos, one of + the Cyclades, in the gan Sea.] + + [Footnote IV.33: _Their girdles_)--Ver. 11. Among the + ancients, the zones or girdles were sometimes used for the purpose + of keeping money there; while sometimes purses were carried + suspended from them.] + + [Footnote IV.34: _Carrying about their pictures_)--Ver. 24. It + was the custom for shipwrecked persons to go about soliciting + charity with a painting suspended from the neck, representing + their calamity; much in the fashion which we sometimes see + followed at the present day.] + + +FABLE XXII. + +THE MOUNTAIN IN LABOUR. + +A Mountain[35] was in labour, sending forth dreadful groans, and there +was in the districts the highest expectation. After all, it brought +forth a Mouse. + +This is designed for you, who, when you have threatened great things, +produce nothing. + + [Footnote IV.35: _A Mountain_)--Ver. 1. Tachos, King of Egypt, + is said by Plutarch to have said to Agesilas, King of Sparta, + when he came to his assistance: "The mountain has been in labour, + Jupiter has been in alarm, but it has brought forth a mouse," + alluding to the diminutive stature of Agesilaus; who contented + himself with replying, in answer to this rude remark: "One day I + shall appear to you even to be a lion."] + + +FABLE XXIII. + +THE ANT AND THE FLY. + +An Ant and a Fly were contending with great warmth which was of the +greater importance. The Fly was the first to begin: "Can you possibly +compare with my endowments? When a sacrifice is made, Iam the first to +taste of the entrails that belong to the Gods. Ipass my time among the +altars, Iwander through all the temples; soon as I have espied it, +Iseat myself on the head of a king; and I taste of the chaste kisses of +matrons. Ilabour not, and yet enjoy the nicest of things: what like to +this, {good} rustic, falls to your lot?" "Eating with the Gods," said +the Ant, "is certainly a thing to be boasted of; but by him who is +invited, not him who is loathed {as an intruder}. You talk about kings +and the kisses of matrons. While I am carefully heaping up a stock of +grain for winter, Isee you feeding on filth about the walls. You +frequent the altars; yes, and are driven away as often as you come. You +labour not; therefore it is that you have nothing when you stand in need +of it. And, further, you boast about what modesty ought to conceal. You +tease me in summer; when winter comes you are silent. While the cold is +shrivelling you up and putting you to death, awell-stored abode +harbours me. Surely I have now pulled down your pride enough." + +A Fable of this nature distinctly points out the characters of those who +set themselves off with unfounded praises, and of those whose virtues +gain solid fame. + + +FABLE XXIV. + +SIMONIDES PRESERVED BY THE GODS. + +I have said, above, how greatly learning is esteemed among men: Iwill +now hand down to posterity how great is the honor paid to it by the +Gods. + +Simonides, the very same of whom I have {before} made mention, agreed, +at a fixed price, to write a panegyric for a certain Pugilist,[36] who +had been victorious: {accordingly} he sought retirement. As the +meagreness of his subject cramped his imagination, he used, according to +general custom, the license of the Poet, and introduced the twin stars +of Leda,[37] citing them as an example of similar honours. He finished +the Poem according to contract, but received {only} a third part of the +sum agreed upon. On his demanding the rest: "They," said he, "will give +it you whose praises occupy {the other} two-thirds; but, that I may feel +convinced that you have not departed in anger, promise to dine with me, +{as} I intend to-day to invite my kinsmen, in the number of whom I +reckon you." Although defrauded, and smarting under the injury, in order +that he might not, by parting on bad terms, break off all friendly +intercourse, he promised that he would. At the hour named he returned, +{and} took his place at table. The banquet shone joyously with its cups; +the house resounded with gladness, amid vast preparations, when, on a +sudden, two young men, covered with dust, and dripping with +perspiration, their bodies of more than human form, requested one of the +servants to call Simonides to them, {and say} that it was of consequence +to him to make no delay. The man, quite confused, called forth +Simonides; {and} hardly had he put one foot out of the banquetting room, +when suddenly the fall of the ceiling crushed the rest, and no young men +were to be seen at the gate. + +When the circumstances of the story I have told were made known, all +were persuaded that the personal intervention of the Divinities had +saved the Poet's life by way of reward. + + [Footnote IV.36: _A certain Pugilist_)--Ver. 5. "Pyct;" from + the Greek +pukts+, a"boxer," or "pugilist," Latinized.] + + [Footnote IV.37: _Twin stars of Leda_)--Ver. 9. Castor and + Pollux, the twin sons of Leda.] + + +EPILOGUE. + +There are still remaining many things which I might say, and there is a +copious abundance of subjects; but {though} witticisms, well-timed, are +pleasing; out of place, they disgust. Wherefore, most upright Particulo +(a name destined to live in my writings, so long as a value shall +continue to be set upon the Latin literature), if {you like not} my +genius, at least approve my brevity, which has the more just claim to be +commended, seeing how wearisome Poets {usually} are.[38] + + [Footnote IV.38: _Usually are_)--Ver. 9. Orellius introduces + this after Fable V in the Fifth Book.] + + + + +BOOK V. + + +PROLOGUE. + +If I shall anywhere insert the name of sop, to whom I have already +rendered every {honor} that was his due, know that it is for the sake of +{his} authority, just as some statuaries do in our day, who obtain a +much greater price for their productions, if they inscribe the name of +Praxiteles on their marbles, and Myron[1] on their polished silver. +{Therefore} let {these} Fables obtain a hearing. Carping envy more +readily favours the works of antiquity than those of the present day. +But now I turn to a Fable, with a moral to the purpose. + + [Footnote V.1: _And Myron_)--Ver. 7. Myron was a famous + sculptor, statuary, and engraver, of Greece. He was a native of + Eleuther, in Boeotia, and according to Petronius Arbiter, died in + extreme poverty.] + + +FABLE I. + +DEMETRIUS AND MENANDER. + +Demetrius,[2] who was called Phalereus, unjustly took possession of the +sovereignty of Athens. The mob, according to their usual practice, rush +from all quarters vying with each other, and cheer him, and wish him +joy. Even the chief men kiss the hand by which they are oppressed, while +they silently lament the sad vicissitudes of fortune. Moreover, those +who live in retirement, and take their ease, come creeping in last of +all, that their absence may not injure them. Among these Menander, +famous[3] for his Comedies (which Demetrius, who did not know him, had +read, and had admired the genius of the man), perfumed with unguents, +and clad in a flowing robe, came with a mincing and languid step. As +soon as the Tyrant caught sight of him at the end of the train: "What +effeminate wretch," said he, "is this, who presumes to come into my +presence?" Those near him made answer: "This is Menander the Poet." +Changed in an instant, he exclaimed: "Amore agreeable looking man could +not possibly exist." + + [Footnote V.2: _Called Phalereus_)--Ver. 1. Demetrius + Phalereus, the statesman, philosopher, and ruler of Athens, was so + called from the Attic demus, or borough of Phalerus, where he was + born. He died in exile in Egypt, according to some accounts, of + the bite of a serpent. There seems no good reason for giving to + his rule over the Athenians the epithet of "improbum," found in + the next line, although in the latter years of his government he + gave himself up in a great measure to sensual pursuits.] + + [Footnote V.3: _Menander, famous_)--Ver. 9. Menander, the + inventor of the New Comedy. Some of the Comedies of Terence are + Translations from his works.] + + +FABLE II. + +THE TRAVELLERS AND THE ROBBER. + +Two Soldiers having fallen in with a Robber, one fled, while the other +stood his ground, and defended himself with a stout right-hand. The +Robber slain, his cowardly companion comes running up, and draws his +sword; then throwing back his travelling cloak,[4] says: "Let's have +him;" "I'll take care he shall soon know whom he attacks." On this, he +who had vanquished {the robber made answer}: "Iwish you had seconded me +just now at least with those words; Ishould have been still more +emboldened, believing them true; now keep your sword quiet, as well as +your silly tongue, that you may be able to deceive others who don't know +you. I, who have experienced with what speed you take to your heels, +know full well that no dependence is to be placed upon your valour." + +This story may be applied to him who is courageous in prosperity, in +times of danger takes to flight. + + [Footnote V.4: _His travelling cloak_)--Ver. 5. The "pnula" + was a travelling-cloak made of leather or wool, with a hood + attached to it, to cover the head.] + + +FABLE III. + +THE BALD MAN AND THE FLY. + +A Fly bit the bare pate of a Bald Man; who, endeavouring to crush it, +gave himself a heavy blow. Then said the Fly jeeringly: "You wanted to +revenge the sting of a tiny insect with death; what will you do to +yourself, who have added insult to injury?" {The Man} made answer: "Iam +easily reconciled to myself, because I know that there was no intention +of doing harm. But you, worthless insect, and one of a contemptible +race, who take a delight in drinking human blood, Icould wish to +destroy you, even at a heavier penalty." + +This Fable teaches that pardon is to be granted to him who errs through +mistake. But him who is designedly mischievous, Ideem to be deserving +of {any} punishment. + + +FABLE IV. + +THE MAN AND THE ASS. + +A Man having sacrificed a young boar to the god Hercules, to whom he +owed performance of a vow {made} for the preservation of his health, +ordered the remains of the barley to be set for the Ass. But he refused +{to touch it}, and said: "Iwould most willingly accept your food, if he +who had been fed upon it had not had his throat cut." + +Warned by the significance of this Fable, Ihave always been careful to +avoid the gain that exposed to hazard. "But," say you, "those who have +got riches by rapine, are {still} in possession of them." Come, then, +let us enumerate those, who, being detected, have come to a bad end; you +will find that those {so} punished constitute a great majority. + +Rashness brings luck to a few, misfortune to most. + + +FABLE V. + +THE BUFFOON AND THE COUNTRYMAN. + +Men are in the habit of erring through prejudice; and while they stand +up in defence of their erroneous notions, {are wont} to be driven by +plain facts to confession of their mistakes. + +A rich Man, about to entertain the people with grand shows, invited all, +by the promise of a reward, to exhibit whatever new piece of ingenuity +any one could. The Performers came to the contest for fame, among whom a +Buffoon, well known for his drollery, said that he had a kind of +entertainment which had never yet been brought out at {any} theatre. The +rumour, spreading, brought together the {whole} city; and the places, +empty shortly before, sufficed not for the multitude. But as soon as he +appeared on the stage, alone, {and} without any apparatus, any +stage-assistants, the very intenseness of expectation produced silence. +Suddenly, he dropped down his head towards his bosom, and so well did he +imitate the voice of a pig with his own, that they concluded there was a +real one under his cloak, and ordered it to be shaken out. This being +done, as soon as they found that nothing was discovered, they loaded the +Man with many praises, and bestowed upon him the greatest applause. + +A Countryman seeing this take place: "Egad," said he, "he shan't surpass +me;" and immediately gave out that he would do the same thing still +better on the following day. Astill greater crowd assembled. Prejudice +had already taken possession of their minds, and they took their seats, +determined to deride, and not as {unbiassed} spectators. Both Performers +come forth. First, the Buffoon grunts away, and excites their applause, +and awakens their acclamations. Next, the Countryman, pretending that he +concealed a pig beneath his clothes (which, in fact, he did; but quite +unsuspected, because they had found none about the other), twitched the +ear of the real {pig}, which he was concealing, and with the pain forced +from it its natural cry. The people shouted with one voice that the +Buffoon had given a much more exact imitation, and ordered the +Countryman to be driven from the stage. On this, he produced the pig +itself from the folds of his cloak, and convicting them of their +disgraceful mistake by a manifest proof: "Look," said {he}, "this shows +what sort of judges you are." + + +FABLE VI. + +THE TWO BALD MEN. + +A Bald Man chanced to find a comb in the public road. Another, equally +destitute of hair, came up: "Come," said he, "shares, whatever it is you +have found." The other showed the booty, and added withal: "The will of +the Gods has favoured us, but through the malignity of fate, we have +found, as the saying is, acoal instead of a treasure." + +This complaint befits him whom hope has disappointed. + + +FABLE VII. + +PRINCEPS, THE FLUTE-PLAYER. + +When a weak mind, beguiled by frivolous applause, has once given way to +insolent self-sufficiency, {such} foolish vanity is easily exposed to +ridicule. + +Princeps, the Flute-player, was pretty well known, being accustomed to +accompany Bathyllus[5] with his music on the stage. It chanced that, at +a representation, Idon't well remember what it was, while the +flying-machine[6] was being whirled along, he fell heavily, through +inadvertence, and broke his left leg, when he would much rather have +parted with two right ones.[7] He was picked up and carried to his house +groaning aloud. Some months pass by before his cure is completed. As is +the way with the spectators, for {they are} a merry race, the man began +to be missed, by whose blasts the vigour of the dancer was wont to be +kept at full stretch. + +A certain Nobleman was about to exhibit a show, just when Princeps was +beginning to walk abroad. With a present {and} entreaties he prevailed +upon him merely to present himself on the day of the show. When the day +came a rumour about the Flute-player ran through the theatre. Some +affirmed that he was dead, some that he would appear before them without +delay. The curtain falling,[8] the thunders rolled,[9] and the Gods +conversed in the usual form. At this moment the Chorus struck up a song +unknown to him who had so recently returned; of which the burthen was +this: "Rejoice, Rome, in security, for your prince [{Princeps}] is +well." All rise with one consent and applaud. The Flute-player kisses +hands, {and} imagines that his friends are congratulating him. The +Equestrian order perceive the ridiculous mistake, and with loud laughter +encore the song. It is repeated. My man {now} throws himself {sprawling} +at full length upon the stage.[10] Ridiculing him, the Knights applaud; +while the people fancy he is {only} asking for a chaplet. When, however, +the reality came to be known throughout all the tiers, Princeps, his leg +bound up with a snow-white fillet, clad in snow-white tunic, {and} +snow-white shoes,[11] while pluming himself on the honors really paid to +the Deified House,[12] was thrust out headlong by common consent. + + [Footnote V.5: _Accompany Bathyllus_)--Ver. 5. He alludes to + Bathyllus, the favourite and freedman of Mecnas, and who brought + to perfection pantomimic dancing at Rome.] + + [Footnote V.6: _Flying-machine_)--Ver. 7. The "pegma" was a + piece of machinery used on the stage for the purpose of aiding the + ascents and descents of the Gods there represented.] + + [Footnote V.7: _Losing two right ones_)--Ver. 9. The Poet puns + on the twofold meanings of the word "tibia," which signifies the + main bone of the leg, and a pipe or flute. These pipes were + right-handed or left-handed, probably varying in tone, two being + played at a time. Explained at length, the pun means, "Princeps + broke his left leg, when he could have better afforded to break + two right-handed pipes."] + + [Footnote V.8: _The curtain falling_)--Ver. 23. The "aulum," + or stage-curtain, called also "siparium," was a piece of tapestry + stretched on a frame, which, rising before the stage, concealed it + till the actors appeared. Instead of drawing up this curtain to + discover the stage and actors, according to the present practice, + it was depressed when the play began, and fell beneath the level + of the stage: whence "aula premuntur" or "mittuntur," "the + curtain is dropped," meant that the play had began.] + + [Footnote V.9: _The thunders rolled_)--Ver. 23. This thunder + was made by the noise of rolling stones in copper vessels.] + + [Footnote V.10: _Upon the stage_)--Ver. 32. The "pulpitum" was + properly an elevated place on the proscenium, or space between the + scene and the orchestra.] + + [Footnote V.11: _Snow-white shoes_)--Ver. 37. We learn from + Ovid and other authors that white shoes were solely worn by the + female sex.] + + [Footnote V.12: _To the Deified house_)--Ver. 38. Taking to + himself the honor that belonged to the house of Augustus, which + was worshipped with Divine honors.] + + +FABLE VIII. + +THE EMBLEM OF OPPORTUNITY. + +A Bald Man, balancing on a razor's edge, fleet of foot, his forehead +covered with hair,[13] his body naked--if you have caught him, hold him +fast; when he has once escaped, not Jupiter himself can overtake him: he +is the emblem how shortlived is Opportunity. + +The ancients devised such a portraiture of Time, {to signify} that +slothful delay should not hinder the execution of our purposes. + + [Footnote V.13: _His forehead covered with hair_)--Ver. 2. + From this figure of Time or Opportunity, Time came to be + represented in the middle ages with a tuft of hair on his + forehead; whence our common expression "To take time by the + forelock," signifying to make the best of an opportunity.] + + +FABLE IX. + +THE BULL AND THE CALF. + +When a Bull was struggling with his horns in a narrow passage, and could +hardly effect an entrance to the manger, aCalf began to point out in +what way he might turn himself: "Hush," said {the Bull}, "Iknew that +before you were born." + +Let him who would instruct a wiser man, consider {this as} said to +himself. + + +FABLE X. + +THE HUNTSMAN AND THE DOG. + +A Dog, who had always given satisfaction to his master by his boldness +against swift and savage beasts, began to grow feeble under increasing +years. On one occasion, being urged to the combat with a bristling Boar, +he seized him by the ear; but, through the rottenness of his teeth, let +go his prey. Vexed at this, the Huntsman upbraided the Dog. Old +Barker[14] {replied}: "It is not my courage that disappoints you, but my +strength. You commend me for what I have been; and you blame me that I +am not {what I was}." + +You, Philetus,[15] may easily perceive why I have written this. + + [Footnote V.14: _Old Barker_)--Ver. 7. We may here enumerate + the names of this nature, which we find given by Phdrus to + various animals: "laniger," "wool-bearer," the sheep; "auritulus," + "long-ears," the ass; "sonipes," "sounding-hoof," the horse; + "barbatus," "long-beard," the goat; "retorridus," "brindle," the + mouse; and "latrans," "barker," the dog.] + + [Footnote V.15: _Philetus._)--Ver. 10. Of this Philetus + nothing certain is known, but he is supposed to have been a + freedman of the emperor Claudius.] + + + + +THE NEW FABLES, + +BY SOME ATTRIBUTED TO PHDRUS.[1] + + [Footnote NF.1: _Attributed to Phdrus_)--Cassito and + Jannelli, with several other critics, are strongly of opinion that + these Fables were written by Phdrus. On a critical examination, + however, they will be found to be so dissimilar in style and + language from those acknowledged to be by Phdrus, that it is very + difficult not to come to the conclusion that they are the work of + some more recent writer, of inferior genius, and less pure + latinity. They were first published in 1809, at Naples, by + Cassito, from a MS. which had belonged to Nicholas Perotti, + Archbishop of Sipontum or Manfredonia, at the end of the fifteenth + century, and who, notwithstanding his assertions to the contrary, + was perhaps either the author of them or altered them very + materially. They appear in the MSS. in a mutilated condition; and + the lacun have been filled up according to the fancy of the + successive Editors of the Fables. Those inserted in Gail's edition + have in general been here adopted.] + + +FABLE I. + +THE APE AND THE FOX. + +_The Greedy Man is not willing to give even from his superabundance._ + +An Ape asked a Fox for a part of her tail, that he might decently cover +his naked hinder parts therewith; but the ill-natured creature +{replied}: "Although it grow {even} longer {than it is}, still I will +sooner drag it through mud and brambles, than give you ever so small a +part {thereof}." + + +FABLE II. + +THE AUTHOR. + +_We must not require what is unreasonable._ + +If Nature had[2] formed the human race according to my notions, it would +have been far better endowed: for she would have given us every good +quality that indulgent Fortune has bestowed on {any} animal: the +strength of the Elephant, and the impetuous force of the Lion, the +age of the Crow, the majestic port of the fierce Bull, the gentle +tractableness of the fleet Horse; and Man should still have had the +ingenuity that is peculiarly his own. Jupiter in heaven laughs to +himself, no doubt, he who, in his mighty plan, denied these {qualities} +to men, lest our audacity should wrest {from him} the sceptre of the +world. Contented, therefore, with the gifts of unconquered Jove, let us +pass the years of our time allotted by fate, nor attempt more than +mortality permits. + + [Footnote NF.2: _If nature had_)--Ver. 1. This can hardly be + styled a Fable; it is merely an Epilogue or moral lesson.] + + +FABLE III. + +MERCURY AND THE TWO WOMEN. + +_Another Fable on the same subject._ + +Once on a time, two Women had given their guest, Mercury, amean and +sordid entertainment; one of the women had a little son in the cradle, +while the profession of a Courtesan had its charms for the other. In +order, therefore that he might give a suitable return for their +services, when about to depart, and just crossing the threshold, he +said: "In me you behold a God; Iwill give you at once whatever each may +wish." The Mother makes her request, and asks that she may immediately +see her Son graced with a beard; the Courtesan {requests} that whatever +she touches may follow her. Mercury flies away--the women return +in-doors: behold the infant, with a beard, is crying aloud. The +Courtesan happened to laugh heartily at this, on which the humours {of +the head} filled her nostrils, as is often the case. Intending therefore +to blow her nose, she seized it with her hand, and drew out its length +to the ground; and {thus}, while laughing at another, she became herself +a subject for laughter.[3] + + [Footnote NF.3: _For laughter_)--Ver. 17. This story savours + more of the false wit of the middle ages than of the genius of + Phdrus.] + + +FABLE IV. + +PROMETHEUS AND CUNNING. + +_On Truth and Falsehood._ + +When once Prometheus, the framer of a new race, had formed Truth from +fine earth, that she might be able to dispense justice among mankind, +being suddenly summoned by the messenger of great Jove, he left {his} +workshop in charge of treacherous Cunning, whom he had lately received +in apprenticeship. The latter, inflamed by zeal, with clever hand formed +an image of similar appearance, corresponding stature, and like in every +limb, so far as the time permitted. When nearly the whole had now been +wondrously set up, he found he had no clay to make the feet. {His} +master came back, and Cunning, confused by fear at his quick return, sat +down in his own place. Prometheus, admiring so strong a resemblance, +wished the merit to appear to belong to his own skill, {and} therefore +placed the two images together in the furnace. When they were thoroughly +baked, and life had been breathed into them, hallowed Truth moved on +with modest gait; but her imperfect copy remained fixed on the spot. +Thence the spurious image, the result of the stealthy work, was called +Mendacity,[4] because they say, she has no feet,--an assertion with +which I readily agree. + + [Footnote NF.4: _Was called Mendacity_)--Ver. 21. There is a + sort of pun intended upon the word "menda," ablemish. Because + Falsehood was blemished in having no feet, she was called + "mendacium" or "mendacity." Here the author's etymology is at + fault, as the word "mendacity" comes from "mentior," to lie; which + is not likely to have been derived from "menda." Besides, + Falsehood, whether she has feet or not, generally travels more + speedily than Truth.] + + +FABLE V.[5] + +THE AUTHOR. + +_Nothing is long concealed._ + +* * * Pretended vices are sometimes profitable to men, but still the +truth appears in time. + + [Footnote NF.5: _Fable V._)--This seems to be only a fragment; + probably the moral of a Fable now lost.] + + +FABLE VI. + +THE SIGNIFICATION OF THE PUNISHMENTS OF TARTARUS. + +_The meaning is to be considered, not the mere words._ + +The story of Ixion, whirling round upon the wheel, teaches {us} what a +rolling thing is fortune. Sisyphus, with immense labour, pushing the +stone up the lofty hill, which ever, his labour lost, rolls back from +the top, shows that men's miseries are endless. When Tantalus is +athirst, standing in the midst of the river, the greedy are described, +whom a sufficiency of blessings surrounds, but none can they enjoy. The +wicked Danads carry water in urns, and cannot fill their pierced +vessels; just so, whatever you bestow on luxury, will flow out beneath. +Wretched Tityus is stretched over nine acres,[6] presenting for dire +punishment a liver that ever grows again: by this it is shown that the +greater the extent of land a man possesses, the heavier are his cares. +Antiquity purposely wrapped up the truth, in order that the wise might +understand--the ignorant remain in error. + + [Footnote NF.6: _Nine acres_)--Ver. 13. "Jugera." The + "jugerum" was a piece of land 240 feet long by 120 wide.] + + +FABLE VII. + +THE AUTHOR. + +_On the Oracle of Apollo._ + +Phoebus! who dost inhabit Delphi and the beauteous Parnassus, say what is +most useful to us. Why do the locks of the holy prophetess stand erect; +the tripods shake; the holy shrines resound; the laurels, too,[7] +quiver, and the very day grow pale? Smitten by the Divinity, the Pythia +utters {these} words, and the warning of the Delian God instructs the +nations: "Practise virtue; pay your vows to the Gods above; defend your +country, your parents, your children, {and} your chaste wives with arms; +repel the foe with the sword; assist your friends; spare the wretched; +favour the good; meet the treacherous face to face; punish offences; +chastise the impious; inflict vengeance on those who, by base adultery, +defile the marriage couch; beware of the wicked; trust no man too far." +Thus having said, the Maiden falls frenzied to the ground: frenzied, +indeed, for what she said, she said in vain. + + [Footnote NF.7: _The laurels, too_)--Ver. 5. The "cortina" or + oracular shrine was surrounded with laurels; which were said to + quiver while the oracles were being pronounced. This is probably + the most beautiful portion of these newly-discovered poems. Still, + it cannot with propriety be called a Fable.] + + +FABLE VIII. + +SOP AND THE AUTHOR. + +_On a bad Author who praised himself._ + +A Person had recited[8] some worthless composition to sop, in which he +had inordinately bragged about himself. Desirous, therefore, to know +what the Sage thought {thereof}: "Does it appear to you," said he, "that +I have been too conceited? Ihave no empty confidence in my own +capacity." Worried to death with the execrable volume, sop replied: +"Igreatly approve of your bestowing praise on yourself, for it will +never be your lot to receive it from another." + + [Footnote NF.8: _A person had recited_)--Ver. 1. Adry remarks + that this is not a Fable, but only an Epigram.] + + +FABLE IX. + +POMPEIUS MAGNUS AND HIS SOLDIER. + +_How difficult it is to understand a man._ + +A Soldier of Pompeius Magnus, a man of huge bulk, by talking mincingly +and walking with an affected gait, had acquired the character of an +effeminate wretch, {and that} most fully established. Lying in wait by +night for the beasts of burden of his General, he drives away the mules +{laden} with garments and gold, and a vast weight of silver. Arumour of +what has been done gets abroad; the soldier is accused, {and} carried +off to the Prtorium. On this, Magnus {says to him}: "How say you? Have +you dared to rob me, comrade?" The soldier forthwith spits into his left +hand, and scatters about the spittle with his fingers. "Even thus, +General," says he, "may my eyes drip out, if I have seen or touched +{your property}." Then Magnus, aman of easy disposition, orders the +false accusers to be sent about their business,[9] and will not believe +the man guilty of so great audacity. + +Not long afterwards a barbarian, confiding in his strength of hand, +challenges one of the Romans. Each man fears to accept the challenge, +and the leaders of highest rank mutter {among themselves}. At length, +this effeminate wretch in appearance, but Mars in prowess, approached +the General, who was seated on his tribunal, and, with a lisping voice, +said "May I?"[10] But Magnus, getting angry, as {well he might}, the +matter being so serious, ordered him to be turned out. Upon this, an +aged man among the Chieftain's friends, {remarked}: "Ithink it would be +better for this person to be exposed to the hazards of Fortune, since in +him our loss would be but small, than a valiant man, who, if conquered +through {some} mischance, might entail upon you a charge of rashness." +Magnus acquiesced, and gave the Soldier permission to go out to meet +{the champion}, whose head, to the surprise of the army, he whipped off +sooner than you could say it, and returned victorious. Thereupon said +Pompeius: "With great pleasure I present you with the soldier's crown, +because you have vindicated the honor of the Roman name; nevertheless," +said he, "may my eyes drip out" (imitating the unseemly act with which +the Soldier had accompanied his oath), "if you did not carry off my +property from among the baggage." + + [Footnote NF.9: _About their business_)--Ver. 13. The words + suggested in Orellius, "Indicii falsi auctores propelli jubet," + are used here to fill up the lacuna.] + + [Footnote NF.10: _May I?_)--Ver. 29. "Licet?" meaning: "Do you + give me permission to go against the enemy?" The story about the + spittle savours of the middle ages.] + + +FABLE X. + +JUNO, VENUS, AND THE HEN. + +_On the Lustfulness of Women._ + +When Juno[11] was praising her own chastity, Venus did not lose the +opportunity of a joke, and, to show that there was no female equal to +herself {in that virtue}, is said to have asked this question of the +Hen: "Tell me, will you, with how much food could you be satisfied?" The +hen replied: "Whatever you give me will be enough; but still you must +let me scratch a bit with my feet." "To keep you from scratching," said +{the Goddess}, "is a measure of wheat enough?" "Certainly; indeed it is +too much; but still do allow me to scratch." "In fine," {said Venus}, +"what do you require, on condition of not scratching at all?" Then at +last the hen confessed the weak point in her nature: "Though a {whole} +barn were open for me, still scratch I must." Juno is said to have +laughed at the joke of Venus, for by the Hen she meant the Female Sex. + + [Footnote NF.11: _When Juno_)--Ver. 1. This story is both + silly and in very bad taste.] + + +FABLE XI. + +THE FATHER OF A FAMILY AND SOP. + +_How a bad-tempered Son may be tamed._ + +A Father of a family had a passionate Son, who, as soon as he had got +out of his fathers sight, inflicted many a blow upon the servants, and +gave loose to the impetuous temper of youth. sop consequently told this +short story to the old man. + +A certain Man was yoking an old Ox along with a Calf; and when the Ox +shunning {to bear} the yoke with a neck so unfit for it, alleged the +failing strength of his years: "You have no reason to fear," said the +Countryman, "Idon't do this that you may labour, but that you may tame +him, who with his heels and horns has made many lame." Just so, unless +you always keep your son by you, and by your management restrain his +temper, take care that the broils in your house don't increase to a +still greater degree. Gentleness is the remedy for a bad temper.[12] + + [Footnote NF.12: _Remedy for a bad temper_)--Ver. 15. This + doctrine is stated in far too general terms.] + + +FABLE XII. + +THE PHILOSOPHER AND THE VICTOR IN THE GYMNASTIC GAMES. + +_How Boastfulness may sometimes be checked._ + +A Philosopher chancing to find the Victor in a gymnastic contest too +fond of boasting, asked him whether his adversary had been the stronger +man. {To this} the other {replied}: "Don't mention it; my strength was +far greater." "Then, you simpleton," retorted {the Philosopher}, "what +praise do you deserve, if you, being the stronger, have conquered one +who was not so powerful? You might perhaps have been tolerated if you +had told us that you had conquered one who was your superior in +strength." + + +FABLE XIII. + +THE ASS AND THE LYRE. + +_How Genius is often wasted through Misfortune._ + +An Ass espied a Lyre lying in a meadow: he approached and tried the +strings with his hoof; they sounded at his touch. "By my faith, apretty +thing," said he; "it happens unfortunately that I am not skilled in the +art. If any person of greater skill had found it, he might have charmed +my ears with divine notes." + +So Genius is often wasted through Misfortune.[13] + + [Footnote NF.13: _Genius often wasted._)--Ver. 7. It seems to + border upon the absurd to speak of an ass losing the opportunity + of cultivating his "ingenium." He can hardly with propriety be + quoted under any circumstances as a specimen of a "mute inglorious + Milton."] + + +FABLE XIV. + +THE WIDOW AND THE SOLDIER. + +_The great Inconstancy and Lustfulness of Women._ + +A certain Woman[14] had for some years lost her beloved Husband, and had +placed his body in a tomb; and as she could by no means be forced from +it, and passed her life in mourning at the sepulchre, she obtained a +distinguished character for strict chastity. In the meantime, some +persons who had plundered the temple of Jupiter suffered the penalty of +crucifixion. In order that no one might remove their remains, soldiers +were appointed as guards of the dead bodies, close by the monument in +which the woman had shut herself up. Some time after, one of the Guards, +being thirsty, asked, in the middle of the night, for some water, of a +servant-maid, who chanced just then to be assisting her mistress, who +was going to rest; for she had been watching by a lamp, and had +prolonged her vigils to a late hour. The door being a little open, the +Soldier peeps in, and beholds a Woman, emaciated indeed, but of +beauteous features. His smitten heart is immediately inflamed, and he +gradually burns with unchaste desires. His crafty shrewdness invents a +thousand pretences for seeing her more frequently. Wrought upon by daily +intercourse, by degrees she became more complaisant to the stranger, and +soon enthralled his heart by a closer tie. While the careful Guard is +here passing his nights, abody is missed from one of the crosses. The +Soldier in his alarm relates to the Woman what has happened; but the +chaste Matron replies: "You have no grounds for fear;" and gives up the +body of her Husband to be fastened to the cross, that he may not undergo +punishment for his negligence. + +Thus did profligacy usurp the place of honour. + + [Footnote NF.14: _A certain Woman_)--Ver. 1. This is the story + of the Matron of Ephesus, told in a much more interesting manner + by Petronius Arbiter.] + + +FABLE XV. + +THE RICH SUITOR AND THE POOR ONE. + +_Fortune sometimes favours Men beyond their hopes and expectations._ + +Two Youths were courting a Maiden at the same time; the Rich man got the +better of the birth and good looks of the Poor one. When the appointed +day for the nuptials had arrived, the woe-begone Lover, because he could +not endure his grief, betook himself to some gardens near at hand; +alittle beyond which, the splendid villa of the Rich man was about to +receive the Maiden from her mother's bosom, as his house in the city +seemed not to be roomy enough. The marriage procession is arranged, +agreat crowd flocks to the scene, and Hymenus gives the marriage +torch. Now an Ass, which used to gain a living for the Poor man, was +standing at the threshold of a gate; and it so happens the maidens lead +him along, that the fatigues of the way may not hurt the tender feet {of +the Bride}. On a sudden, by the pity of Venus, the heavens are swept by +winds, the crash of thunder resounds through the firmament, and brings +on a rough night with heavy rain; light is withdrawn from their eyes, +and at the same moment a storm of hail, spreading in all directions, +beats upon them, frightening and scattering them on all sides, +compelling each to seek safety for himself in flight. The Ass runs under +the well-known roof close at hand, and with a loud voice gives notice of +his presence. The servants run out of doors, behold with admiration the +beautiful Maiden, and then go and tell their master. He, seated at table +with a few companions, was consoling his passion with repeated draughts. +When the news was brought him, exulting with delight, {both} Bacchus and +Venus exhorting him, he celebrated his joyous nuptials amid the +applauses of his comrades. The bride's parents sought their daughter +through the crier, {while} the intended Husband grieved at the loss of +his Wife. After what had taken place became known to the public, all +agreed in approving of the favour shown by the Gods of heaven. + + +FABLE XVI. + +SOP AND HIS MISTRESS. + +_How injurious it often is to tell the Truth._ + +sop being in the service of an Ugly Woman, who wasted the whole day in +painting herself up, and used fine clothes, pearls, gold, {and} silver, +yet found no one who would touch her with a finger: "May I {say} a few +words?" said he. "Say on," {she replied}. "{Then} I think," {said he}, +"that you will effect anything you wish, if you lay aside your +ornaments." "Do I then seem to you so much preferable by myself?" {said +she}. "Why, no; if you don't make presents, your bed will enjoy its +repose." "But your sides," she replied, "shan't enjoy their repose;"[15] +and ordered the talkative Slave to be flogged. Shortly after a thief +took away a silver bracelet. When the Woman was told that it could not +be found, full of fury she summoned all {her slaves}, and threatened +them with a severe flogging if they did not tell the truth. "Threaten +others," said {sop}, "indeed you won't trick me, mistress; Iwas lately +beaten with the whip because I told the truth." + + [Footnote NF.15: _Shan't enjoy their repose_)--Ver. 9. The + play upon the word "cessabo," seems redolent of the wit of the + middle ages, and not of the days of Phdrus.] + + +FABLE XVII. + +A COCK CARRIED IN A LITTER BY CATS. + +_An extreme feeling of Security often leads Men into Danger._ + +A Cock had some Cats to carry him in his litter: aFox on seeing him +borne along in this pompous manner, said: "Iadvise you to be on your +guard against treachery, for if you were to examine the countenances of +those creatures, you would pronounce that they are carrying a booty, not +a burden." As soon as the savage brotherhood[16] began to be hungry, +they tore their Master to pieces, and went shares in the proceeds of +their guilt. + + [Footnote NF.16: _Savage brotherhood_)--Ver. 6. "Societas." + The brotherhood of litter-carriers, perhaps four or six in + number.] + + +FABLE XVIII. + +THE SOW BRINGING FORTH, AND THE WOLF + +_We must first make trial of a Man before we entrust ourselves to him._ + +A Sow was lying and groaning, her travail coming on; aWolf came running +to her aid, and, offering his assistance, said that he could perform the +duties of midwife. She, however, understanding the treachery of the +wicked animal, rejected the suspicious services of the evil-doer, and +said: "If you keep at a greater distance it is enough." + +But had she entrusted herself to the perfidious Wolf, she would have had +just as much pain to cry for, and her death {into the bargain}. + + +FABLE XIX. + +THE RUNAWAY SLAVE AND SOP. + +_There is no necessity to add evil to evil._ + +A Slave, when running away from a Master of severe disposition, met +sop, to whom he was known as a neighbour: "Why {are} you in such a +hurry?" {said sop}. "I'll tell you candidly, father," {said the other}, +"for you are worthy to be called by that name, as our sorrows are safely +entrusted to you. Stripes are in superabundance; victuals fail: every +now and then I am sent to the farm as a slave to the rustics {there}: if +he dines at home I am kept standing by him all night, or if he is +invited out, Iremain until daylight in the street. Ihave fairly earned +my liberty; but with grey hairs I am {still} a slave. If I were +conscious to myself of any fault, Ishould bear this patiently: Inever +have had a bellyful, and, unhappy that I am, Ihave to put up with a +severe master besides. For these reasons, and {for others} which it +would take too long to recount, Ihave determined to go wherever my feet +may carry me." "Listen then," said sop; "When you have committed no +fault, you suffer these inconveniences as you say: what if you had +offended? What do you suppose you would {then} have had to suffer?" + +By such advice he was prevented from running away. + + +FABLE XX. + +THE CHARIOT-HORSE SOLD FOR THE MILL. + +_Whatever happens, we must bear it with equanimity._ + +A certain Man withdrew from his chariot a Horse, ennobled by many +victories, and sold him for the mill. As he was being led out of doors +from the mill-stones to water, he saw his fellows going towards the +Circus, to celebrate the joyous contests at the games. With tears +starting forth, he said, "Go on and be happy; celebrate without me the +festive day in the race; at the place to which the accursed hand of the +thief has dragged me, will I lament my sad fate." + + +FABLE XXI. + +THE HUNGRY BEAR. + +_Hunger sharpens the wits._ + +If at any time[17] sustenance is wanting to the Bear in the woods, he +runs to the rocky shore, and, grasping a rock, gradually lets down his +shaggy thighs into the water; and as soon as the Crabs have stuck to the +long hair, betaking himself to shore, the crafty fellow shakes off his +sea-spoil, and enjoys the food that he has collected in every quarter. +Thus even in Fools does hunger sharpen the wits. + + [Footnote NF.17: _If at any time_)--Ver. 1. This is not a + Fable; it is merely an anecdote in natural history, and one not + very unlikely to have been true.] + + +FABLE XXII. + +THE TRAVELLER AND THE RAVEN. + +_Men are very frequently imposed upon by words._ + +A Man while going through the fields along his solitary path, heard the +word "Hail!" whereat he stopped for a moment, but seeing no one, went on +his way. Again the same sound saluted him from a hidden spot; encouraged +by the hospitable voice, he stopped short, that whoever it was might +receive the like civility. When, looking all about, he had remained long +in perplexity, and had lost the time in which he might have walked some +miles, aRaven showed himself, and hovering above him, continually +repeated "Hail!" Then, perceiving that he had been deluded: "Perdition +seize you," said he, "most mischievous bird, to have thus delayed me +when I was in such a hurry." + + +FABLE XXIII. + +THE SHEPHERD AND THE SHE-GOAT. + +_Nothing is secret which shall not be made manifest._[18] + +A Shepherd had broken[19] the horn of a She-Goat with his staff, {and} +began to entreat her not to betray him to his Master. "Although unjustly +injured," {said she}, "still, Ishall be silent; but the thing itself +will proclaim your offence." + + [Footnote NF.18: _Be made manifest_)--Ver. 1. This moral is + couched in the same words as St. Luke, viii. 17: "For nothing is + secret which shall not be made manifest."] + + [Footnote NF.19: _A Shepherd had broken_)--Ver. 1. As Adry + remarks, this Fable more closely resembles the brevity and + elegance of Phdrus.] + + +FABLE XXIV. + +THE SERPENT AND THE LIZARD. + +_When the Lion's skin fails, the Fox's must be employed; that is to say, +when strength fails, we must employ craftiness._ + +A Serpent chanced to catch a Lizard by the tail; but when she tried to +devour it with open throat, it snatched up a little twig that lay close +at hand, and, holding it transversely with pertinacious bite, checked +the greedy jaws, agape to devour it, by this cleverly contrived +impediment. So the Serpent dropped the prey from her mouth unenjoyed. + + +FABLE XXV. + +THE CROW AND THE SHEEP. + +_Many are in the habit of injuring the weak and cringing to the +powerful._ + +An pestilent Crow had taken her seat upon a Sheep; which after carrying +her a long time on her back and much against her inclination, remarked: +"If you had done thus to a Dog with his sharp teeth, you would have +suffered for it." To this the rascally {Crow replied}: "Idespise the +defenceless, and I yield to the powerful; Iknow whom to vex, and whom +to flatter craftily; by these means I put off my old age for years." + + +FABLE XXVI. + +THE SERVANT AND THE MASTER. + +_There is no curse more severe than a bad conscience._ + +A Servant having been guilty[20] of a secret offence in debauching the +wife of his master, on the latter coming to know of it, he said, in the +presence of those standing by: "Are you quite pleased with yourself? +For, when you ought not, you do please yourself; but not with impunity, +for when you ought to be pleased, you cannot be." + + [Footnote NF.20: _Having been guilty_)--Ver. 5. Chambry, one + of the French Editors, omits this, as unworthy of Phdrus, and + Adry pronounces it unintelligible. The meaning of this, which is + Jannelli's version, seems to be: "When you ought not to please + yourself, you do please yourself, in committing the crime; but the + consequence is that, afterwards, when you ought to feel pleased, + in that you have gratified your desires, you cannot, in + consequence of your guilty conscience." It is so mutilated, + however, that Cassitti, Jannelli, and other Editors give entirely + different versions.] + + +FABLE XXVII. + +THE HARE AND THE HERDSMAN. + +_Many are kind in words, faithless at heart._ + +A Hare was flying from the Huntsman with speedy foot, and being seen by +a Herdsman, as she was creeping into a thicket: "By the Gods of heaven, +Ibeg of you," said she, "and by all your hopes, do not betray me, +Herdsman; Ihave never done any injury to this field."[21] "Don't be +afraid," the Countryman replied, "remain concealed without +apprehension." And now the Huntsman coming up, {enquired}: "Pray, +Herdsman, has a Hare come this way?" "She did come, but went off that +way to the left;" {he answered}, winking and nodding to the right. The +Huntsman in his haste did not understand him, and hurried out of sight. + +Then {said} the Herdsman: "Are you not glad that I concealed you?" +"Idon't deny," said she, "that to your tongue I owe most sincere +thanks, and I return them, but I wish you may be deprived of your +perfidious eyes." + + [Footnote NF.21: _Injury to this field_)--Ver. 4. The Hare is + more an enemy to the flowers in gardens than to the fields. It was + probably for this reason that the Romans sacrificed this animal to + the Goddess Flora.] + + +FABLE XXVIII. + +THE YOUNG MAN AND THE COURTESAN. + +_Many things are pleasing which still are not to our advantage._ + +While a perfidious Courtesan was fawning upon a Youth, and he, though +wronged {by her} many a time and oft, still showed himself indulgent to +the Woman, the faithless {Creature thus addressed him}: "Though many +contend {for me} with {their} gifts, still do I esteem you the most." +The Youth, recollecting how many times he had been deceived, replied: +"Gladly, my love, do I hear these words; not because you are constant, +but because you administer to my pleasures." + + +FABLE XXIX. + +THE BEAVER. + +_Many would escape, if for the sake of safety they would disregard their +comforts._ + +The Beaver (to which the talkative Greeks have given the name of Castor, +thus bestowing upon an animal the name of a God[22]--they who boast of +the abundance of their epithets) when can no longer escape the dogs, is +said to bite off his testicles, because he is aware that it is for them +he is sought; athing which I would not deny being done through an +instinct granted by the Gods; for as soon as the Huntsman has found the +drug, he ceases his pursuit, and calls off the dogs. + +If men could manage, so as to be ready to part with what they own, in +order to live in safety for the future, there would be no one to devise +stratagems to the detriment of the naked body. + + [Footnote NF.22: _Name of a God_)--Ver. 3. This pun upon the + resemblance of "Castor," the name of the demigod, to "Castor," + "abeaver," seems to be a puerile pun; and the remark upon the + limited "copia verborum" of the Greeks, seems more likely to + proceed from the Archbishop of Sipontum than from Phdrus, who was + evidently proud of his Grecian origin.] + + +FABLE XXX. + +THE BUTTERFLY AND THE WASP. + +_Not past but present Fortune must be regarded._ + +A Butterfly[23] seeing a Wasp flying by: "Oh, sad is our lot," said she, +"derived from the depths of hell, from the recesses of which we have +received our existence. I, eloquent in peace, brave in battle, most +skilled in every art, whatever I once was, behold, light and rotten, and +mere ashes do I fly.[24] You, who were a Mule[25] with panniers, hurt +whomsoever you choose, by fixing your sting in him." The Wasp, too, +uttered these words, well suited to her disposition: "Consider not what +we were, but what we now are." + + [Footnote NF.23: _A Butterfly_)--Ver. 1. This Fable is in a + sadly mutilated state, and critics are at a loss to say, with any + certainty, what is meant by it. Whether the supposed word in l.2, + "barathris," (if really the correct reading), means the depths of + hell, or the inner folds of the leaves in which the Butterfly is + enveloped in the chrysalis state, or whether it means something + else, will probably always remain a matter of doubt. However, the + Fable seems to allude to the prevalent idea, that the soul, when + disengaged from the body, took the form of a butterfly. Indeed + the Greeks called both the soul and a butterfly by the name of + +psuch+. There are six or seven different versions of the first + five lines.] + + [Footnote NF.24: _Ashes do I fly_)--Ver. 6. It is just + possible that this may allude to the soul being disengaged from + the corruption of the body.] + + [Footnote NF.25: _Who were a Mule_)--Ver. 7. She would seem + here to allude to the doctrine of the transmigration of souls. It + may possibly have been a notion, that as the human soul took the + form of a Butterfly, the souls of animals appeared in the shapes + of Wasps and Flies.] + + +FABLE XXXI. + +THE GROUND-SWALLOW AND THE FOX. + +_Confidence is not to be placed in the wicked._ + +A Bird which the Rustics call a Ground-Swallow ({terraneola}), because +it makes its nest in the ground, chanced to meet a wicked Fox, on seeing +whom she soared aloft on her wings. "Save you," said the other; "why, +pray, do you fly from me, as though I had not abundance of food in the +meadows,--crickets, beetles, {and} plenty of locusts. You have nothing +to fear, Ibeg {to assure you}; Ilove you dearly for your quiet ways, +and your harmless life." {The Bird} replied: "You speak very fairly, +indeed; however, Iam not near you, but up in the air; Ishall therefore +proceed, and that is the way in which I trust my life to you." + + +FABLE XXXII. + +THE EPILOGUE.[26] + +_Of those who read this book._ + +Whatever my Muse has here written in sportive mood, both malice and +worth equally join in praising; but the latter with candour, while the +other is secretly annoyed. + + [Footnote NF.26: _The Epilogue_)--This appears in reality to + be only the Fragment of an Epilogue.] + + + + +SOPIAN FABLES.[1] + +THE AUTHORS OF WHICH ARE NOT KNOWN + + [Footnote AF.1: _sopian Fables_)--These sopian Fables appear + much more worthy of the genius of Phdrus than the preceding ones, + which have been attributed to him by the Italian Editors. The name + of the author or authors of these is unknown; but from the + internal evidence, it is not improbable that some may have been + composed by Phdrus.] + + +FABLE I. + +THE SICK KITE. + +A Kite having been sick for many months, and seeing now there was no +longer any hope of his recovery, asked his Mother to go round the sacred +places, and make the most earnest vows for his recovery. "Iwill do so, +my Son," said she, "but I am greatly afraid I shall obtain no help; but +you, who have polluted every temple {and} every altar with your ravages, +sparing no sacrificial food, what is it you would now have me ask?" + + +FABLE II. + +THE HARES TIRED OF LIFE. + +He who cannot endure his own misfortune, let him look at others, and +learn patience. + +On one occasion, the Hares being scared in the woods by a great noise, +cried out, that, on account of their continued alarms, they would end +their lives. So they repaired to a certain pond, into which, in their +despondency, they were going to throw themselves. Alarmed at their +approach, some Frogs fled distractedly into the green sedge. "Oh!" says +one {of the hares}, "there are others too whom fear of misfortune +torments. Endure existence as others do." + + +FABLE III. + +JUPITER AND THE FOX. + +No fortune conceals baseness of nature. + +Jupiter having changed a Fox into a human shape, while she was sitting +as a Mistress on a royal throne, she saw a beetle creeping out of a +corner, and sprang nimbly towards the well-known prey. The Gods of +heaven smiled; the Great Father was ashamed, and expelled the Concubine, +repudiated and disgraced, addressing her in these words: "Live on in the +manner that you deserve, you, who cannot make a worthy use of my +kindness." + + +FABLE IV. + +THE LION AND THE MOUSE. + +This Fable teaches that no one should hurt those of more humble +condition. + +While a Lion was asleep in a wood, where some Field-Mice were sporting +about, one of them by chance leaped upon the Lion as he lay. The Lion +awoke and seized the wretched {creature} with a sudden spring. The +captive implored pardon {and} suppliantly confessed his crime, asin of +imprudence. The Monarch, not deeming it a glorious thing to exact +vengeance for this, pardoned him and let him go. Afew days after, the +Lion, while roaming by night, fell into a trap. When he perceived that +he was caught in the snare, he began to roar with his loudest voice. At +this tremendous noise the Mouse instantly ran to his assistance, and +exclaimed: "You have no need to fear; Iwill make an adequate return for +your great kindness." Immediately he began to survey all the knots and +the fastenings of the knots; and gnawing the strings after he had +examined them, loosened the snare. Thus did the Mouse restore the +captured Lion to the woods. + + +FABLE V. + +THE MAN AND THE TREES. + +Those perish, who give assistance to their foes. + +A certain Man, having made an axe, besought the Trees to afford him a +handle from their wood that would prove firm: they all desired that a +piece of Olive-tree should be given. He accepted the offer, and, fitting +on the handle, set to work with the axe to hew down the huge trunks. +While he was selecting such as he thought fit, the Oak is reported thus +to have said to the Ash: "We richly deserve to be cut down." + + +FABLE VI. + +THE MOUSE AND THE FROG. + +A Mouse, in order that he might pass over a river with greater ease, +sought the aid of a Frog. She tied the fore leg of the Mouse to her +hinder thigh. Hardly had they swum to the middle of the river, when the +Frog dived suddenly, trying to reach the bottom, that she might +perfidiously deprive the Mouse of life. While he struggled with all his +might not to sink, aKite that was flying near at hand, beheld the prey, +and seizing the floundering Mouse in his talons, at the same time bore +off the Frog that was fastened to him. + +Thus do men often perish while meditating the destruction others. + + +FABLE VII. + +THE TWO COCKS AND THE HAWK. + +A Cock who had often fought with {another} Cock, and been beaten, +requested a Hawk {to act as} umpire in the contest. The latter conceived +hopes, if both should come, of devouring him who should first present +himself. Shortly after, when he saw that they had come to plead their +cause, he seized the one who first brought his case into court. The +victim clamorously exclaimed: "'Tis not I that should be punished, but +the one who took to flight;" the Bird {replied}: "Do not suppose that +you can this day escape my talons; it is just that you should now +yourself endure the treacheries you were planning for another."[2] + +He who often cogitates upon the death of others, little knows what sad +Fate he may be preparing for himself. + + [Footnote AF.2: _Planning for another_)--Ver. 10. The nature + of the reason assigned by the Hawk is not very clear. Perhaps the + writer did not care that he should give even so much as a specious + reason.] + + +FABLE VIII. + +THE SNAIL AND THE APE. + +A Snail, smitten with admiration of a Mirror which she had found, began +to climb its shining face, and lick it, fancying she could confer no +greater favour upon it, than to stain its brightness with her slime. An +Ape, when he saw the Mirror {thus} defiled, remarked: "He who allows +himself to be trodden by such {beings}, deserves to suffer such a +disgrace." + +This Fable is written for those Women who unite themselves to ignorant +and foolish Men. + + +FABLE IX. + +THE CITY MOUSE AND COUNTRY MOUSE. + +A City Mouse being once entertained at the table of a Country one, dined +on humble acorns in a hole. Afterwards he prevailed upon the Countryman +by his entreaties to enter the city and a cellar that abounded with the +choicest things. Here, while they were enjoying remnants of various +kinds, the door is thrown open, and in comes the Butler; the Mice, +terrified at the noise, fly in different directions, and the City one +easily hides himself in his well-known holes; while the unfortunate +Rustic, all trepidation in that strange house, and dreading death, runs +to-and-fro along the walls. When the Butler had taken what he wanted, +and had shut the door, the City Mouse bade the Country one again to +take courage. The latter, still in a state of perturbation, replied: +"Ihardly can take any food for fear. Do you think he will come?" +--"Why are you in such a fright?" said the City one; "come, let us +enjoy dainties which you may seek in vain in the country." The +Countryman {replied}: "You, who don't know what it is to fear, will +enjoy all these things; but, free from care and at liberty, may acorns +be my food!" + +'Tis better to live secure in poverty, than to be consumed by the cares +attendant upon riches. + + +FABLE X. + +THE ASS FAWNING UPON HIS MASTER. + +An Ass, seeing the Dog fawn upon his master, and how he was crammed at +his table each day, and had bits thrown to him in abundance by the +Servants, thus remarked: "If the Master and the Servants are so very +fond of a most filthy Dog, what must it be with me, if I should pay him +similar attentions, who am much better than this Dog, and useful and +praiseworthy in many respects; who am supported by the pure streams of +undefiled water, and never in the habit of feeding upon nasty food? +Surely I am more worthy than a whelp to enjoy a happy life, and to +obtain the highest honor." While the Ass is thus soliloquising, he sees +his Master enter the stable; so running up to him in haste and braying +aloud, he leaps upon him, claps both feet on his shoulders, begins to +lick his face; and tearing his clothes with his dirty hoofs, he fatigues +his Master with his heavy weight, as he stupidly fawns upon him. At +their Master's outcry the Servants run to the spot, and seizing +everywhere such sticks and stones as come in their way, they punish the +braying {beast}, and knocking him off his Master's body, soon send him +back, half-dead to the manger, with sore limbs and battered rump. + +{This} Fable teaches that a fool is not to thrust himself upon those who +do not want him, or affect to perform the part of one superior {to him}. + + +FABLE XI. + +THE CRANE, THE CROW, AND THE COUNTRYMAN. + +A Crane and a Crow had made a league on oath, that the Crane should +protect the Crow against the Birds, {and} that the Crow should foretell +the future, so that the Crane might be on her guard. After this, on +their frequently flying into the fields of a certain Countryman, and +tearing up by the roots what had been sown, the owner of the field saw +it, and being vexed, cried out: "Give me a stone, Boy, that I may hit +the Crane." When the Crow heard this, at once she warned the Crane, who +took all due precaution. On another day, too, the Crow hearing him ask +for a stone, again warned the Crane carefully to avoid the danger. The +Countryman, suspecting that the divining Bird heard his commands, said +to the Boy: "If I say, give me a cake, do you secretly hand me a stone." +The Crane came {again}; he bade the Boy give him a cake, but the Boy +gave him a stone, with which he hit the Crane, and broke her legs. The +Crane, on being wounded, said: "Prophetic Crow, where now are your +auspices? Why did you not hasten to warn your companion, as you swore +you would, that no such evil might befall me?" The Crow made answer: "It +is not my art that deserves to be blamed; but the purposes of +double-tongued people are so deceiving, who say one thing and do +another." + +Those who impose upon the inexperienced by deceitful promises, fail not +to cajole them by-and-bye with pretended reasons. + + +FABLE XII. + +THE BIRDS AND THE SWALLOW. + +The Birds having assembled in one spot, saw a Man sowing flax in a +field. When the Swallow found that they thought nothing at all of this, +she is reported to have called them together, and thus addressed them: +"Danger awaits us all from this, if the seed should come to maturity." +The Birds laughed {at her}. When the crop, however, sprang up, the +Swallow again remarked: "Our destruction is impending; come, let us root +up the noxious blades, lest, if they shortly grow up, nets may be made +thereof, and we may be taken by the contrivances of man." The Birds +persist in laughing at the words of the Swallow, and foolishly despise +{this} most prudent advice. But she, in her caution, at once betook +herself to Man, that she might suspend her nest in safety under his +rafters. The Birds, however, who had disregarded her wholesome advice, +being caught in nets made of the flax, came to an untimely end. + + +FABLE XIII. + +THE PARTRIDGE AND THE FOX. + +Once on a time a Partridge was sitting in a lofty tree. AFox came up, +and began {thus} to speak: "OPartridge, how beautiful is your aspect! +Your beak transcends the coral; your thighs the brightness of purple. +And then, if you were to sleep, how much more beauteous you would be." +As soon as the silly Bird had closed her eyes, that instant the Fox +seized the credulous thing. Suppliantly she uttered these words, mingled +with loud cries: "OFox, Ibeseech you, by the graceful dexterity of +your exquisite skill, utter my name as before, and then you shall devour +me." The Fox, willing to speak, opened his mouth, and so the Partridge +escaped destruction. Then said the deluded Fox: "What need was there for +me to speak?" The Partridge retorted: "And what necessity was there for +me to sleep, when my hour for sleep had not come?" + +This is for those who speak when there is no occasion, and who sleep +when it is requisite to be on the watch. + + +FABLE XIV. + +THE ASS, THE OX, AND THE BIRDS. + +An Ass and an Ox, fastened to the same yoke, were drawing a waggon. +While the Ox was pulling with all his might he broke his horn. The Ass +swears that he experiences no help whatever from his weak companion. +Exerting himself in the labour, the Ox breaks his other horn, and at +length falls dead upon the ground. Presently, the Herdsman loads the Ass +with the flesh of the Ox, and he breaks down amid a thousand blows, and +stretched in the middle of the road, expires. The Birds flying to the +prey, exclaim: "If you had shown yourself compassionate to the Ox when +he entreated you, you would not have been food for us through your +untimely death." + + +FABLE XV. + +THE LION AND THE SHEPHERD. + +A Lion,[3] while wandering in a wood, trod on a thorn, and soon after +came up, wagging his tail, to a Shepherd: "Don't be alarmed," {said he}, +"Isuppliantly entreat your aid; Iam not in search for prey." Lifting +up the {wounded} foot, the Man places it in his lap, and, taking out the +thorn, relieves {the patient's} severe pain: whereupon the Lion returns +to the woods. Some time after, the Shepherd (being accused on a false +charge) is condemned, and is ordered to be exposed to ravening Beasts at +the ensuing games. While the Beasts, on being let out,[4] are roaming +to-and-fro, the Lion recognizes the Man who effected the cure, and again +raising his foot, places it in the Shepherd's lap. The King, as soon as +he aware of this, immediately restored the Lion to the woods, and the +Shepherd to his friends. + + [Footnote AF.3: _A Lion_)--Ver. 1. This story is also told by + Seneca--De Beneficiis, B.II. c.19, and by Aulus Gellius, B. III. + c.14.] + + [Footnote AF.4: _The Beasts, on being let out_)--Ver. 10. The + beasts were sent forth from "cave," or "cages," into the area of + the Circus or Amphitheatre.] + + +FABLE XVI. + +THE GNAT AND THE BULL. + +A Gnat having challenged a Bull to a trial of strength, all the People +came to see the combat. Then {said} the Gnat: "'Tis enough that you have +come to meet me in combat; for {though} little in my own idea, Iam +great in your judgment," {and so saying}, he took himself off on light +wing through the air, and duped the multitude, and eluded the threats of +the Bull. {Now} if the Bull had kept in mind his strength of neck, and +had contemned an ignoble foe, the vapouring of the trifler would have +been all in vain. + +He loses character who puts himself on a level with the undeserving. + + +FABLE XVII. + +THE HORSE AND THE ASS. + +A Steed, swelling {with pride} beneath his trappings, met an Ass, and +because the latter, wearied with his load, made room very slowly: +"Hardly," said {the Horse}, "can I restrain myself from kicking you +severely." The Ass held his peace, only appealing with his groans to the +Gods. The Horse in a short space of time, broken-winded with running, is +sent to the farm. There the Ass espying him laden with dung, thus jeered +him: "Where are your former trappings, vain boaster, who have now fallen +into the misery which you treated with such contempt?" + +Let not the fortunate man, unmindful of the uncertainty of fortune, +despise the lowly one, seeing that he knows not what he may come to +himself. + + +FABLE XVIII. + +THE BIRDS, THE BEASTS, AND THE BAT. + +The Birds were at war with the Beasts, and the conquerors were defeated +in their turn; but the Bat, fearing the doubtful issue of {the strife}, +always betook himself to those whom he saw victorious. When they had +returned to their former state of peace, the fraud was apparent to both +sides; convicted therefore of a crime so disgraceful, {and} flying from +the light, he thenceforth hid himself in deep darkness, always flying +alone by night. + +Whoever offers himself for sale to both sides, will live a life of +disgrace, hateful to them both. + + +FABLE XIX. + +THE NIGHTINGALE, THE HAWK, AND THE FOWLER. + +While a Hawk was sitting in a Nightingale's nest, on the watch for a +Hare, he found there some young ones. The Mother, alarmed at the danger +of her offspring, flew up, and suppliantly entreated him to spare her +young ones. "Iwill do what you wish," he replied, "if you will sing me +a tuneful song with a clear voice." On this, much as her heart failed +her, still, through fear, she obeyed, and being compelled, full of grief +she sang. The Hawk, who had seized the prey, {then} said: "You have not +sung your best;" and, seizing one of the young ones with his claws, +began to devour it. AFowler approaches from another direction, and +stealthily extending his reed,[5] touches the perfidious {creature} with +bird-lime, and drags him to the ground. + +Whoever lays crafty stratagems for others, ought to beware that he +himself be not entrapped by cunning. + + [Footnote AF.5: _Extending his reed_)--Ver. 13. From this it + would appear, that fowlers stood behind trees, and used reeds + tipped with birdlime, for the purpose of taking birds.] + + +FABLE XX. + +THE WOLF, THE FOX, AND THE SHEPHERD. + +A Wolf, in the course of time, had collected a store in his den, that he +might have food, which he might enjoy at his ease for many months. +AFox, on learning this, went to the Wolf's den, and {said} with +tremulous voice: "Is all right, brother? For not having seen you on the +look-out for prey in your woods, life has been saddened every day." The +Wolf, when he perceived the envy of his rival, {replied}: "You have not +come hither from any anxiety on my account, but that you may get a +share. Iknow what is your deceitful aim." The Fox enraged, comes to a +Shepherd, {and} says: "Shepherd, will you return me thanks, if to-day I +deliver up to you the enemy of your flock, so that you need have no more +anxiety?" The Shepherd {replied}: "Iwill serve you, and will with +pleasure give you anything you like." She points out the Wolf's den to +the Shepherd, who shuts him in, despatches him immediately with a spear, +and gladly gratifies his rival with the property of another. When, +however, the Fox had fallen into the Hunter's hands, being caught and +mangled by the Dogs, she said: "Hardly have I done an injury to another, +ere I am now punished {myself}." + +Whoever ventures to injure another, ought to beware lest a greater evil +befall himself. + + +FABLE XXI. + +THE SHEEP AND THE WOLVES. + +When the Sheep and the Wolves[6] engaged in battle, the former, safe +under the protection of the dogs, were victorious. The Wolves sent +ambassadors, and demanded a peace, ratified on oath, on these terms; +that the Sheep should give up the Dogs, and receive as hostages the +whelps of the Wolves. The Sheep, hoping that lasting concord would be +thus secured, did as the Wolves demanded. Shortly after, when the whelps +began to howl, the Wolves, alleging as a pretext, that their young ones +were being murdered, and that the peace had been broken by the Sheep, +made a simultaneous rush on every side, and attacked the latter {thus} +deprived of protectors; {and} so a late repentance condemned their folly +in putting faith in their enemies. + +If a person gives up to others the safeguard under which he has +previously lived in security, he will afterwards wish it back, but in +vain. + + [Footnote AF.6: _The Sheep and the Wolves_)--Ver. 1. + Demosthenes is said to have related this Fable to the Athenians, + when dissuading them from surrendering the Orators to Alexander.] + + +FABLE XXII. + +THE APE AND THE FOX. + +An Ape asked a Fox to spare him some part of her exceeding length of +tail, with which he might be enabled to cover his most unseemly hinder +parts. "For of what use," said he, "is a tail of such extraordinary +length? For what purpose do you drag such a vast weight along the +ground?" The Fox {answered}: "Even if it were longer, and much bulkier, +Iwould rather drag it along the ground and through mud and thorns, than +give you a part; that you might not appear more comely through what +covers me." + +Greedy and rich {man}, this Fable has a lesson for you, who, though you +have a superabundance, still give nothing to the poor. + + +FABLE XXIII. + +THE WOLF, THE SHEPHERD, AND THE HUNTSMAN. + +A Wolf, flying from the Huntsman's close pursuit, was seen by a +Shepherd, {who noticed} which way he fled, and in what spot he concealed +himself. "Herdsman," {said} the terrified fugitive, "by all your hopes, +do not, Ido adjure you by the great Gods, betray an innocent being, who +has done you no injury." + +"Don't fear," the Shepherd replied; "I'll point in another direction." +Soon after, the Huntsman comes up in haste: "Shepherd, have you not seen +a Wolf come this way? Which way did he run?" The Shepherd replied, in a +loud voice: "He certainly did come, but he fled to the left," but he +secretly motioned with his eyes towards the right. The other did not +understand him, and went on in haste. Then {said} the Shepherd to the +Wolf: "What thanks will you give me for having concealed you?" "To your +tongue, Igive especial ones," said the Wolf, "but on your deceitful +eyes I pray that the darkness of eternal night may fall." + +He who, courteous in his words, conceals deceit in his heart, may +understand that he is himself described in this Fable. + + +FABLE XXIV. + +THE TRUTHFUL MAN, THE LIAR, AND THE APES. + +A Liar and a Truthful Man, while travelling together, chanced to come +into the land of the Apes. One of the number, who had made himself King, +seeing them, ordered them to be detained, that he might learn what men +said of him, {and} at the same time he ordered all the Apes to stand in +lengthened array on the right and left; and that a throne should be +placed for himself, as he had formerly seen was the practice with the +Kings among men. After this he questions the men {so} ordered to be +brought before him: "What do you think of me, strangers?" "You seem to +be a most mighty King," the Liar replied. "What of these whom you see +now about me?" "These are ministers,[7] these are lieutenants, and +leaders of troops." The Ape thus lyingly praised, together with his +crew, orders a present to be given to the flatterer. On this the +Truth-teller {remarked} to himself: "If so great the reward for lying, +with what gifts shall I not be presented, if, according to my custom, +Itell the truth?" The Ape then {turns} to the Truthful Man: "And what +do you think of me and those whom you see standing before me?" He made +answer: "You are a genuine Ape, and all these {are} Apes, who are like +you." The King, enraged, ordered him to be torn with teeth and claws, +because he had told the truth. + +A courtly lie is praised by the wicked; plain-spoken truth brings +destruction on the good. + + [Footnote AF.7: _Your ministers_)--Ver. 13. "Comites" here + seems to mean "ministers," in the sense in which the word was used + in the times of the later Roman emperors.] + + +FABLE XXV. + +THE MAN AND THE LION. + +A Man was disputing with a Lion which was the stronger of the two, and +while they were seeking evidence on the matter in dispute, they came at +last to a sepulchre, on which {the human disputant} pointed out a Lion, +depicted with his jaws rent asunder by a Man--a striking proof of +superior strength. The Lion made answer: "This was painted by a human +hand; if Lions knew how to paint, you would see the man undermost. But I +will give a more convincing proof of our valour." He {accordingly} led +the Man to some games,[8] where, calling his attention to men slain in +reality by Lions, he said: "There is no need of the testimony of +pictures here; real valour is shown by deeds." + +{This} Fable teaches that liars use colouring in vain, when a sure test +is produced. + + [Footnote AF.8: _Some games_)--Ver. 9. "Spectaculum," or + "venatio." These were exhibited by the wealthy Romans in the + amphitheatre or circus, and on some occasions many hundred beasts + were slain in one day. Of course, as here mentioned, their + assailants would sometimes meet with an untimely end.] + + +FABLE XXVI. + +THE STORK, THE GOOSE, AND THE HAWK. + +A Stork, having come to a well-known pool, found a Goose diving +frequently beneath the water, {and} enquired why she did so. The other +replied: "This is our custom, and we find our food in the mud; and then, +besides, we thus find safety, and escape the attack of the Hawk when he +comes against us." "Iam much stronger than the Hawk," said the Stork; +"if you choose to make an alliance with me, you will be able +victoriously to deride him." The Goose believing her, and immediately +accepting her aid, goes with her into the fields: forthwith comes the +Hawk, and seizes the Goose in his remorseless claws and devours her, +while the Stork flies off. The Goose {called out after her}: "He who +trusts himself to so weak a protector, deserves to come to a still worse +end." + + +FABLE XXVII. + +THE SHEEP AND THE CROW. + +A Crow, sitting at her ease upon a Sheep's back, pecked her with her +beak. After she had done this for a long time, the Sheep, so patient +under injury, remarked: "If you had offered this affront to the Dog, you +could not have endured his barking." But the Crow {thus answered} the +Sheep: "Inever sit on the neck of one so strong, as I know whom I may +provoke; my years having taught me cunning, Iam civil to the robust, +but insolent to the defenceless. Of such a nature have the Gods thought +fit to create me." + +{This} Fable was written for those base persons who oppress the +innocent, {and} fear to annoy the bold. + + +FABLE XXVIII. + +THE ANT AND THE GRASSHOPPER. + +In winter time, an Ant was dragging forth from her hole, and drying, the +grains which, in her foresight, she had collected during the summer. +AGrasshopper, being hungry, begged her to give him something: the Ant +{replied}: "What were you doing in summer?" The other {said}: "Ihad not +leisure to think of the future: Iwas wandering through hedges and +meadows, singing away." The Ant laughing, and carrying back the grains, +said: "Very well, you who were singing away in the summer, dance in the +winter." + +Let the sluggard always labour at the proper time, lest when he has +nothing, he beg in vain. + + +FABLE XXIX. + +THE HORSE AND THE ASS. + +An Ass asked a Horse for a little barley. "With all my heart," said he, +"if I had more than I wanted, Iwould give you plenty, in accordance +with my dignified position; but bye-and-bye, as soon as I shall have +come to my manger in the evening, Iwill give you a sackful of wheat." +The Ass replied: "If you now deny me on a trifling occasion, what am I +to suppose you will do on one of greater importance?" + +They who, while making great promises, refuse small favours, show that +they are very tenacious of giving. + + +FABLE XXX. + +THE OLD LION AND THE FOX. + +Worn with years, a Lion pretended illness. Many Beasts came for the +purpose of visiting the sick King, whom at once he devoured. But a wary +Fox stood at a distance before the den, saluting the King. On the Lion +asking her why she did not come in: "Because," {said she}, "Isee many +foot-marks of those who have gone in, but none of those who came out." + +The dangers of others are generally of advantage to the wary. + + +FABLE XXXI. + +THE CAMEL AND THE FLEA. + +A Flea, chancing to sit on the back of a Camel who was going along +weighed down with heavy burdens, was quite delighted with himself, as he +appeared to be so much higher. After they had made a long journey, they +came together in the evening to the stable. The Flea immediately +exclaimed, skipping lightly to the ground: "See, Ihave got down +directly, that I may not weary you any longer, {so} galled as you are." +The Camel {replied}: "Ithank you; but neither when you were on me did I +find myself oppressed by your weight, nor do I feel myself at all +lightened now you have dismounted." + +He who, while he is of no standing, boasts to be of a lofty one, falls +under contempt when he comes to be known. + + +FABLE XXXII. + +THE KID AND THE WOLF. + +A She-Goat, that she might keep her young one in safety, on going forth +to feed, warned {her} heedless Kid not to open the door, because she +knew that many wild beasts were prowling about the cattle stalls. When +she was gone, there came a Wolf, imitating the voice of the dam, and +ordered the door to be opened for him. When the Kid heard him, looking +through a chink, he said to the Wolf: "Ihear a sound like my Mother's +{voice}, but you are a deceiver, and an enemy to me; under my Mother's +voice you are seeking to drink my blood, and stuff yourself with my +flesh. Farewell." + +'Tis greatly to the credit of children to be obedient to their parents. + + +FABLE XXXIII. + +THE POOR MAN AND THE SERPENT. + +In the house of a certain Poor Man, a Serpent was always in the habit of +coming to his table, and being fed there plentifully upon the crumbs. +Shortly after, the Man becoming rich, he began to be angry with the +Serpent, and wounded him with an axe. After the lapse of some time he +returned to his former poverty. When he saw that like the varying lot of +the Serpent, his own fortunes also changed, he coaxingly begged him to +pardon the offence. Then said the Serpent to him: "You will repent of +your wickedness until my wound is healed; don't suppose, however, that I +take you henceforth with implicit confidence to be my friend. Still, +Icould wish to be reconciled with you, if only I could never recall to +mind the perfidious axe." + +He deserves to be suspected, who has once done an injury; and an +intimacy with him is always to be renewed with caution. + + +FABLE XXXIV. + +THE EAGLE AND THE KITE. + +An Eagle was sitting on a branch with a Kite, in sorrowful mood. "Why," +{said} the Kite, "do I see you with such a melancholy air?" "Iam +looking out," said she, "for a mate suited to myself, and cannot find +one." "Take me," {said the Kite}, "who am so much stronger than you." +"Well, are you able to get a living by what you can carry away?" "Many's +the time that I have seized and carried off an ostrich in my talons." +Induced by his words, the Eagle took him as her mate. Ashort time +having passed after the nuptials, the Eagle {said}: "Go and carry off +for me the booty you promised me." Soaring aloft, the Kite brings back a +field-mouse, most filthy, and stinking from long-contracted mouldiness. +"Is this," said the Eagle, "the performance of your promise?" The Kite +replied to her: "That I might contract a marriage with royalty, there is +nothing I would not have pledged myself to do, although I knew that I +was unable." + +Those who seek anxiously for partners of higher rank, painfully lament a +deception that has united them to the worthless. + + + * * * * * + * * * * + + + THE FABLES OF PHDRUS, + + Translated Into English Verse + By CHRISTOPHER SMART, A.M., + Fellow Of Pembroke Hall, Cambridge. + + + + +BOOK I. + + +PROLOGUE. + + What from the founder Esop fell, + In neat familiar verse I tell: + Twofold's the genius of the page, + To make you smile and make you sage. + But if the critics we displease, + By wrangling brutes and talking trees, + Let them remember, ere they blame, + We're working neither sin nor shame; + 'Tis but a play to form the youth + By fiction, in the cause of truth. + + +FABLE I. THE WOLF AND THE LAMB. + + By thirst incited; to the brook + The Wolf and Lamb themselves betook. + The Wolf high up the current drank, + The Lamb far lower down the bank. + Then, bent his rav'nous maw to cram, + The Wolf took umbrage at the Lamb. + "How dare you trouble all the flood, + And mingle my good drink with mud?" + "Sir," says the Lambkin, sore afraid, + "How should I act, as you upbraid? + The thing you mention cannot be, + The stream descends from you to me." + Abash'd by facts, says he, "I know + 'Tis now exact six months ago + You strove my honest fame to blot"-- + "Six months ago, sir, I was not." + "Then 'twas th' old ram thy sire," he cried, + And so he tore him, till he died. + To those this fable I address + Who are determined to oppress, + And trump up any false pretence, + But they will injure innocence. + + +II. THE FROGS DESIRING A KING. + + With equal laws when Athens throve, + The petulance of freedom drove + Their state to license, which o'erthrew + Those just restraints of old they knew. + Hence, as a factious discontent + Through every rank and order went, + Pisistratus the tyrant form'd + A party, and the fort he storm'd: + Which yoke, while all bemoan'd in grief, + (Not that he was a cruel chief, + But they unused to be controll'd) + Then Esop thus his fable told: + The Frogs, a freeborn people made, + From out their marsh with clamor pray'd + That Jove a monarch would assign + With power their manners to refine. + The sovereign smiled, and on their bog + Sent his petitioners a log, + Which, as it dash'd upon the place, + At first alarm'd the tim'rous race. + But ere it long had lain to cool, + One slily peep'd out of the pool, + And finding it a king in jest, + He boldly summon'd all the rest. + Now, void of fear, the tribe advanced, + And on the timber leap'd and danced, + And having let their fury loose, + In gross affronts and rank abuse, + Of Jove they sought another king, + For useless was this wooden thing. + Then he a water-snake empower'd, + Who one by one their race devour'd. + They try to make escape in vain, + Nor, dumb through fear, can they complain. + By stealth they Mercury depute, + That Jove would once more hear their suit, + And send their sinking state to save; + But he in wrath this answer gave: + "You scorn'd the good king that you had, + And therefore you shall bear the bad." + Ye likewise, O Athenian friends, + Convinced to what impatience tends, + Though slavery be no common curse, + Be still, for fear of worse and worse. + + +III. THE VAIN JACKDAW. + + Lest any one himself should plume, + And on his neighbour's worth presume; + But still let Nature's garb prevail-- + Esop has left this little tale: + A Daw, ambitious and absurd, + Pick'd up the quills of Juno's bird; + And, with the gorgeous spoil adorn'd, + All his own sable brethren scorn'd, + And join'd the peacocks--who in scoff + Stripp'd the bold thief, and drove him off. + The Daw, thus roughly handled, went + To his own kind in discontent: + But they in turn contemn the spark, + And brand with many a shameful mark. + Then one he formerly disdain'd, + "Had you," said he, "at home remain'd-- + Content with Nature's ways and will, + You had not felt the peacock's bill; + Nor 'mongst the birds of your own dress + Had been deserted in distress." + + +IV. THE DOG IN THE RIVER. + + The churl that wants another's fare + Deserves at least to lose his share. + As through the stream a Dog convey'd + A piece of meat, he spied his shade + In the clear mirror of the flood, + And thinking it was flesh and blood, + Snapp'd to deprive him of the treat:-- + But mark the glutton's self-defeat, + Miss'd both another's and his own, + Both shade and substance, beef and bone. + + +V. THE HEIFER, GOAT, SHEEP, AND LION. + + A partnership with men in power + We cannot build upon an hour. + This Fable proves the fact too true: + An Heifer, Goat, and harmless Ewe, + Were with the Lion as allies, + To raise in desert woods supplies. + There, when they jointly had the luck + To take a most enormous buck, + The Lion first the parts disposed, + And then his royal will disclosed. + "The first, as Lion hight, I crave; + The next you yield to me, as brave; + The third is my peculiar due, + As being stronger far than you; + The fourth you likewise will renounce, + For him that touches, I shall trounce." + Thus rank unrighteousness and force + Seized all the prey without remorse. + + +VI. THE FROGS AND SUN. + + When Esop saw, with inward grief, + The nuptials of a neighb'ring thief, + He thus his narrative begun: + Of old 'twas rumor'd that the Sun + Would take a wife: with hideous cries + The quer'lous Frogs alarm'd the skies. + Moved at their murmurs, Jove inquired + What was the thing that they desired? + When thus a tenant of the lake, + In terror, for his brethren spake: + "Ev'n now one Sun too much is found, + And dries up all the pools around, + Till we thy creatures perish here; + But oh, how dreadfully severe, + Should he at length be made a sire, + And propagate a race of fire!" + + +VII. THE FOX AND THE TRAGIC MASK. + + A Fox beheld a Mask-- "O rare + The headpiece, if but brains were there!" + This holds--whene'er the Fates dispense + Pomp, pow'r, and everything but sense. + + +VIII. THE WOLF AND CRANE. + + Who for his merit seeks a price + From men of violence and vice, + Is twice a fool--first so declared, + As for the worthless he has cared; + Then after all, his honest aim + Must end in punishment and shame. + A bone the Wolf devour'd in haste, + Stuck in his greedy throat so fast, + That, tortured with the pain, he roar'd, + And ev'ry beast around implored, + That who a remedy could find + Should have a premium to his mind. + A Crane was wrought upon to trust + His oath at length--and down she thrust + Her neck into his throat impure, + And so perform'd a desp'rate cure. + At which, when she desired her fee, + "You base, ungrateful minx," says he, + "Whom I so kind forbore to kill, + And now, forsooth, you'd bring your bill!" + + +IX. THE HARE AND THE SPARROW. + + Still to give cautions, as a friend, + And not one's own affairs attend, + Is but impertinent and vain, + As these few verses will explain. + A Sparrow taunted at a Hare + Caught by an eagle high in air, + And screaming loud-- "Where now," says she, + "Is your renown'd velocity? + Why loiter'd your much boasted speed?" + Just as she spake, an hungry glede + Did on th' injurious railer fall, + Nor could her cries avail at all. + The Hare, with its expiring breath, + Thus said: "See comfort ev'n in death! + She that derided my distress + Must now deplore her own no less." + + +X. THE WOLF AND FOX, WITH THE APE FOR JUDGE. + + Whoe'er by practice indiscreet + Has pass'd for a notorious cheat, + Will shortly find his credit fail, + Though he speak truth, says Esop's tale. + The Wolf the Fox for theft arraign'd; + The Fox her innocence maintain'd: + The Ape, as umpire, takes his seat; + Each pleads his cause with skill and heat. + Then thus the Ape, with aspect grave, + The sentence from the hustings gave: + "For you, Sir Wolf, I do descry + That all your losses are a lie-- + And you, with negatives so stout, + O Fox! have stolen the goods no doubt." + + +XI. THE ASS AND THE LION HUNTING. + + A coward, full of pompous speech, + The ignorant may overreach; + But is the laughing-stock of those + Who know how far his valor goes. + Once on a time it came to pass, + The Lion hunted with the Ass, + Whom hiding in the thickest shade + He there proposed should lend him aid, + By trumpeting so strange a bray, + That all the beasts he should dismay, + And drive them o'er the desert heath + Into the lurking Lion's teeth. + Proud of the task, the long-ear'd loon + Struck up such an outrageous tune, + That 'twas a miracle to hear-- + The beasts forsake their haunts with fear, + And in the Lion's fangs expired: + Who, being now with slaughter tired, + Call'd out the Ass, whose noise he stops. + The Ass, parading from the copse, + Cried out with most conceited scoff, + "How did my music-piece go off?" + "So well--were not thy courage known, + Their terror had been all my own!" + + +XII. THE STAG AT THE FOUNTAIN. + + Full often what you now despise + Proves better than the things you prize; + Let Esop's narrative decide: + A Stag beheld, with conscious pride, + (As at the fountain-head he stood) + His image in the silver flood, + And there extols his branching horns, + While his poor spindle-shanks he scorns-- + But, lo! he hears the hunter's cries, + And, frighten'd, o'er the champaign flies-- + His swiftness baffles the pursuit: + At length a wood receives the brute, + And by his horns entangled there, + The pack began his flesh to tear: + Then dying thus he wail'd his fate: + "Unhappy me! and wise too late! + How useful what I did disdain! + How grievous that which made me vain." + + +XIII. THE FOX AND THE CROW. + + His folly in repentance ends, + Who, to a flatt'ring knave attends. + A Crow, her hunger to appease, + Had from a window stolen some cheese, + And sitting on a lofty pine + In state, was just about to dine. + This, when a Fox observed below, + He thus harangued the foolish Crow: + "Lady, how beauteous to the view + Those glossy plumes of sable hue! + Thy features how divinely fair! + With what a shape, and what an air! + Could you but frame your voice to sing, + You'd have no rival on the wing." + But she, now willing to display + Her talents in the vocal way, + Let go the cheese of luscious taste, + Which Renard seized with greedy haste. + The grudging dupe now sees at last + That for her folly she must fast. + + +XIV. THE COBBLER TURNED DOCTOR. + + A bankrupt Cobbler, poor and lean, + (No bungler e'er was half so mean) + Went to a foreign place, and there + Began his med'cines to prepare: + But one of more especial note + He call'd his sovereign antidote; + And by his technical bombast + Contrived to raise a name at last. + It happen'd that the king was sick, + Who, willing to detect the trick, + Call'd for some water in an ewer, + Poison in which he feign'd to pour + The antidote was likewise mix'd; + He then upon th' empiric fix'd + To take the medicated cup, + And, for a premium, drink it up + The quack, through dread of death, confess'd + That he was of no skill possess'd; + But all this great and glorious job + Was made of nonsense and the mob. + Then did the king his peers convoke, + And thus unto th' assembly spoke: + "My lords and gentlemen, I rate + Your folly as inordinate, + Who trust your heads into his hand, + Where no one had his heels japann'd."-- + This story their attention craves + Whose weakness is the prey of knaves. + + +XV. THE SAPIENT ASS. + + In all the changes of a state, + The poor are the most fortunate, + Who, save the name of him they call + Their king, can find no odds at all. + The truth of this you now may read-- + A fearful old man in a mead, + While leading of his Ass about, + Was startled at the sudden shout + Of enemies approaching nigh. + He then advised the Ass to fly, + "Lest we be taken in the place:" + But loth at all to mend his pace, + "Pray, will the conqueror," quoth Jack, + "With double panniers load my back?" + "No," says the man. "If that's the thing," + Cries he, "I care not who is king." + + +XVI. THE SHEEP, THE STAG, AND THE WOLF. + + When one rogue would another get + For surety in a case of debt, + 'Tis not the thing t' accept the terms, + But dread th' event--the tale affirms. + A Stag approach'd the Sheep, to treat + For one good bushel of her wheat. + "The honest Wolf will give his bond." + At which, beginning to despond, + "The Wolf (cries she) 's a vagrant bite. + And you are quickly out of sight; + Where shall I find or him or you + Upon the day the debt is due?" + + +XVII. THE SHEEP, THE DOG, AND THE WOLF. + + Liars are liable to rue + The mischief they're so prone to do. + The Sheep a Dog unjustly dunn'd + One loaf directly to refund, + Which he the Dog to the said Sheep + Had given in confidence to keep. + The Wolf was summoned, and he swore + It was not one, but ten or more. + The Sheep was therefore cast at law + To pay for things she never saw. + But, lo! ere many days ensued, + Dead in a ditch the Wolf she view'd: + "This, this," she cried, "is Heaven's decree + Of justice on a wretch like thee." + + +XIX. THE BITCH AND HER PUPPIES. + + Bad men have speeches smooth and fair, + Of which, that we should be aware, + And such designing villains thwart, + The underwritten lines exhort. + A Bitch besought one of her kin + For room to put her Puppies in: + She, loth to say her neighbour nay, + Directly lent both hole and hay. + But asking to be repossess'd, + For longer time the former press'd, + Until her Puppies gather'd strength, + Which second lease expired at length; + And when, abused at such a rate, + The lender grew importunate, + "The place," quoth she, "I will resign + When you're a match for me and mine." + + +XX. THE HUNGRY DOGS. + + A stupid plan that fools project, + Not only will not take effect, + But proves destructive in the end + To those that bungle and pretend. + Some hungry Dogs beheld an hide + Deep sunk beneath the crystal tide, + Which, that they might extract for food, + They strove to drink up all the flood; + But bursten in the desp'rate deed, + They perish'd, ere they could succeed. + + +XXI. THE OLD LION. + + Whoever, to his honor's cost, + His pristine dignity has lost, + Is the fool's jest and coward's scorn, + When once deserted and forlorn. + With years enfeebled and decay'd, + A Lion gasping hard was laid: + Then came, with furious tusk, a boar, + To vindicate his wrongs of yore: + The bull was next in hostile spite, + With goring horn his foe to smite: + At length the ass himself, secure + That now impunity was sure, + His blow too insolently deals, + And kicks his forehead with his heels. + Then thus the Lion, as he died: + "'Twas hard to bear the brave," he cried; + "But to be trampled on by thee + Is Nature's last indignity; + And thou, O despicable thing, + Giv'st death at least a double sting." + + +XXII. THE MAN AND THE WEASEL. + + A Weasel, by a person caught, + And willing to get off, besought + The man to spare. "Be not severe + On him that keeps your pantry clear + Of those intolerable mice." + "This were," says he, "a work of price, + If done entirely for my sake, + And good had been the plea you make: + But since, with all these pains and care, + You seize yourself the dainty fare + On which those vermin used to fall, + And then devour the mice and all, + Urge not a benefit in vain." + This said, the miscreant was slain. + The satire here those chaps will own, + Who, useful to themselves alone, + And bustling for a private end, + Would boast the merit of a friend. + + +XXIII. THE FAITHFUL HOUSE-DOG. + + A Man that's gen'rous all at once + May dupe a novice or a dunce; + But to no purpose are the snares + He for the knowing ones prepares. + When late at night a felon tried + To bribe a Dog with food, he cried, + "What ho! do you attempt to stop + The mouth of him that guards the shop? + You 're mightily mistaken, sir, + For this strange kindness is a spur, + To make me double all my din, + Lest such a scoundrel should come in." + + +XXIV. THE PROUD FROG. + + When poor men to expenses run, + And ape their betters, they're undone. + An Ox the Frog a-grazing view'd, + And envying his magnitude, + She puffs her wrinkled skin, and tries + To vie with his enormous size: + Then asks her young to own at least + That she was bigger than the beast. + They answer, No. With might and main + She swells and strains, and swells again. + "Now for it, who has got the day?" + The Ox is larger still, they say. + At length, with more and more ado, + She raged and puffed, and burst in two. + + +XXV. THE DOG AND THE CROCODILE. + + Who give bad precepts to the wise, + And cautious men with guile advise, + Not only lose their toil and time, + But slip into sarcastic rhyme. + The dogs that are about the Nile, + Through terror of the Crocodile, + Are therefore said to drink and run. + It happen'd on a day, that one, + As scamp'ring by the river side, + Was by the Crocodile espied: + "Sir, at your leisure drink, nor fear + The least design or treach'ry here." + "That," says the Dog, "ma'm, would I do + With all my heart, and thank you too, + But as you can on dog's flesh dine, + You shall not taste a bit of mine." + + +XXVI. THE FOX AND THE STORK. + + One should do injury to none; + But he that has th' assault begun, + Ought, says the fabulist, to find + The dread of being served in kind, + A Fox, to sup within his cave + The Stork an invitation gave, + Where, in a shallow dish, was pour'd + Some broth, which he himself devour'd; + While the poor hungry Stork was fain + Inevitably to abstain. + The Stork, in turn, the Fox invites, + And brings her liver and her lights + In a tall flagon, finely minced, + And thrusting in her beak, convinced + The Fox that he in grief must fast, + While she enjoy'd the rich repast. + Then, as in vain he lick'd the neck, + The Stork was heard her guest to check, + "That every one the fruits should bear + Of their example, is but fair." + + +XXVII. THE DOG, TREASURE, AND VULTURE. + + A Dog, while scratching up the ground, + 'Mongst human bones a treasure found; + But as his sacrilege was great, + To covet riches was his fate, + And punishment of his offence; + He therefore never stirr'd from thence, + But both in hunger and the cold, + With anxious care he watch'd the gold, + Till wholly negligent of food, + A ling'ring death at length ensued. + Upon his corse a Vulture stood, + And thus descanted:-- "It is good, + O Dog, that there thou liest bereaved + Who in the highway wast conceived, + And on a scurvy dunghill bred, + Hadst royal riches in thy head." + + +XXVIII. THE FOX AND EAGLE. + + Howe'er exalted in your sphere, + There's something from the mean to fear; + For, if their property you wrong, + The poor's revenge is quick and strong. + When on a time an Eagle stole + The cubs from out a Fox's hole, + And bore them to her young away, + That they might feast upon the prey, + The dam pursues the winged thief, + And deprecates so great a grief; + But safe upon the lofty tree, + The Eagle scorn'd the Fox's plea. + With that the Fox perceived at hand + An altar, whence she snatch'd a brand, + And compassing with flames the wood, + Put her in terror for her brood. + She therefore, lest her house should burn, + Submissive did the cubs return. + + +XXIX. THE FROGS AND BULLS. + + Men of low life are in distress + When great ones enmity profess. + There was a Bull-fight in the fen, + A Frog cried out in trouble then, + "Oh, what perdition on our race!" + "How," says another, "can the case + Be quite so desp'rate as you've said? + For they're contending who is head, + And lead a life from us disjoin'd, + Of sep'rate station, diverse kind."-- + "But he, who worsted shall retire, + Will come into this lowland mire, + And with his hoof dash out our brains, + Wherefore their rage to us pertains." + + +XXX. THE KITE AND THE DOVES. + + He that would have the wicked reign, + Instead of help will find his bane. + The Doves had oft escaped the Kite, + By their celerity of flight; + The ruffian then to coz'nage stoop'd, + And thus the tim'rous race he duped: + "Why do you lead a life of fear, + Rather than my proposals hear? + Elect me for your king, and + I Will all your race indemnify." + They foolishly the Kite believed, + Who having now the pow'r received, + Began upon the Doves to prey, + And exercise tyrannic sway. + "Justly," says one who yet remain'd, + "We die the death ourselves ordain'd." + + + + +BOOK II. + + +PROLOGUE. + + The way of writing Esop chose, + Sound doctrine by example shows; + For nothing by these tales is meant, + So much as that the bad repent; + And by the pattern that is set, + Due diligence itself should whet. + Wherefore, whatever arch conceit + You in our narratives shall meet + (If with the critic's ear it take, + And for some special purpose make), + Aspires by real use to fame, + Rather than from an author's name. + In fact, with all the care I can, + I shall abide by Esop's plan: + But if at times I intersperse + My own materials in the verse, + That sweet variety may please + The fancy, and attention ease; + Receive it in a friendly way; + Which grace I purpose to repay + By this consciousness of my song; + Whose praises, lest they be too long, + Attend, why you should stint the sneak, + But give the modest, ere they seek. + + +FABLE I. THE JUDICIOUS LION. + + + A Lion on the carcass stood + Of a young heifer in the wood; + A robber that was passing there, + Came up, and ask'd him for a share. + "A share," says he, "you should receive, + But that you seldom ask our leave + For things so handily removed." + At which the ruffian was reproved. + It happen'd that the selfsame day + A modest pilgrim came that way, + And when he saw the Lion, fled: + Says he, "There is no cause of dread, + In gentle tone--take you the chine, + Which to your merit I assign."-- + Then having parted what he slew, + To favour his approach withdrew. + A great example, worthy praise, + But not much copied now-a-days! + For churls have coffers that o'erflow, + And sheepish worth is poor and low. + + +II. THE BALD-PATE DUPE. + + Fondling or fondled--any how-- + (Examples of all times allow) + That men by women must be fleeced. + A dame, whose years were well increased, + But skill'd t' affect a youthful mien, + Was a staid husband's empress queen; + Who yet sequester'd half his heart + For a young damsel, brisk and smart. + They, while each wanted to attach + Themselves to him, and seem his match, + Began to tamper with his hair. + He, pleased with their officious care, + Was on a sudden made a coot; + For the young strumpet, branch and root, + Stripp'd of the hoary hairs his crown, + E'en as th' old cat grubb'd up the brown. + + +III. THE MAN AND THE DOG. + + Torn by a Cur, a man was led + To throw the snappish thief some bread + Dipt in the blood, which, he was told, + Had been a remedy of old. Then + Esop thus:-- "Forbear to show + A pack of dogs the thing you do, + Lest they should soon devour us quite, + When thus rewarded as they bite." + One wicked miscreant's success + Makes many more the trade profess. + + +IV. THE EAGLE, THE CAT, AND THE SOW. + + An Eagle built upon an oak + A Cat and kittens had bespoke + A hole about the middle bough; + And underneath a woodland + Sow Had placed her pigs upon the ground. + Then treach'rous Puss a method found + To overthrow, for her own good, + The peace of this chance neighbourhood + First to the Eagle she ascends-- + "Perdition on your head impends, + And, far too probable, on mine; + For you observe that grubbing + Swine Still works the tree to overset, + Us and our young with ease to get." + Thus having filled the Eagle's pate + With consternation very great, + Down creeps she to the Sow below; + "The Eagle is your deadly foe, + And is determined not to spare + Your pigs, when you shall take the air." + Here too a terror being spread, + By what this tattling gossip said, + She slily to her kittens stole, + And rested snug within her hole. + Sneaking from thence with silent tread + By night her family she fed, + But look'd out sharply all the day, + Affecting terror and dismay. + The Eagle lest the tree should fall, + Keeps to the boughs, nor stirs at all; + And anxious for her grunting race, + The Sow is loth to quit her place. + In short, they and their young ones starve, + And leave a prey for Puss to carve. + Hence warn'd ye credulous and young, + Be cautious of a double tongue. + + +V. CSAR AND HIS SLAVE. + + There is in town a certain set + Of mortals, ever in a sweat, + Who idly bustling here and there, + Have never any time to spare, + While upon nothing they discuss + With heat, and most outrageous fuss, + Plague to themselves, and to the rest + A most intolerable pest. + I will correct this stupid clan + Of busy-bodies, if I can, + By a true story; lend an ear, + 'Tis worth a trifler's time to hear. + Tiberius Csar, in his way + To Naples, on a certain day + Came to his own Misenian seat, + (Of old Lucullus's retreat,) + Which from the mountain top surveys + Two seas, by looking different ways. + Here a shrewd slave began to cringe + With dapper coat and sash of fringe, + And, as his master walk'd between + The trees upon the tufted green, + Finding the weather very hot, + Officiates with his wat'ring-pot; + And still attending through the glade, + Is ostentatious of his aid. + Csar turns to another row, + Where neither sun nor rain could go; + He, for the nearest cut he knows, + Is still before with pot and rose. + Csar observes him twist and shift, + And understands the fellow's drift; + "Here, you sir," says th' imperial lord. + The bustler, hoping a reward, + Runs skipping up. The chief in jest + Thus the poor jackanapes address'd + "As here is no great matter done, + Small is the premium you have won: + The cuffs that make a servant free, + Are for a better man than thee." + + +VI. THE EAGLE, CARRION CROW, AND TORTOISE. + + No soul can warrant life or right, + Secure from men of lawless might; + But if a knave's advice assist, + 'Gainst fraud and force what can exist? + An Eagle on a Tortoise fell, + And mounting bore him by the shell: + She with her house her body screens, + Nor can be hurt by any means. + A Carrion Crow came by that way, + "You've got," says she, "a luscious prey; + But soon its weight will make you rue, + Unless I show you what to do." + The captor promising a share, + She bids her from the upper air + To dash the shell against a rock, + Which would be sever'd by the shock. + The Eagle follows her behest, + Then feasts on turtle with his guest. + Thus she, whom Nature made so strong, + And safe against external wrong, + No match for force, and its allies, + To cruel death a victim dies. + + +VII. THE MULES AND ROBBERS. + + Two laden Mules were on the road-- + A charge of money was bestowed + Upon the one, the other bore + Some sacks of barley. He before. + Proud of his freight, begun to swell, + Stretch'd out his neck, and shook his bell. + The poor one, with an easy pace, + Came on behind a little space, + When on a sudden, from the wood + A gang of thieves before them stood; + And, while the muleteers engage, + Wound the poor creature in their rage + Eager they seize the golden prize, + But the vile barley-bags despise. + The plunder'd mule was all forlorn, + The other thank'd them for their scorn: + "'Tis now my turn the head to toss, + Sustaining neither wound nor loss." + The low estate's from peril clear, + But wealthy men have much to fear. + + +VIII. THE STAG AND THE OXEN. + + A Stag unharbour'd by the hounds, + Forth from his woodland covert bounds, + And blind with terror, at th' alarm + Of death, makes to a neighb'ring farm; + There snug conceals him in some straw, + Which in an ox's stall he saw. + "Wretch that thou art!" a bullock cried, + "That com'st within this place to hide; + By trusting man you are undone, + And into sure destruction run." + But he with suppliant voice replies: + "Do you but wink with both your eyes, + I soon shall my occasions shape, + To make from hence a fair escape." + The day is spent, the night succeeds, + The herdsman comes, the cattle feeds, + But nothing sees--then to and fro + Time after time the servants go; + Yet not a soul perceives the case. + The steward passes by the place, + Himself no wiser than the rest. + The joyful Stag his thanks address'd + To all the Oxen, that he there + Had found a refuge in despair. + "We wish you well," an Ox return'd, + "But for your life are still concern'd, + For if old Argus come, no doubt, + His hundred eyes will find you out." + Scarce had the speaker made an end, + When from the supper of a friend + The master enters at the door, + And, seeing that the steers were poor + Of late, advances to the rack. + "Why were the fellow's hands so slack? + Here's hardly any straw at all, + Brush down those cobwebs from the wall. + Pray how much labour would it ask?" + While thus he undertakes the task, + To dust, and rummage by degrees, + The Stag's exalted horns he sees: + Then calling all his folks around, + He lays him breathless on the ground. + The master, as the tale declares, + Looks sharpest to his own affairs. + + +EPILOGUE. + + A statue of great cost and fame + Th' Athenians raised to Esop's name, + Him setting on th' eternal base, + Whom servile rank could not disgrace; + That they might teach to all mankind + The way to honor's unconfined, + That glory's due to rising worth, + And not alone to pomp and birth. + Since then another seized the post + Lest I priority should boast, + This pow'r and praise was yet my own, + That he should not excel alone: + Nor is this Envy's jealous ire, + But Emulation's genuine fire. + And if Rome should approve my piece, + She'll soon have more to rival Greece. + But should th' invidious town declare + Against my plodding over-care, + They cannot take away, nor hurt + Th' internal conscience of desert. + If these my studies reach their aim, + And, reader, your attention claim, + If your perception fully weighs + The drift of these my labour'd lays; + Then such success precludes complaint. + But if the Picture which I paint + Should happen to attract their sight, + Whom luckless Nature brought to light, + Who scorn the labours of a man, + And when they carp do all they can; + Yet must this fatal cause to mourn + With all its bitterness be borne, + Till fortune be ashamed of days, + When genius fails, and int'rest sways. + + + + +BOOK III. + +PROLOGUE, TO EUTYCHUS. + + + The tales of Phdrus would you read, + O Eutychus, you must be freed + From business, that the mind unbent + May take the author's full intent. + You urge that this poetic turn + Of mine is not of such concern, + As with your time to interfere + A moment's space: 'tis therefore clear + For those essays you have no call, + Which suit not your affairs at all. + A time may come, perhaps you'll say, + That I shall make a holiday, + And have my vacant thoughts at large, + The student's office to discharge-- + And can you such vile stuff peruse, + Rather than serve domestic views, + Return the visits of a friend, + Or with your wife your leisure spend, + Relax your mind, your limbs relieve, + And for new toil new strength receive? + From worldly cares you must estrange + Your thoughts, and feel a perfect change, + If to Parnassus you repair, + And seek for your admission there, + Me--(whom a Grecian mother bore + On Hill Pierian, where of yore + Mnemosyne in love divine + Brought forth to Jove the tuneful Nine. + Though sprung where genius reign'd with art, + I grubb'd up av'rice from my heart, + And rather for applause than pay, + Embrace the literary way) + Yet as a writer and a wit, + With some abatements they admit. + What is his case then, do you think, + Who toils for wealth nor sleeps a wink, + Preferring to the pleasing pain + Of composition sordid gain? + But hap what will (as Sinon said, + When to king Priam he was led), + I book the third shall now fulfil, + With sop for my master still; + Which book I dedicate to you, + As both to worth and honour due. + Pleased, if you read--if not, content + As conscious of a sure event, + That these my fables shall remain, + And after-ages entertain. + In a few words I now propose + To point from whence the Fable rose. + A servitude was all along + Exposed to most oppressive wrong, + The suff'rer therefore did not dare + His heart's true dictates to declare; + But couch'd his meaning in the veil + Of many an allegoric tale, + And jesting with a moral aim, + Eluded all offence and blame. + This is the path that I pursue, + Inventing more than sop knew; + And certain topics by-the-by, + To my own hindrence did I try. + But was there any of mankind, + Besides Sejanus, so inclined, + Who was alone to work my fall, + Informer, witness, judge and all; + I would confess the slander true, + And own such hardships were my due; + Nor would I fly, my grief to ease, + To such poor lenitives as these. + If any through suspicion errs, + And to himself alone refers, + What was design'd for thousands more + He'll show too plainly, where he's sore. + Yet ev'n from such I crave excuse, + For (far from personal abuse) + My verse in gen'ral would put down + True life and manners of the town. + But here, perhaps, some one will ask + Why I, forsooth, embraced this task? + If Esop, though a Phrygian, rose, + And ev'n derived from Scythian snows; + If Anacharsis could devise + By wit to gain th' immortal prize; + Shall I, who to learn'd Greece belong, + Neglect her honour and her song, + And by dull sloth myself disgrace? + Since we can reckon up in Thrace, + The authors that have sweetest sung, + Where Linus from Apollo sprung; + And he whose mother was a muse, + Whose voice could tenderness infuse + To solid rocks, strange monsters quell'd, + And Hebrus in his course withheld. + Envy, stand clear, or thou shalt rue + Th' attack, for glory is my due. + Thus having wrought upon your ear, + I beg that you would be sincere, + And in the poet's cause avow + That candor, all the world allow. + + +FABLE I. THE OLD WOMAN AND EMPTY CASK. + + An ancient dame a firkin sees, + In which the rich Falernian lees + Send from the nobly tinctured shell + A rare and most delicious smell! + There when a season she had clung + With greedy nostrils to the bung, + "O spirit exquisitely sweet!" + She cried, "how perfectly complete + Were you of old, and at the best, + When ev'n your dregs have such a zest!" + They'll see the drift of this my rhyme, + Who knew the author in his prime. + + +II. THE PANTHER AND SHEPHERDS. + + Their scorn comes home to them again + Who treat the wretched with disdain. + A careless Panther long ago + Fell in a pit, which overthrow + The Shepherds all around alarm'd; + When some themselves with cudgels arm'd; + Others threw stones upon its head; + But some in pity sent her bread, + As death was not the creature's due. + The night came on--the hostile crew + Went home, not doubting in the way + To find the Panther dead next day. + But she, recovering of her strength, + Sprang from the pit and fled at length. + But rushing in a little space + From forth her den upon the place, + She tears the flock, the Shepherd slays, + And all the region round dismays. + Then they began to be afraid + Who spared the beast and lent their aid; + They reck not of the loss, but make + Their pray'r for life, when thus she spake: + "I well remember them that threw + The stones, and well remember you + Who gave me bread--desist to fear, + For 'twas the oppressor brought me here." + + +III. THE APE'S HEAD. + + A certain person, as he stood + Within the shambles buying food, + Amongst the other kitchen fare + Beheld an Ape suspended there; + And asking how 'twould taste, when dress'd, + The butcher shook his head in jest; + "If for such prog your fancy is, + Judge of the flavour by the phiz." + This speech was not so true as keen, + For I in life have often seen + Good features with a wicked heart, + And plainness acting virtue's part. + + +IV. ESOP AND THE INSOLENT FELLOW. + + Fools from success perdition meet. + An idle wretch about the street + At Esop threw a stone in rage. + "So much the better," quoth the sage, + And gives three farthings for the job; + "I've no more money in my fob; + But if you'll follow my advice, + More shall be levied in a trice." + It happen'd that the selfsame hour + Came by a man of wealth and pow'r. + "There, throw your pellet at my lord, + And you shall have a sure reward!" + The fellow did as he was told; + But mark the downfall of the bold; + His hopes are baulk'd, and, lo! he gains + A rope and gibbet for his pains. + + +V. THE FLY AND THE MULE. + + A Fly that sat upon the beam Rated the + Mule: "Why, sure you dream? + Pray get on faster with the cart + Or I shall sting you till you smart!" + She answers: "All this talk I hear + With small attention, but must fear + Him who upon the box sustains + The pliant whip, and holds the reins. + Cease then your pertness--for I know + When to give back, and when to go." + This tale derides the talking crew, + Whose empty threats are all they do. + + +VI. THE DOG AND THE WOLF. + + I will, as briefly as I may, + The sweets of liberty display. + A Wolf half famish'd, chanced to see + A Dog, as fat as dog could be: + For one day meeting on the road, + They mutual compliments bestowed: + "Prithee," says Isgrim, faint and weak, + "How came you so well fed and sleek? + I starve, though stronger of the two." + "It will be just as well with you," + The Dog quite cool and frank replied, + "If with my master you'll abide." + "For what?" "Why merely to attend, + And from night thieves the door defend." + "I gladly will accept the post, + What! shall I bear with snow and frost + And all this rough inclement plight, + Rather than have a home at night, + And feed on plenty at my ease?" + "Come, then, with me" --the Wolf agrees. + But as they went the mark he found, + Where the Dog's collar had been bound: + "What's this, my friend?" "Why, nothing." + "Nay, Be more explicit, sir, I pray." + "I'm somewhat fierce and apt to bite, + Therefore they hold me pretty tight, + That in the day-time I may sleep, + And night by night my vigils keep. + At evening tide they let me out, + And then I freely walk about: + Bread comes without a care of mine. + I from my master's table dine; + The servants throw me many a scrap, + With choice of pot-liquor to lap; + So, I've my bellyful, you find." + "But can you go where you've a mind?" + "Not always, to be flat and plain." + "Then, Dog, enjoy your post again, + For to remain this servile thing, + Old Isgrim would not be a king." + + +VII. THE BROTHER AND SISTER. + + Warn'd by our council, oft beware, + And look into yourself with care. + There was a certain father had + A homely girl and comely lad. + These being at their childish play + Within their mother's room one day, + A looking-glass was in the chair, + And they beheld their faces there. + The boy grows prouder as he looks; + The girl is in a rage, nor brooks + Her boasting brother's jests and sneers, + Affronted at each word she hears: + Then to her father down she flies, + And urges all she can devise + Against the boy, who could presume + To meddle in a lady's room. + At which, embracing each in turn, + With most affectionate concern, + "My dears," he says, "ye may not pass + A day without this useful glass; + You, lest you spoil a pretty face, + By doing things to your disgrace; + You, by good conduct to correct + Your form, and beautify defect." + + +VIII. A SAYING OF SOCRATES. + + Though common be the name of friend, + Few can to faithfulness pretend, + That Socrates (whose cruel case, + I'd freely for his fame embrace, + And living any envy bear + To leave my character so fair) + Was building of a little cot, + When some one, standing on the spot, + Ask'd, as the folks are apt to do, + "How comes so great a man as you + Content with such a little hole?"-- + "I wish," says he, "with all my soul + That this same little house I build + Was with true friends completely fill'd." + + +IX. OF DOUBT AND CREDULITY. + + 'Tis frequently of bad event + To give or to withhold assent. + Two cases will th' affair explain-- + The good Hippolytus was slain; + In that his stepdame credit found, + And Troy was levell'd with the ground; + Because Cassandra's prescious care + Sought, but obtain'd no credence there. + The facts should then be very strong, + Lest the weak judge determine wrong: + But that I may not make too free + With fabulous antiquity, + I now a curious tale shall tell, + Which I myself remember well. + An honest man, that loved his wife, + Was introducing into life + A son upon the man's estate. + One day a servant (whom, of late, + He with his freedom had endu'd) + Took him aside, and being shrewd, + Supposed that he might be his heir + When he'd divulged the whole affair. + Much did he lie against the youth, + But more against the matron's truth: + And hinted that, which worst of all + Was sure a lover's heart to gall, + The visits of a lusty rake, + And honour of his house at stake. + He at this scandal taking heat, + Pretends a journey to his seat; + But stopp'd at hand, while it was light, + Where, on a sudden, and by night, + He to his wife's apartment sped, + Where she had put the lad to bed, + As watchful of his youthful bloom. + While now they're running to the room, + And seek a light in haste, the sire, + No longer stifling of his ire, + Flies to the couch, where grouping round, + A head, but newly shaved, he found; + Then, as alone, he vengeance breath'd, + The sword within his bosom sheath'd-- + The candle ent'ring, when he spied + The bleeding youth, and by his side + The spotless dame, who being fast + Asleep, knew nothing that had pass'd, + Instant in utmost grief involved, + He vengeance for himself resolved; + And on that very weapon flew, + Which his too cred'lous fury drew. + Th' accusers take the woman straight, + And drag to the centumvirate; + Th' ill-natured world directly built + A strong suspicion of her guilts, + As she th' estate was to enjoy-- + The lawyers all their skill employ; + And a great spirit those exert + Who most her innocence assert. + The judges then to Csar pray'd + That he would lend his special aid; + Who, as they acted upon oath, + Declared themselves extremely loth + To close this intricate affair-- + He, taking then himself the chair, + The clouds of calumny displaced. + And Truth up to her fountain traced. + "Let the freedman to vengeance go, + The cause of all this scene of woe: + For the poor widow, thus undone, + Deprived of husband and of son, + To pity has a greater plea + Than condemnation, I decree-- + But if the man, with caution due, + Had rather blamed than listen'd to + The vile accuser, and his lie + Had strictly search'd with Reason's eye, + This desp'rate guilt he had not known, + Nor branch and root his house o'erthrown." + Nor wholly scorn, nor yet attend + Too much at what the tatlers vend, + Because there's many a sad neglect. + Where you have little to suspect; + And treach'rous persons will attaint + Men, against whom there's no complaint. + Hence simple folks too may be taught + How to form judgments as they ought, + And not see with another's glass; + For things are come to such a pass, + That love and hate work diff'rent ways, + As int'rest or ambition sways. + Them you may know, in them confide, + Whom by experience you have tried. + Thus have I made a long amends + For that brief style which some offends. + + +XI. THE COCK AND THE PEARL. + + A Cock, while scratching all around, + A Pearl upon the dunghill found: + "O splendid thing in foul disgrace, + Had there been any in the place + That saw and knew thy worth when sold, + Ere this thou hadst been set in gold. + But I, who rather would have got + A corn of barley, heed thee not; + No service can there render'd be + From me to you, and you to me." + I write this tale to them alone + To whom in vain my pearls are thrown. + + +XII. THE BEES AND THE DRONES. + + Up in a lofty oak the Bees + Had made their honey-combs: but these + The Drones asserted they had wrought. + Then to the bar the cause was brought + Before the wasp, a learned chief, + Who well might argue either brief, + As of a middle nature made. + He therefore to both parties said: + "You're not dissimilar in size, + And each with each your color vies, + That there's a doubt concerning both: + But, lest I err, upon my oath, + Hives for yourselves directly choose, + And in the wax the work infuse, + That, from the flavor and the form, + We may point out the genuine swarm." + The Drones refuse, the Bees agree-- + Then thus did Justice Wasp decree: + "Who can, and who cannot, is plain, + So take, ye Bees, your combs again." + This narrative had been suppress'd + Had not the Drones refused the test. + + +XIII. ESOP PLAYING. + + As Esop was with boys at play, + And had his nuts as well as they, + A grave Athenian, passing by, + Cast on the sage a scornful eye, + As on a dotard quite bereaved: + Which, when the moralist perceived, + (Rather himself a wit profess'd + Than the poor subject of a jest) + Into the public way he flung + A bow that he had just unstrung: + "There solve, thou conjurer," he cries, + "The problem, that before thee lies." + The people throng; he racks his brain, + Nor can the thing enjoin'd explain. + At last he gives it up--the seer + Thus then in triumph made it clear: + "As the tough bow exerts its spring, + A constant tension breaks the string; + But if 'tis let at seasons loose, + You may depend upon its use." + Thus recreative sports and play + Are good upon a holiday, + And with more spirit they'll pursue + The studies which they shall renew. + + +XIV. THE DOG AND THE LAMB. + + A Dog bespoke a sucking Lamb, + That used a she-goat as her dam, + "You little fool, why, how you baa! + This goat is not your own mamma:" + Then pointed to a distant mead, + Where several sheep were put to feed. + "I ask not," says the Lamb, "for her + Who had me first at Nature's spur, + And bore me for a time about, + Then, like a fardel, threw me out; + But her that is content to bilk + Her own dear kids, to give me milk." + "Yet she that yean'd you sure," says Tray, + "Should be preferr'd" --"I tell thee nay-- + Whence could she know that what she hid + Was black or white?--but grant she did-- + I being thus a male begot + 'Twas no great favor, since my lot + Was hour by hour, throughout my life, + To dread the butcher and his knife. + Why should I therefore give my voice + For her who had no pow'r or choice + In my production, and not cleave + To her so ready to relieve, + When she beheld me left alone, + And has such sweet indulgence shown?" + Kind deeds parental love proclaim, + Not mere necessity and name. + + +XV. THE OWL AND THE GRASSHOPPER. + + Those who will not the forms obey + To be obliging in their way, + Must often punishment abide + For their ill-nature, and their pride. + A Grasshopper, in rank ill-will, + Was very loud and very shrill + Against a sapient Owl's repose, + Who was compelled by day to doze + Within a hollow oak's retreat, + As wont by night to quest for meat-- + She is desired to hold her peace. + But at the word her cries increase; + Again requested to abate + Her noise, she's more importunate. + The Owl perceiving no redress, + And that her words were less and less + Accounted of, no longer pray'd, + But thus an artifice essay'd: + "Since 'tis impossible to nod, + While harping like the Delphian god, + You charm our ears, stead of a nap, + A batch of nectar will I tap, + Which lately from Minerva came; + Now if you do not scorn the same, + Together let us bumpers ply." + The Grasshopper, extremely dry, + And, finding she had hit the key + That gain'd applause, approach'd with glee; + At which the Owl upon her flew, + And quick the trembling vixen slew. + Thus by her death she was adjudged + To give what in her life she grudged. + + +XVI. THE TREES PROTECTED. + + The gods took certain trees (th' affair + Was some time since) into their care. + The oak was best approved by Jove, + The myrtle by the queen of love; + The god of music and the day + Vouchsafed to patronise the bay; + The pine Cybele chanced to please, + And the tall poplar Hercules. + Minerva upon this inquired + Why they all barren trees admired? + "The cause," says Jupiter, "is plain, + Lest we give honour up for gain." + "Let every one their fancy suit, + I choose the olive for its fruit." + The sire of gods and men replies, + "Daughter, thou shalt be reckon'd wise + By all the world, and justly too; + For whatsover things we do, + If not a life of useful days, + How vain is all pretence to praise!" + Whate'er experiments you try, + Have some advantage in your eye. + + +XVII. JUNO AND THE PEACOCK. + + Her fav'rite bird to Juno came, + And was in dudgeon at the dame, + That she had not attuned her throat + With Philomela's matchless note; + "She is the wonder of all ears; + But when I speak the audience sneers." + The goddess to the bird replied, + (Willing to have him pacified,) + "You are above the rest endued + With beauty and with magnitude; + Your neck the em'rald's gloss outvies, + And what a blaze of gemmeous dies + Shines from the plumage of your tail!" + "All this dumb show will not avail," + Cries he, "if I'm surpass'd in voice." + "The fates entirely have the choice + Of all the lots--fair form is yours; + The eagle's strength his prey secures; + The nightingale can sing an ode; + The crow and raven may forebode: + All these in sheer contentment crave + No other voice than Nature gave." + By affectation be not sway'd, + Where Nature has not lent her aid; + Nor to that flatt'ring hope attend, + Which must in disappointment end. + + +XVIII. ESOP AND THE IMPORTUNATE FELLOW. + + Esop (no other slave at hand) + Received himself his lord's command + An early supper to provide. + From house to house he therefore tried + To beg the favor of a light; + At length he hit upon the right. + But as when first he sallied out + He made his tour quite round about, + On his return he took a race + Directly, cross the market-place: + When thus a talkative buffoon, + "Esop, what means this light at noon?" + He answer'd briefly, as he ran, + "Fellow, I'm looking for a man." + Now if this jackanapes had weigh'd + The true intent of what was said, + He'd found that Esop had no sense + Of manhood in impertinence. + + +XIX. THE ASS AND PRIESTS OF CYBELE. + + The luckless wretch that's born to woe + Must all his life affliction know-- + And harder still, his cruel fate + Will on his very ashes wait. + Cybele's priests, in quest of bread, + An Ass about the village led, + With things for sale from door to door; + Till work'd and beaten more and more, + At length, when the poor creature died, + They made them drums out of his hide. + Then question'd "how it came to pass + They thus could serve their darling Ass?" + The answer was, "He thought of peace + In death, and that his toils would cease; + But see his mis'ry knows no bounds, + Still with our blows his back resounds." + + + + +BOOK IV. + + +PROLOGUE. + + To you, who've graver things bespoke, + This seems no better than a joke, + And light for mere amusement made; + Yet still we drive the scribbling trade, + And from the pen our pleasure find, + When we've no greater things to mind. + Yet if you look with care intense, + These tales your toil shall recompense; + Appearance is not always true, + And thousands err by such a view. + 'Tis a choice spirit that has pried + Where clean contrivance chose to hide; + That this is not at random said, + I shall produce upon this head + A fable of an arch device, + About the Weasel and the Mice. + + +FABLE I. THE WEAZEL AND MICE. + + A Weasel, worn with years, and lame, + That could not overtake its game, + Now with the nimble Mice to deal, + Disguised herself with barley meal; + Then negligent her limbs she spread + In a sly nook, and lay for dead. + A Mouse that thought she there might feed, + Leapt up, and perish'd in the deed; + A second in like manner died; + A third, and sundry more beside: + Then comes the brindled Mouse, a chap + That oft escaped both snare and trap, + And seeing how the trick was played, + Thus to his crafty foe he said:-- + "So may'st thou prosper day and night, + As thou art not an errant bite." + + +II. THE FOX AND THE GRAPES. + + An hungry Fox with fierce attack + Sprang on a Vine, but tumbled back, + Nor could attain the point in view, + So near the sky the bunches grew. + As he went off, "They're scurvy stuff," + Says he, "and not half ripe enough-- + And I've more rev'rence for my tripes + Than to torment them with the gripes." + For those this tale is very pat + Who lessen what they can't come at. + + +III. THE HORSE AND BOAR. + + A Wild-Boar wallow'd in the flood, + And troubled all the stream with mud, + Just where a horse to drink repair'd-- + He therefore having war declared, + Sought man's alliance for the fight, + And bore upon his back the knight; + Who being skill'd his darts to throw, + Despatched the Wild-Boar at a blow. + Then to the steed the victor said, + "I'm glad you came to me for aid, + For taught how useful you can be, + I've got at once a spoil and thee." + On which the fields he made him quit, + To feel the spur and champ the bit. + Then he his sorrow thus express'd: + "I needs must have my wrongs redress'd, + And making tyrant man the judge, + Must all my life become a drudge." + This tale the passionate may warn, + To bear with any kind of scorn; + And rather all complaint withdraw + Than either go to war or law. + + +IV. ESOP AND THE WILL. + + That one man sometimes is more shrewd + Than a stupendous multitude, + To after-times I shall rehearse + In my concise familiar verse. + A certain man on his decease, + Left his three girls so much a-piece: + The first was beautiful and frail, + With eyes still hunting for the male; + The second giv'n to spin and card, + A country housewife working hard; + The third but very ill to pass, + A homely slut, that loved her glass. + The dying man had left his wife + Executrix, and for her life + Sole tenant, if she should fulfil + These strange provisos of his will: + "That she should give th' estate in fee + In equal portions to the three; + But in such sort, that this bequest + Should not be holden or possess'd; + Then soon as they should be bereav'n + Of all the substance that was giv'n, + They must for their good mother's ease + Make up an hundred sesterces." + This spread through Athens in a trice; + The prudent widow takes advice. + But not a lawyer could unfold + How they should neither have nor hold + The very things that they were left. + Besides, when once they were bereft, + How they from nothing should confer + The money that was due to her. + When a long time was spent in vain, + And no one could the will explain, + She left the counsellors unfeed, + And thus of her own self decreed: + The minstrels, trinkets, plate, and dress, + She gave the Lady to possess. + Then Mrs. Notable she stocks + With all the fields, the kine and flocks: + The workmen, farm, with a supply + Of all the tools of husbandry. + Last, to the Guzzler she consigns + The cellar stored with good old wines, + A handsome house to see a friend, + With pleasant gardens at the end. + Thus as she strove th' affair to close, + By giving each the things they chose, + And those that knew them every one + Highly applauded what was done + Esop arose, and thus address'd + The crowd that to his presence press'd: + "O that the dead could yet perceive! + How would the prudent father grieve, + That all th' Athenians had not skill + Enough to understand his will!" + Then at their joint request he solved + That error, which had all involved. + "The gardens, house, and wine vaults too, + Give to the spinster as her due; + The clothes, the jewels, and such ware, + Be all the tippling lady's share; + The fields, the barns, and flocks of sheep, + Give the gay courtesan to keep. + Not one will bear the very touch + Of things that thwart their tastes so much; + The slut to fill her cellar straight + Her wardrobe will evacuate; + The lady soon will sell her farms, + For garments to set off her charms; + But she that loves the flocks and kine + Will alienate her stores of wine, + Her rustic genius to employ. + Thus none their portions shall enjoy, + And from the money each has made + Their mother shall be duly paid." + Thus one man by his wit disclosed + The point that had so many posed. + + +V. THE BATTLE OF THE MICE AND WEASELS. + + The routed Mice upon a day + Fled from the Weasels in array; + But in the hurry of the flight, + What with their weakness and their fright + Each scarce could get into his cave: + Howe'er, at last their lives they save. + But their commanders (who had tied + Horns to their heads in martial pride, + Which as a signal they design'd + For non-commission'd mice to mind) + Stick in the entrance as they go, + And there are taken by the foe, + Who, greedy of the victim, gluts + With mouse-flesh his ungodly guts. + Each great and national distress + Must chiefly mighty men oppress; + While folks subordinate and poor + Are by their littleness secure. + + +VI. PHDRUS TO THE CAVILLERS. + + Thou that against my tales inveigh'st, + As much too pleasant for thy taste; + Egregious critic, cease to scoff, + While for a time I play you off, + And strive to soothe your puny rage. + As Esop comes upon the stage, + And dress'd entirely new in Rome, + Thus enters with the tragic plume.-- + "O that the fair Thessalian pine + Had never felt the wrath divine, + And fearless of the axe's wound, + Had still the Pelian mountain crown'd! + That Argus by Palladian aid + Had ne'er the advent'rous vessel made; + In which at first, without dismay, + Death's bold professors won their way, + In which th' inhospitable main + Was first laid open for the bane + Of Grecians and barbarians too. + Which made the proud etas rue, + And whence Medea's crimes to nought + The house and reign of Pelias brought. + She--while in various forms she tries + Her furious spirit to disguise, + At one place in her flight bestow'd + Her brother's limbs upon the road; + And at another could betray + The daughters their own sire to slay." + How think you now?--What arrant trash! + And our assertions much too rash!-- + Since prior to th' gean fleet + Did Minos piracy defeat, + And made adventures on the sea. + How then shall you and I agree? + Since, stern as Cato's self, you hate + All tales alike, both small and great. + Plague not too much the man of parts; + For he that does it surely smarts.-- + This threat is to the fools, that squeam + At every thing of good esteem; + And that they may to taste pretend, + Ev'n heaven itself will discommend. + + +VII. THE VIPER AND THE FILE. + + He that a greater biter bites, + His folly on himself requites, + As we shall manifest forthwith.-- + There was a hovel of a smith, + Where a poor Viper chanced to steal, + And being greedy of a meal, + When she had seized upon a file, + Was answer'd in this rugged style: + "Why do you think, O stupid snake! + On me your usual meal to make, + Who've sharper teeth than thine by far, + And can corrode an iron bar?" + + +VIII. THE FOX AND THE GOAT. + + A crafty knave will make escape, + When once he gets into a scrape, + Still meditating self-defence, + At any other man's expense. + A Fox by some disaster fell + Into a deep and fenced well: + A thirsty Goat came down in haste, + And ask'd about the water's taste, + If it was plentiful and sweet? + At which the Fox, in rank deceit, + "So great the solace of the run, + I thought I never should have done. + Be quick, my friend, your sorrows drown." + This said, the silly Goat comes down. + The subtle Fox herself avails, + And by his horns the mound she scales, + And leaves the Goat in all the mire, + To gratify his heart's desire. + + +IX. THE TWO BAGS. + + Great Jove, in his paternal care, + Has giv'n a man two Bags to bear; + That which his own default contains + Behind his back unseen remains; + But that which others' vice attests + Swags full in view before our breasts. + Hence we're inevitably blind, + Relating to the Bag behind; + But when our neighbours misdemean, + Our censures are exceeding keen. + + +X. THE SACRILEGIOUS THIEF. + + A villain to Jove's altar came + To light his candle in the flame, + And robb'd the god in dead of night, + By his own consecrated light: + Then thus an awful voice was sent, + As with the sacrilege he went: + "Though all this gold and silver plate + As gifts of evil men I hate; + And their removal from the fane + Can cause the Deity no pain; + Yet, caitiff, at th' appointed time, + Thy life shall answer for thy crime. + But, for the future, lest this blaze, + At which the pious pray and praise, + Should guide the wicked, I decree + That no such intercourse there be." + Hence to this day all men decline + To light their candle at the shrine; + Nor from a candle e'er presume + The holy light to re-illume. + How many things are here contain'd, + By him alone can be explain'd + Who could this useful tale invent. + In the first place, herein is meant, + That they are often most your foes + Who from your fost'ring hand arose. + Next, that the harden'd villain's fate + Is not from wrath precipitate, + But rather at a destined hour. + Lastly, we're charg'd with all our pow'r, + To keep ourselves, by care intense, + From all connexions with offence. + + +XI. HERCULES AND PLUTUS. + + Wealth by the brave is justly scorn'd, + Since men are from the truth suborn'd, + And a full chest perverts their ways + From giving or deserving praise. + When Hercules, for matchless worth, + Was taken up to heav'n from earth, + As in their turns to all the crowd + Of gratulating gods he bow'd, + When Plutus, Fortune's son, he spies, + He from his face averts his eyes. + Jove ask'd the cause of this disgust: + "I hate him, as he is unjust, + To wicked men the most inclined, + And grand corrupter of mankind." + + +XII. THE HE-GOATS AND SHE-GOATS. + + When the She-Goats from Jove obtain'd + A beard, th' indignant Males complain'd, + That females by this near approach + Would on their gravity encroach. + "Suffer, my sapient friends," says he, + "Their eminence in this degree, + And bear their beard's most graceful length, + As they can never have your strength." + Warn'd by this little tale, agree + With men in gen'ral form'd like thee, + While you by virtue still exceed, + And in the spirit take the lead. + + +XIII. THE PILOT AND SAILORS. + + On hearing a poor man lament + His worldly thoughts in discontent, + Esop this tale began to write, + For consolation and delight. + The ship by furious tempests toss'd, + The Mariners gave all for lost; + But midst their tears and dread, the scene + Is changed at once, and all serene. + The wind is fair, the vessel speeds, + The Sailors' boist'rous joy exceeds: + The Pilot then, by peril wise, + Was prompted to philosophise. + "'Tis right to put a due restraint + On joy, and to retard complaint, + Because alternate hope and fright + Make up our lives of black and white." + + +XIV. THE MAN AND THE ADDER. + + He, that malicious men relieves, + His folly in a season grieves. + A Man, against himself humane, + Took up an Adder, that had lain + And stiffen'd in the frosty air, + And in his bosom placed with care, + Where she with speed recov'ring breath, + Her benefactor stung to death. + Another Adder near the place, + On asking why she was so base, + Was told, "'Tis others to dissuade + From giving wickedness their aid." + + +XV. THE FOX AND THE DRAGON. + + A Fox was throwing up the soil, + And while with his assiduous toil + He burrow'd deep into the ground, + A Dragon in his den he found, + A-watching hidden treasure there, + Whom seeing, Renard speaks him fair: + "First, for your pardon I apply + For breaking on your privacy; + Then, as you very plainly see + That gold is of no use to me, + Your gentle leave let me obtain + To ask you, what can be the gain + Of all this care, and what the fruit, + That you should not with sleep recruit + Your spirits, but your life consume + Thus in an everlasting gloom?" + "'Tis not my profit here to stay," + He cries; "but I must Jove obey." + "What! will you therefore nothing take + Yourself, nor others welcome make?" + "Ev'n so the fates decree:" --"Then, sir, + Have patience, whilst I do aver + That he who like affections knows + Is born with all the gods his foes. + Since to that place you needs must speed, + Where all your ancestors precede, + Why in the blindness of your heart + Do you torment your noble part?" + All this to thee do I indite, + Thou grudging churl, thy heir's delight, + Who robb'st the gods of incense due, + Thyself of food and raiment too; + Who hear'st the harp with sullen mien, + To whom the piper gives the spleen; + Who'rt full of heavy groans and sighs + When in their price provisions rise; + Who with thy frauds heaven's patience tire + To make thy heap a little higher, + And, lest death thank thee, in thy will + Hast tax'd the undertaker's bill. + + +XVI. PHDRUS, ON HIS FABLES. + + What certain envious hearts intend + I very clearly comprehend, + Let them dissemble e'er so much.-- + When they perceive the master's touch, + And find 'tis likely to endure, + They'll say 'tis Esop to be sure-- + But what appears of mean design, + At any rate they'll vouch for mine. + These in a word I would refute: + Whether of great or no repute, + What sprung from Esop's fertile thought + This hand has to perfection brought; + But waiving things to our distaste, + Let's to the destined period haste. + + +XVII. THE SHIPWRECK OF SIMONIDES. + + A man, whose learned worth is known, + Has always riches of his own. + Simonides, who was the head + Of lyric bards, yet wrote for bread, + His circuit took through every town + In Asia of the first renown, + The praise of heroes to rehearse, + Who gave him money for his verse. + When by this trade much wealth was earn'd, + Homewards by shipping he return'd + (A Cean born, as some suppose): + On board he went, a tempest rose, + Which shook th' old ship to that degree, + She founder'd soon as out at sea. + Some purses, some their jewels tie + About them for a sure supply; + But one more curious, ask'd the seer, + "Poet, have you got nothing here?" + "My all," says he, "is what I am."-- + On this some few for safety swam + (For most o'erburden'd by their goods, + Were smother'd in the whelming floods). + The spoilers came, the wealth demand, + And leave them naked on the strand. + It happen'd for the shipwreck'd crew + An ancient city was in view, + By name Clazomena, in which + There lived a scholar learn'd and rich, + Who often read, his cares to ease, + The verses of Simonides, + And was a vast admirer grown + Of this great poet, though unknown. + Him by his converse when he traced, + He with much heartiness embraced, + And soon equipp'd the bard anew, + With servants, clothes, and money too, + The rest benevolence implored, + With case depicted on a board: + Which when Simonides espied, + "I plainly told you all," he cried, + "That all my wealth was in myself; + As for your chattels and your pelf, + On which ye did so much depend, + They're come to nothing in the end." + + +XVIII. THE MOUNTAIN IN LABOR. + + The Mountain labor'd, groaning loud, + On which a num'rous gaping crowd + Of noodles came to see the sight, + When, lo! a mouse was brought to light! + This tale's for men of swagg'ring cast, + Whose threats, voluminous and vast, + With all their verse and all their prose, + Can make but little on't, God knows. + + +XIX. THE ANT AND THE FLY. + + An Ant and Fly had sharp dispute + Which creature was of most repute; + When thus began the flaunting Fly: + "Are you so laudible as I? + I, ere the sacrifice is carved, + Precede the gods; first come, first served-- + Before the altar take my place, + And in all temples show my face, + Whene'er I please I set me down + Upon the head that wears a crown. + I with impunity can taste + The kiss of matrons fair and chaste. + And pleasure without labor claim-- + Say, trollop, canst thou do the same?" + "The feasts of gods are glorious fare. + No doubt, to those who're welcome there; + But not for such detested things.-- + You talk of matron's lips and kings; + I, who with wakeful care and pains + Against the winter hoard my grains, + Thee feeding upon ordure view.-- + The altars you frequent, 'tis true; + But still are driv'n away from thence, + And elsewhere, as of much offence. + A life of toil you will not lead, + And so have nothing when you need. + Besides all this, you talk with pride + Of things that modesty should hide. + You plague me here, while days increase, + But when the winter comes you cease. + Me, when the cold thy life bereaves, + A plenteous magazine receives. + I think I need no more advance + To cure you of your arrogance." + The tenor of this tale infers + Two very diff'rent characters; + Of men self-praised and falsely vain, + And men of real worth in grain. + + +XX. THE ESCAPE OF SIMONIDES. + + Th' attention letters can engage, + Ev'n from a base degen'rate age, + I've shown before; and now shall show + Their lustre in another view, + And tell a memorable tale, + How much they can with heav'n prevail. + Simonides, the very same + We lately had a call to name, + Agreed for such a sum to blaze + A certain famous champion's praise. + He therefore a retirement sought, + But found the theme on which he wrote + So scanty, he was forced to use + Th' accustom'd license of the muse, + And introduced and praise bestow'd + On Leda's sons to raise his ode; + With these the rather making free, + As heroes in the same degree. + He warranted his work, and yet + Could but one third of payment get. + Upon demanding all the due, + "Let them," says he, "pay t'other two, + Who take two places in the song; + But lest you think I do you wrong + And part in dudgeon--I invite + Your company to sup this night, + For then my friends and kin I see, + 'Mongst which I choose to reckon thee." + Choused and chagrined, yet shunning blame, + He promised, set the hour, and came; + As fearful lest a favour spurn'd + Should to an open breach be turn'd. + The splendid banquet shone with plate, + And preparations full of state + Made the glad house with clamors roar-- + When on a sudden at the door + Two youths, with sweat and dust besmear'd, + Above the human form appear'd, + And charged forthwith a little scout + To bid Simonides come out, + That 'twas his int'rest not to stay.-- + The slave, in trouble and dismay, + Roused from his seat the feasting bard, + Who scarce had stirr'd a single yard + Before the room at once fell in, + And crush'd the champion and his kin. + No youths before the door are found.-- + The thing soon spread the country round; + And when each circumstance was weigh'd, + They knew the gods that visit made, + And saved the poet's life in lieu + Of those two-thirds which yet were due. + + +EPILOGUE TO EUTYCHUS. + + I yet have stock in hand to spare, + And could write on--but will forbear-- + First, lest I tire a friend, whose state + And avocations are so great: + And then, if other pens should try + This moral scheme as well as I, + They may have something to pursue:-- + Yet if the spacious field we view, + More men are wanting for the plan, + Rather than matter for the man. + Now for that prize I make my plea + You promised to my brevity. + Keep your kind word; for life, my friend, + Is daily nearer to its end; + And I shall share your love the less + The longer you your hand repress: + The sooner you the boon insure, + The more the tenure must endure; + And if I quick possession take, + The greater profit must I make, + While yet declining age subsists, + A room for friendly aid exists. + Anon with tasteless years grown weak, + In vain benevolence will seek + To do me good--when Death at hand + Shall come and urge his last demand. + 'Tis folly, you'll be apt to say, + A thousand times to beg and pray + Of one with so much worth and sense, + Whose gen'rous bounty is propense. + If e'er a miscreant succeeds, + By fair confession of his deeds, + An innocent offender's case + Is far more worthy of your grace. + You for example sake begin, + Then others to the lure you'll win, + And in rotation more and more + Will soon communicate their store. + Consider in your mind how far + At stake your word and honour are; + And let your closing the debate + By what I may congratulate. + I have been guilty of excess + Beyond my thought in this address + But 'tis not easy to refrain + A spirit work'd up to disdain + By wretches insolent and vile, + With a clear conscience all the while. + You'll ask me, sir, at whom I hint-- + In time they may appear in print. + But give me leave to cite a phrase + I met with in my boyish days. + "'Tis dangerous for the mean and low + Too plain their grievances to show." + This is advice I shall retain + While life and sanity remain. + + + + +BOOK V. + + +PROLOGUE, TO PARTICULO + + When I resolved my hand to stay + For this, that others might have play, + On reconsidering of my part + I soon recanted in my heart: + For if a rival should arise, + How can he possibly devise + The things that I have let alone, + Since each man's fancy is his own, + And likewise colouring of the piece?-- + It was not therefore mere caprice, + But strong reflection made me write: + Wherefore since you in tales delight, + Which I, in justice, after all, + Not Esop's, but Esopian call; + Since he invented but a few; + I more, and some entirely new, + Keeping indeed the ancient style, + With fresh materials all the while. + As at your leisure you peruse + The fourth collection of my muse, + That you may not be at a stand, + A fifth shall shortly come to hand; + 'Gainst which, if as against the rest, + Malignant cavillers protest, + Let them carp on, and make it plain + They carp at what they can't attain. + My fame's secure, since I can show + How men of eminence like you, + My little book transcribe and quote, + As like to live of classic note. + It is th' ambition of my pen + To win th' applause of learned men. + + +I. DEMETRIUS AND MENANDER. + + If Esop's name at any time + I bring into this measured rhyme, + To whom I've paid whate'er I owe, + Let all men by these presents know, + I with th' old fabulist make free, + To strengthen my authority. + As certain sculptors of the age, + The more attention to engage, + And raise their price, the curious please, + By forging of Praxiteles; + And in like manner they purloin + A Myro to their silver coin. + 'Tis thus our fables we can smoke, + As pictures for their age bespoke: + For biting envy, in disgust + To new improvements, favors rust; + But now a tale comes in of course, + Which these assertions will enforce. + Demetrius, who was justly call'd + The tyrant, got himself install'd, + And held o'er Athens impious sway. + The crowd, as ever is the way, + Came, eager rushing far and wide, + And, "Fortunate event!" they cried. + The nobles came, the throne address'd: + The hand by which they were oppress'd + They meekly kiss'd, with inward stings + Of anguish for the face of things. + The idlers also, with the tribe + Of those who to themselves prescribe + Their ease and pleasure, in the end + Came sneaking, lest they should offend. + Amongst this troop Menander hies, + So famous for his comedies. + (Him, though he was not known by sight, + The tyrant read with great delight, + Struck with the genius of the bard.) + In flowing robes bedaub'd with nard, + And saunt'ring tread he came along, + Whom, at the bottom of the throng, + When Phalereus beheld, he said: + "How dares that fribble show his head + In this our presence?" he was told-- + "It is Menander you behold." + Then, changed at once from fierce to bland, + He call'd, and took him by the hand. + + +II. THE THIEF AND THE TRAVELLERS. + + Two men equipp'd were on their way; + One fearful; one without dismay, + An able fencer. As they went, + A robber came with black intent; + Demanding, upon pain of death, + Their gold and silver in a breath. + At which the man of spirit drew, + And instantly disarm'd and slew + The Thief, his honor to maintain. + Soon as the rogue was fairly slain, + The tim'rous chap began to puff, + And drew his sword, and stripp'd in buff-- + "Leave me alone with him! stand back! + I'll teach him whom he should attack." + Then he who fought, "I wish, my friend, + But now you'd had such words to lend; + I might have been confirm'd the more, + Supposing truth to all you swore; + Then put your weapon in the sheath, + And keep your tongue within your teeth, + Though you may play an actor's part + On them who do not know your heart. + I, who have seen this very day + How lustily you ran away, + Experience when one comes to blows + How far your resolution goes." + This narrative to those I tell + Who stand their ground when all is well; + But in the hour of pressing need + Abash'd, most shamefully recede. + + +III. THE BALD MAN AND THE FLY. + + As on his head she chanced to sit, + A Man's bald pate a Gadfly bit; + He, prompt to crush the little foe, + Dealt on himself a grievous blow: + At which the Fly, deriding said, + "You that would strike an insect dead + For one slight sting, in wrath so strict, + What punishment will you inflict + Upon yourself, who was so blunt + To do yourself this gross affront?"-- + "O," says the party, "as for me, + I with myself can soon agree. + The spirit of th' intention's all; + But thou, detested cannibal! + Blood-sucker! to have thee secured + More would I gladly have endured." + What by this moral tale is meant + Is--those who wrong not with intent + Are venial; but to those that do + Severity, I think, is due. + + +IV. THE MAN AND THE ASS. + + A certain Man, when he had made + A sacrifice, for special aid + To Hercules, and kill'd a swine, + Did for his Ass's share assign + All the remainder of the corn; + But he, rejecting it with scorn, + Thus said: "I gladly would partake-- + But apprehend that life's at stake; + For he you fatted up and fed + With store of this, is stuck and dead." + Struck with the import of this tale, + I have succeeded to prevail + Upon my passions, and abstain, + From peril of immod'rate gain. + But, you will say, those that have come + Unjustly by a handsome sum, + Upon the pillage still subsist-- + Why, if we reckon up the list, + You'll find by far the major part + Have been conducted in the cart: + Temerity for some may do, + But many more their rashness rue. + + +V. THE BUFFOON AND COUNTRY-FELLOW. + + In ev'ry age, in each profession, + Men err the most by prepossession; + But when the thing is clearly shown, + Is fairly urged, and fully known, + We soon applaud what we deride, + And penitence succeeds to pride. + A certain noble, on a day, + Having a mind to show away, + Invited by reward the mimes + And play'rs and tumblers of the times, + And built a large commodious stage + For the choice spirits of the age: + But, above all, amongst the rest + There came a genius who profess'd + To have a curious trick in store + That never was perform'd before. + Through all the town this soon got air, + And the whole house was like a fair; + But soon his entry as he made, + Without a prompter or parade, + 'Twas all expectance and suspense, + And silence gagg'd the audience. + He, stooping down and looking big, + So wondrous well took off a pig, + All swore 'twas serious, and no joke, + For that, or underneath his cloak + He had concealed some grunting elf, + Or was a real hog himself. + A search was made--no pig was found-- + With thund'ring claps the seats resound, + And pit, and box, and gall'ries roar + With-- "O rare! bravo!" and "encore." + Old Roger Grouse, a country clown, + Who yet knew something of the town, + Beheld the mimic of his whim, + And on the morrow challenged him + Declaring to each beau and belle + That he this grunter would excel. + The morrow came--the crowd was greater-- + But prejudice and rank ill-nature + Usurp'd the minds of men and wenches, + Who came to hiss and break the benches. + The mimic took his usual station, + And squeak'd with general approbation; + Again "Encore! encore!" they cry-- + "'Tis quite the thing, 'tis very high." + Old Grouse conceal'd, amidst this racket, + A real pig beneath his jacket-- + Then forth he came, and with his nail + He pinch'd the urchin by the tail. + The tortured pig, from out his throat, + Produced the genuine nat'ral note. + All bellow'd out 'twas very sad! + Sure never stuff was half so bad. + "That like a pig!" each cried in scoff; + "Pshaw! nonsense! blockhead! off! off! off!" + The mimic was extoll'd, and Grouse + Was hiss'd, and catcall'd from the house. + "Soft ye, a word before I go," + Quoth honest Hodge; and stooping low, + Produced the pig, and thus aloud + Bespoke the stupid partial crowd: + "Behold, and learn from this poor cratur, + How much you critics know of natur!" + + +TO PARTICULO + + As yet my muse is not to seek, + But can from fresh materials speak; + And our poetic fountain springs + With rich variety of things. + But you're for sallies short and sweet; + Long tales their purposes defeat. + Wherefore, thou worthiest, best of men + Particulo, for whom my pen + Immortal honour will insure, + Long as a rev'rence shall endure + For Roman learning--if this strain + Cannot your approbation gain, + Yet, yet my brevity admire, + Which may the more to praise aspire, + The more our poets now-a-days + Are tedious in their lifeless lays. + + +VI. THE TWO BALD MEN. + + As on his way a Bald-pate went, + He found a comb by accident; + Another, with a head as bare, + Pursued, and hollow'd for a share. + The first produced the prize, and cried, + "Good Providence was on our side; + But by the strange caprice of Fate, + We're to no purpose fortunate; + And, as the proverb says, have found + A hobnail, for a hundred pound." + They by this tale may be relieved + Whose sanguine hopes have been deceived. + + +VII. PRINCE THE PIPER. + + A little, friv'lous, abject mind, + Pleased with the rabble, puff'd with wind, + When once, as fast as pride presumes, + Itself with vanity it plumes, + Is by fond lightness brought with ease + To any ridicule you please. + One Prince, a piper to the play, + Was rather noted in his way, + As call'd upon to show his art, + Whene'er Bathyllus did his part. + He being at a certain fair, + (I do not well remember where,) + While they pull'd down the booth in haste, + Not taking heed, his leg displaced, + He from the scaffold fell so hard-- + (Would he his pipes had rather marr'd! + Though they, poor fellow! were to him + As dear almost as life and limb). + Borne by the kind officious crowd, + Home he's conducted, groaning loud. + Some months elapsed before he found + Himself recover'd of his wound: + Meantime, according to their way, + The droll frequenters of the play + Had a great miss of him, whose touch + The dancers' spirits raised so much. + A certain man of high renown + Was just preparing for the town + Some games the mob to entertain, + When Prince began to walk again; + Whom, what with bribes and pray'rs, his grace + Prevail'd upon to show his face + In this performance, by all means-- + And while he waits behind the scenes, + A rumour through the house is spread, + By certain, that "the piper's dead." + Others cried out, "The man is here, + And will immediately appear." + The curtain draws, the lightnings flash, + The gods speak out their usual trash. + An ode, not to the Piper known, + Was to the chorus leader shown, + Which he was order'd to repeat, + And which was closed with this conceit-- + "Receive with joy, O loyal Rome, + Thy Prince just rescued from his tomb." + They all at once stand up and clap, + At which my most facetious chap + Kisses his hand, and scrapes and bows + To his good patrons in the house. + First the equestrian order smoke + The fool's mistake, and high in joke, + Command the song to be encored; + Which ended, flat upon the board + The Piper falls, the knights acclaim; + The people think that Prince's aim + Is for a crown of bays at least. + Now all the seats perceived the jest, + And with his bandage white as snow, + White frock, white pumps, a perfect beauty + Proud of the feats he had achieved, + And these high honours he received, + With one unanimous huzza, Poor + Prince was kick'd out of the play. + + +VIII. OPPORTUNITY. + + Bald, naked, of a human shape, + With fleet wings ready to escape, + Upon a razor's edge his toes, + And lock that on his forehead grows-- + Him hold, when seized, for goodness' sake, + For Jove himself cannot retake + The fugitive when once he's gone. + The picture that we here have drawn + Is Opportunity so brief.-- + The ancients, in a bas-relief, + Thus made an effigy of Time, + That every one might use their prime; + Nor e'er impede, by dull delay, + Th' effectual business of to-day. + + +IX. THE BULL AND THE CALF. + + A Bull was struggling to secure + His passage at a narrow door, + And scarce could reach the rack of hay, + His horns so much were in his way. + A Calf officious, fain would show + How he might twist himself and go. + "Hold thou thy prate; all this," says he, + "Ere thou wert calved was known to me." + He, that a wiser man by half + Would teach, may think himself this Calf. + + +X. THE OLD DOG AND THE HUNTSMAN. + + A Dog, that time and often tried, + His master always satisfied; + And whensoever he assail'd, + Against the forest-beasts prevail'd + Both by activity and strength, + Through years began to flag at length. + One day, when hounded at a boar, + His ear he seized, as heretofore; + But with his teeth, decay'd and old, + Could not succeed to keep his hold. + At which the huntsman, much concern'd, + The vet'ran huff'd, who thus return'd: + "My resolution and my aim, + Though not my strength, are still the same; + For what I am if I am chid, + Praise what I was, and what I did." + Philetus, you the drift perceive + Of this, with which I take my leave. + + +THE END. + + LONDON: PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, LIMITED, + STAMFORD STREET AND CHARING CROSS. + + + * * * * * + * * * * + * * * * * + +Errata (noted by transcriber) + +Inconsistencies in fable numbering are described at the beginning of the +Table of Contents. All footnotes (Fn.), sopian Fables (AF) and New +Fables (NF) are in Riley only. + +"Invisible" means that there is an appropriately sized blank space in +the text, but the letter itself is absent. + + Fn. I.26 The "lagena," or "lagona," was a long-necked bottle + [_standard spelling is "lagoena"_] + Fn. II.6 she is called "anus," "an Old Woman," + [_The Latin language had two unrelated words spelled "anus". The + one referenced here is "ans" with long final U._] + Fn. V.7 the word "tibia," which signifies the main bone of the leg + [_Not an error: until recently, English "leg" often had the + narrower meaning of "lower leg"._] + + +Errors and inconsistencies: + +RILEY + + Fn. III.2 The "feri imperativ" were appointed to be held [fer] + Fn. III.22 to cut short any disagreable question + [_spelling unchanged_] + III.XIX If the inquisitive fellow reflected [inquistive] + Fn. IV.27 riches were more commonly buried in the earth [duried] + V.V excites their applause, and awakens [awaken] + NF IX as {well he might} + [_"as // as" at page break, italicized as shown_] + NF XXIX when can no longer escape the dogs + [_text unchanged: probable missing word "when he can..."_ + _missing space "longerescape"_] + NF Fn. 22: This pun upon the resemblance [resesemblance] + AF VI while meditating the destruction others. + [_text unchanged: probable missing word "destruction of others"_] + AF XV The King, as soon as he aware of this + [_text unchanged: missing verb in "he ... aware"_] + AF XXVI the attack of the Hawk when he comes [cames] + AF XXVIII dragging forth from her hole [her her] + +SMART + + I.XXVI In a tall flagon, finely minced, [Ina tall] + II.Prol. I shall abide by Esop's plan: [my] + II.Epil. Him setting on th' eternal base, [th' the eternal] + -- That they might teach to all mankind [makind] + III.Prol. From worldly cares you must estrange [wordly] + -- With sop for my master still; + -- Inventing more than sop knew; + [_anomalous spelling unchanged in both] + -- To my own hindrence did I try. [_spelling unchanged_] + III.VII Warn'd by our council, oft beware + [_text unchanged: error for "counsel"?_] + IV.I FABLE I. THE WEAZEL AND MICE. [_spelling unchanged_] + IV.XIX And men of real worth in grain. + [_text unchanged: probable missing word "in the grain"_] + IV.Epi. This moral scheme as well as I [morals cheme] + + +Missing or incorrect footnote tags: + + III.Prol. TO EUTYCHUS.[1] + -- Anacharsis of Scythia[10] could + IV.VI (whose History is painted in {our} taverns[12]) + [_printed "1" for "2"_] + V.I Demetrius,[2] who was called Phalereus + [_printed "1" for "2"_] + New Fables: BY SOME ATTRIBUTED TO PHDRUS.[1] + NF.XXI If at any time[17] sustenance is wanting + + +Incorrect punctuation or capitalization: + +RILEY + + I.I "Indeed," answered the Lamb, [' for "] + Fn. I.12 _This new cause of astonishment_)--Ver. 8. Never + [_anomalous -- after line number_] + I.XXV he drank and ran away." [, for .] + Fn. III.13 _Falernian Lees_ [_body text has lower-case "lees"_] + Fn. III.14 _O, delicious fragrance_ + [_body text has no comma after "O"_] + Fn. IV.4 to defray the expenses of the worship. [, for .] + -- B.iv., l.350, vol. i., p.149 [vol. .i,] + IV.XVII not able to keep their stomachs in order. [order..] + IV.XIX who rob the Gods of their incense, yourself of food + [_printed "your-/yourself" at line break_] + Fn. V.13 signifying to make the best of an opportunity. + [_superfluous " at end_] + Fn. V.15 _Philetus._) [_anomalous ._] + Fn. NF.4 the word "menda," ablemish. + [_superfluous " at end: blemish."_] + Fn. NF.23 by the name of +psuch+ [_Greek incorrectly accented_] + +SMART + + I.VIII And now, forsooth, you'd bring your bill!" [' for "] + III.V Pray get on faster with the cart + [_superfluous " at beginning (top of page)] + IV.XX How much they can with heav'n prevail. [, for .] + V.Prol. And likewise colouring of the piece?-- + [_superfluous close quote: piece?"--] + + +Mechanical Errors: + +RILEY + + I.XIV {in consideration of} a stated reward. [_d. invisible_] + I.XV feeding an Ass in ameadow [_i of "in" invisible_] + II.Epil. a book of jests partly from the works of sop. + [_f of "of" invisible_] + AF.XXVIII dance in the winter [_d invisible_] + +SMART + + I.XX But proves destructive in the end [_B invisible_] + III.VII "My dears," he says, "ye may not pass + [_line-final s missing or invisible_] + III.VIII "I wish," says he, "with all my soul + [_line-final l missing or invisible_] + III.XIX Cybele's priests, in quest of bread, + [_s of "quest" invisible_] + + +Missing or invisible punctuation: + + _Unless otherwise noted, the quotation mark " or " is missing._ + +RILEY + + I.II continue to endure your bad fortune.'" [_inner ' missing_] + I.III to feel {the additional pang} of this repulse." + I.X have stolen what you so speciously deny." + I.XI Ishould have fled in alarm like {the rest}." + Fn I.12 heard the voice of an ass in the forests before. + [_final . missing_] + I.XXIII that you may not profit by my neglect." + I.XXVII have suddenly coveted regal wealth." + I.XXIX to be defiled with {such} dastardly blood." + I.XXX "and they are of a different kind + II.V manumission stands at a much higher price with me." + Fn II.5 Vera, inquit----" + Fn II.12 Whatever violence and unscrupulousness attack, comes. + [_final . missing_] + Fn III.15 manumitted, as generally supposed, by Augustus + [_second , missing_] + III.VII "how is it that you are so sleek? + IV.XVIII "That people may learn not to assist the wicked."[26] + IV.XXIV my kinsmen, in the number of whom I reckon you." + Fn V.12 which was worshipped with Divine honors. + [_final . missing_] + V.X you blame me that I am not {what I was}." + NF XXIV dropped the prey from her mouth unenjoyed. + [_final . missing_] + NF XXV you would have suffered for it." + NF XXVII never done any injury to this field." + NF XXIII and your harmless life." + NF XXX by fixing your sting in him." + AF XIII how much more beauteous you would be." + +SMART + +_In titles, the final . is missing or invisible._ + + I.XI "How did my music-piece go off?" [_close quote missing_] + I.XVI THE SHEEP, THE STAG, AND THE WOLF. + I.XXI "But to be trampled on by thee + I.XXX THE KITE AND THE DOVES. + III.XII THE BEES AND THE DRONES. + III.XVII But when I speak the audience sneers." + IV.IV Enough to understand his will!" + IV.VI The daughters their own sire to slay." + IV.VIII Be quick, my friend, your sorrows drown." + IV.X THE SACRILEGIOUS THIEF. + IV.XX THE ESCAPE OF SIMONIDES. + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Fables of Phdrus, by Phaedrus + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE FABLES OF PHDRUS *** + +***** This file should be named 25512-8.txt or 25512-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/2/5/5/1/25512/ + +Produced by Louise Hope, Carl Hudkins and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This +file was produced from images generously made available +by The Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries) + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Fables of Phædrus + Literally translated into English prose with notes + +Author: Phaedrus + +Translator: Henry Thomas Riley + Christopher Smart + +Release Date: May 18, 2008 [EBook #25512] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE FABLES OF PHÆDRUS *** + + + + +Produced by Louise Hope, Carl Hudkins and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This +file was produced from images generously made available +by The Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries) + + + + + + +</pre> + + +<div class = "mynote"> + + +<p><a name = "start" id = "start">This e-text</a> includes characters +that will only display in UTF-8 (Unicode) file encoding, including a few +words of accented Greek:</p> + +<p class = "inset"> +Œ, œ (“oe” ligature)<br> +Μωμεῖσθαι</p> + +<p>If any of these characters do not display properly, or if the +apostrophes and quotation marks in this paragraph appear as garbage, you +may have an incompatible browser or unavailable fonts. First, make sure +that the browser’s “character set” or “file encoding” is set to Unicode +(UTF-8). You may also need to change your browser’s default font.</p> + +<p>The text is taken from an omnibus volume that also contained Riley’s +translation of the six surviving plays of Terence. The full title page +has been retained for completeness, but the sections of the Preface and +Contents that apply only to Terence have been omitted.</p> + +<p>Footnotes have been renumbered within each Book. Footnote tags that +were missing in the original are <a class = "tag missing">underlined</a> +without further annotation. The name is spelled “Æsop” in Riley, “Esop” +in Smart and in the Contents. Inconsistencies in fable numbering are +described at the beginning of the <a href = "#contents">Table of +Contents</a>.</p> + +<p>A few typographical errors have been corrected. They are +marked in the text with <ins class = "correction" title = +"like this">mouse-hover popups</ins>.</p> +</div> + +<div class = "titlepage"> +<a name = "titlepage" id = "titlepage"> </a> +<h1 class = "six">THE</h1> +<h1 class = "two">COMEDIES</h1> +<h1 class = "six">OF</h1> +<h1><span class = "extended">TERENC</span>E.</h1> + +<h1 class = "six">AND</h1> +<h1 class = "three">THE FABLES OF PHÆDRUS.</h1> + +<br> + +<h2 class = "five"> +LITERALLY TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH PROSE<br> +WITH NOTES,</h2> +<h2 class = "four smallcaps">By HENRY THOMAS RILEY, B.A.</h2> +<h2 class = "six">LATE SCHOLAR OF CLARE HALL, CAMBRIDGE.</h2> + +<br> + +<h2 class = "six"> +TO WHICH IS ADDED</h2> +<h2 class = "four">A METRICAL TRANSLATION OF PHÆDRUS,</h2> +<h2 class = "five smallcaps">By CHRISTOPHER SMART, A.M.</h2> + +<p> </p> + +<p class = "center">LONDON: GEORGE BELL & SONS, YORK STREET,<br> +COVENT GARDEN.<br> +1887.</p> + +</div> + + +<span class = "pagenum">[iii]</span> +<h3 class = "extended"><a name = "preface" id = "preface"> +PREFACE.</a></h3> + +<hr class = "micro"> + +<p><span class = "firstword">In</span> the Translation of Phædrus, the +Critical Edition by Orellius, 1831, has been used, and in the Æsopian +Fables, the text of the Parisian Edition of Gail, 1826. The Notes will, +it is believed, be found to embody the little that is known of the +contemporary history of the Author.</p> + +<p class = "right"> +H. T. R.</p> + +<div class = "mynote"> + +<p>The <a name = "contents" id = "contents">Table of Contents</a> refers +primarily to the Riley text. Fables +<span class = "smallcaps">I.xxix</span>, <span class = +"smallcaps">III.iii</span>, and several Fables in Book IV are missing in +Smart; Riley’s Fable <span class = "smallcaps">IV.i</span>, “The Ass and +the Priests of Cybele”, is Smart’s <span class = +"smallcaps">III.xix</span>. Where Smart’s numbers are different, they +are shown with <ins class = "renumber" title = "like this">popups</ins>.</p> + +<p>In the text, Book III, Fable <span class = "smallcaps">xi</span> is +“The Eunuch to the Abusive Man”; all following fables in Riley are +numbered one higher than in the Table of Contents. This fable is missing +from Smart but the number X is skipped, as was number <span class = +"smallcaps">I.xviii</span>.</p> +</div> + + + +<span class = "pagenum">[iv]</span> +<h3>CONTENTS.</h3> + +<hr class = "micro"> + +<h4>THE FABLES OF PHÆDRUS.</h4> + +<table class = "toc" summary = "table of contents"> +<tr class = "header"> +<td class = "center smallcaps" colspan = "4"> +<a name = "contents_I" id = "contents_I">Book I.</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td></td> +<td>Prose.</td> +<td>Verse.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td>Prologue</td> +<td><a href = "#riley_I_pro">365</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_I_pro">473</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class = "right">Fable I.</td> +<td><p>The Wolf and the Lamb</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_I_I">365</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_I_I">473</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">II.</td> +<td><p>The Frogs asking for a King</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_I_II">366</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_I_II">474</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">III.</td> +<td><p>The vain Jackdaw and the Peacock</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_I_III">367</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_I_III">475</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">IV.</td> +<td><p>The Dog carrying some Meat across a River</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_I_IV">368</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_I_IV">476</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">V.</td> +<td><p>The Cow, the She-Goat, the Sheep, and the Lion</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_I_V">368</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_I_V">476</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">VI.</td> +<td><p>The Frogs’ complaint against the Sun</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_I_VI">369</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_I_VI">476</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">VII.</td> +<td><p>The Fox and the Tragic Mask</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_I_VII">369</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_I_VII">477</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">VIII.</td> +<td><p>The Wolf and the Crane</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_I_VIII">370</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_I_VIII">477</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">IX.</td> +<td><p>The Sparrow and the Hare</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_I_IX">370</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_I_IX">478</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">X.</td> +<td><p>The Wolf, the Fox, and the Ape</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_I_X">371</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_I_X">478</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XI.</td> +<td><p>The Ass and the Lion hunting</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_I_XI">371</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_I_XI">478</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XII.</td> +<td><p>The Stag at the Stream</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_I_XII">372</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_I_XII">479</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XIII.</td> +<td><p>The Fox and the Raven</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_I_XIII">372</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_I_XIII">480</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XIV.</td> +<td><p>The Cobbler turned Physician</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_I_XIV">373</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_I_XIV">480</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XV.</td> +<td><p>The Ass and the Old Shepherd</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_I_XV">373</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_I_XV">481</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XVI.</td> +<td><p>The Stag, the Sheep, and the Wolf</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_I_XVI">374</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_I_XVI">481</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XVII.</td> +<td><p>The Sheep, the Dog, and the Wolf</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_I_XVII">374</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_I_XVII">482</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right"> +<span class = "pagenum">v</span> +XVIII.</td> +<td><p>The Woman in Labour</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_I_XVIII">375</a></td> +<td class = "center">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XIX.</td> +<td><p>The Bitch and her Whelps</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_I_XIX">375</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_I_XIX">482</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XX.</td> +<td><p>The hungry Dogs</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_I_XX">376</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_I_XX">483</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XXI.</td> +<td><p>The aged Lion, the Wild Boar, the Bull, and the Ass</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_I_XXI">376</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_I_XXI">483</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XXII.</td> +<td><p>The Man and the Weasel</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_I_XXII">376</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_I_XXII">483</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XXIII.</td> +<td><p>The Faithful Dog</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_I_XXIII">377</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_I_XXIII">484</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XXIV.</td> +<td><p>The Frog and the Ox</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_I_XXIV">378</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_I_XXIV">484</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XXV.</td> +<td><p>The Dog and the Crocodile</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_I_XXV">377</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_I_XXV">485</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XXVI.</td> +<td><p>The Fox and the Stork</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_I_XXVI">378</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_I_XXVI">485</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XXVII.</td> +<td><p>The Dog, the Treasure, and the Vulture</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_I_XXVII">379</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_I_XXVII">486</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XXVIII.</td> +<td><p>The Fox and the Eagle</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_I_XXVIII">380</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_I_XXVIII">486</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XXIX.</td> +<td><p>The Ass deriding the Boar</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_I_XXIX">380</a></td> +<td class = "center">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right"> +<ins class = "renumber" title = "XXIX in Smart">XXX.</ins></td> +<td><p>The Frogs frightened at the Battle of the Bulls</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_I_XXX">380</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_I_XXIX">487</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right"> +<ins class = "renumber" title = "XXX in Smart">XXXI.</ins></td> +<td><p>The Kite and the Pigeons</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_I_XXXI">381</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_I_XXX">487</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr class = "header"> +<td class = "center smallcaps" colspan = "4"> +<a name = "contents_II" id = "contents_II">Book II.</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td>Prologue</td> +<td><a href = "#riley_II_pro">382</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_II_pro">488</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">Fable I.</td> +<td><p>The Lion, the Robber, and the Traveller</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_II_I">383</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_II_I">488</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">II.</td> +<td><p>Two Women of different Ages beloved by the Middle-aged +Man</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_II_II">383</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_II_II">489</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">III.</td> +<td><p>The Man and the Dog</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_II_III">384</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_II_III">489</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">IV.</td> +<td><p>The Eagle, the Cat, and the Sow</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_II_IV">384</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_II_IV">490</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">V.</td> +<td><p>Cæsar to the Chamberlain</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_II_V">385</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_II_V">491</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">VI.</td> +<td><p>The Eagle, the Crow, and the Tortoise</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_II_VI">386</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_II_VI">492</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">VII.</td> +<td><p>The Mules and Robbers</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_II_VII">387</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_II_VII">492</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">VIII.</td> +<td><p>The Stag and the Oxen</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_II_VIII">387</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_II_VIII">493</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td>Epilogue</td> +<td><a href = "#riley_II_epi">388</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_II_epi">494</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr class = "header"> +<td class = "center smallcaps" colspan = "4"> +<a name = "contents_III" id = "contents_III">Book III.</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td>Prologue, to Eutychus</td> +<td><a href = "#riley_III_pro">390</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_III_pro">497</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">Fable I.</td> +<td><p>The Old Woman and the Cask</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_III_I">393</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_III_I">498</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">II.</td> +<td><p>The Panther and Shepherd</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_III_II">394</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_III_II">498</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">III.</td> +<td><p>Esop and the Farmer</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_III_III">395</a></td> +<td class = "center">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right"> +<ins class = "renumber" title = "III in Smart">IV.</ins></td> +<td><p>The Butcher and the Ape</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_III_IV">395</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_III_III">499</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right"> +<ins class = "renumber" title = "IV in Smart">V.</ins></td> +<td><p>Esop and the Insolent Man</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_III_V">395</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_III_IV">499</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right"> +<ins class = "renumber" title = "V in Smart">VI.</ins></td> +<td><p>The Fly and the Mule</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_III_VI">396</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_III_V">499</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right"> +<ins class = "renumber" title = "VI in Smart">VII.</ins></td> +<td><p>The Dog and the Wolf</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_III_VII">397</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_III_VI">500</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right"> +<ins class = "renumber" title = "VII in Smart">VIII.</ins></td> +<td><p>The Brother and Sister</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_III_VIII">398</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_III_VII">501</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right"> +<ins class = "renumber" title = "VIII in Smart">IX.</ins></td> +<td><p>Socrates to his Friends</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_III_IX">398</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_III_VIII">502</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right"> +<ins class = "renumber" title = "IX in Smart">X.</ins></td> +<td><p>The Poet on Believing and not Believing</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_III_X">399</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_III_IX">502</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XI.</td> +<td><p>The Eunuch to the Abusive Man</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_III_XI">401</a></td> +<td>—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right"> +<ins class = "renumber" title = "XII in Riley">XI.</ins></td> +<td><p>The Cock and the Pearl</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_III_XII">401</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_III_XI">504</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right"> +<ins class = "renumber" title = "XIII in Riley">XII.</ins></td> +<td><p>The Bees and the Drones, the Wasp sitting as judge</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_III_XIII">402</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_III_XII">505</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right"> +<ins class = "renumber" title = "XIV in Riley">XIII.</ins></td> +<td><p>Esop at play</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_III_XIV">402</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_III_XIII">505</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right"> +<ins class = "renumber" title = "XV in Riley">XIV.</ins></td> +<td><p>The Dog to the Lamb</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_III_XV">403</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_III_XIV">506</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right"> +<span class = "pagenum">vi</span> + +<ins class = "renumber" title = "XVI in Riley">XV.</ins></td> +<td><p>The Grasshopper and the Owl</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_III_XVI">404</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_III_XV">507</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right"> +<ins class = "renumber" title = "XVII in Riley">XVI.</ins></td> +<td><p>The Trees under the Protection of the Gods</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_III_XVII">405</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_III_XVI">508</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right"> +<ins class = "renumber" title = "XVIII in Riley">XVII.</ins></td> +<td><p>The Peacock to Juno</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_III_XVIII">405</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_III_XVII">509</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right"> +<ins class = "renumber" title = "XIX in Riley">XVIII.</ins></td> +<td><p>Esop’s Answer to the Inquisitive Man</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_III_XIX">406</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_III_XVIII">509</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td>Epilogue</td> +<td><a href = "#riley_III_epi">407</a></td> +<td class = "center">—</td> +</tr> + +<tr class = "header"> +<td class = "center smallcaps" colspan = "4"> +<a name = "contents_IV" id = "contents_IV">Book IV.</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td>Prologue</td> +<td><a href = "#riley_IV_pro">409</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_IV_pro">510</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right"> +<ins class = "renumber" title = "III.XIX in Smart">Fable I.</ins></td> +<td><p>The Ass and the Priests of Cybele</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_IV_I">410</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_III_XIX">509</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right"> +<ins class = "renumber" title = "I in Smart">II.</ins></td> +<td><p>The Weasel and the Mice</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_IV_II">411</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_IV_I">510</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right"> +<ins class = "renumber" title = "II in Smart">III.</ins></td> +<td><p>The Fox and the Grapes</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_IV_III">411</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_IV_II">511</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right"> +<ins class = "renumber" title = "III in Smart">IV.</ins></td> +<td><p>The Horse and the Wild Boar</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_IV_IV">411</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_IV_III">511</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right"> +<ins class = "renumber" title = "IV in Smart">V.</ins></td> +<td><p>Esop interpreting a Will</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_IV_V">412</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_IV_IV">512</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right"> +<ins class = "renumber" title = "V in Smart">VI.</ins></td> +<td><p>The Battle of the Mice and the Weasels</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_IV_VI">413</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_IV_V">514</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right"> +<ins class = "renumber" title = "VI in Smart">VII.</ins></td> +<td><p>The Poet’s Defence against the Censurers of his Fables</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_IV_VII">414</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_IV_VI">514</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right"> +<ins class = "renumber" title = "VII in Smart">VIII.</ins></td> +<td><p>The Viper and the File</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_IV_VIII">415</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_IV_VII">515</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right"> +<ins class = "renumber" title = "VIII in Smart">IX.</ins></td> +<td><p>The Fox and the Goat</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_IV_IX">415</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_IV_VIII">516</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right"> +<ins class = "renumber" title = "IX in Smart">X.</ins></td> +<td><p>Of the Vices of Men</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_IV_X">416</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_IV_IX">516</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right"> +<ins class = "renumber" title = "X in Smart">XI.</ins></td> +<td><p>A Thief pillaging the Altar of Jupiter</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_IV_XI">416</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_IV_X">517</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right"> +<ins class = "renumber" title = "XI in Smart">XII.</ins></td> +<td><p>Hercules and Plutus</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_IV_XII">417</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_IV_XI">517</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XIII.</td> +<td><p>The Lion reigning</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_IV_XIII">417</a></td> +<td class = "center">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XIV.</td> +<td><p>Prometheus</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_IV_XIV">418</a></td> +<td class = "center">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right"> +<ins class = "renumber" title = "XII in Smart">XV.</ins></td> +<td><p>The She-Goats and their Beards</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_IV_XV">418</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_IV_XII">518</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right"> +<ins class = "renumber" title = "XIII in Smart">XVI.</ins></td> +<td><p>The Pilot and the Mariners</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_IV_XVI">419</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_IV_XIII">518</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XVII.</td> +<td><p>The Embassy of the Dogs to Jupiter</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_IV_XVII">419</a></td> +<td class = "center">—</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right"> +<ins class = "renumber" title = "XIV in Smart">XVIII.</ins></td> +<td><p>The Man and the Snake</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_IV_XVIII">420</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_IV_XIV">519</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right"> +<ins class = "renumber" title = "XV in Smart">XIX.</ins></td> +<td><p>The Fox and the Dragon</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_IV_XIX">421</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_IV_XV">519</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right"> +<ins class = "renumber" title = "XVI in Smart">XX.</ins></td> +<td><p>Phædrus</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_IV_XX">422</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_IV_XVI">520</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right"> +<ins class = "renumber" title = "XVII in Smart">XXI.</ins></td> +<td><p>The Shipwreck of Simonides</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_IV_XXI">422</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_IV_XVII">520</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right"> +<ins class = "renumber" title = "XVIII in Smart">XXII.</ins></td> +<td><p>The Mountain in Labour</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_IV_XXII">423</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_IV_XVIII">522</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right"> +<ins class = "renumber" title = "XIX in Smart">XXIII.</ins></td> +<td><p>The Ant and the Fly</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_IV_XXIII">424</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_IV_XIX">522</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right"> +<ins class = "renumber" title = "XX in Smart">XXIV.</ins></td> +<td><p>Simonides preserved by the Gods</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_IV_XXIV">425</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_IV_XX">523</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td>Epilogue</td> +<td><a href = "#riley_IV_epi">426</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_IV_epi">524</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr class = "header"> +<td class = "center smallcaps" colspan = "4"> +<a name = "contents_V" id = "contents_V">Book V.</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td>Prologue</td> +<td><a href = "#riley_V_pro">427</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_V_pro">526</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">Fable I.</td> +<td><p>Demetrius and Menander</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_V_I">427</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_V_I">527</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">II.</td> +<td><p>The Travellers and the Robber</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_V_II">428</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_V_II">528</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">III.</td> +<td><p>The Bald Man and the Fly</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_V_III">429</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_V_III">529</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">IV.</td> +<td><p>The Man and the Ass</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_V_IV">429</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_V_IV">529</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">V.</td> +<td><p>The Buffoon and Countryman</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_V_V">429</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_V_V">530</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">VI.</td> +<td><p>The Two Bald Men</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_V_VI">431</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_V_VI">532</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">VII.</td> +<td><p>Princeps the Flute Player</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_V_VII">431</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_V_VII">532</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">VIII.</td> +<td><p>The Emblem of Opportunity</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_V_VIII">433</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_V_VIII">534</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">IX.</td> +<td><p>The Bull and the Calf</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_V_IX">433</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_V_IX">534</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">X.</td> +<td><p>The Huntsman and the Dog</p></td> +<td><a href = "#riley_V_X">433</a></td> +<td><a href = "#smart_V_X">535</a></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<span class = "pagenum">vii</span> + +<table class = "toc" summary = "table of contents"> +<tr class = "header"> +<td class = "center smallcaps" colspan = "3"> +The New Fables—attributed to Phædrus.</td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td class = "right">Fable I.</td> +<td><p>The Ape and the Fox</p></td> +<td><a href = "#NF_I">435</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">II.</td> +<td><p>The Author</p></td> +<td><a href = "#NF_II">436</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">III.</td> +<td><p>Mercury and the two Women</p></td> +<td><a href = "#NF_III">436</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">IV.</td> +<td><p>Prometheus and Cunning</p></td> +<td><a href = "#NF_IV">437</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">V.</td> +<td><p>The Author</p></td> +<td><a href = "#NF_V">438</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">VI.</td> +<td><p>The signification of the Punishments of Tartarus</p></td> +<td><a href = "#NF_VI">438</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">VII.</td> +<td><p>The Author</p></td> +<td><a href = "#NF_VII">439</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">VIII.</td> +<td><p>Æsop and the Author</p></td> +<td><a href = "#NF_VIII">439</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">IX.</td> +<td><p>Pompeius Magnus and his Soldier</p></td> +<td><a href = "#NF_IX">440</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">X.</td> +<td><p>Juno, Venus, and the Hen</p></td> +<td><a href = "#NF_X">441</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XI.</td> +<td><p>The Father of a Family and Æsop</p></td> +<td><a href = "#NF_XI">442</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XII.</td> +<td><p>The Philosopher and the Victor in the Gymnastic Games</p></td> +<td><a href = "#NF_XII">442</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XIII.</td> +<td><p>The Ass and the Lyre</p></td> +<td><a href = "#NF_XIII">443</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XIV.</td> +<td><p>The Widow and the Soldier</p></td> +<td><a href = "#NF_XIV">443</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XV.</td> +<td><p>The Rich Suitor and the Poor One</p></td> +<td><a href = "#NF_XV">444</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XVI.</td> +<td><p>Æsop and his Mistress</p></td> +<td><a href = "#NF_XVI">445</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XVII.</td> +<td><p>A Cock carried in a Litter by Cats</p></td> +<td><a href = "#NF_XVII">446</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XVIII.</td> +<td><p>The Sow bringing forth and the Wolf</p></td> +<td><a href = "#NF_XVIII">446</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XIX.</td> +<td><p>The Runaway Slave and Æsop</p></td> +<td><a href = "#NF_XIX">447</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XX.</td> +<td><p>The Chariot Horse sold for the Mill</p></td> +<td><a href = "#NF_XX">447</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XXI.</td> +<td><p>The Hungry Bear</p></td> +<td><a href = "#NF_XXI">448</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XXII.</td> +<td><p>The Traveller and the Raven</p></td> +<td><a href = "#NF_XXII">449</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XXIII.</td> +<td><p>The Shepherd and the She-Goat</p></td> +<td><a href = "#NF_XXIII">449</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XXIV.</td> +<td><p>The Serpent and the Lizard</p></td> +<td><a href = "#NF_XXIV">449</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XXV.</td> +<td><p>The Crow and the Sheep</p></td> +<td><a href = "#NF_XXV">450</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XXVI.</td> +<td><p>The Servant and the Master</p></td> +<td><a href = "#NF_XXVI">450</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XXVII.</td> +<td><p>The Hare and the Herdsman</p></td> +<td><a href = "#NF_XXVII">450</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XXVIII.</td> +<td><p>The Young Man and the Courtesan</p></td> +<td><a href = "#NF_XXVIII">451</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XXIX.</td> +<td><p>The Beaver</p></td> +<td><a href = "#NF_XXIX">451</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XXX.</td> +<td><p>The Butterfly and the Wasp</p></td> +<td><a href = "#NF_XXX">452</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XXXI.</td> +<td><p>The Ground-Swallow and the Fox</p></td> +<td><a href = "#NF_XXXI">453</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td></td> +<td>Epilogue</td> +<td><a href = "#NF_XXXII">453</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr class = "header"> +<td class = "center smallcaps" colspan = "3"> +Æsopian Fables—the authors of which are not known.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">Fable I.</td> +<td><p>The Sick Kite</p></td> +<td><a href = "#AF_I">454</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">II.</td> +<td><p>The Hares tired of Life</p></td> +<td><a href = "#AF_II">454</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">III.</td> +<td><p>Jupiter and the Fox</p></td> +<td><a href = "#AF_III">455</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">IV.</td> +<td><p>The Lion and the Mouse</p></td> +<td><a href = "#AF_IV">455</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">V.</td> +<td><p>The Man and the Trees</p></td> +<td><a href = "#AF_V">456</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">VI.</td> +<td><p>The Mouse and the Frog</p></td> +<td><a href = "#AF_VI">456</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">VII.</td> +<td><p>The Two Cocks and the Hawk</p></td> +<td><a href = "#AF_VII">456</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">VIII.</td> +<td><p>The Snail and the Ape</p></td> +<td><a href = "#AF_VIII">457</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">IX.</td> +<td><p>The City Mouse and the Country Mouse</p></td> +<td><a href = "#AF_IX">457</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">X.</td> +<td><p>The Ass fawning upon his Master</p></td> +<td><a href = "#AF_X">458</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XI.</td> +<td><p>The Crane, the Crow, and the Countryman</p></td> +<td><a href = "#AF_XI">459</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XII.</td> +<td><p>The Birds and the Swallow</p></td> +<td><a href = "#AF_XII">459</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right"> +<span class = "pagenum">viii</span> +XIII.</td> +<td><p>The Partridge and the Fox</p></td> +<td><a href = "#AF_XIII">460</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XIV.</td> +<td><p>The Ass, the Ox, and the Birds</p></td> +<td><a href = "#AF_XIV">461</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XV.</td> +<td><p>The Lion and the Shepherd</p></td> +<td><a href = "#AF_XV">461</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XVI.</td> +<td><p>The Goat and the Bull</p></td> +<td><a href = "#AF_XVI">462</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XVII.</td> +<td><p>The Horse and the Ass</p></td> +<td><a href = "#AF_XVII">462</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XVIII.</td> +<td><p>The Birds, the Beasts, and the Bat</p></td> +<td><a href = "#AF_XVIII">463</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XIX.</td> +<td><p>The Nightingale, the Hawk, and the Fowler</p></td> +<td><a href = "#AF_XIX">463</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XX.</td> +<td><p>The Wolf, the Fox, and the Shepherd</p></td> +<td><a href = "#AF_XX">464</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XXI.</td> +<td><p>The Sheep and the Wolves</p></td> +<td><a href = "#AF_XXI">464</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XXII.</td> +<td><p>The Ape and the Fox</p></td> +<td><a href = "#AF_XXII">465</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XXIII.</td> +<td><p>The Wolf, the Huntsman, and the Shepherd</p></td> +<td><a href = "#AF_XXIII">465</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XXIV.</td> +<td><p>The Truthful Man, the Liar, and the Apes</p></td> +<td><a href = "#AF_XXIV">466</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XXV.</td> +<td><p>The Man and the Lion</p></td> +<td><a href = "#AF_XXV">467</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XXVI.</td> +<td><p>The Stork, the Goose, and the Hawk</p></td> +<td><a href = "#AF_XXVI">467</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XXVII.</td> +<td><p>The Sheep and the Crow</p></td> +<td><a href = "#AF_XXVII">468</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XXVIII.</td> +<td><p>The Ant and the Grasshopper</p></td> +<td><a href = "#AF_XXVIII">468</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XXIX.</td> +<td><p>The Horse and the Ass</p></td> +<td><a href = "#AF_XXIX">469</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XXX.</td> +<td><p>The Old Lion and the Fox</p></td> +<td><a href = "#AF_XXX">469</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XXXI.</td> +<td><p>The Camel and the Flea</p></td> +<td><a href = "#AF_XXXI">469</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XXXII.</td> +<td><p>The Kid and the Wolf</p></td> +<td><a href = "#AF_XXXII">470</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XXXIII.</td> +<td><p>The Poor Man and the Serpent</p></td> +<td><a href = "#AF_XXXIII">470</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td class = "right">XXXIV.</td> +<td><p>The Eagle and the Kite</p></td> +<td><a href = "#AF_XXXIV">471</a></td> +</tr> +</table> + + +<div class = "riley"> + +<span class = "pagenum">365</span> +<h2><a name = "riley" id = "riley">THE FABLES OF PHÆDRUS.</a></h2> + +<hr class = "micro"> + +<h3><a name = "riley_I" id = "riley_I">BOOK I.</a></h3> + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_I_pro">Smart</a> +<h4><a name = "riley_I_pro" id = "riley_I_pro"> +THE PROLOGUE.</a></h4> + +<p><span class = "firstword">The</span> matter which Æsop, the inventor +<i>of Fables</i>, has provided, I have polished in Iambic verse. +The advantages of <i>this</i> little work are twofold—that it +excites laughter, and by counsel guides the life <i>of man</i>. But if +any one shall think fit to cavil, because not only wild beasts, but even +trees speak, let him remember that we are disporting in fables.</p> + +<hr class = "tiny"> + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_I_I">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_I_I" id = "riley_I_I"> +Fable I.</a><br> +THE WOLF AND THE LAMB.</h4> + +<p>Driven by thirst, a Wolf and a Lamb had come to the same stream; the +Wolf stood above, and the Lamb at a distance below. Then, the spoiler, +prompted by a ravenous maw, alleged a pretext for a quarrel. “Why,” said +he, “have you made the water muddy for me <i>while I am</i> drinking?” +The Fleece-bearer, trembling, <i>answered</i>: “Prithee, Wolf, how can I +do what you complain of? The water is flowing downwards from you to +where I am drinking.” The other, disconcerted by the force of truth, +<i>exclaimed</i>: “Six months ago, you slandered me.” “Indeed<ins class += "correction" title = "text has ’ for ”">,” </ins>answered +<span class = "pagenum">366</span> +the Lamb, “I was not born <i>then</i>.” “By Hercules,” said <i>the +Wolf</i>, “<i>then ’twas</i> your father slandered me;” and so, +snatching him up, he tore him to pieces, killing him unjustly.</p> + +<p>This Fable is applicable to those men who, under false pretences, +oppress the innocent.</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_I_II">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_I_II" id = "riley_I_II"> +Fable II.</a><br> +THE FROGS ASKING FOR A KING.</h4> + +<p>When Athens<a class = "tag" name = "tagI_1" id = "tagI_1" href = +"#noteI_1">I.1</a> was flourishing under just laws, liberty grown wanton +embroiled the city, and license relaxed the reins of ancient discipline. +Upon this, the partisans of factions conspiring, Pisistratus the +Tyrant<a class = "tag" name = "tagI_2" id = "tagI_2" href = +"#noteI_2">I.2</a> seized the citadel. When the Athenians were lamenting +their sad servitude (not that he was cruel, but because every burden is +grievous to those who are unused to it), and began to complain, Æsop +related a Fable to the following effect:—</p> + +<p>“The Frogs, roaming at large in their marshy fens, with loud clamour +demanded of Jupiter a king, who, by <i>his</i> authority, might check +their dissolute manners. The Father of the Gods smiled, and gave them a +little Log, which, on being thrown <i>among them</i> startled the +timorous race by the noise and sudden commotion in the bog. When it had +lain for some time immersed in the mud, one <i>of them</i> by chance +silently lifted his head above the water, and having taken a peep at the +king, called up all the rest. Having got the better of their fears, +vying with each other, they swim towards him, and the insolent mob leap +upon the Log. After defiling it with every kind of insult, they sent to +Jupiter, requesting another king, because the one that had been given +them was useless. Upon this, he sent them a Water Snake,<a class = "tag" +name = "tagI_3" id = "tagI_3" href = "#noteI_3">I.3</a> who with +<span class = "pagenum">367</span> +his sharp teeth began to gobble them up one after another. Helpless they +strive in vain to escape death; terror deprives them of voice. By +stealth, therefore, they send through Mercury a request to Jupiter, to +succour them in their distress. Then said the God in reply: ‘Since you +would not be content with your good fortune, continue to endure your bad +fortune<ins class = "correction" title = "single quote missing">.’”</ins></p> + +<p>“Do you also, O fellow-citizens,” said <i>Æsop</i>, “submit to the +present evil, lest a greater one befall you.”</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_I_III">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_I_III" id = "riley_I_III"> +Fable III.</a><br> +THE VAIN JACKDAW AND THE PEACOCK.</h4> + +<p>That one ought not to plume oneself on the merits which belong to +another, but ought rather to pass his life in his own proper guise, Æsop +has given us this illustration:—</p> + +<p>A Jackdaw, swelling<a class = "tag" name = "tagI_4" id = "tagI_4" +href = "#noteI_4">I.4</a> with empty pride, picked up some feathers +which had fallen from a Peacock, and decked himself out +<i>therewith</i>; upon which, despising his own <i>kind</i>, he mingled +with a beauteous flock of Peacocks. They tore his feathers from off the +impudent bird, and put him to flight with their beaks. The Jackdaw, +<i>thus</i> roughly handled, in grief hastened to return to his own +kind; repulsed by whom, he had to submit to sad disgrace. Then said one +of those whom he had formerly despised: “If you had been content with +our station, and had been ready to put up with what nature had given, +you would neither have experienced the former affront, nor would your +ill fortune have had to feel <i>the additional pang</i> of this +repulse<ins class = "correction" title = "close quote missing">.” </ins></p> + + +<span class = "pagenum">368</span> +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_I_IV">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_I_IV" id = "riley_I_IV"> +Fable IV.</a><br> +THE DOG CARRYING SOME MEAT ACROSS A RIVER.</h4> + +<p>He who covets what belongs to another, deservedly loses his own.</p> + +<p>As a Dog, swimming<a class = "tag" name = "tagI_5" id = "tagI_5" href += "#noteI_5">I.5</a> through a river, was carrying a piece of meat, he +saw his own shadow in the watery mirror; and, thinking that it was +another booty carried by another <i>dog</i>, attempted to snatch it +away; but his greediness <i>was</i> disappointed, he both dropped the +food which he was holding in his mouth, and was after all unable to +reach that at which he grasped.</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_I_V">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_I_V" id = "riley_I_V"> +Fable V.</a><br> +THE COW, THE SHE-GOAT, THE SHEEP, AND THE LION.</h4> + +<p>An alliance with the powerful is never to be relied upon: the present +Fable testifies the truth of my maxim.</p> + +<p>A Cow, a She-Goat, and a Sheep<a class = "tag" name = "tagI_6" id = +"tagI_6" href = "#noteI_6">I.6</a> patient under injuries, were partners +in the forests with a Lion. When they had captured a Stag of vast bulk, +thus spoke the Lion, after it had been divided into shares: “Because my +name is Lion, I take the first; the second you will yield to me +because I am courageous; then, because I am the strongest,<a class = +"tag" name = "tagI_7" id = "tagI_7" href = "#noteI_7">I.7</a> the third +will +<span class = "pagenum">369</span> +fall to my lot; if anyone touches the fourth, woe betide him.” <!-- is +that “him” the cow, “him” the female goat, or “him” the sheep? --></p> + +<p>Thus did unscrupulousness seize upon the whole prey for itself.</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_I_VI">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_I_VI" id = "riley_I_VI"> +Fable VI.</a><br> +THE FROGS’ COMPLAINT AGAINST THE SUN.</h4> + +<p>Æsop, on seeing the pompous wedding of a thief, who was his +neighbour, immediately began to relate the following story:</p> + +<p>Once on a time, when the Sun was thinking of taking a wife,<a class = +"tag" name = "tagI_8" id = "tagI_8" href = "#noteI_8">I.8</a> the Frogs +sent forth their clamour to the stars. Disturbed by their croakings, +Jupiter asked the cause of their complaints. Then <i>said</i> one of the +inhabitants of the pool: “As it is, by himself he parches up all the +standing waters, and compels us unfortunates to languish and die in +<i>our</i> scorched abode. What is to become of us, if he beget +children?”</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_I_VII">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_I_VII" id = "riley_I_VII"> +Fable VII.</a><br> +THE FOX AND THE TRAGIC MASK.</h4> + +<p>A Fox, by chance, casting his eyes on a Tragic Mask: “Ah,” said she, +“great as is its beauty, still it has no brains.”<a class = "tag" name = +"tagI_9" id = "tagI_9" href = "#noteI_9">I.9</a></p> + +<span class = "pagenum">370</span> +<p>This is meant for those to whom fortune has granted honor and renown, +leaving them void of common sense.</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_I_VIII">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_I_VIII" id = "riley_I_VIII"> +Fable VIII.</a><br> +THE WOLF AND THE CRANE.</h4> + +<p>He who expects a recompense for his services from the dishonest +commits a twofold mistake; first, because he assists the undeserving, +and in the next place, because he cannot be gone while he is yet +safe.</p> + +<p>A bone that he had swallowed stuck in the jaws of a Wolf. Thereupon, +overcome by extreme pain, he began to tempt all and sundry by great +rewards to extract the cause of misery. At length, on his taking an +oath, a Crane was prevailed on, and, trusting the length of her +neck to his throat, she wrought, with danger to herself, a cure for +the Wolf. When she demanded the promised reward for this <i>service</i>, +“You are an ungrateful one,” replied <i>the Wolf</i>, “to have taken +your head in safety out of my mouth, and <i>then</i> to ask for a +reward.”</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_I_IX">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_I_IX" id = "riley_I_IX"> +Fable IX.</a><br> +THE SPARROW AND THE HARE.</h4> + +<p>Let us show, in a few lines, that it is unwise to be heedless<a class += "tag" name = "tagI_10" id = "tagI_10" href = "#noteI_10">I.10</a> of +ourselves, while we are giving advice to others.</p> + +<p>A Sparrow upbraided a Hare that had been pounced upon by an Eagle, +and was sending forth piercing cries. “Where now,” said he, “is that +fleetness for which you are so remarkable? Why were your feet +<i>thus</i> tardy?” While he was speaking, a Hawk seizes him +unawares, and kills him, shrieking aloud with vain complaints. The Hare, +almost dead, as a consolation in his agony, <i>exclaimed</i>: “You, who +so lately, free from care, were ridiculing my misfortunes, have now to +deplore your own fate with as woful cause.”</p> + + +<span class = "pagenum">371</span> +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_I_X">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_I_X" id = "riley_I_X"> +Fable X.</a><br> +THE WOLF, THE FOX, AND THE APE.</h4> + +<p>Whoever has once become notorious by base fraud, even if he speaks +the truth, gains no belief. To this, a short Fable of Æsop bears +witness.</p> + +<p>A Wolf indicted a Fox upon a charge of theft; the latter denied that +she was amenable to the charge. Upon this, the Ape sat as judge between +them; and when each of them had pleaded his cause, the Ape is said to +have pronounced <i>this</i> sentence: “You, <i>Wolf</i>, appear not to +have lost what you demand; I believe that you, <i>Fox</i>, have +stolen what you so speciously deny<ins class = "correction" title = +"close quote missing">.” </ins></p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_I_XI">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_I_XI" id = "riley_I_XI"> +Fable XI.</a><br> +THE ASS AND THE LION HUNTING.</h4> + +<p>A dastard, who in his talk brags of his prowess, and is devoid of +courage,<a class = "tag" name = "tagI_11" id = "tagI_11" href = +"#noteI_11">I.11</a> imposes upon strangers, but is the jest of all who +know him.</p> + +<p>A Lion having resolved to hunt in company with an Ass, concealed him +in a thicket, and at the same time enjoined him to frighten the wild +beasts with his voice, to which they were unused, while he himself was +to catch them as they fled. Upon this, Long-ears, with all his might, +suddenly raised a cry, and terrified the beasts with <i>this</i> new +cause of astonishment.<a class = "tag" name = "tagI_12" id = "tagI_12" +href = "#noteI_12">I.12</a> While, in their alarm, they are flying to +the well-known outlets, they are overpowered by the dread onset of the +Lion; who, after he was wearied with slaughter, called forth the Ass +<i>from his retreat</i>, and bade him cease his clamour. On this the +other, in his insolence, <i>inquired</i>: “What think you of the +assistance given by my voice?” “Excellent!” said <i>the Lion</i>, “so +much so, that if I had not been acquainted with your spirit and your +race, I should have fled in alarm like <i>the rest</i><ins class = +"correction" title = "close quote missing">.” </ins></p> + + +<span class = "pagenum">372</span> +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_I_XII">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_I_XII" id = "riley_I_XII"> +Fable XII.</a><br> +THE STAG AT THE STREAM.</h4> + +<p>This story shows that what you contemn is often found of more utility +than what you load with praises.</p> + +<p>A Stag, when he had drunk at a stream, stood still, and gazed upon +his likeness in the water. While there, in admiration, he was praising +his branching horns, and finding fault with the extreme thinness of his +legs, suddenly roused by the cries of the huntsmen, he took to flight +over the plain, and with nimble course escaped the dogs. Then a wood +received the beast; in which, being entangled and caught by his horns, +the dogs began to tear him to pieces with savage bites. While dying, he +is said to have uttered these words: “Oh, how unhappy am I, who now too +late find out how useful to me were the things that I despised; and what +sorrow the things I used to praise, have caused me.”</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_I_XIII">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_I_XIII" id = "riley_I_XIII"> +Fable XIII.</a><br> +THE FOX AND THE RAVEN.</h4> + +<p>He who is delighted at being flattered with artful words, +<i>generally</i> pays the ignominious penalty of a late repentance.</p> + +<p>As a Raven, perched in a lofty tree, was about to eat a piece of +cheese, stolen from a window,<a class = "tag" name = "tagI_13" id = +"tagI_13" href = "#noteI_13">I.13</a> a Fox espied him, <i>and</i> +thereupon began thus to speak: “O Raven, what a glossiness there is +upon those feathers of yours! What grace you carry in your shape and +air! If you had a voice, no bird whatever would be superior to you.” On +this, the other, while, in his folly, attempting to show off his voice, +let fall the cheese from his mouth, which the crafty Fox with greedy +teeth instantly snatched up. Then, too late, the Raven, thus, in his +stupidity overreached, heaved a bitter sigh.</p> + +<p>By this story<a class = "tag" name = "tagI_14" id = "tagI_14" href = +"#noteI_14">I.14</a> it is shown, how much ingenuity avails, <i>and</i> +how wisdom is always an overmatch for strength.</p> + + + +<span class = "pagenum">373</span> +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_I_XIV">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_I_XIV" id = "riley_I_XIV"> +Fable XIV.</a><br> +THE COBBLER TURNED PHYSICIAN.</h4> + +<p>A bungling Cobbler, broken down by want, having begun to practise +physic in a strange place, and selling his antidote<a class = "tag" name += "tagI_15" id = "tagI_15" href = "#noteI_15">I.15</a> under a feigned +name, gained some reputation for himself by his delusive speeches.</p> + +<p>Upon this, the King of the city, who lay ill, being afflicted with a +severe malady, asked for a cup, for the purpose of trying him; and then +pouring water into it, and pretending that he was mixing poison with the +fellow’s antidote, ordered him to drink it off, <i>in consideration +of</i> a stated <ins class = "correction" title = "d. invisible">reward.</ins> Through fear of death, the cobbler then +confessed that not by any skill in the medical art, but through the +stupidity of the public, he had gained his reputation. The King, having +summoned a council, thus remarked: “What think you of the extent of your +madness, when you do not hesitate to trust your lives<a class = "tag" +name = "tagI_16" id = "tagI_16" href = "#noteI_16">I.16</a> to one to +whom no one would trust his feet to be fitted with shoes?”</p> + +<p>This, I should say with good reason, is aimed at those through whose +folly impudence makes a profit.</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_I_XV">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_I_XV" id = "riley_I_XV"> +Fable XV.</a><br> +THE ASS AND THE OLD SHEPHERD.</h4> + +<p>In a change of government, the poor change nothing beyond the name of +their master. That this is the fact this little Fable shows.</p> + +<span class = "pagenum">374</span> +<p>A timorous Old Man was feeding an Ass <ins class = "correction" title += "i invisible">in</ins> a meadow. Frightened by a sudden alarm of +the enemy, he tried to persuade the Ass to fly, lest they should be +taken prisoners. But he leisurely replied: “Pray, do you suppose that +the conqueror will place double panniers upon me?” The Old Man said, +“No.” “Then what matters it to me, so long as I have to carry my +panniers, whom I serve?”</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_I_XVI">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_I_XVI" id = "riley_I_XVI"> +Fable XVI.</a><br> +THE STAG, THE SHEEP, AND THE WOLF.</h4> + +<p>When a rogue offers his name as surety in a doubtful case, he has no +design to act straight-forwardly, but is looking to mischief.</p> + +<p>A Stag asked a Sheep for a measure<a class = "tag" name = "tagI_17" +id = "tagI_17" href = "#noteI_17">I.17</a> of wheat, a Wolf being +his surety. The other, however, suspecting fraud, <i>replied</i>: “The +Wolf has always been in the habit of plundering and absconding; you, of +rushing out of sight with rapid flight: where am I to look for you both +when the day comes?”<a class = "tag" name = "tagI_18" id = "tagI_18" +href = "#noteI_18">I.18</a></p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_I_XVII">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_I_XVII" id = "riley_I_XVII"> +Fable XVII.</a><br> +THE SHEEP, THE DOG, AND THE WOLF.</h4> + +<p>Liars generally<a class = "tag" name = "tagI_19" id = "tagI_19" href += "#noteI_19">I.19</a> pay the penalty of their guilt.</p> + +<p>A Dog, who was a false accuser, having demanded of a Sheep a loaf of +bread, which he affirmed he had entrusted to her charge; a Wolf, +summoned as a witness, affirmed that not only one was owing but ten. +Condemned on false testimony, the Sheep had to pay what she did not owe. +A few days after, the Sheep saw the Wolf lying in a pit. “This,” +said she, “is the reward of <ins class = "correction" title = "not an error">villany</ins>, sent by the Gods.”</p> + + +<span class = "pagenum">375</span> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_I_XVIII" id = "riley_I_XVIII"> +Fable XVIII.</a><br> +THE WOMAN IN LABOUR.</h4> + +<p>No one returns with good will to the place which has done him a +mischief.</p> + +<p>Her months completed,<a class = "tag" name = "tagI_20" id = "tagI_20" +href = "#noteI_20">I.20</a> a Woman in labour lay upon the ground, +uttering woful moans. Her Husband entreated her to lay her body on the +bed, where she might with more ease deposit her ripe burden. +“I feel far from confident,” said she, “that my pains can end in +the place where they originated.”</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_I_XIX">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_I_XIX" id = "riley_I_XIX"> +Fable XIX.</a><br> +THE BITCH AND HER WHELPS.</h4> + +<p>The fair words of a wicked man are fraught with treachery, and the +subjoined lines warn us to shun them.</p> + +<p>A Bitch, ready to whelp,<a class = "tag" name = "tagI_21" id = +"tagI_21" href = "#noteI_21">I.21</a> having entreated another that she +might give birth to her offspring in her kennel, easily obtained the +favour. Afterwards, on the other asking for her place back again, she +renewed her entreaties, earnestly begging for a short time, until she +might be enabled to lead forth her whelps when they had gained +sufficient strength. This time being also expired, <i>the other</i> +began more urgently to press for her abode: “If” said <i>the tenant</i>, +“you can be a match for me and my litter, I will depart from the +place.”</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_I_XX">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_I_XX" id = "riley_I_XX"> +Fable XX.</a><br> +THE HUNGRY DOGS.</h4> + +<p>An ill-judged project is not only without effect, but also lures +mortals to their destruction.</p> + +<span class = "pagenum">376</span> +<p>Some Dogs espied a raw hide sunk in a river. In order that they might +more easily get it out and devour it, they fell to drinking up the +water; they burst, however, and perished before they could reach what +they sought.</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_I_XXI">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_I_XXI" id = "riley_I_XXI"> +Fable XXI.</a><br> +THE AGED LION, THE WILD BOAR, THE BULL, AND THE ASS.</h4> + +<p>Whoever has fallen from a previous high estate, is in his calamity +the butt even of cowards.</p> + +<p>As a Lion, worn out with years, and deserted by his strength, lay +drawing his last breath, a Wild Boar came up to him, with flashing +tusks,<a class = "tag" name = "tagI_22" id = "tagI_22" href = +"#noteI_22">I.22</a> and with a blow revenged an old affront. Next, with +hostile horns, a Bull pierced the body of his foe. An Ass, on +seeing the wild beast maltreated with impunity, tore up his forehead +with his heels. On this, expiring, he <i>said</i>: “I have borne, +with indignation, the insults of the brave; but in being inevitably +forced to bear with you, disgrace to nature! I seem to die a double +death.”</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_I_XXII">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_I_XXII" id = "riley_I_XXII"> +Fable XXII.</a><br> +THE MAN AND THE WEASEL.</h4> + +<p>A Weasel, on being caught by a Man, wishing to escape impending +death: “Pray,” said she, “do spare me, for ’tis I who keep your house +clear of troublesome mice.” The Man made answer: “If you did so for my +sake, it would be a reason for thanking you, <i>and</i> I should have +granted you the pardon you entreat. But, inasmuch as you do your best +that you may enjoy the scraps which they would have gnawed, and devour +the mice as well, don’t think of placing your pretended services to my +account;” and so saying, he put the wicked <i>creature</i> to death.</p> + +<span class = "pagenum">377</span> +<p>Those persons ought to recognize this as applicable to themselves, +whose object is private advantage, and who boast to the unthinking of an +unreal merit.</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_I_XXIII">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_I_XXIII" id = "riley_I_XXIII"> +Fable XXIII.</a><br> +THE FAITHFUL DOG.</h4> + +<p>The man who becomes liberal all of a sudden, gratifies the foolish, +but for the wary spreads his toils in vain.</p> + +<p>A Thief one night threw a crust of bread to a Dog, to try whether he +could be gained by the proffered victuals: “Hark you,” said the Dog, “do +you think to stop my tongue so that I may not bark for my master’s +property? You are greatly mistaken. For this sudden liberality bids me +be on the watch, that you may not profit by my neglect<ins class = +"correction" title = "close quote missing">.” </ins></p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_I_XXIV">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_I_XXIV" id = "riley_I_XXIV"> +Fable XXIV.</a><br> +THE FROG AND THE OX.</h4> + +<p>The needy man, while affecting to imitate the powerful, comes to +ruin.</p> + +<p>Once on a time, a Frog espied an Ox in a meadow, and moved with envy +at his vast bulk, puffed out her wrinkled skin, <i>and</i> then asked +her young ones whether she was bigger than the Ox. They said “No.” +Again, with still greater efforts, she distended her skin, and in like +manner enquired which was the bigger:<a class = "tag" name = "tagI_23" +id = "tagI_23" href = "#noteI_23">I.23</a> they said: “The Ox.” At last, +while, full of indignation, she tried, with all her might, to puff +herself out, she burst her body on the spot.</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_I_XXV">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_I_XXV" id = "riley_I_XXV"> +Fable XXV.</a><br> +THE DOG AND THE CROCODILE.</h4> + +<p>Those who give bad advice to discreet persons, both lose their pains, +and are laughed to scorn.</p> + +<span class = "pagenum">378</span> +<p>It has been related,<a class = "tag" name = "tagI_24" id = "tagI_24" +href = "#noteI_24">I.24</a> that Dogs drink at the river Nile running +along, that they may not be seized by the Crocodiles. Accordingly, +a Dog having begun to drink while running along, a Crocodile +thus addressed him: “Lap as leisurely as you like; drink on; come +nearer, and don’t be afraid,” said he. The other <i>replied</i>: “Egad, +I would do so with all my heart, did I not know that you are eager +for my flesh.”</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_I_XXVI">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_I_XXVI" id = "riley_I_XXVI"> +Fable XXVI.</a><br> +THE FOX AND THE STORK.</h4> + +<p>Harm should be done to no man; but if any one do an injury, this +Fable shows that he may be visited with a like return.</p> + +<p>A Fox is said to have given a Stork the first invitation to a +banquet, and to have placed before her some thin broth in a flat dish, +of which the hungry Stork could in no way get a taste. Having invited +the Fox in return, she set <i>before him</i> a narrow-mouthed jar,<a +class = "tag" name = "tagI_25" id = "tagI_25" href = +"#noteI_25">I.25</a> full of minced meat:<a class = "tag" name = +"tagI_26" id = "tagI_26" href = "#noteI_26">I.26</a> and, thrusting her +beak into it, satisfied herself, <i>while</i> she tormented her guest +with hunger; who, after having in vain licked the neck of the jar, as we +have heard, thus addressed the foreign bird:<a class = "tag" name = +"tagI_27" id = "tagI_27" href = "#noteI_27">I.27</a> “Every one is bound +to bear patiently the results of his own example.”</p> + + +<span class = "pagenum">379</span> +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_I_XXVII">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_I_XXVII" id = "riley_I_XXVII"> +Fable XXVII.</a><br> +THE DOG, THE TREASURE, AND THE VULTURE.</h4> + +<p>This Fable may be applied to the avaricious, and to those, who, born +to a humble lot, affect to be called rich.</p> + +<p>Grubbing up human bones,<a class = "tag" name = "tagI_28" id = +"tagI_28" href = "#noteI_28">I.28</a> a Dog met with a Treasure; and, +because he had offended the Gods the Manes,<a class = "tag" name = +"tagI_29" id = "tagI_29" href = "#noteI_29">I.29</a> a desire for +riches was inspired in him, that so he might pay the penalty <i>due</i> +to the holy character of the place. Accordingly, while he was watching +over the gold, forgetful of food, he was starved to death; on which a +Vulture, standing over him, is reported to have said: “O Dog, you +justly meet your death, who, begotten at a cross-road, and bred up on a +dunghill, have suddenly coveted regal wealth<ins class = "correction" +title = "close quote missing">.” </ins></p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_I_XXVIII">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_I_XXVIII" id = +"riley_I_XXVIII"> +Fable XXVIII.</a><br> +THE FOX AND THE EAGLE.</h4> + +<p>Men, however high in station, ought to be on their guard against the +lowly; because, to ready address, revenge lies near at hand.</p> + +<p>An Eagle one day carried off the whelps of a Fox, and placed them in +<i>her</i> nest before her young ones, for them to tear in pieces as +food. The mother, following her, began to entreat that she would not +cause such sorrow to her miserable <i>suppliant</i>. The other despised +her, as being safe in the very situation of the spot. The Fox snatched +from an altar a burning torch, and surrounded the whole tree with +flames, intending to mingle anguish to her foe with the loss +<span class = "pagenum">380</span> +of her offspring. The Eagle, that she might rescue her young ones from +the peril of death, in a suppliant manner restored to the Fox her whelps +in safety.</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_I_XXIX" id = "riley_I_XXIX"> +Fable XXIX.</a><br> +THE ASS DERIDING THE BOAR.</h4> + +<p>Fools often, while trying to raise a silly laugh, provoke others by +gross affronts, and cause serious danger to themselves.</p> + +<p>An Ass meeting a Boar: “Good morrow to you, brother,” says he. The +other indignantly rejects the salutation, and enquires why he thinks +proper to utter such an untruth. The Ass, with legs<a class = "tag" name += "tagI_30" id = "tagI_30" href = "#noteI_30">I.30</a> crouching down, +replies: “If you deny that you are like me, at all events I have +something very like your snout.” The Boar, just on the point of making a +fierce attack, suppressed his rage, and <i>said</i>: “Revenge were easy +for me, but I decline to be defiled with <i>such</i> dastardly blood<ins +class = "correction" title = "close quote missing">.” </ins></p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_I_XXIX">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_I_XXX" id = "riley_I_XXX"> +Fable XXX.</a><br> +THE FROGS FRIGHTENED AT THE BATTLE OF THE BULLS.</h4> + +<p>When the powerful<a class = "tag" name = "tagI_31" id = "tagI_31" +href = "#noteI_31">I.31</a> are at variance, the lowly are the +sufferers.</p> + +<p>A Frog, viewing from a marsh, a combat of some Bulls: “Alas!” said +she, “what terrible destruction is threatening us.” Being asked by +another why she said so, as the Bulls were contending for the +sovereignty of the herd, and passed their lives afar from them: “Their +habitation is at a distance,” <i>said she</i>,<ins class = "correction" +title = "open quote missing"> “</ins>and they are of a different +kind; still, he who <i>is</i> expelled from the sovereignty of the +meadow, will take +<span class = "pagenum">381</span> +to flight, <i>and</i> come to the secret hiding-places in the fens, and +trample and crush us with his hard hoof. Thus does their fury concern +our safety.”</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_I_XXX">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_I_XXXI" id = "riley_I_XXXI"> +Fable XXXI.</a><br> +THE KITE AND THE PIGEONS.</h4> + +<p>He who entrusts himself to the protection of a wicked man, while he +seeks assistance, meets with destruction.</p> + +<p>Some Pigeons, having often escaped from a Kite, and by their +swiftness of wing avoided death, the spoiler had recourse to stratagem, +and by a crafty device of this nature, deceived the harmless race. “Why +do you prefer to live a life of anxiety, rather than conclude a treaty, +and make me <i>your</i> king, who can ensure your safety from every +injury?” They, putting confidence in him, entrusted themselves to the +Kite, who, on obtaining the sovereignty, began to devour them one by +one, and to exercise authority with his cruel talons. Then said one of +those that were left: “Deservedly are we smitten.”</p> + +<hr class = "tiny"> + +<h5><a name = "notes_I" id = "notes_I">Footnotes to Book I</a></h5> + +<div class = "footnote"> + +<p><a name = "noteI_1" id = "noteI_1" href = "#tagI_1">1.</a> +<i>When Athens</i>)—Ver. 1. This probably alludes to the +government of Solon, when Archon of Athens.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteI_2" id = "noteI_2" href = "#tagI_2">2.</a> +<i>Pisistratus the Tyrant</i>)—Ver. 5. From Suidas and Eusebius we +learn that Æsop died in the fifty-fourth Olympiad, while Pisistratus did +not seize the supreme power at Athens till the first year of the +fifty-fifth. These dates, however, have been disputed by many, and +partly on the strength of the present passage.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteI_3" id = "noteI_3" href = "#tagI_3">3.</a> +<i>A Water-Snake</i>)—Ver. 24. Pliny tells us that the “hydrus” +lives in the water, and is exceedingly venomous. Some Commentators think +that Phædrus, like Æsop, intends to conceal a political meaning under +this Fable, and that by the Water-Snake he means Caligula, and by the +Log, Tiberius. Others, perhaps with more probability, think that the +cruelty of Tiberius alone is alluded to in the mention of the snake. +Indeed, it is doubtful whether Phædrus survived to the time of Caligula: +and it is more generally believed that the First and Second Books were +written in the time of Augustus and Tiberius.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteI_4" id = "noteI_4" href = "#tagI_4">4.</a> +<i>A Jackdaw, swelling</i>)—Ver. 4. Scheffer thinks that Sejanus +is alluded to under this image.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteI_5" id = "noteI_5" href = "#tagI_5">5.</a> +<i>As a Dog swimming</i>)—Ver. 9. Lessing finds some fault with +the way in which this Fable is related, and with fair reason. The Dog +swimming would be likely to disturb the water to such a degree, that it +would be impossible for him to see with any distinctness the reflection +of the meat. The version which represents him as crossing a bridge is +certainly more consistent with nature.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteI_6" id = "noteI_6" href = "#tagI_6">6.</a> +<i>And a Sheep</i>)—Ver. 3. Lessing also censures this Fable on +the ground of the partnership being contrary to nature; neither the cow, +the goat, nor the sheep feed on flesh.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteI_7" id = "noteI_7" href = "#tagI_7">7.</a> +<i>I am the strongest</i>)—Ver. 9. Some critics profess to see no +difference between “sum fortis” in the eighth line, and “plus valeo” +here; but the former expression appears to refer to his courage, and the +latter to his strength. However, the second and third reasons are +nothing but reiterations of the first one, under another form. Davidson +remarks on this passage: “I am not certain that the Poet meant any +distinction; nay, there is, perhaps, a propriety in supposing that +he industriously makes the Lion plead twice upon the same title, to +represent more strongly by what unjust claims men in power often invade +the property of another.”</p> + +<p><a name = "noteI_8" id = "noteI_8" href = "#tagI_8">8.</a> +<i>Taking a wife</i>)—Ver. 3. It has been suggested by Brotier and +Desbillons, that in this Fable Phædrus covertly alludes to the marriage +which was contemplated by Livia, or Livilla, the daughter of the elder +Drusus and Antonia, and the wife of her first-cousin, the younger +Drusus, with the infamous Sejanus, the minister and favourite of +Tiberius, after having, with his assistance, removed her husband by +poison. In such case, the Frogs will represent the Roman people, the Sun +Sejanus, who had greatly oppressed them, and by Jupiter, Tiberius will +be meant.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteI_9" id = "noteI_9" href = "#tagI_9">9.</a> +<i>Has no brains</i>)—Ver. 2. To make the sense of this remark of +the Fox the more intelligible, we must bear in mind that the ancient +masks covered the whole head, and sometimes extended down to the +shoulders; consequently, their resemblance to the human head was much +more striking than in the masks of the present day.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteI_10" id = "noteI_10" href = "#tagI_10">10.</a> +<i>To be heedless</i>)—Ver. 1. “Cavere” is a word of legal +signification, meaning to give advice to a person by way of assistance +or precaution, as a patron to his client.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteI_11" id = "noteI_11" href = "#tagI_11">11.</a> +<i>Devoid of courage</i>)—Ver. 1. Burmann suggests, with great +probability, that Phædrus had here in mind those braggart warriors, who +have been so well described by Plautus and Terence, under the characters +of Pyrgopolynices and Thraso.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteI_12" id = "noteI_12" href = "#tagI_12">12.</a> +<i>This new cause of astonishment</i>)<ins class = "correction" title = +"dash printed after verse number">—</ins>Ver. 8. Never having +heard the voice of an ass in the forests before<ins class = "correction" +title = ". missing">. </ins></p> + +<p><a name = "noteI_13" id = "noteI_13" href = "#tagI_13">13.</a> +<i>From a window</i>)—Ver. 3. Burmann suggests that the window of +a house in which articles of food were exposed for sale, is probably +meant.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteI_14" id = "noteI_14" href = "#tagI_14">14.</a> +<i>By this story</i>)—Ver. 13. Heinsius thinks this line and the +next to be spurious; because, though Phædrus sometimes at the beginning +mentions the design of his Fable, he seldom does so at the end. In this +conjecture he is followed by Bentley, Sanadon, and many others of the +learned.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteI_15" id = "noteI_15" href = "#tagI_15">15.</a> +<i>Selling his antidote</i>)—Ver. 3. “Antidotum” probably means a +universal remedy, capable of curing all natural diseases, as well as +neutralizing the effects of poison.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteI_16" id = "noteI_16" href = "#tagI_16">16.</a> +<i>Trust your lives</i>)—Ver. 15. He seems to pun upon the word +“capita,” as meaning not only “the life,” but “the head,” in +contradistinction to “the feet,” mentioned in the next line. As in +l. 2 we find that he came to a place where he was not known, we +must suppose that the Cobbler confessed to the King his former +calling.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteI_17" id = "noteI_17" href = "#tagI_17">17.</a> +<i>For a measure</i>)—Ver. 3. Properly “modius;” the principal dry +measure of the Romans. It was equal to one-third of the amphora, and +therefore to nearly two gallons English.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteI_18" id = "noteI_18" href = "#tagI_18">18.</a> +<i>Day comes</i>)—Ver. 6. “Quum dies adveniat,” a law term, +signifying “when the day of payment comes.”</p> + +<p><a name = "noteI_19" id = "noteI_19" href = "#tagI_19">19.</a> +<i>Liars generally</i>)—Ver. 1. It is supposed by some that this +Fable is levelled against the informers who infested Rome in the days of +Tiberius.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteI_20" id = "noteI_20" href = "#tagI_20">20.</a> +<i>Her months completed</i>)—Ver. 2. Plutarch relates this, not as +a Fable, but as a true narrative.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteI_21" id = "noteI_21" href = "#tagI_21">21.</a> +<i>Ready to whelp</i>)—Ver. 3. Justin, B. I., c. 3, +mentions this Fable with some little variation, as being related by a +Ligurian to Comanus, the son of King Nannus, who had granted (about B.C. +540) some land to the Phocæans for the foundation of the city of +Massilia; signifying thereby that the natives would be quickly +dispossessed by the newcomers.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteI_22" id = "noteI_22" href = "#tagI_22">22.</a> +<i>With flashing tusks</i>)—Ver. 5. “Fulmineus,” “lightning-like,” +is an epithet given by Ovid and Statius also, to the tusks of the wild +boar; probably by reason of their sharpness and the impetuosity of the +blow inflicted thereby. Scheffer suggests that they were so called from +their white appearance among the black hair of the boar’s head.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteI_23" id = "noteI_23" href = "#tagI_23">23.</a> +<i>Which was the bigger</i>)—Ver. 8. “Quis major esset. Illi +dixerunt Bovem.” Bentley censures this line, and thinks it spurious. In +good Latin, he says “uter” would occupy the place of “quis,” and “bovem” +would be replaced by “bos.”</p> + +<p><a name = "noteI_24" id = "noteI_24" href = "#tagI_24">24.</a> +<i>It has been related</i>)—Ver. 3. Pliny, in his Natural History, +B. viii. c. 40, and Ælian, in his Various and Natural +Histories, relate the same fact as to the dogs drinking of the Nile. “To +treat a thing, as the dogs do the Nile,” was a common proverb with the +ancients, signifying to do it superficially; corresponding with our +homely saying, “To give it a lick and a promise.” Macrobius, in the +Saturnalia, B. i. c. 2, mentions a story, that after the +defeat at Mutina, when enquiry was made as to what had become of Antony, +one of his servants made answer: “He has done what the dogs do in Egypt, +he drank and ran away<ins class = "correction" title = "text has , for .">.” </ins></p> + +<p><a name = "noteI_25" id = "noteI_25" href = "#tagI_25">25.</a> +<i>Of minced meat</i>)—Ver. 7. “Intritus cibus,” is thought here +to signify a peculiar dish, consisting of bread soaked in milk, cheese, +garlic, and other herbs.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteI_26" id = "noteI_26" href = "#tagI_26">26.</a> +<i>Narrow-mouthed jar</i>)—Ver. 8. The <ins class = "correction" +title = "standard form is ‘lagoena’">“lagena,” or “lagona,”</ins> was a +long-necked bottle or flagon, made of earth, and much used for keeping +wine or fruit.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteI_27" id = "noteI_27" href = "#tagI_27">27.</a> +<i>The foreign bird</i>)—Ver. 11. Alluding probably to the +migratory habits of the stork, or the fact of her being especially a +native of Egypt.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteI_28" id = "noteI_28" href = "#tagI_28">28.</a> +<i>Human bones</i>)—Ver. 3. This plainly refers to the custom +which prevailed among the ancients, of burying golden ornaments, and +even money, with the dead; which at length was practised to such an +excess, that at Rome the custom was forbidden by law. It was probably +practised to a great extent by the people of Etruria; if we may judge +from the discoveries of golden ornaments frequently made in their +tombs.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteI_29" id = "noteI_29" href = "#tagI_29">29.</a> +<i>Gods the Manes</i>)—Ver. 4. Perhaps by “Deos Manes” are meant +the good and bad Genii of the deceased.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteI_30" id = "noteI_30" href = "#tagI_30">30.</a> +<i>The ass, with legs</i>)—Ver. 7. This line is somewhat modified +in the translation.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteI_31" id = "noteI_31" href = "#tagI_31">31.</a> +<i>When the powerful</i>)—Ver. 1. This is similar to the line of +Horace, “Quicquid delirant reges, plectuntur Achivi.”</p> + +</div> + + +<span class = "pagenum">382</span> +<h3><a name = "riley_II" id = "riley_II">BOOK II.</a></h3> + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_II_pro">Smart</a> +<h4><a name = "riley_II_pro" id = "riley_II_pro"> +THE PROLOGUE.</a></h4> + +<p><span class = "firstword">The</span> plan of Æsop is confined to +instruction by examples; nor by Fables is anything else<a class = "tag" +name = "tagII_1" id = "tagII_1" href = "#noteII_1">II.1</a> aimed at +than that the errors of mortals may be corrected, and persevering +industry<a class = "tag" name = "tagII_2" id = "tagII_2" href = +"#noteII_2">II.2</a> exert itself. Whatever the playful invention, +therefore, of the narrator, so long as it pleases the ear, and answers +its purpose, it is recommended by its merits, not by the Author’s +name.</p> + +<p>For my part, I will with all care follow the method of the sage;<a +class = "tag" name = "tagII_3" id = "tagII_3" href = +"#noteII_3">II.3</a> but if I should think fit to insert something<a +class = "tag" name = "tagII_4" id = "tagII_4" href = +"#noteII_4">II.4</a> <i>of my own</i>, that variety of subjects may +gratify the taste, I trust, Reader, you will take it in good part; +provided that my brevity be a fair return for such a favour: of which, +that <i>my</i> praises may not be verbose, listen to the reason why you +ought to deny the covetous, <i>and</i> even to offer to the modest that +for which they have not asked.</p> + + +<span class = "pagenum">383</span> +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_II_I">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_II_I" id = "riley_II_I"> +Fable I.</a><br> +THE LION, THE ROBBER, AND THE TRAVELLER.</h4> + +<p>While a Lion was standing over a Bullock, which he had brought to the +ground, a Robber came up, and demanded a share. “I would give +it you,” said <i>the Lion</i>, “were you not in the habit of taking +without leave;” and <i>so</i> repulsed the rogue. By chance, +a harmless Traveller was led to the same spot, and on seeing the +wild beast, retraced his steps; on which the Lion kindly said to him: +“You have nothing to fear; boldly take the share which is due to your +modesty.” Then having divided the carcase, he sought the woods, that he +might make room for the Man.</p> + +<p>A very excellent example, and worthy of all praise; but covetousness +is rich and modesty in want.<a class = "tag" name = "tagII_5" id = +"tagII_5" href = "#noteII_5">II.5</a></p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_II_II">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_II_II" id = "riley_II_II"> +Fable II.</a><br> +THE TWO WOMEN OF DIFFERENT AGES BELOVED BY THE +MIDDLE-AGED MAN.</h4> + +<p>That the men, under all circumstances, are preyed upon by the women, +whether they love or are beloved, <i>this</i> truly we learn from +examples.</p> + +<p>A Woman, not devoid of grace, held enthralled a certain Man of middle +age,<a class = "tag" name = "tagII_6" id = "tagII_6" href = +"#noteII_6">II.6</a> concealing her years by the arts of the toilet: +a lovely Young creature, too, had captivated the heart of the same +person. Both, as they were desirous to appear of the same age with him, +began, each in her turn, to pluck out the hair of the Man. While he +imagined that +<span class = "pagenum">384</span> +he was made trim by the care of the women, he suddenly found himself +bald; for the Young Woman had entirely pulled out the white hairs, the +Old Woman the black ones.</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_II_III">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_II_III" id = "riley_II_III"> +Fable III.</a><br> +THE MAN AND THE DOG.</h4> + +<p>A Man, torn by the bite of a savage Dog, threw a piece of bread, dipt +in his blood, to the offender; a thing that he had heard was a +remedy for the wound. Then said Æsop: “Don’t do this before many dogs, +lest they devour us alive, when they know that such is the reward of +guilt.”</p> + +<p>The success of the wicked is a temptation to many.</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_II_IV">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_II_IV" id = "riley_II_IV"> +Fable IV.</a><br> +THE EAGLE, THE CAT, AND THE WILD SOW.</h4> + +<p>An Eagle had made her nest at the top of an oak; a Cat who had +found a hole in the middle, had kittened <i>there</i>; a Sow, +a dweller in the woods, had laid her offspring at the bottom. Then +thus does the Cat with deceit and wicked malice, destroy the community +so formed by accident. She mounts up to the nest of the Bird: +“Destruction,” says she, “is preparing for you, perhaps, too, for +wretched me; for as you see, the Sow, digging up the earth every day, is +insidiously trying to overthrow the oak, that she may easily seize our +progeny on the ground.” Having <i>thus</i> spread terror, and bewildered +<i>the Eagle’s</i> senses, the Cat creeps down to the lair of the +bristly Sow: “In great danger,” says she, “are your offspring; for as +soon as you go out to forage with your young litter, the Eagle is ready +to snatch away from you your little pigs.” Having filled this place +likewise with alarm, she cunningly hides herself in her safe hole. +Thence she wanders forth on tiptoe by night, and having filled herself +and her offspring with food, she looks out all day long, pretending +alarm. Fearing the downfall, the Eagle sits still in the branches; to +avoid the attack of the spoiler, the Sow stirs not abroad. Why make a +long story? +<span class = "pagenum">385</span> +They perished through hunger, with their young ones, and afforded the +Cat and her kittens an ample repast.</p> + +<p>Silly credulity may take this as a proof how much evil a +double-tongued man may often contrive.</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_II_V">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_II_V" id = "riley_II_V"> +Fable V.</a><br> +CÆSAR TO THE CHAMBERLAIN.</h4> + +<p>There is a certain set of busybodies at Rome, hurriedly running to +and fro, busily engaged in idleness, out of breath about nothing at all, +with much ado doing nothing, a trouble to themselves, and most +annoying to others. It is my object, by a true story, to reform this +race, if indeed I can: it is worth your while to attend.</p> + +<p>Tiberius Cæsar, when on his way to Naples, came to his country-seat +at Misenum,<a class = "tag" name = "tagII_7" id = "tagII_7" href = +"#noteII_7">II.7</a> which, placed by the hand of Lucullus on the summit +of the heights, beholds the Sicilian sea in the distance, and that of +Etruria close at hand. One of the highly girt Chamberlains,<a class = +"tag" name = "tagII_8" id = "tagII_8" href = "#noteII_8">II.8</a> whose +tunic of Pelusian linen was nicely smoothed from his shoulders +downwards, with hanging fringes, while his master was walking through +the pleasant shrubberies, began with bustling officiousness to +sprinkle<a class = "tag" name = "tagII_9" id = "tagII_9" href = +"#noteII_9">II.9</a> the parched ground with a wooden watering-pot; but +<i>only</i> got laughed at. Thence, by short cuts <i>to him</i> +<span class = "pagenum">386</span> +well known, he runs before into another walk,<a class = "tag" name = +"tagII_10" id = "tagII_10" href = "#noteII_10">II.10</a> laying the +dust. Cæsar takes notice of the fellow, and discerns his object. Just as +he is supposing that there is some extraordinary good fortune in store +for him: “Come hither,” says his master; on which he skips up to him, +quickened by the joyous hope of a sure reward. Then, in a jesting tone, +thus spoke the mighty majesty of the prince: “You have not profited +much; your labour is all in vain; manumission stands at a much higher +price with me<ins class = "correction" title = "close quote missing">.”</ins><a class = "tag" name = "tagII_11" id = "tagII_11" href += "#noteII_11">II.11</a></p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_II_VI">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_II_VI" id = "riley_II_VI"> +Fable VI.</a><br> +THE EAGLE, THE CROW, AND THE TORTOISE.</h4> + +<p>No one is sufficiently armed against the powerful; but if a wicked +adviser joins them, nothing can withstand such a combination of violence +and unscrupulousness.<a class = "tag" name = "tagII_12" id = "tagII_12" +href = "#noteII_12">II.12</a></p> + +<p>An Eagle carried a Tortoise aloft, who had hidden her body in her +horny abode, and in her concealment could not, while thus sheltered, be +injured in any way. A Crow came through the air, and flying near, +exclaimed: “You really have carried off a rich prize in your talons; but +if I don’t instruct you what you must do, in vain will you tire yourself +with the heavy weight.” A share being promised her, she persuades +the Eagle to dash the hard shell from the lofty stars upon a rock, that, +it being broken to pieces, she may easily feed upon the meat. Induced by +her words, the Eagle attends to her suggestion, and at the same time +gives a large share of the banquet to her instructress.</p> + +<span class = "pagenum">387</span> +<p>Thus she who had been protected by the bounty of nature, being an +unequal match for the two, perished by an unhappy fate.</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_II_VII">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_II_VII" id = "riley_II_VII"> +Fable VII.</a><br> +THE MULES AND THE ROBBERS.</h4> + +<p>Laden with burdens, two Mules were travelling along; the one was +carrying baskets<a class = "tag" name = "tagII_13" id = "tagII_13" href += "#noteII_13">II.13</a> with money, the other sacks distended with +store of barley. The former, rich with his burden, goes exulting along, +with neck erect, and tossing to-and-fro upon his throat <i>his</i> +clear-toned bell:<a class = "tag" name = "tagII_14" id = "tagII_14" href += "#noteII_14">II.14</a> his companion follows, with quiet and easy +step. Suddenly some Robbers rush from ambush upon them, and amid the +slaughter<a class = "tag" name = "tagII_15" id = "tagII_15" href = +"#noteII_15">II.15</a> pierce the Mule with a sword, and carry off the +money; the valueless barley they neglect. While, then, the one despoiled +was bewailing their mishaps: “For my part,” says the other, “I am +glad I was thought so little of; for I have lost nothing, nor have I +received hurt by a wound.”</p> + +<p>According to the moral of this Fable, poverty is safe; great riches +are liable to danger.</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_II_VIII">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_II_VIII" id = "riley_II_VIII"> +Fable VIII.</a><br> +THE STAG AND THE OXEN.</h4> + +<p>A Stag, aroused from his woodland lair, to avoid impending death +threatened by huntsmen, repaired with blind fear to the nearest +farm-house, and hid himself in an ox-stall close at hand. Upon this, an +Ox said to him, as he concealed himself: “Why, what do you mean, unhappy +one, in thus rushing of your own accord upon +<span class = "pagenum">388</span> +destruction, and trusting your life to the abode of man?” To this he +suppliantly replied: “Do you only spare me; the moment an opportunity is +given I will again rush forth.” Night in her turn takes the place of +day; the Neat-herd brings fodder, but yet sees him not. All the farm +servants pass and repass every now and then; no one perceives him; even +the Steward passes by, nor does he observe anything. Upon this, the +stag, in his joy, began to return thanks to the Oxen who had kept so +still, because they had afforded him hospitality in the hour of +adversity. One of them made answer: “We really do wish you well; but if +he, who has a hundred eyes, should come, your life will be placed in +great peril.” In the meanwhile the Master himself comes back from +dinner; and having lately seen the Oxen in bad condition, comes up to +the rack: “Why,” says he, “is there so little fodder? Is litter scarce? +What great trouble is it to remove those spiders’ webs?”<a class = "tag" +name = "tagII_16" id = "tagII_16" href = "#noteII_16">II.16</a> While he +is prying into every corner, he perceives too the branching horns of the +Stag, and having summoned the household, he orders him to be killed, and +carries off the prize.</p> + +<p>This Fable signifies that the master sees better than any one else in +his own affairs.</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_II_epi">Smart</a> +<h4><a name = "riley_II_epi" id = "riley_II_epi">THE EPILOGUE.</a></h4> + +<p>The Athenians erected a statue to the genius of Æsop, and placed him, +though a slave, upon an everlasting pedestal, that all might know that +the way to fame is open to all, and that glory is not awarded to birth +but to merit. Since another<a class = "tag" name = "tagII_17" id = +"tagII_17" href = "#noteII_17">II.17</a> has prevented me from being the +first, I have +<span class = "pagenum">389</span> +made it my object, a thing which still lay in my power, that he +should not be the only one. Nor is this envy, but emulation; and if +Latium shall favour my efforts, she will have still more <i>authors</i> +whom she may match with Greece. <i>But</i> if jealousy shall attempt to +detract from my labours, still it shall not deprive me of the +consciousness of deserving praise. If my attempts reach your ears, and +<i>your</i> taste relishes <i>these</i> Fables, as being composed with +skill, <i>my</i> success <i>then</i> banishes every complaint. But if, +on the contrary, my learned labours fall into the hands of those whom a +perverse nature has brought to the light of day, and <i>who</i> are +unable to do anything except carp at their betters, I shall endure +my unhappy destiny<a class = "tag" name = "tagII_18" id = "tagII_18" +href = "#noteII_18">II.18</a> with strength of mind, until Fortune is +ashamed of her own injustice.</p> + +<hr class = "tiny"> + +<h5><a name = "notes_II" id = "notes_II">Footnotes to +Book II</a></h5> + +<div class = "footnote"> + +<p><a name = "noteII_1" id = "noteII_1" href = "#tagII_1">1.</a> +<i>Is anything else</i>)—Ver. 2. Burmann thinks that the object of +the Author in this Prologue is to defend himself against the censures of +those who might blame him for not keeping to his purpose, mentioned in +the Prologue of the First Book, of adhering to the fabulous matter used +by Æsop, but mixing up with such stories narratives of events that had +happened in his own time.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteII_2" id = "noteII_2" href = "#tagII_2">2.</a> +<i>Persevering industry</i>)—Ver. 5. “Diligens industria.” An +industry or ingenuity that exerts itself in trying to discover the +meaning of his Fables.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteII_3" id = "noteII_3" href = "#tagII_3">3.</a> +<i>Of the sage</i>)—Ver. 8. Meaning Æsop.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteII_4" id = "noteII_4" href = "#tagII_4">4.</a> +<i>To insert something</i>)—Ver. 9. He probably alludes to such +contemporary narratives as are found in Fable v. of the present Book; in +Fable x. of the Third; in B. IV., Fables v., xxi., xxiv.; and +B. V., Fables i., v., vii.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteII_5" id = "noteII_5" href = "#tagII_5">5.</a> +<i>Modesty in want</i>)—Ver. 12. Martial has a similar passage, +B. iv., Epig. 9:—</p> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>“Semper eris pauper, si pauper es, Æmiliane,</p> +<p>Dantur opes nulli nunc nisi divitibus.”</p> +</div> + +<p><a name = "noteII_6" id = "noteII_6" href = "#tagII_6">6.</a> +<i>Of middle age</i>)—Ver 8. It has been a matter of doubt among +Commentators to which “ætatis mediæ” applies—the man or the woman. +But as she is called “anus,” <!-- **P3 inhales her coffee --> “an Old +Woman,” in the last line, it is most probable that the man is meant.</p> + +<p class = "mynote"> +The Latin language had two unrelated words spelled “anus”. The one +referenced here is “anūs” with long final <b>u</b>.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteII_7" id = "noteII_7" href = "#tagII_7">7.</a> +<i>Country-seat at Misenum</i>)—Ver. 8. This villa was situate on +Cape Misenum, a promontory of Campania, near Baiæ and Cumæ, so +called from Misenus, the trumpeter of Æneas, who was said to have been +buried there. The villa was originally built by C. Marius, and was +bought by Cornelia, and then by Lucullus, who either rebuilt it or added +extensively to it.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteII_8" id = "noteII_8" href = "#tagII_8">8.</a> +<i>Of the chamberlains</i>)—Ver. 11. The “atrienses” were a +superior class of the domestic slaves. It was their duty to take charge +of the “atrium,” or hall; to escort visitors or clients, and to explain +to strangers all matters connected with the pictures, statues, and other +decorations of the house.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteII_9" id = "noteII_9" href = "#tagII_9">9.</a> +<i>To sprinkle</i>)—Ver. 16. Burmann suggests that this duty did +not belong to the “atriensis,” who would consequently think that his +courteous politeness would on that account be still more pleasing to the +Emperor.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteII_10" id = "noteII_10" href = "#tagII_10">10.</a> +<i>Another walk</i>)—Ver. 18. The “xystus” was a level piece of +ground, in front of a portico, divided into flower-beds of various +shapes by borders of box.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteII_11" id = "noteII_11" href = "#tagII_11">11.</a> +<i>Much higher price</i>)—Ver. 25. He alludes to the Roman mode of +manumission, or setting the slaves at liberty. Before the master +presented the slave to the Quæstor, to have the “vindicta,” or lictor’s +rod, laid on him, he turned him round and gave him a blow on the face. +In the word “veneunt,” “sell,” there is a reference to the purchase of +their liberty by the slaves, which was often effected by means of their +“peculium,” or savings.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteII_12" id = "noteII_12" href = "#tagII_12">12.</a> +Literally: Whatever violence and unscrupulousness attack, comes<ins +class = "correction" title = ". missing">. </ins></p> + +<p><a name = "noteII_13" id = "noteII_13" href = "#tagII_13">13.</a> +<i>Carrying baskets</i>)—Ver. 2. “Fisci” were baskets made of +twigs, or panniers, in which the Romans kept and carried about sums of +money. Being used especially in the Roman treasury, the word in time +came to signify the money itself. Hence our word “fiscal.”</p> + +<p><a name = "noteII_14" id = "noteII_14" href = "#tagII_14">14.</a> +<i>Clear-toned bell</i>)—Ver. 5. Scheffer and Gronovius think that +the bell was used, as in some countries at the present day, for the +purpose of warning those who came in an opposite direction to make room +where the path was narrow.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteII_15" id = "noteII_15" href = "#tagII_15">15.</a> +<i>Amid the slaughter</i>)—Ver. 8. He alludes no doubt to the +murder of the men conducting the mules by the Robbers.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteII_16" id = "noteII_16" href = "#tagII_16">16.</a> +<i>Those spiders’ webs</i>)—Ver. 23. The mode of clearing away the +spider webs may be seen described in the beginning of the “Stichus” of +Plautus.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteII_17" id = "noteII_17" href = "#tagII_17">17.</a> +<i>Since another</i>)—Ver. 5. He probably refers to Æsop: though +Heinsius thinks that he refers to C. Mecænas Melissus, mentioned by +Ovid, in his Pontic Epistles, B. iv., El. xvi., l. 30, +a freedman of Mecænas, who compiled a book of jests partly from the +works <ins class = "correction" title = "f invisible">of</ins> Æsop. +Burmann, however, ridicules this supposition.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteII_18" id = "noteII_18" href = "#tagII_18">18.</a> +<i>Unhappy destiny</i>)—Ver. 17. The words “fatale exitium” have +been considered as being here inappropriately used. It is very doubtful +whether the last part of this Epilogue is genuine.</p> + +</div> + + +<span class = "pagenum">390</span> +<h3><a name = "riley_III" id = "riley_III">BOOK III.</a></h3> + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_III_pro">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_III_pro" id = "riley_III_pro"> +THE PROLOGUE.</a><br> +To Eutychus.<a class = "tag missing" name = "tagIII_1" id = "tagIII_1" +href = "#noteIII_1">III.1</a></h4> + +<p>If you have a desire, Eutychus, to read the little books of Phædrus, +you must keep yourself disengaged from business, that your mind, at +liberty, may relish the meaning of the lines. “But,” you say, “my genius +is not of such great value, that a moment of time should be lost <i>for +it</i> to my own pursuits.” There is no reason then why that should be +touched by your hands which is not suited for ears so engaged. Perhaps +you will say, “some holidays will come,<a class = "tag" name = +"tagIII_2" id = "tagIII_2" href = "#noteIII_2">III.2</a> which +<span class = "pagenum">391</span> +will invite me to study with mind unbent.” Will you <i>rather</i>, +I ask you, read worthless ditties,<a class = "tag" name = +"tagIII_3" id = "tagIII_3" href = "#noteIII_3">III.3</a> than bestow +attention upon your domestic concerns, give moments to your friends, +your leisure to your wife, relax your mind, and refresh your body, in +order that you may return more efficiently to your wonted duties? You +must change your purpose and your mode of life, if you have thoughts of +crossing the threshold of the Muses. I, whom my mother brought forth on +the Pierian hill,<a class = "tag" name = "tagIII_4" id = "tagIII_4" href += "#noteIII_4">III.4</a> upon which hallowed Mnemosyne, nine times +fruitful, bore the choir of Muses to thundering Jove: although I was +born almost in the very school itself, and have entirely erased +<i>all</i> care for acquiring wealth from my breast, and with the +approval of many have applied myself to these pursuits, am still with +difficulty received into the choir <i>of the Poets</i>. What do you +imagine must be the lot of him who seeks, with ceaseless vigilance, to +amass great wealth, preferring the sweets of gain to the labours of +learning?</p> + +<p>But now, come of it what may (as Sinon said<a class = "tag" name = +"tagIII_5" id = "tagIII_5" href = "#noteIII_5">III.5</a> when he +<span class = "pagenum">392</span> +was brought before the King of Dardania), I will trace a third book +with the pen of Æsop, and dedicate it to you, in acknowledgment of your +honor and your goodness.<a class = "tag" name = "tagIII_6" id = +"tagIII_6" href = "#noteIII_6">III.6</a> If you read it, I shall +rejoice; but if otherwise, at least posterity will have something with +which to amuse themselves.</p> + +<p>Now will I explain in a few words why Fabulous narrative was +invented. Slavery,<a class = "tag" name = "tagIII_7" id = "tagIII_7" +href = "#noteIII_7">III.7</a> subject to the will of another, because it +did not dare to say what it wished, couched its sentiments in Fables, +and by pleasing fictions eluded censure. In place of its foot-path I +have made a road, and have invented more than it left, selecting some +points to my own misfortune.<a class = "tag" name = "tagIII_8" id = +"tagIII_8" href = "#noteIII_8">III.8</a> But if any other than Sejanus<a +class = "tag" name = "tagIII_9" id = "tagIII_9" href = +"#noteIII_9">III.9</a> had been the informer, if any other the witness, +if any other the judge, in fine, I should confess myself deserving +of such severe woes; nor should I soothe my sorrow with these +expedients. If any one shall make erroneous surmises, and apply to +himself what is applicable to all in common, he will absurdly expose the +secret convictions of his mind. And still, to him I would hold myself +excused; for it is no intention of mine to point at individuals, but to +describe life itself and the manners of mankind. Perhaps some one will +say, that I undertake a +<span class = "pagenum">393</span> +weighty task. If Æsop of Phrygia, if Anacharsis of Scythia<a class = +"tag missing" name = "tagIII_10" id = "tagIII_10" href = +"#noteIII_10">III.10</a> could, by their genius, found a lasting fame, +why should I who am more nearly related to learned Greece, forsake in +sluggish indolence the glories of my country? especially as the Thracian +race numbers its own authors, and Apollo was the parent of Linus, +a Muse of Orpheus, who with his song moved rocks and tamed wild +beasts, and held the current of Hebrus in sweet suspense. Away then, +envy! nor lament in vain, because to me the customary fame is due.</p> + +<p>I have urged you to read <i>these lines</i>; I beg that you will +give me your sincere opinion<a class = "tag" name = "tagIII_11" id = +"tagIII_11" href = "#noteIII_11">III.11</a> of them with <i>your</i> +well-known candour.</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_III_I">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_III_I" id = "riley_III_I"> +Fable I.</a><br> +THE OLD WOMAN AND THE CASK.</h4> + +<p>An Old Woman espied a Cask,<a class = "tag" name = "tagIII_12" id = +"tagIII_12" href = "#noteIII_12">III.12</a> which had been drained to +the dregs, lying on the ground, <i>and</i> which still spread forth from +its ennobled shell a delightful smell of the Falernian lees.<a class = +"tag" name = "tagIII_13" id = "tagIII_13" href = +"#noteIII_13">III.13</a> After she had greedily snuffed it up her +nostrils with all her might; “O delicious fragrance,<a class = +"tag" name = "tagIII_14" id = "tagIII_14" href = +"#noteIII_14">III.14</a>” said +<span class = "pagenum">394</span> +she, “how good I should say were your former contents, when the remains +of them are such!”</p> + +<p>What this refers to let him say who knows me.<a class = "tag" name = +"tagIII_15" id = "tagIII_15" href = "#noteIII_15">III.15</a></p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_III_II">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_III_II" id = "riley_III_II"> +Fable II.</a><br> +THE PANTHER AND THE SHEPHERD.</h4> + +<p>Repayment in kind is generally made by those who are despised.</p> + +<p>A Panther<a class = "tag" name = "tagIII_16" id = "tagIII_16" href = +"#noteIII_16">III.16</a> had once inadvertently fallen into a pit. The +rustics saw her; some belaboured her with sticks, others pelted her with +stones; while some, on the other hand, moved with compassion, seeing +that she must die even though no one should hurt her, threw her some +bread to sustain existence. Night comes on apace; homeward they go +without concern, making sure of finding her dead on the following day. +She, however, after having recruited her failing strength, with a swift +bound effected her escape from the pit, and with hurried pace hastened +to her den. A few days intervening, she sallies forth, slaughters +the flocks, kills the shepherds themselves, and laying waste every side, +rages with unbridled fury. Upon this those who had shown mercy to the +beast, +<span class = "pagenum">395</span> +alarmed for their safety, made no demur to the loss <i>of their flocks, +and</i> begged only for their lives. But she <i>thus answered them</i>: +“I remember him who attacked me with stones, <i>and</i> him who +gave me bread; lay aside your fears; I return as an enemy to those +<i>only</i> who injured me.”</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_III_III" id = "riley_III_III"> +Fable III.</a><br> +ÆSOP AND THE FARMER.</h4> + +<p>One taught by experience is proverbially said to be more +quick-<i>witted</i> than a wizard, but the reason is not told; which, +now for the first time, shall be made known by my Fable.</p> + +<p>The ewes of a certain Man who reared flocks, brought forth lambs with +human heads. Dreadfully alarmed at the prodigy, he runs full of concern +to the soothsayers. One answers that it bears reference to the life of +the owner, and that the danger must be averted with a victim. Another, +no wiser, affirms that it is meant that his wife is an adultress, and +his children are spurious; but that it can be atoned for by a victim of +greater age.<a class = "tag" name = "tagIII_17" id = "tagIII_17" href = +"#noteIII_17">III.17</a> Why enlarge? They all differ in opinions, and +greatly aggravate the anxiety of the Man. Æsop being at hand, +a sage of nice discernment, whom nature could never deceive <i>by +appearances</i>, remarked:— “If you wish, Farmer, to take due +precautions against <i>this</i> portent, find wives for your +shepherds.”<a class = "tag" name = "tagIII_18" id = "tagIII_18" href = +"#noteIII_18">III.18</a></p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_III_III">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_III_IV" id = "riley_III_IV"> +Fable IV.</a><br> +THE BUTCHER AND THE APE.</h4> + +<p>A man seeing an Ape hanging up at a Butcher’s among the rest of his +commodities and provisions, enquired how it might taste;<a class = "tag" +name = "tagIII_19" id = "tagIII_19" href = "#noteIII_19">III.19</a> on +which the Butcher, joking, replied: “Just as the head is, such, +I warrant, is the taste.”</p> + + +<span class = "pagenum">396</span> +<p>This I deem to be said more facetiously than correctly; for on the +one hand I have often found the good-looking to be very knaves, and on +the other I have known many with ugly features to be most worthy +men.</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_III_IV">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_III_V" id = "riley_III_V"> +Fable V.</a><br> +ÆSOP AND THE INSOLENT MAN.</h4> + +<p>Success leads many astray to their ruin.</p> + +<p>An Insolent Fellow threw a stone at Æsop. “Well done,” said he, and +then gave him a penny, thus continuing: “Upon my faith I have got no +more, but I will show you where you can get some; see, yonder comes a +rich and influential man; throw a stone at him in the same way, and you +will receive a due reward.” The other, being persuaded, did as he was +advised. His daring impudence, however, was disappointed of its hope, +for, being seized, he paid the penalty on the cross.<a class = "tag" +name = "tagIII_20" id = "tagIII_20" href = "#noteIII_20">III.20</a></p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_III_V">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_III_VI" id = "riley_III_VI"> +Fable VI.</a><br> +THE FLY AND THE MULE.</h4> + +<p>A Fly sat on the pole of a chariot, and rebuking the Mule: “How slow +you are,” said she; “will you not go faster? Take care that I don’t +prick your neck with my sting.” The Mule made answer: “I am not +moved by your words, but I fear him who, sitting on the next seat, +guides my yoke<a class = "tag" name = "tagIII_21" id = "tagIII_21" href += "#noteIII_21">III.21</a> with his pliant whip, and governs my mouth +with the foam-covered +<span class = "pagenum">397</span> +reins. Therefore, cease your frivolous impertinence, for I well know +when to go at a gentle pace, and when to run.”</p> + +<p>In this Fable, he may be deservedly ridiculed, who, without +<i>any</i> strength, gives utterance to vain threats.</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_III_VI">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_III_VII" id = "riley_III_VII"> +Fable VII.</a><br> +THE DOG AND THE WOLF.</h4> + +<p>I will shew in a few words how sweet is Liberty.</p> + +<p>A Wolf, quite starved with hunger, chanced to meet a well-fed Dog, +and as they stopped to salute each other, “Pray,” <i>said the +Wolf</i>,<ins class = "correction" title = "open quote missing"> +“</ins>how is it that you are so sleek? or on what food have you made so +much flesh? I, who am far stronger, am perishing with hunger.” The Dog +frankly <i>replied</i>: “You may enjoy the same condition, if you can +render the like service to your master.” “What <i>is it?</i>” said the +other. “To be the guardian of his threshold, <i>and</i> to protect the +house from thieves at night.” “I am quite ready for that,” <i>said +the Wolf</i>; “at present I have to endure snow and showers, dragging on +a wretched existence in the woods. How much more pleasant for me to be +living under a roof, and, at my ease, to be stuffed with plenty of +victuals.” “Come along, then, with me,” <i>said the Dog</i>. As they +were going along, the Wolf observed the neck of the Dog, where it was +worn with the chain. “Whence comes this, my friend?” “Oh, it is +nothing.<a class = "tag" name = "tagIII_22" id = "tagIII_22" href = +"#noteIII_22">III.22</a>” “Do tell me, though.” “Because I appear to be +fierce, they fasten me up in the day-time, that I may be quiet when it +is light, and watch when night comes; unchained at midnight, +I wander wherever I please. Bread is brought me without my asking; +from his own table my master gives me bones; the servants throw me bits, +and whatever dainties each person leaves; thus, without trouble <i>on my +part</i>, is my belly filled.” “Well, if you have a mind to go anywhere, +are you at liberty?” “Certainly not,” replied <i>the Dog</i>. +“<i>Then</i>, Dog, enjoy what you boast of; I would not be a king, +to lose my liberty.”</p> + + +<span class = "pagenum">398</span> +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_III_VII">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_III_VIII" id = +"riley_III_VIII"> +Fable VIII.</a><br> +THE BROTHER AND SISTER.</h4> + +<p>Warned by this lesson, often examine yourself.</p> + +<p>A certain Man had a very ugly Daughter, and also a Son, remarkable +for his handsome features. These, diverting themselves, as children do, +chanced to look into a mirror, as it lay upon their mother’s chair.<a +class = "tag" name = "tagIII_23" id = "tagIII_23" href = +"#noteIII_23">III.23</a> He praises his own good looks; she is vexed, +and cannot endure the raillery of her boasting brother, construing +everything (and how could she do otherwise?) as a reproach <i>against +herself</i>. Accordingly, off she runs to her Father, to be avenged +<i>on him</i> in her turn, and with great rancour, makes a charge +against the Son, how that he, though a male, has been meddling with a +thing that belongs to the women. Embracing them both, kissing them, and +dividing his tender affection between the two, he said: “I wish you +both to use the mirror every day: you, that you may not spoil your +beauty by vicious conduct; you, that you may make amends by your virtues +for your looks.”</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_III_VIII">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_III_IX" id = "riley_III_IX"> +Fable IX.</a><br> +SOCRATES TO HIS FRIENDS.</h4> + +<p>The name of a friend is common; but fidelity is rarely found.</p> + +<p>Socrates having laid for himself the foundation of a small house (a +man, whose death I would not decline, if I could acquire <i>similar</i> +fame, and <i>like him</i> I could yield to envy, if I might be but +acquitted<a class = "tag" name = "tagIII_24" id = "tagIII_24" href = +"#noteIII_24">III.24</a> when ashes); one of the people, no +<span class = "pagenum">399</span> +matter who, <i>amongst such passing remarks</i> as are usual in these +cases, asked: “Why do you, so famed as you are, build so small a +house?”</p> + +<p>“I <i>only</i> wish,” he replied, “I could fill it with real +friends.”</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_III_IX">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_III_X" id = "riley_III_X"> +Fable X.</a><br> +THE POET, ON BELIEVING, AND NOT BELIEVING.</h4> + +<p>It is dangerous alike to believe or to disbelieve. Of either fact, +I will briefly lay before you an instance.</p> + +<p>Hippolytus met his death,<a class = "tag" name = "tagIII_25" id = +"tagIII_25" href = "#noteIII_25">III.25</a> because his step-mother was +believed: because Cassandra was not believed, Troy fell. Therefore, we +ought to examine strictly into the truth of a matter, rather than +<i>suffer</i> an erroneous impression to pervert our judgment. But, that +I may not weaken <i>this truth</i> by referring to fabulous antiquity, +I will relate to you a thing that happened within my own +memory.</p> + +<p>A certain married Man, who was very fond of his Wife, having now +provided the white toga<a class = "tag" name = "tagIII_26" id = +"tagIII_26" href = "#noteIII_26">III.26</a> for his Son, was privately +taken aside by his Freedman, who hoped that he should be substituted as +his next heir, <i>and</i> who, after telling many lies about the youth, +and still more about the misconduct of the chaste Wife, added, what he +knew would especially grieve one so fond, that a gallant was in the +habit of paying her visits, and that the honor of his house was stained +with base adultery. Enraged at the supposed guilt of his Wife, the +husband pretended a journey to his country-house, and privately stayed +behind in town; then at night he suddenly entered at the door, making +straight to his Wife’s apartment, +<span class = "pagenum">400</span> +in which the mother had ordered her son to sleep, keeping a strict eye +over his ripening years. While they are seeking for a light, while the +servants are hurrying to and fro, unable to restrain the violence of his +raging passion, he approaches the bed, and feels a head in the dark. +When he finds the hair cut close,<a class = "tag" name = "tagIII_27" id += "tagIII_27" href = "#noteIII_27">III.27</a> he plunges his sword into +<i>the sleeper’s</i> breast, caring for nothing, so he but avenge his +injury. A light being brought, at the same instant he beholds his +son, and his chaste wife sleeping in her apartment; who, fast locked in +her first sleep, had heard nothing: on the spot he inflicted punishment +on himself for his guilt, and fell upon the sword which a too easy +belief had unsheathed. The accusers indicted the woman, and dragged her +to Rome, before the Centumviri.<a class = "tag" name = "tagIII_28" id = +"tagIII_28" href = "#noteIII_28">III.28</a> Innocent as she was, dark +suspicion weighed heavily against her, because she had become possessor +of his property: her patrons stand<a class = "tag" name = "tagIII_29" id += "tagIII_29" href = "#noteIII_29">III.29</a> and boldly plead the cause +of the guiltless woman. The judges then besought the Emperor Augustus +that he would aid them in the discharge of their oath, as the intricacy +of the case had embarrassed them. After he had dispelled the clouds +raised by calumny, and had discovered a sure source of truth<a class = +"tag" name = "tagIII_30" id = "tagIII_30" href = +"#noteIII_30">III.30</a>: “Let the Freedman,” said he, “the cause of the +mischief, suffer punishment; but as for her, at the same instant bereft +of a son, and deprived of a husband, I deem her to be pitied rather +than condemned. If the father of the family had thoroughly enquired into +the charge preferred, and had shrewdly sifted the lying +<span class = "pagenum">401</span> +accusations, he would not, by a dismal crime, have ruined his house from +the very foundation.”</p> + +<p>Let the ear despise nothing, nor yet let it accord implicit belief at +once: since not only do those err whom you would be far from suspecting, +but those who do not err are <i>sometimes</i> falsely and maliciously +accused.</p> + +<p>This also may be a warning to the simple, not to form a judgment on +anything according to the opinion of another; for the different aims of +mortals either follow the bias of their goodwill or their prejudice. He +<i>alone</i> will be correctly estimated <i>by you</i>, whom you judge +of by personal experience.</p> + +<p>These points I have enlarged upon, as by too great brevity I have +offended some.</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_III_XI" id = "riley_III_XI"> +Fable XI.</a><br> +THE EUNUCH TO THE ABUSIVE MAN.</h4> + +<p>A Eunuch had a dispute with a scurrilous fellow, who, in addition to +obscene remarks and insolent abuse, reproached him with the misfortune +of his mutilated person. “Look you,” said <i>the Eunuch</i>, “this is +the only point as to which I am effectually staggered, forasmuch as I +want the evidences of integrity. But why, simpleton, do you charge me +with the faults of fortune? That <i>alone</i> is really disgraceful to a +man, which he has deserved to suffer.”<a class = "tag" name = +"tagIII_31" id = "tagIII_31" href = "#noteIII_31">III.31</a></p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_III_XI">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_III_XII" id = "riley_III_XII"> +Fable XII.</a><br> +THE COCK AND THE PEARL.</h4> + +<p>A young Cock, while seeking for food on a dunghill, found a Pearl, +and exclaimed: “What a fine thing are you to be lying in <i>so</i> +unseemly a place. If any one sensible of your value had espied you here, +you would long ago have returned to your former brilliancy. And it is I +who have +<span class = "pagenum">402</span> +found you, I to whom food is far preferable! I can be of no +use to you or you to me.”</p> + +<p>This I relate for those who have no relish for me.<a class = "tag" +name = "tagIII_32" id = "tagIII_32" href = "#noteIII_32">III.32</a></p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_III_XII">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_III_XIII" id = +"riley_III_XIII"> +Fable XIII.</a><br> +THE BEES AND THE DRONES, THE WASP SITTING AS JUDGE.</h4> + +<p>Some Bees had made their combs in a lofty oak. Some lazy Drones +asserted that these belonged to them. The cause was brought into court, +the Wasp <i>sitting as</i> judge; who, being perfectly acquainted with +either race, proposed to the two parties these terms: “Your shape is not +unlike, and your colour is similar; so that the affair clearly and +fairly becomes a matter of doubt. But that my sacred duty may not be at +fault through insufficiency of knowledge, <i>each of you</i> take hives, +and pour your productions into the waxen cells; that from the flavour of +the honey and the shape of the comb, the maker of them, about which the +present dispute exists, may be evident.” The Drones decline; the +proposal pleases the Bees. Upon this, the Wasp pronounces sentence to +the following effect: “It is evident who cannot, and who did, make +<i>them</i>; wherefore, to the Bees I restore the fruits of their +labours.”</p> + +<p>This Fable I should have passed by in silence, if the Drones had not +refused the proposed stipulation.<a class = "tag" name = "tagIII_33" id += "tagIII_33" href = "#noteIII_33">III.33</a></p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_III_XIII">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_III_XIV" id = "riley_III_XIV"> +Fable XIV.</a><br> +ÆSOP AT PLAY.</h4> + +<p>An Athenian seeing Æsop in a crowd of boys at play with nuts,<a class += "tag" name = "tagIII_34" id = "tagIII_34" href = +"#noteIII_34">III.34</a> stopped and laughed at him for a madman. As +<span class = "pagenum">403</span> +soon as the Sage,—a laugher at others rather than one to be +laughed at,—perceived this, he placed an unstrung bow in the +middle of the road: “Hark you, wise man,” said he, “unriddle what I have +done.” The people gather round. The man torments his invention a long +time, but cannot make out the reason of the proposed question. At last +he gives up. Upon this, the victorious Philosopher says: “You will soon +break the bow, if you always keep it bent; but if you loosen it, it will +be fit for use when you want it.”</p> + +<p>Thus ought recreation sometimes to be given to the mind, that it may +return to you better fitted for thought.</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_III_XIV">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_III_XV" id = "riley_III_XV"> +Fable XV.</a><br> +THE DOG TO THE LAMB.</h4> + +<p>A Dog said to a Lamb<a class = "tag" name = "tagIII_35" id = +"tagIII_35" href = "#noteIII_35">III.35</a> bleating among some +She-Goats: “Simpleton, you are mistaken; your mother is not here;” and +pointed out some Sheep at a distance, in a flock by themselves. +“I am not looking for her,” <i>said the Lamb</i>, “who, when she +thinks fit, conceives, then carries her unknown burden for a certain +number of months, and at last empties out the fallen bundle; but for her +who, presenting her udder, nourishes me, and deprives her young ones of +milk that I may not go without.” “Still,” said the Dog, “she ought to be +preferred who brought you forth.” “Not at all: how was she to know +whether I should be born black or white?<a class = "tag" name = +"tagIII_36" id = "tagIII_36" href = "#noteIII_36">III.36</a> However, +<span class = "pagenum">404</span> +suppose she did know; seeing I was born a male, truly she conferred a +great obligation on me in giving me birth, that I might expect the +butcher every hour. Why should she, who had no power in engendering me, +be preferred to her who took pity on me as I lay, and of her own accord +shewed me a welcome affection? It is kindliness makes parents, not the +ordinary course <i>of Nature</i>.”</p> + +<p>By these lines the author meant to show that men are averse to fixed +rules, but are won by kind services.</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_III_XV">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_III_XVI" id = "riley_III_XVI"> +Fable XVI.</a><br> +THE GRASSHOPPER AND THE OWL.</h4> + +<p>He who does not conform to courtesy, mostly pays the penalty of his +superciliousness.</p> + +<p>A Grasshopper was making a chirping that was disagreeable to an Owl, +who was wont to seek her living in the dark, and in the day-time to take +her rest in a hollow tree. She was asked to cease her noise, but she +began much more loudly to send forth her note; entreaties urged again +only set her on still more. The Owl, when she saw she had no remedy, and +that her words were slighted, attacked the chatterer with this +stratagem: “As your song, which one might take for the tones of Apollo’s +lyre, will not allow me to go to sleep, I have a mind to drink some +nectar which Pallas lately gave me;<a class = "tag" name = "tagIII_37" +id = "tagIII_37" href = "#noteIII_37">III.37</a> if you do not object, +come, let us drink together.” The other, who was parched with thirst, as +soon as she found her voice complimented, eagerly flew up. The Owl, +coming forth from her hollow, seized the trembling thing, and put her to +death.</p> + +<p>Thus what she had refused when alive, she gave when dead.</p> + + +<span class = "pagenum">405</span> +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_III_XVI">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_III_XVII" id = +"riley_III_XVII"> +Fable XVII.</a><br> +THE TREES UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE GODS.</h4> + +<p>The Gods in days of yore made choice of such Trees as they wished to +be under their protection. The Oak pleased Jupiter, the Myrtle Venus, +the Laurel Phœbus, the Pine Cybele, the lofty Poplar Hercules. Minerva, +wondering why they had chosen the barren ones, enquired the reason. +Jupiter answered: “That we may not seem to sell the honor for the +fruit.” “Now, so heaven help me,”<a class = "tag" name = "tagIII_38" id += "tagIII_38" href = "#noteIII_38">III.38</a> said she, “let any one say +what he likes, but the Olive is more pleasing to me on account of its +fruit.” Then said the Father of the Gods and the Creator of men: +“O daughter, it is with justice that you are called wise by all; +unless what we do is useful, vain is our glory.”<a class = "tag" name = +"tagIII_39" id = "tagIII_39" href = "#noteIII_39">III.39</a></p> + +<p>This little Fable admonishes us to do nothing that is not +profitable.</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_III_XVII">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_III_XVIII" id = +"riley_III_XVIII"> +Fable XVIII.</a><br> +THE PEACOCK TO JUNO.</h4> + +<p>A Peacock came to Juno, complaining sadly that she had not given to +him the song of the Nightingale; that it was the admiration of every +ear, while he himself was laughed +<span class = "pagenum">406</span> +at the very instant he raised his voice. The Goddess, to console him, +replied: “But you surpass the <i>nightingale</i> in beauty, you surpass +<i>him</i> in size; the brilliancy of the emerald shines upon your neck; +and you unfold a tail begemmed with painted plumage.” “Wherefore +<i>give</i> me,” he retorted, “a beauty that is dumb, if I am +surpassed in voice?” “By the will of the Fates,” <i>said she</i>, “have +your respective qualities been assigned; beauty to you, strength to the +Eagle, melody to the Nightingale, to the Raven presages, unpropitious +omens to the Crow; all of <i>these</i> are contented with their own +endowments.”</p> + +<p>Covet not that which has not been granted you, lest your baffled +hopes sink down to <i>useless</i> repinings.</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_III_XVIII">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_III_XIX" id = "riley_III_XIX"> +Fable XIX.</a><br> +ÆSOP’S ANSWER TO THE INQUISITIVE MAN.</h4> + +<p>When Æsop was the only servant of his master, he was ordered to +prepare dinner earlier than usual. Accordingly, he went round to several +houses, seeking for fire,<a class = "tag" name = "tagIII_40" id = +"tagIII_40" href = "#noteIII_40">III.40</a> and at last found a place at +which to light his lantern. Then as he had made a rather long circuit, +he shortened the way back, for he went home straight through the Forum. +There a certain Busybody in the crowd <i>said to him</i>: “Æsop, why +with a light at mid-day?” “I’m in search of a man,”<a class = "tag" name += "tagIII_41" id = "tagIII_41" href = "#noteIII_41">III.41</a> said he; +and went hastily homewards.</p> + +<p>If the <ins class = "correction" title = "text reads ‘inquistive’">inquisitive</ins> fellow reflected on this <i>answer</i>, +he must have perceived that the sage did not deem him a man, who could +so unseasonably rally him when busy.</p> + + +<span class = "pagenum">407</span> +<h4><a name = "riley_III_epi" id = "riley_III_epi">EPILOGUE.</a> +<a class = "tag" name = "tagIII_42" id = "tagIII_42" href = +"#noteIII_42">III.42</a></h4> + +<p>There are yet remaining <i>Fables</i> for me to write, but I +purposely abstain; first, that I may not seem troublesome to you, whom a +multiplicity of matters distract; and next, that, if perchance any other +person is desirous to make a like attempt, he may still have something +left to do; although there is so abundant a stock of matter that an +artist will be wanting to the work, not work to the artist. +I request that you will give the reward to my brevity which you +promised; make good your word. For life each day is nearer unto death; +and the greater the time that is wasted in delays, the less the +advantage that will accrue to me. If you dispatch the matter quickly, +the more lasting will be <i>my</i> enjoyment; the sooner I receive +<i>your favours</i>, the longer shall I have the benefit <i>thereof</i>. +While there are yet some remnants of a wearied life,<a class = "tag" +name = "tagIII_43" id = "tagIII_43" href = "#noteIII_43">III.43</a> +there is room for <i>your</i> goodness; in aftertimes your kindness will +in vain endeavour to aid me, infirm with old age; for then I shall have +ceased to be able to enjoy your kindness, and death, close at hand, will +be claiming its due. I deem it foolish to address my entreaties to +you, when your compassion is so ready, spontaneously, to render +assistance. A criminal has often gained pardon by confessing; how +much more reasonably ought it to be granted to the innocent? It is your +province<a class = "tag" name = "tagIII_44" id = "tagIII_44" href = +"#noteIII_44">III.44</a> <i>now to judge of my cause</i>; it will fall +<span class = "pagenum">408</span> +to others by-and-by; and again by a like revolution, the turn of others +will come. Pronounce the sentence, as religion—as your oath +permits; and give me reason to rejoice in your decision. My feelings +have passed the limits they had proposed; but the mind is with +difficulty restrained, which, conscious of unsullied integrity, is +exposed to the insults of spiteful men. “Who are they?” you will ask: +they will be seen in time. For my part, so long as I shall continue in +my senses, I shall take care to recollect that “it is a dangerous +thing for a man of humble birth to murmur in public.<a class = "tag" +name = "tagIII_45" id = "tagIII_45" href = "#noteIII_45">III.45</a>”</p> + +<hr class = "tiny"> + +<h5><a name = "notes_III" id = "notes_III">Footnotes to +Book III</a></h5> + +<div class = "footnote"> + +<p><a name = "noteIII_1" id = "noteIII_1" href = "#tagIII_1">1.</a> +<i>Eutychus</i>)—Ver. 2. It is not known with certainty who this +Eutychus was to whom he addresses himself. It has been suggested that he +is the same person who is mentioned by Josephus, Antiq. B. xix., +c. 4, as flourishing at the Court of Caligula, and who had +previously been a charioteer and inspector of buildings at the stables +of Claudius. He is also supposed, from the words of the Epilogue of this +Book, line 20-26, to have held more than one public office. It has been +suggested that he was the freedman of the Emperor Claudius or Augustus, +an inscription having been found in the tomb of the freedmen of the +latter to C. Julius Eutychus. But it is hardly probable that he is the +person meant; as there is little doubt that Phædrus wrote the present +Book of Fables long after the time of Augustus. Indeed it has been +suggested by some that he wrote it as late as the reign of Caligula.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIII_2" id = "noteIII_2" href = "#tagIII_2">2.</a> +<i>Some holidays</i>)—Ver. 8. The Romans had three kinds of public +“feriæ,” or holidays, which all belonged to the “dies nefasti,” or days +on which no public business could be done. These were the “feriæ +stativæ,” “conceptivæ,” and “imperativæ.” The first were held regularly, +and on stated days set forth in the Calendar. To these belonged the +Lupercalia, Carmentalia, and Agonalia. The “conceptivæ,” or “conceptæ,” +were moveable feasts held at certain seasons in every year, but not on +fixed days; the times for holding them being annually appointed by the +magistrates or priests. Among these were the “feriæ Latinæ,” Sementivæ, +Paganalia, and Compitalia. The “<ins class = "correction" title = "text reads ‘feræ’">feriæ</ins> imperativæ” were appointed to be held on +certain emergencies by order of the Consuls, Prætors, and Dictators; and +were in general held to avert national calamities or to celebrate great +victories.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIII_3" id = "noteIII_3" href = "#tagIII_3">3.</a> +<i>Worthless ditties</i>)—Ver. 10. “Nænia” were, properly, the +improvised songs that were sung at funerals by the hired mourners, who +were generally females. From their trivial nature, the word came to be +generally applied to all worthless ditties, and under this name Phædrus, +with all humility, alludes to his Fables.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIII_4" id = "noteIII_4" href = "#tagIII_4">4.</a> +<i>On the Pierian Hill</i>)—Ver. 17. Judging from this passage it +would appear that Phædrus was a Macedonian by birth, and not, as more +generally stated, a Thracian. Pieria was a country on the +south-east coast of Macedonia, through which ran a ridge of mountains, +a part of which were called Pieria, or the Pierian mountain. The +inhabitants are celebrated in the early history of the music and poesy +of Greece, as their country was one of the earliest seats of the worship +of the Muses, and Orpheus was said to have been buried there. It is most +probable that Phædrus was carried away in slavery to Rome in his early +years, and that he remembered but little of his native country.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIII_5" id = "noteIII_5" href = "#tagIII_5">5.</a> +<i>As Sinon said</i>)—Ver. 27. He here alludes to the words of +Sinon, the Grecian spy, when brought before Priam, in the Second Book of +Virgil, 77-78:—</p> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>“Cuncta equidem tibi, rex, fuerit quodcumque fatebor</p> +<p>Vera, inquit——<ins class = "correction" title = "close quote missing">” </ins></p> +</div> + +<p>Others, again, suppose that this was a proverbial expression in +general use at Rome. It is not improbable that it may have become so on +being adopted from the work of Virgil: “Come what may of it, as Sinon +said.”</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIII_6" id = "noteIII_6" href = "#tagIII_6">6.</a> +<i>And your goodness</i>)—Ver. 30. “Honori et meritis dedicam +illum tuis.” We learn from ancient inscriptions that this was a +customary formula in dedications.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIII_7" id = "noteIII_7" href = "#tagIII_7">7.</a> +<i>Slavery</i>)—Ver. 34. He probably alludes to Æsop’s state of +slavery, in the service of the philosopher Xanthus.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIII_8" id = "noteIII_8" href = "#tagIII_8">8.</a> +<i>To my own misfortune</i>)—Ver. 40. He evidently alludes to some +misfortune which has befallen him in consequence of having alluded in +his work to the events of his own times. It has been suggested that he +fell under the displeasure of Tiberius and his minister Sejanus, in +consequence of the covert allusions made to them in Fables II and VI in +the First Book. This question is, however, involved in impenetrable +obscurity.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIII_9" id = "noteIII_9" href = "#tagIII_9">9.</a> +<i>Than Sejanus</i>)—Ver. 41. He means that Ælius Sejanus had +acted against him as both informer, witness, and judge; but that had an +honest man condemned him to the sufferings he then experienced, he +should not have complained. The nature of the punishment here alluded to +is not known.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIII_10" id = "noteIII_10" href = "#tagIII_10">10.</a> +<i>Anacharsis of Scythia</i>)—Ver. 52. A Scythian +philosopher, and supposed contemporary of Æsop. He came to Athens in +pursuit of knowledge while Solon was the lawgiver of that city. He is +said to have written works on legislation and the art of war.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIII_11" id = "noteIII_11" href = "#tagIII_11">11.</a> +<i>Nearer to learned Greece</i>)—Ver. 54. Alluding to Pieria, the +place of his birth. The people of Pieria were supposed to have been of +Thracian origin.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIII_12" id = "noteIII_12" href = "#tagIII_12">12.</a> +<i>A cask</i>)—Ver. 1. “Amphoram.” Properly, the “amphora,” or +earthen vessel with two handles, in which wine was usually kept.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIII_13" id = "noteIII_13" href = "#tagIII_13">13.</a> +<i>Falernian <ins class = "correction" title = "not capitalized in body text">Lees</ins></i>)—Ver. 2. The Falernian wine held the second +rank in estimation among the Romans. The territory where it was grown +commenced at the “Pons Campanus,” and extended from the Massic Hills to +the river Vulturnus. Pliny mentions three kinds, the rough, the sweet, +and the thin. It is supposed to have been of an amber colour, and of +considerable strength. It was the custom to write the age of the wine +and the vintage on the “amphora,” or cask.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIII_14" id = "noteIII_14" href = "#tagIII_14">14.</a> +<i><ins class = "correction" title = "no comma in body text">O, +</ins>delicious fragrance</i>)—Ver. 5. “Anima,” most probably +applies to the savour or smell of the wine; though some Commentators +have thought that she addresses the cask as “anima,” meaning “O dear +soul;” others, that she speaks of the wine as being the soul of life; +while Walchius seems to think that she is addressing her own soul, which +is quite cheered by the fumes.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIII_15" id = "noteIII_15" href = "#tagIII_15">15.</a> +<i>Who knows me</i>)—Ver. 7. Burmann thinks that the author +covertly hints here at the habits of the Emperor Tiberius in his old +age, who still hankered after those vicious indulgences which had been +his main pursuits in his former days; or else that the Poet simply +refers to human life, in the same spirit in which Seneca, Ep. lvii., +calls old age, “fæx vitæ,” “the lees of life.” Others again suppose that +Phædrus alludes to his own old age, and means that those who knew him +when this Fable was written, may judge from their present acquaintance +with him what he must have been in his younger days. Heinsius thinks +that it refers to the present state of servitude of Phædrus, compared +with his former liberty; but, if he was manumitted, as generally +supposed<ins class = "correction" title = "comma missing">, </ins>by Augustus, and this Fable was not written till +after the death of Sejanus, that cannot be the case.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIII_16" id = "noteIII_16" href = "#tagIII_16">16.</a> +<i>A Panther</i>)—Ver. 2. Some have suggested, Burmann and Guyetus +in the number, that by the Panther is meant Tiberius, who, during his +banishment to the isle of Rhodes, occupied himself in studying how to +wreak his vengeance upon his enemies at Rome, and, with the fury of the +Panther, as soon as he had the opportunity, glutted his vengeance. This +notion, however, seems more ingenious than well founded.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIII_17" id = "noteIII_17" href = "#tagIII_17">17.</a> +<i>Of greater age</i>)—Ver. 11. “Majori hostiâ;” probably, +a sheep of two years old instead of a lamb.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIII_18" id = "noteIII_18" href = "#tagIII_18">18.</a> +<i>For your shepherds</i>)—Ver. 17. Plutarch introduces Thales in +his “Convivium Sapientium,” as telling a somewhat similar story. Phædrus +might, with better grace, have omitted this so-called Fable.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIII_19" id = "noteIII_19" href = "#tagIII_19">19.</a> +<i>How it might taste</i>)—Ver. 3. The Butcher puns upon the +twofold meaning of “sapio,” “to taste of,” or “have a flavour,” and “to +be wise.” The customer uses the word in the former sense, while the +Butcher answers it in the latter, and perhaps in the former as well; +“Such as the head is,” pointing to it, “I’ll warrant the wisdom of the +animal to be;” the words at the same time bearing the meaning of, “It +has an ape’s head, and therefore it can only taste like the head of an +ape.” “Sapor” ordinarily means “flavour,” or “taste;” but Cicero uses it +in the signification of wisdom or genius. Many other significations of +this passage have been suggested by the various Editors.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIII_20" id = "noteIII_20" href = "#tagIII_20">20.</a> +<i>On the cross</i>)—Ver. 10. The cross was especially used as an +instrument of punishment for malefactors of low station, and, as we see +here, sometimes on very trivial occasions.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIII_21" id = "noteIII_21" href = "#tagIII_21">21.</a> +<i>Guides my yoke</i>)—Ver. 6. “Jugum meum;” meaning, “me who bear +the yoke.”</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIII_22" id = "noteIII_22" href = "#tagIII_22">22.</a> +<i>It is nothing</i>)—Ver. 17. “Nihil est.” This was a form of +expression used when they wished to cut short any <ins class = +"correction" title = "spelling unchanged">disagreable</ins> question, to +which they did not think fit to give a direct answer.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIII_23" id = "noteIII_23" href = "#tagIII_23">23.</a> +<i>Their mother’s chair</i>)—Ver. 4. The “cathedra” was properly a +soft or easy chair used in the “gynæcæa,” or women’s apartments. These +were of various forms and sizes, and had backs to them; it was +considered effeminate for the male sex to use them. “Sellæ” was the name +of seats common to both sexes. The use of the “speculum,” or mirror, was +also confined to the female sex; indeed, even Pallas or Minerva was +represented as shunning its use, as only befitting her more voluptuous +fellow-goddess, Venus.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIII_24" id = "noteIII_24" href = "#tagIII_24">24.</a> +<i>I might be acquitted</i>)—Ver. 4. He alludes to the fate of +Socrates, who, after he was put to death by his countrymen, was publicly +pronounced to be innocent, and a statue was erected in his honour.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIII_25" id = "noteIII_25" href = "#tagIII_25">25.</a> +<i>Met his death</i>)—Ver. 3. The story of Hippolytus, who met his +death in consequence of the treachery of his step-mother Phædra, is +related at length in the Play of Euripides of that name, and in the +Fifteenth Book of Ovid’s Metamorphoses. The fate of Cassandra, the +daughter of Priam, who in vain prophesied the fall of Troy, is related +in the Second Book of the Æneid, l. 246, <i>et seq.</i></p> + +<p><a name = "noteIII_26" id = "noteIII_26" href = "#tagIII_26">26.</a> +<i>The white toga</i>)—Ver. 10. The “toga prætexta,” or Consular +robe, was worn by the male children of the Romans till their sixteenth +year; when they assumed the ordinary “toga,” which was called “pura,” +because it had no purple border, and was entirely white.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIII_27" id = "noteIII_27" href = "#tagIII_27">27.</a> +<i>The hair cut close</i>)—Ver. 27. This is appropriately +introduced, as the hair of youths was allowed to grow long until they +had reached the age of manhood, on which it was cut close, and +consecrated to the Gods.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIII_28" id = "noteIII_28" href = "#tagIII_28">28.</a> +<i>The Centumviri</i>)—Ver. 35. The “Centumviri” were a body of +105 officers, whose duty it was to assist the prætor in litigated +questions. They were sometimes called “judices selecti,” or +“commissioned judges.”</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIII_29" id = "noteIII_29" href = "#tagIII_29">29.</a> +<i>The patrons stand</i>)—Ver. 37. The patrons stood while +pleading the causes of their clients, while the judges sat, as with +us.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIII_30" id = "noteIII_30" href = "#tagIII_30">30.</a> +<i>Sure source of truth</i>)—Ver. 43. It is suggested that the +source of information here alluded to was the evidence of the slaves, +who had heard their master mention in his last moments the treachery of +his freedman. It is not probable that the freedman voluntarily came +forward, and declared the truth to Augustus. In l. 39, Augustus is +called “Divus,” as having been deified after his death. Domitian was the +first who was so called during his lifetime.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIII_31" id = "noteIII_31" href = "#tagIII_31">31.</a> +<i>Deserved to suffer</i>)—Ver. 7. Though this moral may apply to +all misfortunes in general, it is supposed by some of the Commentators +that by the insulter some individual notorious for his adulteries was +intended to be represented; who consequently merited by law to be +reduced to the same situation as the innocent Eunuch.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIII_32" id = "noteIII_32" href = "#tagIII_32">32.</a> +<i>Have no relish for me</i>)—Ver. 8. From this passage we may +infer either that Phædrus himself had many censurers at Rome, or that +the people in general were not admirers of Fables.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIII_33" id = "noteIII_33" href = "#tagIII_33">33.</a> +<i>The proposed stipulation</i>)—Ver. 17. It has been suggested +that Phædrus here alludes to some who had laid claim to the authorship +of his Fables, and had refused a challenge given by him, such as that +here given to the Drones, to test the correctness of their +assertions.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIII_34" id = "noteIII_34" href = "#tagIII_34">34.</a> +<i>At play with nuts</i>)—Ver. 2. It is thought by Schwabe that +Phædrus wrote this Fable in defence of his early patron Augustus, +against those who censured him for the levity of his conduct in his old +age, as we learn from Suetonius that he amused himself with fishing, +playing with dice, pebbles, or nuts with boys. —For some account +of Roman games with nuts, see “The Walnut-tree,” a fragment of +Ovid, in vol. iii. p. 491, of Bohn’s Translation of that +author.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIII_35" id = "noteIII_35" href = "#tagIII_35">35.</a> +<i>To a Lamb</i>)—Ver. 1. Burmann suggests that this Fable is +levelled against the cruelty of parents, who were much in the habit of +exposing their children, who were consequently far from indebted to +them. Schwabe conjectures that the system of employing wet-nurses is +intended here to be censured.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIII_36" id = "noteIII_36" href = "#tagIII_36">36.</a> +<i>Black or white</i>)—Ver. 10. This, though disregarded by the +mother, would be of importance to him, as the black lambs were first +selected for sacrifice.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIII_37" id = "noteIII_37" href = "#tagIII_37">37.</a> +<i>Pallas lately gave me</i>)—Ver. 13. The Owl was sacred to +Pallas.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIII_38" id = "noteIII_38" href = "#tagIII_38">38.</a> +<i>So heaven help me</i>)—Ver. 8. “Mehercule,” literally “By +Hercules.” This was a form of oath used generally by men, and Phædrus +has been censured for here putting it in the mouth of Minerva. Some +Commentators also think that he is guilty of a slight anachronism in +using the name of Hercules here to give emphasis to an asseveration; but +there does not appear to be any ground for so thinking, as the choice +must, of course, be supposed to have been made after his death and +deification. In the Amphitryon of Plautus, Mercury is represented as +swearing by Hercules before that God was born.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIII_39" id = "noteIII_39" href = "#tagIII_39">39.</a> +<i>Vain is our glory</i>)—Ver. 12. “Nisi utile est quod facimus, +stulta est gloria.” This line is said to have been found copied on a +marble stone, as part of a sepulchral inscription, at Alba Julia or +Weissenburg, in Transylvania.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIII_40" id = "noteIII_40" href = "#tagIII_40">40.</a> +<i>Seeking for fire</i>)—Ver. 3. Fire was kindled in general by +being kept smouldering in a log under the ashes, from day to day, for +culinary purposes; or else it was begged from a neighbour, as we learn +from the Aulularia of Plautus, A. I., Sc. ii., l. 12 +<i>et seq.</i>; and so generally was this done that we find it stated in +the Trinummus, A. II., sc. ii., l. 53, that it was the +custom not to refuse fire when asked for even to an enemy.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIII_41" id = "noteIII_41" href = "#tagIII_41">41.</a> +<i>In search of a man</i>)—Ver 9. Meaning that he did not deem the +enquirer to be a man. The same story is told in Diogenes Laertius, of +Diogenes the Cynic.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIII_42" id = "noteIII_42" href = "#tagIII_42">42.</a> +This and the following Prologue seem better suited to their present +places than to the close of the Fourth Book, where in most of the +editions they appear.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIII_43" id = "noteIII_43" href = "#tagIII_43">43.</a> +<i>Of a wearied life</i>)—Ver. 15. It is impossible to say with +any certainty to what he refers; but the most probable conjecture is +that he has again got into trouble through his compositions, and is +begging Eutychus, in some public capacity, immediately to give a +favourable decision in his behalf. That “Languens ævum” means a life +worn out with misfortune, and does not refer to himself as sinking, in +want, under old age, is evident from the next line. It has been +conjectured by some that Phædrus wrote these lines in prison, where he +had been thrown through the malice of his enemies.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIII_44" id = "noteIII_44" href = "#tagIII_44">44.</a> +<i>It is your province</i>)—Ver. 24. He is supposed to allude to +some judicial position held by Eutychus, which he would have to vacate +at the end of a year, and be succeeded by others, probably not so +favourably disposed to himself.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIII_45" id = "noteIII_45" href = "#tagIII_45">45.</a> +<i>To murmur in public</i>)—Ver. 33. “Palam mutire plebeio +piaculum est.” These words are quoted from the Telephus of Ennius.</p> + +</div> + + +<span class = "pagenum">409</span> +<h3><a name = "riley_IV" id = "riley_IV">BOOK IV.</a></h3> + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_IV_pro">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_IV_pro" id = "riley_IV_pro"> +PROLOGUE.</a><br> +To Particulo.</h4> + +<p>When I had determined to put an end to my labours, with the view that +there might be material enough <i>left</i> for others, in my mind I +silently condemned <i>my</i> resolve. For even if there is any one +desirous of the like fame, how will he guess what it is I have +omitted,<a class = "tag" name = "tagIV_1" id = "tagIV_1" href = +"#noteIV_1">IV.1</a> so as to wish to hand down that same to posterity; +since each man has a turn of thinking of his own, and a tone peculiar to +himself. It was not, therefore, <i>any</i> fickleness, but assured +grounds, that set me upon writing <i>again</i>. Wherefore, Particulo,<a +class = "tag" name = "tagIV_2" id = "tagIV_2" href = +"#noteIV_2">IV.2</a> as you are amused by Fables (which I will style +“Æsopian,” not “those of Æsop;” for whereas he published but few, +I have brought out a great many, employing the old style, but with +modern subjects), now at your leisure you shall peruse a Fourth Book. If +envy shall choose to carp at it, so long as it cannot imitate,<a class = +"tag" name = "tagIV_3" id = "tagIV_3" href = "#noteIV_3">IV.3</a> why +let it carp. I have gained glory <i>enough</i>, in that you, and +<i>others</i> like to you, have quoted my words in your writings, and +have thought me worthy of being long remembered. Why should I stand in +need of the applause of the illiterate?</p> + + +<span class = "pagenum">410</span> +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_III_XIX">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_IV_I" id = "riley_IV_I"> +Fable I.</a><br> +THE ASS AND THE PRIESTS OF CYBELE.</h4> + +<p>He who has been born to ill luck, not only passes an unhappy life, +but even after death the cruel rigour of destiny pursues him.</p> + +<p>The Galli, <i>priests</i> of Cybele,<a class = "tag" name = "tagIV_4" +id = "tagIV_4" href = "#noteIV_4">IV.4</a> were in the habit, on their +begging excursions, of leading about an Ass, to carry their burdens. +When he was dead with fatigue and blows, his hide being stripped off, +they made themselves tambourines<a class = "tag" name = "tagIV_5" id = +"tagIV_5" href = "#noteIV_5">IV.5</a> therewith. Afterwards, on being +asked by some one what they had done with their favourite, they answered +in these words: “He fancied that after death he would rest in quiet; but +see, dead as he is, fresh blows are heaped upon him.”</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_IV_I">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_IV_II" id = "riley_IV_II"> +Fable II.</a><br> +THE WEASEL AND THE MICE.</h4> + +<p>This way of writing seems to you facetious; and no doubt, while we +have nothing of more importance, we do sport with the pen. But examine +these Fables with attention, <i>and</i> what useful lessons will you +find <i>concealed</i> under them! Things are not always what they seem; +first appearances deceive many: few minds understand what skill has +hidden in an inmost corner. That I may not appear to have said this +without reason, I will add a Fable about the Weasel and the +Mice.</p> + +<p>A Weasel, worn out with years and old age, being unable to overtake +the active Mice, rolled herself in flour, and threw herself carelessly +along in a dark spot. A Mouse, thinking her food, jumped upon her, +and, being caught, was put to death: +<span class = "pagenum">411</span> +another in like manner perished, and then a third. Some others having +followed, an <i>old</i> brindled fellow came, who had escaped snares and +mouse-traps full oft; and viewing from afar the stratagem of the crafty +foe: “So fare you well,<a class = "tag" name = "tagIV_6" id = "tagIV_6" +href = "#noteIV_6">IV.6</a>” said he, “you that are lying there, as you +are flour.”</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_IV_II">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_IV_III" id = "riley_IV_III"> +Fable III.</a><br> +THE FOX AND THE GRAPES.</h4> + +<p>Urged by hunger, a Fox, leaping with all her might, tried to reach a +cluster of Grapes upon a lofty vine. When <i>she found</i> she could not +reach them, she left them, saying: “They are not ripe yet; I don’t +like to eat them while sour.”</p> + +<p>Those who disparage what they cannot perform, ought to apply this +lesson to themselves.</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_IV_III">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_IV_IV" id = "riley_IV_IV"> +Fable IV.</a><br> +THE HORSE AND THE WILD BOAR.</h4> + +<p>While a Wild Boar was wallowing, he muddied the shallow water, at +which a Horse had been in the habit of quenching his thirst. Upon this, +a disagreement arose. The Horse,<a class = "tag" name = "tagIV_7" +id = "tagIV_7" href = "#noteIV_7">IV.7</a> enraged with the beast, +sought the aid of man, and, raising him on his back, returned against +the foe. After the Horseman, hurling his javelins, had slain <i>the +Boar</i>, he is said to have spoken thus: “I am glad that I gave +assistance at your entreaties, for I have captured a prey, and have +learned how useful you are;” and so compelled him, unwilling as he was, +to submit to the rein. Then <i>said the Horse</i>, sorrowing: “Fool that +I am! while seeking to revenge a trifling matter, I have met with +slavery.”</p> + +<p>This Fable will admonish the passionate, that it is better to be +injured with impunity, than to put ourselves in the power of +another.</p> + + +<span class = "pagenum">412</span> +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_IV_IV">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_IV_V" id = "riley_IV_V"> +Fable V.</a><br> +ÆSOP INTERPRETING A WILL.</h4> + +<p>I will show to posterity, by a short story, that there is often more +merit in one man than in a multitude.</p> + +<p>A Person, at his death, left three Daughters; one handsome, and +hunting for the men with her eyes; the second, an industrious spinner of +wool,<a class = "tag" name = "tagIV_8" id = "tagIV_8" href = +"#noteIV_8">IV.8</a> frugal, and fond of a country life; the third, +given to wine, and very ugly. Now the old man made their Mother his +heir, on this condition, that she should distribute his whole fortune +equally among the three, but in such a manner that they should not +possess or enjoy what was given them; <i>and</i> further, that as soon +as they should cease to have the property which they had received, they +should pay over to their Mother a hundred thousand sesterces. The rumour +spreads all over Athens. The anxious Mother consults the learned in the +law. No one can explain in what way they are not to possess what has +been given, or have the enjoyment <i>of it</i>; and then again, in what +way those who have received nothing, are to pay money. After a long time +had been wasted, and still the meaning of the will could not be +understood, the Parent, disregarding the strict letter of the law, +consulted equity.<a class = "tag" name = "tagIV_9" id = "tagIV_9" href = +"#noteIV_9">IV.9</a> For the Wanton, she sets aside the garments, female +trinkets, silver bathing-vessels, eunuchs, <i>and</i> beardless boys: +for the Worker in wool, the fields, cattle, farm, labourers, oxen, +beasts of burden, and implements of husbandry: for the Drinker, +a store-room,<a class = "tag" name = "tagIV_10" id = "tagIV_10" +href = "#noteIV_10">IV.10</a> well stocked with casks of old +<span class = "pagenum">413</span> +wine, a finely finished house,<a class = "tag" name = "tagIV_11" id += "tagIV_11" href = "#noteIV_11">IV.11</a> and delightful gardens. When +she was intending to distribute what was thus set apart for each, and +the public approved, who knew them well; Æsop suddenly stood up in the +midst of the multitude, <i>and exclaimed</i>: “O! if consciousness +remained to their buried father, how would he grieve that the people of +Athens are unable to interpret his will!”</p> + +<p>On this, being questioned, he explained the error of them all: “The +house and the furniture, with the fine gardens, and the old wines, give +to the Worker in wool, so fond of a country life. The clothes, the +pearls, the attendants, and other things, make over to her who spends +her life in luxury. The fields, the vines, and the flocks, with the +shepherds, present to the Wanton. Not one will be able to retain +possession of what is alien to her taste. The Ungainly one will sell her +wardrobe to procure wine; the Wanton will part with the lands to procure +fine clothes; and she who delights in cattle, and attends to her +spinning, will get rid of her luxurious abode at any price. Thus, no one +will possess what was given, and they will pay to their Mother the sum +named from the price of the things, which each of them has sold.”</p> + +<p>Thus did the sagacity of one man find out what had baffled the +superficial enquiries of many.</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_IV_V">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_IV_VI" id = "riley_IV_VI"> +Fable VI.</a><br> +THE BATTLE OF THE MICE AND THE WEASELS.</h4> + +<p>When the Mice, overcome by the army of the Weasels, (whose History is +painted in <i>our</i> taverns<ins class = "correction" title = "text reads ‘1’ (error for ‘2’)"></ins><a class = "tag" name = "tagIV_12" id = +"tagIV_12" href = "#noteIV_12">IV.12</a>), took to flight, and crowded +in trepidation about their narrow lurking-holes, with difficulty getting +in, they managed, however, to escape death. +<span class = "pagenum">414</span> +Their Leaders, who had fastened horns to their heads, in order that they +might have a conspicuous sign for <i>their</i> troops to follow in +battle, stuck fast at the entrance, and were captured by the enemy. The +victor, sacrificing them with greedy teeth, plunged them into the +Tartarean recesses of his capacious paunch.</p> + +<p>Whenever a people is reduced to the last extremity, the high position +of its chiefs is in danger; the humble commonalty easily finds safety in +obscurity.</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_IV_VI">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_IV_VII" id = "riley_IV_VII"> +Fable VII.</a><br> +THE POET’S DEFENCE AGAINST THE CENSURERS OF HIS FABLES.</h4> + +<p>You, fastidious <i>critic</i>, who carp at my writings, and disdain +to read trifles of this kind, endure with some small patience this +little book, while I smooth down the severity of your brow, and Æsop +comes forward in a new and more lofty style.<a class = "tag" name = +"tagIV_13" id = "tagIV_13" href = "#noteIV_13">IV.13</a></p> + +<p>Would that the pine had never fallen on the summits of Pelion<a class += "tag" name = "tagIV_14" id = "tagIV_14" href = "#noteIV_14">IV.14</a> +under the Thessalian axe! and that Argus had never, with the aid of +Pallas, invented a way boldly to meet certain death, <i>in the</i> ship +which, to the destruction of Greeks and Barbarians, first laid open the +bays of the inhospitable Euxine. For both had the house of the proud +Æetes to lament it, and the realms of Pelias<a class = "tag" name = +"tagIV_15" id = "tagIV_15" href = "#noteIV_15">IV.15</a> fell by the +guilt of Medea, who, after concealing by various methods the cruelty of +her disposition, there effected her escape, by means of the limbs<a +class = "tag" name = "tagIV_16" id = "tagIV_16" href = +"#noteIV_16">IV.16</a> of +<span class = "pagenum">415</span> +her brother, <i>and</i> here embrued the hands of the daughters of +Pelias in their father’s blood.</p> + +<p>What think you of this? “This, too, is mere folly,” say you, “and is +an untrue story; for long before this, Minos, of more ancient date, +subjected the Ægæan seas with his fleet, and by seasonable correction, +punished <i>piratical</i> attacks.” What then can I possibly do for you, +my Cato of a Reader, if neither Fables<a class = "tag" name = "tagIV_17" +id = "tagIV_17" href = "#noteIV_17">IV.17</a> nor Tragic Stories suit +your taste? Do not be too severe upon <i>all</i> literary men, lest they +repay you the injury with interest.</p> + +<p>This is said to those who are over-squeamish in their folly, and, to +gain a reputation for wisdom, would censure heaven itself.</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_IV_VII">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_IV_VIII" id = "riley_IV_VIII"> +Fable VIII.</a><br> +THE VIPER AND THE FILE.</h4> + +<p>Let him who with greedy teeth attacks one who can bite harder, +consider himself described in this Fable.</p> + +<p>A Viper came<a class = "tag" name = "tagIV_18" id = "tagIV_18" href = +"#noteIV_18">IV.18</a> into a smith’s workshop; <i>and</i> while on the +search whether there was anything fit to eat, fastened her teeth upon a +File. That, however, disdainfully exclaimed “Why, fool, do you try to +wound me with your teeth, who am in the habit of gnawing asunder every +kind of iron?”</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_IV_VIII">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_IV_IX" id = "riley_IV_IX"> +Fable IX.</a><br> +THE FOX AND THE GOAT.</h4> + +<p>As soon as a crafty man has fallen into danger, he seeks to make his +escape by the sacrifice of another.</p> + +<span class = "pagenum">416</span> +<p>A Fox, through inadvertence, having fallen into a well,<a class = +"tag" name = "tagIV_19" id = "tagIV_19" href = "#noteIV_19">IV.19</a> +and being closed in by the sides which were too high for her, +a Goat parched with thirst came to the same spot, and asked whether +the water was good, and in plenty. The other, devising a stratagem, +<i>replied</i>: “Come down, <i>my</i> friend: such is the goodness of +the water, that my pleasure <i>in drinking</i> cannot be satisfied.” +Longbeard descended; then the Fox, mounting on his high horns, escaped +from the well, and left the Goat to stick fast in the enclosed mud.</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_IV_IX">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_IV_X" id = "riley_IV_X"> +Fable X.</a><br> +OF THE VICES OF MEN.</h4> + +<p>Jupiter has loaded us with a couple of Wallets: the one, filled with +our own vices, he has placed at our backs, <i>the other</i>, heavy with +those of others, he has hung before.</p> + +<p>From this circumstance, we are not able to see our own faults: but as +soon as others make a slip, we are ready to censure.</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_IV_X">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_IV_XI" id = "riley_IV_XI"> +Fable XI.</a><br> +A THIEF PILLAGING THE ALTAR OF JUPITER.</h4> + +<p>A Thief lighted his Lamp at the altar of Jupiter, and then plundered +it by the help of its own light. Just as he was taking his departure, +laden with the results of his sacrilege, the Holy Place suddenly sent +forth these words: “Although these were the gifts of the wicked, and to +me abominable, so much so that I care not to be spoiled of them, still, +profane man, thou shalt pay the penalty with thy life, when hereafter, +the day of punishment, appointed by fate, arrives. But, that our fire, +by means of which piety worships the awful Gods, may not afford its +light to crime, I forbid that <i>henceforth</i> there shall be any +such interchange of light.” Accordingly, to this day, it is neither +lawful for a lamp <i>to be lighted</i> at the fire of the Gods, nor yet +a sacrifice kindled from a lamp.<a class = "tag" name = "tagIV_20" id = +"tagIV_20" href = "#noteIV_20">IV.20</a></p> + + +<span class = "pagenum">417</span> +<p>No other than he who invented this Fable, could explain how many +useful lessons it affords. In the first place, it teaches that those +whom you yourself have brought up, may often be found the most hostile +to you: then again, it shows that crimes are punished not through the +wrath of the Gods, but at the time appointed by the Fates: lastly, it +warns the good to use nothing in common with the wicked.</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_IV_XI">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_IV_XII" id = "riley_IV_XII"> +Fable XII.</a><br> +THE EVILS OF WEALTH.<br> +Hercules <i>and</i> Plutus.</h4> + +<p>Riches are deservedly despised by a man of worth,<a class = "tag" +name = "tagIV_21" id = "tagIV_21" href = "#noteIV_21">IV.21</a> because +a well-stored chest intercepts praise from its true objects.</p> + +<p>When Hercules was received into heaven as the reward of his virtues, +and saluted in turn the Gods who were congratulating him, on Plutus +approaching, who is the child of Fortune, he turned away his eyes. +<i>His</i> father, <i>Jupiter</i>, enquired the reason: “I hate +him,” says he, “because he is the friend of the wicked, and at the same +time corrupts all by presenting the temptation of gain.”</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_IV_XIII" id = "riley_IV_XIII"> +Fable XIII.</a><br> +THE LION REIGNING.</h4> + +<p>Nothing is more advantageous to a man than to speak the truth; +a maxim that ought indeed to be approved of by all; but still +sincerity is frequently impelled to its own destruction.</p> + +<p>The Lion having made himself king of the wild beasts, and wishing to +acquire the reputation of equity, abandoned his former course <i>of +rapine</i>, and, content among them +<span class = "pagenum">418</span> +with a moderate supply of food, distributed hallowed justice with +incorruptible fidelity. But after second thoughts began to prevail<a +class = "tag" name = "tagIV_22" id = "tagIV_22" href = +"#noteIV_22">IV.22</a><span class = "missing">*****</span></p> + +<p class= "center"><i>(The rest is lost).</i></p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_IV_XIV" id = "riley_IV_XIV"> +Fable XIV.</a><br> +PROMETHEUS.</h4> + +<p class = "missing">*****</p> +<p class = "missing">*****</p> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>A fictione veretri linguam mulieris,</p> +<p>Affinitatem traxit inde obscœnitas.</p> +<p>Rogavit alter, tribadas et molles mares</p> +<p>Quæ ratio procreasset? Exposuit senex.</p> +<p>Idem Prometheus auctor vulgi fictilis</p> +<p>(Qui simul offendit ad fortunam, frangitur,)</p> +<p>Naturæ partes, veste quas celat pudor,</p> +<p>Quum separatim toto finxisset die,</p> +<p>Aptare mox ut posset corporibus suis,</p> +<p>Ad cœnam est invitatus subito a Libero;</p> +<p>Ubi irrigatus multo venas nectare</p> +<p>Sero domum est reversus titubanti pede.</p> +<p>Tum semisomno corde et errore ebrio,</p> +<p>Applicuit virginale generi masculo,</p> +<p>Et masculina membra applicuit fæminis;</p> +<p>Ita nunc libido pravo fruitur gaudio.</p> +</div> + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_IV_XII">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_IV_XV" id = "riley_IV_XV"> +Fable XV.</a><br> +THE SHE-GOATS AND THEIR BEARDS.</h4> + +<p>The She-Goats<a class = "tag" name = "tagIV_23" id = "tagIV_23" href += "#noteIV_23">IV.23</a> having obtained of Jupiter the favour of a +<span class = "pagenum">419</span> +beard, the He-Goats, full of concern, began to be indignant that the +females rivalled them in their dignity. “Suffer them,” said <i>the +God</i>, “to enjoy their empty honours, and to use the badge that +belongs to your rank, so long as they are not sharers in your +courage.”</p> + +<p>This Fable teaches you to bear that those who are inferior to you in +merit should be like you in outside appearances.</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_IV_XIII">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_IV_XVI" id = "riley_IV_XVI"> +Fable XVI.</a><br> +THE PILOT AND THE MARINERS.</h4> + +<p>On a certain man complaining of his <i>adverse</i> fortune, Æsop, for +the purpose of consoling him, invented <i>this Fable</i>.</p> + +<p>A ship which had been tossed by a fierce tempest (while the +passengers were all in tears, and filled with apprehensions of death) on +the day suddenly changing to a serene aspect, began to be borne along in +safety upon the buoyant waves, and to inspire the mariners with an +excess of gladness. On this, the Pilot, who had been rendered wise by +experience, <i>remarked</i>: “We ought to be moderate in our joy, and to +complain with caution; for the whole of life is a mixture of grief and +joy.”</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_IV_XVII" id = "riley_IV_XVII"> +Fable XVII.</a><br> +THE EMBASSY OF THE DOGS TO JUPITER.</h4> + +<p>The Dogs once sent<a class = "tag" name = "tagIV_24" id = "tagIV_24" +href = "#noteIV_24">IV.24</a> Ambassadors to Jupiter, to entreat of him +a happier lot in life, and that he would deliver them from the insulting +treatment of man, who gave them bread mixed with bran, and satisfied +their most urgent hunger with filthy offal. The ambassadors set out, +<i>but</i> with no hasty steps, while snuffing with their nostrils for +food in every filth. Being summoned, they fail to make their appearance. +After some difficulty Mercury finds them at last, and brings them +<span class = "pagenum">420</span> +up in confusion. As soon, however, as they saw the countenance of mighty +Jove, in their fright they bewrayed the whole palace. Out they go, +driven away with sticks; but great Jove forbade that they should be sent +back. <i>The Dogs</i>, wondering that their Ambassadors did not return, +<i>and</i> suspecting that they had committed something disgraceful, +after a while ordered others to be appointed to aid them. Rumour +<i>soon</i> betrayed the former Ambassadors. Dreading that something of +a similar nature may happen a second time, they stuff the Dogs behind +with perfumes, and plenty of them. They give their directions; the +Ambassadors are dispatched; at once they take their departure. They beg +for an audience, <i>and</i> forthwith obtain it. Then did the most +mighty Father of the Gods take his seat <i>on his throne</i>, and +brandish his thunders; all things began to shake. The Dogs in alarm, so +sudden was the crash, in a moment let fall the perfumes with their dung. +All cry out, that the affront must be avenged. <i>But</i> before +proceeding to punishment, thus spoke Jupiter:— “It is not for a +King to send Ambassadors away, nor is it a difficult matter to inflict a +<i>proper</i> punishment on the offence; but by way of judgment this is +the reward you shall have. I don’t forbid their return, but they +shall be famished with hunger, lest they be not able to keep their +stomachs in order<ins class = "correction" title = "extra ..">. +</ins>And as for those who sent such despicable <i>Ambassadors</i> as +you, they shall never be free from the insults of man.”</p> + +<p>And so it is,<a class = "tag" name = "tagIV_25" id = "tagIV_25" href += "#noteIV_25">IV.25</a> that even now <i>the Dogs</i> of the present +day are in expectation of their Ambassadors. When one of them sees a +strange <i>Dog</i> appear, he snuffs at his tail.</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_IV_XIV">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_IV_XVIII" id = +"riley_IV_XVIII"> +Fable XVIII.</a><br> +THE MAN AND THE SNAKE.</h4> + +<p>He who gives relief to the wicked has to repent it before long.</p> + +<p>A Man took up a Snake stiffened with frost, and warmed +<span class = "pagenum">421</span> +her in his bosom, being compassionate to his own undoing; for when she +had recovered, she instantly killed the Man. On another one asking her +the reason of <i>this</i> crime, she made answer: “That people may learn +not to assist the wicked<ins class = "correction" title = "close quote missing">.”</ins><a class = "tag" name = "tagIV_26" id = "tagIV_26" href += "#noteIV_26">IV.26</a></p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_IV_XV">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_IV_XIX" id = "riley_IV_XIX"> +Fable XIX.</a><br> +THE FOX AND THE DRAGON.</h4> + +<p>While a Fox, digging a lair, was throwing out the earth, and making +deeper and more numerous burrows, she came to the farthest recesses of a +Dragon’s den,<a class = "tag" name = "tagIV_27" id = "tagIV_27" href = +"#noteIV_27">IV.27</a> who was watching some treasure hidden there. As +soon as <i>the Fox</i> perceived him, <i>she began</i>:— “In the +first place, I beg that you will pardon my unintentional +<i>intrusion</i>; and next, as you see clearly enough that gold is not +suited to my mode of life, have the goodness to answer me: what profit +do you derive from this toil, or what is the reward, so great that you +should be deprived of sleep, and pass your life in darkness?” “None +<i>at all</i>,” replied the other; “but this <i>task</i> has been +assigned me by supreme Jove.” “Then you neither take <i>anything</i> for +yourself, nor give to another?” “Such is the will of the Fates.” “Don’t +be angry <i>then</i>, if I say frankly: the man is born under the +displeasure of the Gods who is like you.”</p> + +<p>As you must go to that place to which <i>others</i> have gone before, +why in the blindness of your mind do you torment your wretched +existence? To you I address myself, Miser, joy of your heir,<a class = +"tag" name = "tagIV_28" id = "tagIV_28" href = "#noteIV_28">IV.28</a> +who rob the Gods of their incense, <ins class = "correction" title = +"text reads ‘your-/yourself’ at line break">yourself</ins> of food; who +hear with sorrow the musical sound of the lyre; whom the joyous notes of +the pipes torment; +<span class = "pagenum">422</span> +from whom the price of provisions extorts a groan;<a class = "tag" name += "tagIV_29" id = "tagIV_29" href = "#noteIV_29">IV.29</a> who, while +adding some farthings to your estate, offend heaven by your sordid +perjuries; who are for cutting down<a class = "tag" name = "tagIV_30" id += "tagIV_30" href = "#noteIV_30">IV.30</a> every expense at your +funeral, for fear Libitina<a class = "tag" name = "tagIV_31" id = +"tagIV_31" href = "#noteIV_31">IV.31</a> should be at all a gainer at +the expense of your property.</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_IV_XVI">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_IV_XX" id = "riley_IV_XX"> +Fable XX.</a><br> +PHÆDRUS.</h4> + +<p>Although malice may dissemble for the present, I am still +perfectly aware what judgment it will think proper to arrive at. +Whatever it shall <i>here</i> deem worthy <i>to be transmitted</i> to +posterity, it will say belongs to Æsop; if it shall be not so well +pleased with any portion, it will, for any wager, contend that the same +was composed by me. One who thus thinks, I would refute once for +all by <i>this</i> my answer: whether this work is silly, or whether it +is worthy of praise, he was the inventor: my hand has brought it to +perfection. But let us pursue our purpose in the order we proposed.</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_IV_XVII">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_IV_XXI" id = "riley_IV_XXI"> +Fable XXI.</a><br> +THE SHIPWRECK OF SIMONIDES.</h4> + +<p>A learned man has always a fund of riches in himself.</p> + +<p>Simonides, who wrote <i>such</i> excellent <i>lyric</i> poems, the +more easily to support his poverty, began to make a tour of the +celebrated cities of Asia, singing the praises of victors for such +reward as he might receive. After he had become enriched by this kind of +gain, he resolved to return to his +<span class = "pagenum">423</span> +native land by sea; (for he was born, it is said, in the island of +Ceos<a class = "tag" name = "tagIV_32" id = "tagIV_32" href = +"#noteIV_32">IV.32</a>). <i>Accordingly</i> he embarked in a ship, which +a dreadful tempest, together with its own rottenness, caused to founder +at sea. Some gathered together their girdles,<a class = "tag" name = +"tagIV_33" id = "tagIV_33" href = "#noteIV_33">IV.33</a> others their +precious effects, <i>which formed</i> the support of their existence. +One who was over inquisitive, <i>remarked</i>: “Are you going to save +none of your property, Simonides?” He made reply: “All my +<i>possessions</i> are about me.” A few <i>only</i> made their +escape by swimming, for the majority, being weighed down by their +burdens, perished. Some thieves make their appearance, and seize what +each person has saved, leaving them naked. Clazomenæ, an ancient city, +chanced to be near; to which the shipwrecked persons repaired. Here a +person devoted to the pursuits of literature, who had often read the +lines of Simonides, and was a very great admirer of him though he had +never seen him, knowing from his very language <i>who he was</i>, +received him with the greatest pleasure into his house, and furnished +him with clothes, money, and attendants. The others <i>meanwhile</i> +were carrying about their pictures,<a class = "tag" name = "tagIV_34" id += "tagIV_34" href = "#noteIV_34">IV.34</a> begging for victuals. +Simonides chanced to meet them; and, as soon as he saw them, remarked: +“I told you that all my property was about me; what you endeavoured +to save is lost.”</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_IV_XVIII">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_IV_XXII" id = "riley_IV_XXII"> +Fable XXII.</a><br> +THE MOUNTAIN IN LABOUR.</h4> + +<p>A Mountain<a class = "tag" name = "tagIV_35" id = "tagIV_35" href = +"#noteIV_35">IV.35</a> was in labour, sending forth dreadful groans, +<span class = "pagenum">424</span> +and there was in the districts the highest expectation. After all, it +brought forth a Mouse.</p> + +<p>This is designed for you, who, when you have threatened great things, +produce nothing.</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_IV_XIX">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_IV_XXIII" id = +"riley_IV_XXIII"> +Fable XXIII.</a><br> +THE ANT AND THE FLY.</h4> + +<p>An Ant and a Fly were contending with great warmth which was of the +greater importance. The Fly was the first to begin: “Can you possibly +compare with my endowments? When a sacrifice is made, I am the +first to taste of the entrails that belong to the Gods. I pass my +time among the altars, I wander through all the temples; soon as I +have espied it, I seat myself on the head of a king; and I taste of +the chaste kisses of matrons. I labour not, and yet enjoy the +nicest of things: what like to this, <i>good</i> rustic, falls to your +lot?” “Eating with the Gods,” said the Ant, “is certainly a thing to be +boasted of; but by him who is invited, not him who is loathed <i>as an +intruder</i>. You talk about kings and the kisses of matrons. While I am +carefully heaping up a stock of grain for winter, I see you feeding +on filth about the walls. You frequent the altars; yes, and are driven +away as often as you come. You labour not; therefore it is that you have +nothing when you stand in need of it. And, further, you boast about what +modesty ought to conceal. You tease me in summer; when winter comes you +are silent. While the cold is shrivelling you up and putting you to +death, a well-stored abode harbours me. Surely I have now pulled +down your pride enough.”</p> + +<p>A Fable of this nature distinctly points out the characters of those +who set themselves off with unfounded praises, and of those whose +virtues gain solid fame.</p> + + +<span class = "pagenum">425</span> +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_IV_XX">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_IV_XXIV" id = "riley_IV_XXIV"> +Fable XXIV.</a><br> +SIMONIDES PRESERVED BY THE GODS.</h4> + +<p>I have said, above, how greatly learning is esteemed among men: +I will now hand down to posterity how great is the honor paid to it +by the Gods.</p> + +<p>Simonides, the very same of whom I have <i>before</i> made mention, +agreed, at a fixed price, to write a panegyric for a certain Pugilist,<a +class = "tag" name = "tagIV_36" id = "tagIV_36" href = +"#noteIV_36">IV.36</a> who had been victorious: <i>accordingly</i> he +sought retirement. As the meagreness of his subject cramped his +imagination, he used, according to general custom, the license of the +Poet, and introduced the twin stars of Leda,<a class = "tag" name = +"tagIV_37" id = "tagIV_37" href = "#noteIV_37">IV.37</a> citing them as +an example of similar honours. He finished the Poem according to +contract, but received <i>only</i> a third part of the sum agreed upon. +On his demanding the rest: “They,” said he, “will give it you whose +praises occupy <i>the other</i> two-thirds; but, that I may feel +convinced that you have not departed in anger, promise to dine with me, +<i>as</i> I intend to-day to invite my kinsmen, in the number of whom I +reckon you<ins class = "correction" title = "close quote missing">.” +</ins>Although defrauded, and smarting under the injury, in order that +he might not, by parting on bad terms, break off all friendly +intercourse, he promised that he would. At the hour named he returned, +<i>and</i> took his place at table. The banquet shone joyously with its +cups; the house resounded with gladness, amid vast preparations, when, +on a sudden, two young men, covered with dust, and dripping with +perspiration, their bodies of more than human form, requested one of the +servants to call Simonides to them, <i>and say</i> that it was of +consequence to him to make no delay. The man, quite confused, called +forth Simonides; <i>and</i> hardly had he put one foot out of the +banquetting room, when suddenly the fall of the ceiling crushed the +rest, and no young men were to be seen at the gate.</p> + +<span class = "pagenum">426</span> +<p>When the circumstances of the story I have told were made known, all +were persuaded that the personal intervention of the Divinities had +saved the Poet’s life by way of reward.</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_IV_epi">Smart</a> +<h4><a name = "riley_IV_epi" id = "riley_IV_epi">EPILOGUE.</a></h4> + +<p>There are still remaining many things which I might say, and there is +a copious abundance of subjects; but <i>though</i> witticisms, +well-timed, are pleasing; out of place, they disgust. Wherefore, most +upright Particulo (a name destined to live in my writings, so long as a +value shall continue to be set upon the Latin literature), if <i>you +like not</i> my genius, at least approve my brevity, which has the more +just claim to be commended, seeing how wearisome Poets <i>usually</i> +are.<a class = "tag" name = "tagIV_38" id = "tagIV_38" href = +"#noteIV_38">IV.38</a></p> + +<hr class = "tiny"> + +<h5><a name = "notes_IV" id = "notes_IV">Footnotes to +Book IV</a></h5> + +<div class = "footnote"> + +<p><a name = "noteIV_1" id = "noteIV_1" href = "#tagIV_1">1.</a> +<i>I have omitted</i>)—Ver. 5. “Divinabit” seems preferable here +to “damnabit,” or “demonstrabit,” the other readings; and Burmann is +probably right in supposing that he means to say that many of the +Æsopian fables had not yet been used by him, and though others may make +use of them as bearing a general moral, they will not be able so well as +himself to point their moral in reference to individuals or classes, in +consequence of his advantage in having already adapted many of them to +the censure of particular vices.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIV_2" id = "noteIV_2" href = "#tagIV_2">2.</a> +<i>Particulo</i>)—Ver. 10. Of Particulo nothing whatever is known, +except that he was a freedman.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIV_3" id = "noteIV_3" href = "#tagIV_3">3.</a> +<i>Cannot imitate</i>)—Ver. 16. Gronovius thinks that he alludes +to the Greek proverb “<span class = "greek" title = "Mômeisthai rhadion ê mimeisthai">Μωμεῖσθαι ῥάδιον ἢ μιμεῖσθαι</span>.” “’Tis easier to +blame than to imitate.”</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIV_4" id = "noteIV_4" href = "#tagIV_4">4.</a> +<i>Priests of Cybele</i>)—Ver. 4. During the Festival of Cybele, +the Galli or eunuch-priests of the Goddess went about with an image of +her seated on an ass, and beating a tambourine, for the purpose of +making a collection to defray the expenses of the worship<ins class = +"correction" title = "text has , for .">. </ins>They were called by +the Greeks <span class = "greek" title = +"mêtragurtai">μητραγύρται</span>, “Collectors for the Mother.” See the +Fasti of Ovid, B. iv., l. 350, vol. <ins class = "correction" +title = "text has .i,">i.,</ins> p. 149, of Bohn’s Translation.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIV_5" id = "noteIV_5" href = "#tagIV_5">5.</a> +<i>Tambourines</i>)—Ver. 7. “The tympana,” which were almost +exactly similar to our tambourines, were covered with the skin of asses +or of oxen, and were beaten with the hand or a small stick.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIV_6" id = "noteIV_6" href = "#tagIV_6">6.</a> +<i>So fare you well</i>)—Ver. 21. “Sic valeas.” —“Fare you +well, if you are flour, which you are not. I wish you luck as much +as I believe you are what you pretend to be, <i>i.e.</i>, not at +all.”</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIV_7" id = "noteIV_7" href = "#tagIV_7">7.</a> +<i>The horse</i>)—Ver. 3. “Sonipes,” literally “sounding-hoof.” +This was a name commonly given to the horse by the Romans. Lucan +repeatedly calls a war-horse by this epithet.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIV_8" id = "noteIV_8" href = "#tagIV_8">8.</a> +<i>Spinner of wool</i>)—Ver. 5. “Lanificam.” Working in wool was +the constant employment of the more industrious among the females of the +higher class. Ovid, in the Fasti, Book ii., l. 742, represents +Lucretia as being found thus employed by her husband and Tarquinius. The +Emperor Augustus refused to wear any clothes that were not woven by the +females of his family.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIV_9" id = "noteIV_9" href = "#tagIV_9">9.</a> +<i>Consulted equity</i>)—Ver. 20. This seems to be the meaning of +“fidem advocare:” but the passage has caused considerable difficulty to +the Commentators.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIV_10" id = "noteIV_10" href = "#tagIV_10">10.</a> +<i>A store-room</i>)—Ver. 25. The “apotheca” was a place in the +upper part of the house, in which the Romans frequently placed the +amphoræ in which their wine was stored. It was situate above the +“fumarium,” as the smoke was thought to heighten the flavour of the +wine.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIV_11" id = "noteIV_11" href = "#tagIV_11">11.</a> +<i>A finely finished house</i>)—Ver. 26. “Politam” probably refers +to the care with which the houses of the opulent in cities were smoothed +by the workman’s art. According to some Commentators, however, “domus +polita” here means “a house furnished with every luxury.”</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIV_12" id = "noteIV_12" href = "#tagIV_12">12.</a> +<i>In our taverns</i>)—Ver. 2. We learn from Horace and other +ancient writers, that it was the custom to paint comic subjects on the +walls of the taverns; and similar subjects have been found painted on +walls at Pompeii.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIV_13" id = "noteIV_13" href = "#tagIV_13">13.</a> +<i>More lofty style</i>)—Ver. 5. “Cothurnis,” literally “the +buskins of Tragedy.”</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIV_14" id = "noteIV_14" href = "#tagIV_14">14.</a> +<i>Summits of Pelion</i>)—Ver 6. The ship Argo was said to have +been built of wood grown on Mount Pelion. The author alludes to the +expedition of Jason to Colchis to fetch thence the Golden Fleece.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIV_15" id = "noteIV_15" href = "#tagIV_15">15.</a> +<i>The realms of Pelias</i>)—Ver. 13. He alludes to the death of +Pelias, King of Thessaly, through the schemes of Medea, daughter of +Æetes, King of Colchis, at the hands of his own daughters. See Ovid’s +Metamorphoses, B. vii. l. 297, <i>et seq.</i></p> + +<p><a name = "noteIV_16" id = "noteIV_16" href = "#tagIV_16">16.</a> +<i>Limbs of her brother</i>)—Ver. 15. When, on her flight with +Jason, Æetes pursued his daughter Medea, she, having taken with her her +brother Absyrtus, in order to retard her father in the pursuit, cut her +brother in pieces, and scattered his limbs in the way. Thus, while the +father was employed in gathering the limbs of his son, Medea made her +escape. The place where this happened was thence said to have had the +name of Tomi; and to this place Ovid was banished by Augustus. See the +Story related in the Tristia of Ovid, B. iii. El. ix.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIV_17" id = "noteIV_17" href = "#tagIV_17">17.</a> +<i>If neither Fables</i>)—Ver. 22. By “fabellæ,” he probably means +Æsopian fables, while by “fabulæ,” the more lofty stories of tragedy are +meant. By “Cato,” he means a censorious or over-scrupulous reader.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIV_18" id = "noteIV_18" href = "#tagIV_18">18.</a> +<i>A Viper entered</i>)—Ver. 3. Lokman, the Arabian Fabulist, has +the same fable; but there a Cat plays the part of the Viper.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIV_19" id = "noteIV_19" href = "#tagIV_19">19.</a> +<i>Fallen into a well</i>)—Ver. 3. Some of the Commentators think +that Tiberius and Sejanus are pointed at in this Fable.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIV_20" id = "noteIV_20" href = "#tagIV_20">20.</a> +<i>From a lamp</i>)—Ver. 13. The ancients were compelled to light +sacrifices to the Gods from torches, and not with fire from a lamp. More +usually a fire was kept constantly burning in the temple for the +purpose.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIV_21" id = "noteIV_21" href = "#tagIV_21">21.</a> +<i>A man of worth</i>)—Ver. 1. It has been suggested that by +“forti viro,” Phædrus means a military man. The word “fortis” seems +rather here to mean “of real worth,” or “of strong mind.” Some of +ancient authors make Plutus to be the son of Ceres and Jasius.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIV_22" id = "noteIV_22" href = "#tagIV_22">22.</a> +<i>Began to prevail</i>)—Ver. 9. The remainder of this Fable is +lost. It is supposed to have been torn out of the MS. of the writings of +Phædrus by some pious monk, who, objecting to the following Fable, +destroyed the leaf which contained the latter part of the present one, +as well as some part of the next. Orellius considers the lines ending +with “obscœnitas” as the fragment of a Fable distinct from the +succeeding lines.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIV_23" id = "noteIV_23" href = "#tagIV_23">23.</a> +<i>The She-Goats</i>)—Ver. 1. This Fable is thought by some to +bear reference to the interference of Livia in affairs of state.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIV_24" id = "noteIV_24" href = "#tagIV_24">24.</a> +<i>The Dogs once sent</i>)—Ver. 1. It is supposed that in this +singular Fable, Phædrus ridicules, in a covert manner, some of the +prevailing superstitions of his day, or else that he satirizes Tiberius +and Sejanus, while the Dogs signify the Roman people.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIV_25" id = "noteIV_25" href = "#tagIV_25">25.</a> +<i>And so it is</i>)—Ver. 35. This and the next line are regarded +by many as spurious: indeed Hare is disinclined to believe that this +Fable was written by Phædrus at all.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIV_26" id = "noteIV_26" href = "#tagIV_26">26.</a> +<i>Not to assist the wicked</i>)—Ver. 5. It has been remarked that +Phædrus here deviates from nature, in making the Serpent give a bad +character of itself. Those who think that Phædrus wrote after the time +of Tiberius, suggest that Caligula is represented by the snake, who +wreaked his cruelty on his former benefactors, Macro and Ennia.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIV_27" id = "noteIV_27" href = "#tagIV_27">27.</a> +<i>Of a Dragon’s den</i>)—Ver. 3. In former times, when riches +were more commonly <ins class = "correction" title = "text reads ‘duried’">buried</ins> in the earth, it was perhaps found convenient to +encourage a superstitious notion, which was very prevalent, that they +were guarded by watchful Dragons.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIV_28" id = "noteIV_28" href = "#tagIV_28">28.</a> +<i>Joy of your heir</i>)—Ver. 18. That is to say, in his +death.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIV_29" id = "noteIV_29" href = "#tagIV_29">29.</a> +<i>Extorts a groan</i>)—Ver. 22. So in the Aulularia of Plautus, +Act II. Sc. viii. the miser Euclio is represented as groaning +over the high price of provisions.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIV_30" id = "noteIV_30" href = "#tagIV_30">30.</a> +<i>Cutting down</i>)—Ver. 25. In his will.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIV_31" id = "noteIV_31" href = "#tagIV_31">31.</a> +<i>Lest Libitina</i>)—Ver. 26. The “pollinctores,” or +“undertakers,” kept their biers and other implements required at +funerals, at the Temple of the Goddess Libitina.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIV_32" id = "noteIV_32" href = "#tagIV_32">32.</a> +<i>In the island of Ceos</i>)—Ver. 28. The poet Simonides was born +at Iulis, a city of the isle of Ceos, one of the Cyclades, in the +Ægæan Sea.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIV_33" id = "noteIV_33" href = "#tagIV_33">33.</a> +<i>Their girdles</i>)—Ver. 11. Among the ancients, the zones or +girdles were sometimes used for the purpose of keeping money there; +while sometimes purses were carried suspended from them.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIV_34" id = "noteIV_34" href = "#tagIV_34">34.</a> +<i>Carrying about their pictures</i>)—Ver. 24. It was the custom +for shipwrecked persons to go about soliciting charity with a painting +suspended from the neck, representing their calamity; much in the +fashion which we sometimes see followed at the present day.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIV_35" id = "noteIV_35" href = "#tagIV_35">35.</a> +<i>A Mountain</i>)—Ver. 1. Tachos, King of Egypt, is said by +Plutarch to have said to Agesilaüs, King of Sparta, when he came to his +assistance: “The mountain has been in labour, Jupiter has been in alarm, +but it has brought forth a mouse,” alluding to the diminutive stature of +Agesilaus; who contented himself with replying, in answer to this rude +remark: “One day I shall appear to you even to be a lion.”</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIV_36" id = "noteIV_36" href = "#tagIV_36">36.</a> +<i>A certain Pugilist</i>)—Ver. 5. “Pyctæ;” from the Greek <span +class = "greek" title = "puktês">πυκτὴς</span>, a “boxer,” or +“pugilist,” Latinized.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIV_37" id = "noteIV_37" href = "#tagIV_37">37.</a> +<i>Twin stars of Leda</i>)—Ver. 9. Castor and Pollux, the twin +sons of Leda.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteIV_38" id = "noteIV_38" href = "#tagIV_38">38.</a> +<i>Usually are</i>)—Ver. 9. Orellius introduces this after Fable V +in the Fifth Book.</p> + +</div> + + +<span class = "pagenum">427</span> +<h3><a name = "riley_V" id = "riley_V">BOOK V.</a></h3> + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_V_pro">Smart</a> +<h4><a name = "riley_V_pro" id = "riley_V_pro"> +PROLOGUE.</a></h4> + +<p>If I shall anywhere insert the name of Æsop, to whom I have already +rendered every <i>honor</i> that was his due, know that it is for the +sake of <i>his</i> authority, just as some statuaries do in our day, who +obtain a much greater price for their productions, if they inscribe the +name of Praxiteles on their marbles, and Myron<a class = "tag" name = +"tagV_1" id = "tagV_1" href = "#noteV_1">V.1</a> on their polished +silver. <i>Therefore</i> let <i>these</i> Fables obtain a hearing. +Carping envy more readily favours the works of antiquity than those of +the present day. But now I turn to a Fable, with a moral to the +purpose.</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_V_I">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_V_I" id = "riley_V_I"> +Fable I.</a><br> +DEMETRIUS AND MENANDER.</h4> + +<p>Demetrius,<ins class = "correction" title = "text reads ‘1’"><a class += "tag" name = "tagV_2" id = "tagV_2" href = "#noteV_2">V.2</a></ins> +who was called Phalereus, unjustly took possession of the sovereignty of +Athens. The mob, according to their usual practice, rush from all +quarters vying with each other, and cheer him, and wish him joy. Even +the +<span class = "pagenum">428</span> +chief men kiss the hand by which they are oppressed, while they silently +lament the sad vicissitudes of fortune. Moreover, those who live in +retirement, and take their ease, come creeping in last of all, that +their absence may not injure them. Among these Menander, famous<a class += "tag" name = "tagV_3" id = "tagV_3" href = "#noteV_3">V.3</a> for his +Comedies (which Demetrius, who did not know him, had read, and had +admired the genius of the man), perfumed with unguents, and clad in a +flowing robe, came with a mincing and languid step. As soon as the +Tyrant caught sight of him at the end of the train: “What effeminate +wretch,” said he, “is this, who presumes to come into my presence?” +Those near him made answer: “This is Menander the Poet.” Changed in an +instant, he exclaimed: “A more agreeable looking man could not +possibly exist.”</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_V_II">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_V_II" id = "riley_V_II"> +Fable II.</a><br> +THE TRAVELLERS AND THE ROBBER.</h4> + +<p>Two Soldiers having fallen in with a Robber, one fled, while the +other stood his ground, and defended himself with a stout right-hand. +The Robber slain, his cowardly companion comes running up, and draws his +sword; then throwing back his travelling cloak,<a class = "tag" name = +"tagV_4" id = "tagV_4" href = "#noteV_4">V.4</a> says: “Let’s have him;” +“I’ll take care he shall soon know whom he attacks.” On this, he who had +vanquished <i>the robber made answer</i>: “I wish you had seconded +me just now at least with those words; I should have been still +more emboldened, believing them true; now keep your sword quiet, as well +as your silly tongue, that you may be able to deceive others who don’t +know you. I, who have experienced with what speed you take to your +heels, know full well that no dependence is to be placed upon your +valour.”</p> + +<p>This story may be applied to him who is courageous in prosperity, in +times of danger takes to flight.</p> + + +<span class = "pagenum">429</span> +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_V_III">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_V_III" id = "riley_V_III"> +Fable III.</a><br> +THE BALD MAN AND THE FLY.</h4> + +<p>A Fly bit the bare pate of a Bald Man; who, endeavouring to crush it, +gave himself a heavy blow. Then said the Fly jeeringly: “You wanted to +revenge the sting of a tiny insect with death; what will you do to +yourself, who have added insult to injury?” <i>The Man</i> made answer: +“I am easily reconciled to myself, because I know that there was no +intention of doing harm. But you, worthless insect, and one of a +contemptible race, who take a delight in drinking human blood, +I could wish to destroy you, even at a heavier penalty.”</p> + +<p>This Fable teaches that pardon is to be granted to him who errs +through mistake. But him who is designedly mischievous, I deem to +be deserving of <i>any</i> punishment.</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_V_IV">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_V_IV" id = "riley_V_IV"> +Fable IV.</a><br> +THE MAN AND THE ASS.</h4> + +<p>A Man having sacrificed a young boar to the god Hercules, to whom he +owed performance of a vow <i>made</i> for the preservation of his +health, ordered the remains of the barley to be set for the Ass. But he +refused <i>to touch it</i>, and said: “I would most willingly +accept your food, if he who had been fed upon it had not had his throat +cut.”</p> + +<p>Warned by the significance of this Fable, I have always been +careful to avoid the gain that exposed to hazard. “But,” say you, “those +who have got riches by rapine, are <i>still</i> in possession of them.” +Come, then, let us enumerate those, who, being detected, have come to a +bad end; you will find that those <i>so</i> punished constitute a great +majority.</p> + +<p>Rashness brings luck to a few, misfortune to most.</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_V_V">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_V_V" id = "riley_V_V"> +Fable V.</a><br> +THE BUFFOON AND THE COUNTRYMAN.</h4> + +<p>Men are in the habit of erring through prejudice; and +<span class = "pagenum">430</span> +while they stand up in defence of their erroneous notions, <i>are +wont</i> to be driven by plain facts to confession of their +mistakes.</p> + +<p>A rich Man, about to entertain the people with grand shows, invited +all, by the promise of a reward, to exhibit whatever new piece of +ingenuity any one could. The Performers came to the contest for fame, +among whom a Buffoon, well known for his drollery, said that he had a +kind of entertainment which had never yet been brought out at <i>any</i> +theatre. The rumour, spreading, brought together the <i>whole</i> city; +and the places, empty shortly before, sufficed not for the multitude. +But as soon as he appeared on the stage, alone, <i>and</i> without any +apparatus, any stage-assistants, the very intenseness of expectation +produced silence. Suddenly, he dropped down his head towards his bosom, +and so well did he imitate the voice of a pig with his own, that they +concluded there was a real one under his cloak, and ordered it to be +shaken out. This being done, as soon as they found that nothing was +discovered, they loaded the Man with many praises, and bestowed upon him +the greatest applause.</p> + +<p>A Countryman seeing this take place: “Egad,” said he, “he shan’t +surpass me;” and immediately gave out that he would do the same thing +still better on the following day. A still greater crowd assembled. +Prejudice had already taken possession of their minds, and they took +their seats, determined to deride, and not as <i>unbiassed</i> +spectators. Both Performers come forth. First, the Buffoon grunts away, +and excites their applause, and <ins class = "correction" title = "text reads ‘awaken’">awakens</ins> their acclamations. Next, the Countryman, +pretending that he concealed a pig beneath his clothes (which, in fact, +he did; but quite unsuspected, because they had found none about the +other), twitched the ear of the real <i>pig</i>, which he was +concealing, and with the pain forced from it its natural cry. The people +shouted with one voice that the Buffoon had given a much more exact +imitation, and ordered the Countryman to be driven from the stage. On +this, he produced the pig itself from the folds of his cloak, and +convicting them of their disgraceful mistake by a manifest proof: +“Look,” said <i>he</i>, “this shows what sort of judges you are.”</p> + + +<span class = "pagenum">431</span> +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_V_VI">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_V_VI" id = "riley_V_VI"> +Fable VI.</a><br> +THE TWO BALD MEN.</h4> + +<p>A Bald Man chanced to find a comb in the public road. Another, +equally destitute of hair, came up: “Come,” said he, “shares, whatever +it is you have found.” The other showed the booty, and added withal: +“The will of the Gods has favoured us, but through the malignity of +fate, we have found, as the saying is, a coal instead of a +treasure.”</p> + +<p>This complaint befits him whom hope has disappointed.</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_V_VII">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_V_VII" id = "riley_V_VII"> +Fable VII.</a><br> +PRINCEPS, THE FLUTE-PLAYER.</h4> + +<p>When a weak mind, beguiled by frivolous applause, has once given way +to insolent self-sufficiency, <i>such</i> foolish vanity is easily +exposed to ridicule.</p> + +<p>Princeps, the Flute-player, was pretty well known, being accustomed +to accompany Bathyllus<a class = "tag" name = "tagV_5" id = "tagV_5" +href = "#noteV_5">V.5</a> with his music on the stage. It chanced that, +at a representation, I don’t well remember what it was, while the +flying-machine<a class = "tag" name = "tagV_6" id = "tagV_6" href = +"#noteV_6">V.6</a> was being whirled along, he fell heavily, through +inadvertence, and broke his left leg, when he would much rather have +parted with two right ones.<a class = "tag" name = "tagV_7" id = +"tagV_7" href = "#noteV_7">V.7</a> He was picked up and carried to his +house groaning aloud. Some months pass by before his cure is completed. +As is the way with the spectators, for <i>they are</i> a merry race, the +man began to be missed, by +<span class = "pagenum">432</span> +whose blasts the vigour of the dancer was wont to be kept at full +stretch.</p> + +<p>A certain Nobleman was about to exhibit a show, just when Princeps +was beginning to walk abroad. With a present <i>and</i> entreaties he +prevailed upon him merely to present himself on the day of the show. +When the day came a rumour about the Flute-player ran through the +theatre. Some affirmed that he was dead, some that he would appear +before them without delay. The curtain falling,<a class = "tag" name = +"tagV_8" id = "tagV_8" href = "#noteV_8">V.8</a> the thunders rolled,<a +class = "tag" name = "tagV_9" id = "tagV_9" href = "#noteV_9">V.9</a> +and the Gods conversed in the usual form. At this moment the Chorus +struck up a song unknown to him who had so recently returned; of which +the burthen was this: “Rejoice, Rome, in security, for your prince +[<i>Princeps</i>] is well.” All rise with one consent and applaud. The +Flute-player kisses hands, <i>and</i> imagines that his friends are +congratulating him. The Equestrian order perceive the ridiculous +mistake, and with loud laughter encore the song. It is repeated. My man +<i>now</i> throws himself <i>sprawling</i> at full length upon the +stage.<a class = "tag" name = "tagV_10" id = "tagV_10" href = +"#noteV_10">V.10</a> Ridiculing him, the Knights applaud; while the +people fancy he is <i>only</i> asking for a chaplet. When, however, the +reality came to be known throughout all the tiers, Princeps, his leg +bound up with a snow-white fillet, clad in snow-white tunic, <i>and</i> +snow-white shoes,<a class = "tag" name = "tagV_11" id = "tagV_11" href = +"#noteV_11">V.11</a> while pluming himself on the honors really paid to +the Deified House,<a class = "tag" name = "tagV_12" id = "tagV_12" href += "#noteV_12">V.12</a> was thrust out headlong by common consent.</p> + + +<span class = "pagenum">433</span> +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_V_VIII">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_V_VIII" id = "riley_V_VIII"> +Fable VIII.</a><br> +THE EMBLEM OF OPPORTUNITY.</h4> + +<p>A Bald Man, balancing on a razor’s edge, fleet of foot, his forehead +covered with hair,<a class = "tag" name = "tagV_13" id = "tagV_13" href += "#noteV_13">V.13</a> his body naked—if you have caught him, hold +him fast; when he has once escaped, not Jupiter himself can overtake +him: he is the emblem how shortlived is Opportunity.</p> + +<p>The ancients devised such a portraiture of Time, <i>to signify</i> +that slothful delay should not hinder the execution of our purposes.</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_V_IX">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_V_IX" id = "riley_V_IX"> +Fable IX.</a><br> +THE BULL AND THE CALF.</h4> + +<p>When a Bull was struggling with his horns in a narrow passage, and +could hardly effect an entrance to the manger, a Calf began to +point out in what way he might turn himself: “Hush,” said <i>the +Bull</i>, “I knew that before you were born.”</p> + +<p>Let him who would instruct a wiser man, consider <i>this as</i> said +to himself.</p> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#smart_V_X">Smart</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "riley_V_X" id = "riley_V_X"> +Fable X.</a><br> +THE HUNTSMAN AND THE DOG.</h4> + +<p>A Dog, who had always given satisfaction to his master by his +boldness against swift and savage beasts, began to grow feeble under +increasing years. On one occasion, being +<span class = "pagenum">434</span> +urged to the combat with a bristling Boar, he seized him by the ear; +but, through the rottenness of his teeth, let go his prey. Vexed at +this, the Huntsman upbraided the Dog. Old Barker<a class = "tag" name = +"tagV_14" id = "tagV_14" href = "#noteV_14">V.14</a> <i>replied</i>: “It +is not my courage that disappoints you, but my strength. You commend me +for what I have been; and you blame me that I am not <i>what I +was</i><ins class = "correction" title = "close quote missing">.” </ins></p> + +<p>You, Philetus,<a class = "tag" name = "tagV_15" id = "tagV_15" href = +"#noteV_15">V.15</a> may easily perceive why I have written this.</p> + +<hr class = "tiny"> + +<h5><a name = "notes_V" id = "notes_V">Footnotes to Book V</a></h5> + +<div class = "footnote"> + +<p><a name = "noteV_1" id = "noteV_1" href = "#tagV_1">1.</a> +<i>And Myron</i>)—Ver. 7. Myron was a famous sculptor, statuary, +and engraver, of Greece. He was a native of Eleutheræ, in Bœotia, and +according to Petronius Arbiter, died in extreme poverty.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteV_2" id = "noteV_2" href = "#tagV_2">2.</a> +<i>Called Phalereus</i>)—Ver. 1. Demetrius Phalereus, the +statesman, philosopher, and ruler of Athens, was so called from the +Attic demus, or borough of Phalerus, where he was born. He died in exile +in Egypt, according to some accounts, of the bite of a serpent. There +seems no good reason for giving to his rule over the Athenians the +epithet of “improbum,” found in the next line, although in the latter +years of his government he gave himself up in a great measure to sensual +pursuits.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteV_3" id = "noteV_3" href = "#tagV_3">3.</a> +<i>Menander, famous</i>)—Ver. 9. Menander, the inventor of the New +Comedy. Some of the Comedies of Terence are Translations from his +works.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteV_4" id = "noteV_4" href = "#tagV_4">4.</a> +<i>His travelling cloak</i>)—Ver. 5. The “pænula” was a +travelling-cloak made of leather or wool, with a hood attached to it, to +cover the head.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteV_5" id = "noteV_5" href = "#tagV_5">5.</a> +<i>Accompany Bathyllus</i>)—Ver. 5. He alludes to Bathyllus, the +favourite and freedman of Mecænas, and who brought to perfection +pantomimic dancing at Rome.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteV_6" id = "noteV_6" href = "#tagV_6">6.</a> +<i>Flying-machine</i>)—Ver. 7. The “pegma” was a piece of +machinery used on the stage for the purpose of aiding the ascents and +descents of the Gods there represented.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteV_7" id = "noteV_7" href = "#tagV_7">7.</a> +<i>Losing two right ones</i>)—Ver. 9. The Poet puns on the twofold +meanings of the word “tibia,” which signifies the main bone of the leg, +and a pipe or flute. These pipes were right-handed or left-handed, +probably varying in tone, two being played at a time. Explained at +length, the pun means, “Princeps broke his left leg, when he could have +better afforded to break two right-handed pipes.”</p> + +<p class = "mynote"> +Not an error: until recently, English “leg” often had the narrower +meaning of “lower leg”.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteV_8" id = "noteV_8" href = "#tagV_8">8.</a> +<i>The curtain falling</i>)—Ver. 23. The “aulæum,” or +stage-curtain, called also “siparium,” was a piece of tapestry stretched +on a frame, which, rising before the stage, concealed it till the actors +appeared. Instead of drawing up this curtain to discover the stage and +actors, according to the present practice, it was depressed when the +play began, and fell beneath the level of the stage: whence “aulæa +premuntur” or “mittuntur,” “the curtain is dropped,” meant that the play +had began.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteV_9" id = "noteV_9" href = "#tagV_9">9.</a> +<i>The thunders rolled</i>)—Ver. 23. This thunder was made by the +noise of rolling stones in copper vessels.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteV_10" id = "noteV_10" href = "#tagV_10">10.</a> +<i>Upon the stage</i>)—Ver. 32. The “pulpitum” was properly an +elevated place on the proscenium, or space between the scene and the +orchestra.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteV_11" id = "noteV_11" href = "#tagV_11">11.</a> +<i>Snow-white shoes</i>)—Ver. 37. We learn from Ovid and other +authors that white shoes were solely worn by the female sex.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteV_12" id = "noteV_12" href = "#tagV_12">12.</a> +<i>To the Deified house</i>)—Ver. 38. Taking to himself the honor +that belonged to the house of Augustus, which was worshipped with Divine +honors<ins class = "correction" title = ". missing">. </ins></p> + +<p><a name = "noteV_13" id = "noteV_13" href = "#tagV_13">13.</a> +<i>His forehead covered with hair</i>)—Ver. 2. From this figure of +Time or Opportunity, Time came to be represented in the middle ages with +a tuft of hair on his forehead; whence our common expression “To take +time by the forelock,” signifying to make the best of an opportunity<ins +class = "correction" title = "text has superfluous close quote">. </ins></p> + +<p><a name = "noteV_14" id = "noteV_14" href = "#tagV_14">14.</a> +<i>Old Barker</i>)—Ver. 7. We may here enumerate the names of this +nature, which we find given by Phædrus to various animals: “laniger,” +“wool-bearer,” the sheep; “auritulus,” “long-ears,” the ass; “sonipes,” +“sounding-hoof,” the horse; “barbatus,” “long-beard,” the goat; +“retorridus,” “brindle,” the mouse; and “latrans,” “barker,” the +dog.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteV_15" id = "noteV_15" href = "#tagV_15">15.</a> +<i><ins class = "correction" title = "anomalous final .">Philetus.</ins></i>)—Ver. 10. Of this Philetus nothing certain +is known, but he is supposed to have been a freedman of the emperor +Claudius.</p> + +</div> + + +<span class = "pagenum">435</span> +<h3>THE NEW FABLES,<br> +<span class = "smallroman">BY SOME ATTRIBUTED TO PHÆDRUS</span>.<a class += "tag missing" name = "tagNF_1" id = "tagNF_1" href = +"#noteNF_1">NF.1</a></h3> + +<hr class = "mid"> + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "NF_I" id = "NF_I"> +Fable I.</a><br> +THE APE AND THE FOX.</h4> + +<p class = "moral"> +The Greedy Man is not willing to give even from his superabundance.</p> + +<p><span class = "firstword">An</span> Ape asked a Fox for a part of her +tail, that he might decently cover his naked hinder parts therewith; but +the ill-natured creature <i>replied</i>: “Although it grow <i>even</i> +longer <i>than it is</i>, still I will sooner drag it through mud and +brambles, than give you ever so small a part <i>thereof</i>.”</p> + + +<span class = "pagenum">436</span> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "NF_II" id = "NF_II"> +Fable II.</a><br> +THE AUTHOR.</h4> + +<p class = "moral"> +We must not require what is unreasonable.</p> + +<p>If Nature had<a class = "tag" name = "tagNF_2" id = "tagNF_2" href = +"#noteNF_2">NF.2</a> formed the human race according to my notions, it +would have been far better endowed: for she would have given us every +good quality that indulgent Fortune has bestowed on <i>any</i> animal: +the strength of the Elephant, and the impetuous force of the Lion, the +age of the Crow, the majestic port of the fierce Bull, the gentle +tractableness of the fleet Horse; and Man should still have had the +ingenuity that is peculiarly his own. Jupiter in heaven laughs to +himself, no doubt, he who, in his mighty plan, denied these +<i>qualities</i> to men, lest our audacity should wrest <i>from him</i> +the sceptre of the world. Contented, therefore, with the gifts of +unconquered Jove, let us pass the years of our time allotted by fate, +nor attempt more than mortality permits.</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "NF_III" id = "NF_III"> +Fable III.</a><br> +MERCURY AND THE TWO WOMEN.</h4> + +<p class = "moral"> +Another Fable on the same subject.</p> + +<p>Once on a time, two Women had given their guest, Mercury, a mean +and sordid entertainment; one of the women had a little son in the +cradle, while the profession of a Courtesan had its charms for the +other. In order, therefore that he might give a suitable return for +their services, when about to depart, and just crossing the threshold, +he said: “In me you behold a God; I will give you at once whatever +each may wish.” The Mother makes her request, and asks that she may +immediately see her Son graced with a beard; the Courtesan +<i>requests</i> that whatever she touches may follow her. Mercury flies +away—the women return in-doors: behold +<span class = "pagenum">437</span> +the infant, with a beard, is crying aloud. The Courtesan happened to +laugh heartily at this, on which the humours <i>of the head</i> filled +her nostrils, as is often the case. Intending therefore to blow her +nose, she seized it with her hand, and drew out its length to the +ground; and <i>thus</i>, while laughing at another, she became herself a +subject for laughter.<a class = "tag" name = "tagNF_3" id = "tagNF_3" +href = "#noteNF_3">NF.3</a></p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "NF_IV" id = "NF_IV"> +Fable IV.</a><br> +PROMETHEUS AND CUNNING.</h4> + +<p class = "moral"> +On Truth and Falsehood.</p> + +<p>When once Prometheus, the framer of a new race, had formed Truth from +fine earth, that she might be able to dispense justice among mankind, +being suddenly summoned by the messenger of great Jove, he left +<i>his</i> workshop in charge of treacherous Cunning, whom he had lately +received in apprenticeship. The latter, inflamed by zeal, with clever +hand formed an image of similar appearance, corresponding stature, and +like in every limb, so far as the time permitted. When nearly the whole +had now been wondrously set up, he found he had no clay to make the +feet. <i>His</i> master came back, and Cunning, confused by fear at his +quick return, sat down in his own place. Prometheus, admiring so strong +a resemblance, wished the merit to appear to belong to his own skill, +<i>and</i> therefore placed the two images together in the furnace. When +they were thoroughly baked, and life had been breathed into them, +hallowed Truth moved on with modest gait; but her imperfect copy +remained fixed on the spot. Thence the spurious image, the result of the +stealthy work, was called Mendacity,<a class = "tag" name = "tagNF_4" id += "tagNF_4" href = "#noteNF_4">NF.4</a> because they say, she has no +feet,—an assertion with which I readily agree.</p> + + +<span class = "pagenum">438</span> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "NF_V" id = "NF_V"> +Fable V.</a><a class = "tag" name = "tagNF_5" id = "tagNF_5" href = +"#noteNF_5">NF.5</a><br> +THE AUTHOR.</h4> + +<p class = "moral"> +Nothing is long concealed.</p> + +<p><span class = "missing">***</span>Pretended vices are sometimes +profitable to men, but still the truth appears in time.</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "NF_VI" id = "NF_VI"> +Fable VI.</a><br> +THE SIGNIFICATION OF THE PUNISHMENTS OF TARTARUS.</h4> + +<p class = "moral"> +The meaning is to be considered, not the mere words.</p> + +<p>The story of Ixion, whirling round upon the wheel, teaches <i>us</i> +what a rolling thing is fortune. Sisyphus, with immense labour, pushing +the stone up the lofty hill, which ever, his labour lost, rolls back +from the top, shows that men’s miseries are endless. When Tantalus is +athirst, standing in the midst of the river, the greedy are described, +whom a sufficiency of blessings surrounds, but none can they enjoy. The +wicked Danaïds carry water in urns, and cannot fill their pierced +vessels; just so, whatever you bestow on luxury, will flow out beneath. +Wretched Tityus is stretched over nine acres,<a class = "tag" name = +"tagNF_6" id = "tagNF_6" href = "#noteNF_6">NF.6</a> presenting for dire +punishment a liver that ever grows again: by this it is shown that the +greater the extent of land a man possesses, the heavier are his cares. +Antiquity purposely wrapped up the truth, in order that the wise might +understand—the ignorant remain in error.</p> + + +<span class = "pagenum">439</span> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "NF_VII" id = "NF_VII"> +Fable VII.</a><br> +THE AUTHOR.</h4> + +<p class = "moral"> +On the Oracle of Apollo.</p> + +<p>Phœbus! who dost inhabit Delphi and the beauteous Parnassus, say what +is most useful to us. Why do the locks of the holy prophetess stand +erect; the tripods shake; the holy shrines resound; the laurels, too,<a +class = "tag" name = "tagNF_7" id = "tagNF_7" href = +"#noteNF_7">NF.7</a> quiver, and the very day grow pale? Smitten by the +Divinity, the Pythia utters <i>these</i> words, and the warning of the +Delian God instructs the nations: “Practise virtue; pay your vows to the +Gods above; defend your country, your parents, your children, <i>and</i> +your chaste wives with arms; repel the foe with the sword; assist your +friends; spare the wretched; favour the good; meet the treacherous face +to face; punish offences; chastise the impious; inflict vengeance on +those who, by base adultery, defile the marriage couch; beware of the +wicked; trust no man too far.” Thus having said, the Maiden falls +frenzied to the ground: frenzied, indeed, for what she said, she said in +vain.</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "NF_VIII" id = "NF_VIII"> +Fable VIII.</a><br> +ÆSOP AND THE AUTHOR.</h4> + +<p class = "moral"> +On a bad Author who praised himself.</p> + +<p>A Person had recited<a class = "tag" name = "tagNF_8" id = "tagNF_8" +href = "#noteNF_8">NF.8</a> some worthless composition to Æsop, in which +he had inordinately bragged about himself. Desirous, therefore, to know +what the Sage thought <i>thereof</i>: “Does it appear to you,” said he, +“that I have been too +<span class = "pagenum">440</span> +conceited? I have no empty confidence in my own capacity.” Worried +to death with the execrable volume, Æsop replied: “I greatly +approve of your bestowing praise on yourself, for it will never be your +lot to receive it from another.”</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "NF_IX" id = "NF_IX"> +Fable IX.</a><br> +POMPEIUS MAGNUS AND HIS SOLDIER.</h4> + +<p class = "moral"> +How difficult it is to understand a man.</p> + +<p>A Soldier of Pompeius Magnus, a man of huge bulk, by talking +mincingly and walking with an affected gait, had acquired the character +of an effeminate wretch, <i>and that</i> most fully established. Lying +in wait by night for the beasts of burden of his General, he drives away +the mules <i>laden</i> with garments and gold, and a vast weight of +silver. A rumour of what has been done gets abroad; the soldier is +accused, <i>and</i> carried off to the Prætorium. On this, Magnus +<i>says to him</i>: “How say you? Have you dared to rob me, comrade?” +The soldier forthwith spits into his left hand, and scatters about the +spittle with his fingers. “Even thus, General,” says he, “may my eyes +drip out, if I have seen or touched <i>your property</i>.” Then Magnus, +a man of easy disposition, orders the false accusers to be sent +about their business,<a class = "tag" name = "tagNF_9" id = "tagNF_9" +href = "#noteNF_9">NF.9</a> and will not believe the man guilty of so +great audacity.</p> + +<p>Not long afterwards a barbarian, confiding in his strength of hand, +challenges one of the Romans. Each man fears to accept the challenge, +and the leaders of highest rank mutter <i>among themselves</i>. At +length, this effeminate wretch in appearance, but Mars in prowess, +approached the General, who was seated on his tribunal, and, with a +lisping voice, said “May I?”<a class = "tag" name = "tagNF_10" id = +"tagNF_10" href = "#noteNF_10">NF.10</a> But Magnus, getting angry, +<span class = "pagenum">441</span> +<ins class = "correction" title = "text reads ‘as // as’ at page break; italicized as shown">as</ins> <i>well he might</i>, the matter being so +serious, ordered him to be turned out. Upon this, an aged man among the +Chieftain’s friends, <i>remarked</i>: “I think it would be better +for this person to be exposed to the hazards of Fortune, since in him +our loss would be but small, than a valiant man, who, if conquered +through <i>some</i> mischance, might entail upon you a charge of +rashness.” Magnus acquiesced, and gave the Soldier permission to go out +to meet <i>the champion</i>, whose head, to the surprise of the army, he +whipped off sooner than you could say it, and returned victorious. +Thereupon said Pompeius: “With great pleasure I present you with the +soldier’s crown, because you have vindicated the honor of the Roman +name; nevertheless,” said he, “may my eyes drip out” (imitating the +unseemly act with which the Soldier had accompanied his oath), “if you +did not carry off my property from among the baggage.”</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "NF_X" id = "NF_X"> +Fable X.</a><br> +JUNO, VENUS, AND THE HEN.</h4> + +<p class = "moral"> +On the Lustfulness of Women.</p> + +<p>When Juno<a class = "tag" name = "tagNF_11" id = "tagNF_11" href = +"#noteNF_11">NF.11</a> was praising her own chastity, Venus did not lose +the opportunity of a joke, and, to show that there was no female equal +to herself <i>in that virtue</i>, is said to have asked this question of +the Hen: “Tell me, will you, with how much food could you be satisfied?” +The hen replied: “Whatever you give me will be enough; but still you +must let me scratch a bit with my feet.” “To keep you from scratching,” +said <i>the Goddess</i>, “is a measure of wheat enough?” “Certainly; +indeed it is too much; but still do allow me to scratch.” “In fine,” +<i>said Venus</i>, “what do you require, on condition of not scratching +at all?” Then at last the hen confessed the weak point in her nature: +“Though a <i>whole</i> barn were open for me, still scratch I must.” +Juno is said to have laughed at the joke of Venus, for by the Hen she +meant the Female Sex.</p> + + +<span class = "pagenum">442</span> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "NF_XI" id = "NF_XI"> +Fable XI.</a><br> +THE FATHER OF A FAMILY AND ÆSOP.</h4> + +<p class = "moral"> +How a bad-tempered Son may be tamed.</p> + +<p>A Father of a family had a passionate Son, who, as soon as he had got +out of his fathers sight, inflicted many a blow upon the servants, and +gave loose to the impetuous temper of youth. Æsop consequently told this +short story to the old man.</p> + +<p>A certain Man was yoking an old Ox along with a Calf; and when the Ox +shunning <i>to bear</i> the yoke with a neck so unfit for it, alleged +the failing strength of his years: “You have no reason to fear,” said +the Countryman, “I don’t do this that you may labour, but that you +may tame him, who with his heels and horns has made many lame.” Just so, +unless you always keep your son by you, and by your management restrain +his temper, take care that the broils in your house don’t increase to a +still greater degree. Gentleness is the remedy for a bad temper.<a class += "tag" name = "tagNF_12" id = "tagNF_12" href = +"#noteNF_12">NF.12</a></p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "NF_XII" id = "NF_XII"> +Fable XII.</a><br> +THE PHILOSOPHER AND THE VICTOR IN THE GYMNASTIC GAMES.</h4> + +<p class = "moral"> +How Boastfulness may sometimes be checked.</p> + +<p>A Philosopher chancing to find the Victor in a gymnastic contest too +fond of boasting, asked him whether his adversary had been the stronger +man. <i>To this</i> the other <i>replied</i>: “Don’t mention it; my +strength was far greater.” “Then, you simpleton,” retorted <i>the +Philosopher</i>, “what praise do you deserve, if you, being the +stronger, have conquered one who was not so powerful? You might perhaps +have been tolerated if you had told us that you had conquered one who +was your superior in strength.”</p> + + +<span class = "pagenum">443</span> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "NF_XIII" id = "NF_XIII"> +Fable XIII.</a><br> +THE ASS AND THE LYRE.</h4> + +<p class = "moral"> +How Genius is often wasted through Misfortune.</p> + +<p>An Ass espied a Lyre lying in a meadow: he approached and tried the +strings with his hoof; they sounded at his touch. “By my faith, +a pretty thing,” said he; “it happens unfortunately that I am not +skilled in the art. If any person of greater skill had found it, he +might have charmed my ears with divine notes.”</p> + +<p>So Genius is often wasted through Misfortune.<a class = "tag" name = +"tagNF_13" id = "tagNF_13" href = "#noteNF_13">NF.13</a></p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "NF_XIV" id = "NF_XIV"> +Fable XIV.</a><br> +THE WIDOW AND THE SOLDIER.</h4> + +<p class = "moral"> +The great Inconstancy and Lustfulness of Women.</p> + +<p>A certain Woman<a class = "tag" name = "tagNF_14" id = "tagNF_14" +href = "#noteNF_14">NF.14</a> had for some years lost her beloved +Husband, and had placed his body in a tomb; and as she could by no means +be forced from it, and passed her life in mourning at the sepulchre, she +obtained a distinguished character for strict chastity. In the meantime, +some persons who had plundered the temple of Jupiter suffered the +penalty of crucifixion. In order that no one might remove their remains, +soldiers were appointed as guards of the dead bodies, close by the +monument in which the woman had shut herself up. Some time after, one of +the Guards, being thirsty, asked, in the middle of the night, for some +water, of a servant-maid, who chanced just then to be assisting her +mistress, who was going to rest; for she had been watching by a lamp, +and had prolonged her vigils to a late hour. The door being a little +open, the Soldier peeps in, and beholds +<span class = "pagenum">444</span> +a Woman, emaciated indeed, but of beauteous features. His smitten heart +is immediately inflamed, and he gradually burns with unchaste desires. +His crafty shrewdness invents a thousand pretences for seeing her more +frequently. Wrought upon by daily intercourse, by degrees she became +more complaisant to the stranger, and soon enthralled his heart by a +closer tie. While the careful Guard is here passing his nights, +a body is missed from one of the crosses. The Soldier in his alarm +relates to the Woman what has happened; but the chaste Matron replies: +“You have no grounds for fear;” and gives up the body of her Husband to +be fastened to the cross, that he may not undergo punishment for his +negligence. <!-- obviously a tale about the great inconstancy and +lustfulness of women, yes. --></p> + +<p>Thus did profligacy usurp the place of honour.</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "NF_XV" id = "NF_XV"> +Fable XV.</a><br> +THE RICH SUITOR AND THE POOR ONE.</h4> + +<p class = "moral"> +Fortune sometimes favours Men beyond their hopes and expectations.</p> + +<p>Two Youths were courting a Maiden at the same time; the Rich man got +the better of the birth and good looks of the Poor one. When the +appointed day for the nuptials had arrived, the woe-begone Lover, +because he could not endure his grief, betook himself to some gardens +near at hand; a little beyond which, the splendid villa of the Rich +man was about to receive the Maiden from her mother’s bosom, as his +house in the city seemed not to be roomy enough. The marriage procession +is arranged, a great crowd flocks to the scene, and Hymenæus gives +the marriage torch. Now an Ass, which used to gain a living for the Poor +man, was standing at the threshold of a gate; and it so happens the +maidens lead him along, that the fatigues of the way may not hurt the +tender feet <i>of the Bride</i>. On a sudden, by the pity of Venus, the +heavens are swept by winds, the crash of thunder resounds through the +firmament, and brings on a rough night with heavy rain; light is +withdrawn from their eyes, and at the same moment a storm of hail, +spreading in all directions, beats upon them, frightening and +<span class = "pagenum">445</span> +scattering them on all sides, compelling each to seek safety for himself +in flight. The Ass runs under the well-known roof close at hand, and +with a loud voice gives notice of his presence. The servants run out of +doors, behold with admiration the beautiful Maiden, and then go and tell +their master. He, seated at table with a few companions, was consoling +his passion with repeated draughts. When the news was brought him, +exulting with delight, <i>both</i> Bacchus and Venus exhorting him, he +celebrated his joyous nuptials amid the applauses of his comrades. The +bride’s parents sought their daughter through the crier, <i>while</i> +the intended Husband grieved at the loss of his Wife. After what had +taken place became known to the public, all agreed in approving of the +favour shown by the Gods of heaven.</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "NF_XVI" id = "NF_XVI"> +Fable XVI.</a><br> +ÆSOP AND HIS MISTRESS.</h4> + +<p class = "moral"> +How injurious it often is to tell the Truth.</p> + +<p>Æsop being in the service of an Ugly Woman, who wasted the whole day +in painting herself up, and used fine clothes, pearls, gold, <i>and</i> +silver, yet found no one who would touch her with a finger: “May I +<i>say</i> a few words?” said he. “Say on,” <i>she replied</i>. +“<i>Then</i> I think,” <i>said he</i>, “that you will effect anything +you wish, if you lay aside your ornaments.” “Do I then seem to you so +much preferable by myself?” <i>said she</i>. “Why, no; if you don’t make +presents, your bed will enjoy its repose.” “But your sides,” she +replied, “shan’t enjoy their repose;”<a class = "tag" name = "tagNF_15" +id = "tagNF_15" href = "#noteNF_15">NF.15</a> and ordered the talkative +Slave to be flogged. Shortly after a thief took away a silver bracelet. +When the Woman was told that it could not be found, full of fury she +summoned all <i>her slaves</i>, and threatened them with a severe +flogging if they did not tell the truth. “Threaten others,” said +<i>Æsop</i>, “indeed you won’t trick me, mistress; I was lately +beaten with the whip because I told the truth.”</p> + + +<span class = "pagenum">446</span> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "NF_XVII" id = "NF_XVII"> +Fable XVII.</a><br> +A COCK CARRIED IN A LITTER BY CATS.</h4> + +<p class = "moral"> +An extreme feeling of Security often leads Men into Danger.</p> + +<p>A Cock had some Cats to carry him in his litter: a Fox on seeing +him borne along in this pompous manner, said: “I advise you to be +on your guard against treachery, for if you were to examine the +countenances of those creatures, you would pronounce that they are +carrying a booty, not a burden.” As soon as the savage brotherhood<a +class = "tag" name = "tagNF_16" id = "tagNF_16" href = +"#noteNF_16">NF.16</a> began to be hungry, they tore their Master to +pieces, and went shares in the proceeds of their guilt.</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "NF_XVIII" id = "NF_XVIII"> +Fable XVIII.</a><br> +THE SOW BRINGING FORTH, AND THE WOLF</h4> + +<p class = "moral"> +We must first make trial of a Man before we entrust ourselves to +him.</p> + +<p>A Sow was lying and groaning, her travail coming on; a Wolf came +running to her aid, and, offering his assistance, said that he could +perform the duties of midwife. She, however, understanding the treachery +of the wicked animal, rejected the suspicious services of the evil-doer, +and said: “If you keep at a greater distance it is enough.”</p> + +<p>But had she entrusted herself to the perfidious Wolf, she would have +had just as much pain to cry for, and her death <i>into the +bargain</i>.</p> + + +<span class = "pagenum">447</span> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "NF_XIX" id = "NF_XIX"> +Fable XIX.</a><br> +THE RUNAWAY SLAVE AND ÆSOP.</h4> + +<p class = "moral"> +There is no necessity to add evil to evil.</p> + +<p>A Slave, when running away from a Master of severe disposition, met +Æsop, to whom he was known as a neighbour: “Why <i>are</i> you in such a +hurry?” <i>said Æsop</i>. “I’ll tell you candidly, father,” <i>said the +other</i>, “for you are worthy to be called by that name, as our sorrows +are safely entrusted to you. Stripes are in superabundance; victuals +fail: every now and then I am sent to the farm as a slave to the rustics +<i>there</i>: if he dines at home I am kept standing by him all night, +or if he is invited out, I remain until daylight in the street. +I have fairly earned my liberty; but with grey hairs I am +<i>still</i> a slave. If I were conscious to myself of any fault, +I should bear this patiently: I never have had a bellyful, +and, unhappy that I am, I have to put up with a severe master +besides. For these reasons, and <i>for others</i> which it would take +too long to recount, I have determined to go wherever my feet may +carry me.” “Listen then,” said Æsop; “When you have committed no fault, +you suffer these inconveniences as you say: what if you had offended? +What do you suppose you would <i>then</i> have had to suffer?”</p> + +<p>By such advice he was prevented from running away.</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "NF_XX" id = "NF_XX"> +Fable XX.</a><br> +THE CHARIOT-HORSE SOLD FOR THE MILL.</h4> + +<p class = "moral"> +Whatever happens, we must bear it with equanimity.</p> + +<p>A certain Man withdrew from his chariot a Horse, ennobled by many +victories, and sold him for the mill. As he was being led out of doors +from the mill-stones to water, he saw his fellows going towards the +Circus, to celebrate the joyous contests at the games. With tears +starting forth, he +<span class = "pagenum">448</span> +said, “Go on and be happy; celebrate without me the festive day in the +race; at the place to which the accursed hand of the thief has dragged +me, will I lament my sad fate.”</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "NF_XXI" id = "NF_XXI"> +Fable XXI.</a><br> +THE HUNGRY BEAR.</h4> + +<p class = "moral"> +Hunger sharpens the wits.</p> + +<p>If at any time<a class = "tag missing" name = "tagNF_17" id = +"tagNF_17" href = "#noteNF_17">NF.17</a> sustenance is wanting to the +Bear in the woods, he runs to the rocky shore, and, grasping a rock, +gradually lets down his shaggy thighs into the water; and as soon as the +Crabs have stuck to the long hair, betaking himself to shore, the crafty +fellow shakes off his sea-spoil, and enjoys the food that he has +collected in every quarter. Thus even in Fools does hunger sharpen the +wits.</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "NF_XXII" id = "NF_XXII"> +Fable XXII.</a><br> +THE TRAVELLER AND THE RAVEN.</h4> + +<p class = "moral"> +Men are very frequently imposed upon by words.</p> + +<p>A Man while going through the fields along his solitary path, heard +the word “Hail!” whereat he stopped for a moment, but seeing no one, +went on his way. Again the same sound saluted him from a hidden spot; +encouraged by the hospitable voice, he stopped short, that whoever it +was might receive the like civility. When, looking all about, he had +remained long in perplexity, and had lost the time in which he might +have walked some miles, a Raven showed himself, and hovering above +him, continually repeated “Hail!” Then, perceiving that he had been +deluded: “Perdition seize you,” said he, “most mischievous bird, to have +thus delayed me when I was in such a hurry.”</p> + + +<span class = "pagenum">449</span> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "NF_XXIII" id = "NF_XXIII"> +Fable XXIII.</a><br> +THE SHEPHERD AND THE SHE-GOAT.</h4> + +<p class = "moral"> +Nothing is secret which shall not be made manifest.<a class = "tag" name += "tagNF_18" id = "tagNF_18" href = "#noteNF_18">NF.18</a></p> + +<p>A Shepherd had broken<a class = "tag" name = "tagNF_19" id = +"tagNF_19" href = "#noteNF_19">NF.19</a> the horn of a She-Goat with his +staff, <i>and</i> began to entreat her not to betray him to his Master. +“Although unjustly injured,” <i>said she</i>, “still, I shall be +silent; but the thing itself will proclaim your offence.”</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "NF_XXIV" id = "NF_XXIV"> +Fable XXIV.</a><br> +THE SERPENT AND THE LIZARD.</h4> + +<p class = "moral"> +When the Lion’s skin fails, the Fox’s must be employed; that is to say, +when strength fails, we must employ craftiness.</p> + +<p>A Serpent chanced to catch a Lizard by the tail; but when she tried +to devour it with open throat, it snatched up a little twig that lay +close at hand, and, holding it transversely with pertinacious bite, +checked the greedy jaws, agape to devour it, by this cleverly contrived +impediment. So the Serpent dropped the prey from her mouth unenjoyed<ins +class = "correction" title = ". missing">. </ins></p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "NF_XXV" id = "NF_XXV"> +Fable XXV.</a><br> +THE CROW AND THE SHEEP.</h4> + +<p class = "moral"> +Many are in the habit of injuring the weak and cringing to the +powerful.</p> + +<p>An pestilent Crow had taken her seat upon a Sheep; which after +carrying her a long time on her back and much against +<span class = "pagenum">450</span> +her inclination, remarked: “If you had done thus to a Dog with his sharp +teeth, you would have suffered for it<ins class = "correction" title = +"close quote missing">.” </ins>To this the rascally <i>Crow +replied</i>: “I despise the defenceless, and I yield to the +powerful; I know whom to vex, and whom to flatter craftily; by +these means I put off my old age for years.”</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "NF_XXVI" id = "NF_XXVI"> +Fable XXVI.</a><br> +THE SERVANT AND THE MASTER.</h4> + +<p class = "moral"> +There is no curse more severe than a bad conscience.</p> + +<p>A Servant having been guilty<a class = "tag" name = "tagNF_20" id = +"tagNF_20" href = "#noteNF_20">NF.20</a> of a secret offence in +debauching the wife of his master, on the latter coming to know of it, +he said, in the presence of those standing by: “Are you quite pleased +with yourself? For, when you ought not, you do please yourself; but not +with impunity, for when you ought to be pleased, you cannot be.”</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "NF_XXVII" id = "NF_XXVII"> +Fable XXVII.</a><br> +THE HARE AND THE HERDSMAN.</h4> + +<p class = "moral"> +Many are kind in words, faithless at heart.</p> + +<p>A Hare was flying from the Huntsman with speedy foot, and being seen +by a Herdsman, as she was creeping into a thicket: “By the Gods of +heaven, I beg of you,” said she, “and by all your hopes, do not +betray me, Herdsman; I have never done any injury to this field<ins +class = "correction" title = "close quote missing">.”</ins><a class = +"tag" name = "tagNF_21" id = "tagNF_21" href = "#noteNF_21">NF.21</a> +“Don’t be afraid,” +<span class = "pagenum">451</span> +the Countryman replied, “remain concealed without apprehension.” And now +the Huntsman coming up, <i>enquired</i>: “Pray, Herdsman, has a Hare +come this way?” “She did come, but went off that way to the left;” <i>he +answered</i>, winking and nodding to the right. The Huntsman in his +haste did not understand him, and hurried out of sight.</p> + +<p>Then <i>said</i> the Herdsman: “Are you not glad that I concealed +you?” “I don’t deny,” said she, “that to your tongue I owe most +sincere thanks, and I return them, but I wish you may be deprived of +your perfidious eyes.”</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "NF_XXVIII" id = "NF_XXVIII"> +Fable XXVIII.</a><br> +THE YOUNG MAN AND THE COURTESAN.</h4> + +<p class = "moral"> +Many things are pleasing which still are not to our advantage.</p> + +<p>While a perfidious Courtesan was fawning upon a Youth, and he, though +wronged <i>by her</i> many a time and oft, still showed himself +indulgent to the Woman, the faithless <i>Creature thus addressed +him</i>: “Though many contend <i>for me</i> with <i>their</i> gifts, +still do I esteem you the most.” The Youth, recollecting how many times +he had been deceived, replied: “Gladly, my love, do I hear these words; +not because you are constant, but because you administer to my +pleasures.”</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "NF_XXIX" id = "NF_XXIX"> +Fable XXIX.</a><br> +THE BEAVER.</h4> + +<p class = "moral"> +Many would escape, if for the sake of safety they would disregard their +comforts.</p> + +<p>The Beaver (to which the talkative Greeks have given the name of +Castor, thus bestowing upon an animal the name of a God<a class = "tag" +name = "tagNF_22" id = "tagNF_22" href = +"#noteNF_22">NF.22</a>—they who boast of the abundance of their +epithets) +<span class = "pagenum">452</span> +<ins class = "correction" title = "missing ‘he’ or similar">when +can</ins> no <ins class = "correction" title = "text has ’longerescape’ without space">longer escape</ins> the dogs, is said to bite off his +testicles, because he is aware that it is for them he is sought; +a thing which I would not deny being done through an instinct +granted by the Gods; for as soon as the Huntsman has found the drug, he +ceases his pursuit, and calls off the dogs.</p> + +<p>If men could manage, so as to be ready to part with what they own, in +order to live in safety for the future, there would be no one to devise +stratagems to the detriment of the naked body.</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "NF_XXX" id = "NF_XXX"> +Fable XXX.</a><br> +THE BUTTERFLY AND THE WASP.</h4> + +<p class = "moral"> +Not past but present Fortune must be regarded.</p> + +<p>A Butterfly<a class = "tag" name = "tagNF_23" id = "tagNF_23" href = +"#noteNF_23">NF.23</a> seeing a Wasp flying by: “Oh, sad is our lot,” +said she, “derived from the depths of hell, from the recesses of which +we have received our existence. I, eloquent in peace, brave in battle, +most skilled in every art, whatever I once was, behold, light and +rotten, and mere ashes do I fly.<a class = "tag" name = "tagNF_24" id = +"tagNF_24" href = "#noteNF_24">NF.24</a> You, who were a Mule<a class = +"tag" name = "tagNF_25" id = "tagNF_25" href = "#noteNF_25">NF.25</a> +with panniers, hurt whomsoever you +<span class = "pagenum">453</span> +choose, by fixing your sting in him<ins class = "correction" title = +"close quote missing">.” </ins>The Wasp, too, uttered these words, well +suited to her disposition: “Consider not what we were, but what we now +are.”</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "NF_XXXI" id = "NF_XXXI"> +Fable XXXI.</a><br> +THE GROUND-SWALLOW AND THE FOX.</h4> + +<p class = "moral"> +Confidence is not to be placed in the wicked.</p> + +<p>A Bird which the Rustics call a Ground-Swallow (<i>terraneola</i>), +because it makes its nest in the ground, chanced to meet a wicked Fox, +on seeing whom she soared aloft on her wings. “Save you,” said the +other; “why, pray, do you fly from me, as though I had not abundance of +food in the meadows,—crickets, beetles, <i>and</i> plenty of +locusts. You have nothing to fear, I beg <i>to assure you</i>; +I love you dearly for your quiet ways, and your harmless life<ins +class = "correction" title = "close quote missing">.” </ins><i>The +Bird</i> replied: “You speak very fairly, indeed; however, I am not +near you, but up in the air; I shall therefore proceed, and that is +the way in which I trust my life to you.”</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "NF_XXXII" id = "NF_XXXII"> +Fable XXXII.</a><br> +THE EPILOGUE.<a class = "tag" name = "tagNF_26" id = "tagNF_26" href = +"#noteNF_26">NF.26</a></h4> + +<p class = "moral"> +Of those who read this book.</p> + +<p>Whatever my Muse has here written in sportive mood, both malice and +worth equally join in praising; but the latter with candour, while the +other is secretly annoyed.</p> + +<hr class = "tiny"> + +<h5><a name = "notes_NF" id = "notes_NF"> +Footnotes to New Fables</a></h5> + +<div class = "footnote"> + +<p><a name = "noteNF_1" id = "noteNF_1" href = "#tagNF_1">1.</a> +<i>Attributed to Phædrus</i>)—Cassito and Jannelli, with several +other critics, are strongly of opinion that these Fables were written by +Phædrus. On a critical examination, however, they will be found to be so +dissimilar in style and language from those acknowledged to be by +Phædrus, that it is very difficult not to come to the conclusion that +they are the work of some more recent writer, of inferior genius, and +less pure latinity. They were first published in 1809, at Naples, by +Cassito, from a MS. which had belonged to Nicholas Perotti, Archbishop +of Sipontum or Manfredonia, at the end of the fifteenth century, and +who, notwithstanding his assertions to the contrary, was perhaps either +the author of them or altered them very materially. They appear in the +MSS. in a mutilated condition; and the lacunæ have been filled up +according to the fancy of the successive Editors of the Fables. Those +inserted in Gail’s edition have in general been here adopted.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteNF_2" id = "noteNF_2" href = "#tagNF_2">2.</a> +<i>If nature had</i>)—Ver. 1. This can hardly be styled a Fable; +it is merely an Epilogue or moral lesson.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteNF_3" id = "noteNF_3" href = "#tagNF_3">3.</a> +<i>For laughter</i>)—Ver. 17. This story savours more of the false +wit of the middle ages than of the genius of Phædrus.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteNF_4" id = "noteNF_4" href = "#tagNF_4">4.</a> +<i>Was called Mendacity</i>)—Ver. 21. There is a sort of pun +intended upon the word “menda,” a blemish<ins class = "correction" +title = "text has superfluous close quote">. </ins>Because Falsehood was +blemished in having no feet, she was called “mendacium” or “mendacity.” +Here the author’s etymology is at fault, as the word “mendacity” comes +from “mentior,” to lie; which is not likely to have been derived from +“menda.” Besides, Falsehood, whether she has feet or not, generally +travels more speedily than Truth.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteNF_5" id = "noteNF_5" href = "#tagNF_5">5.</a> +<i>Fable V.</i>)—This seems to be only a fragment; probably the +moral of a Fable now lost.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteNF_6" id = "noteNF_6" href = "#tagNF_6">6.</a> +<i>Nine acres</i>)—Ver. 13. “Jugera.” The “jugerum” was a piece of +land 240 feet long by 120 wide.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteNF_7" id = "noteNF_7" href = "#tagNF_7">7.</a> +<i>The laurels, too</i>)—Ver. 5. The “cortina” or oracular shrine +was surrounded with laurels; which were said to quiver while the oracles +were being pronounced. This is probably the most beautiful portion of +these newly-discovered poems. Still, it cannot with propriety be called +a Fable.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteNF_8" id = "noteNF_8" href = "#tagNF_8">8.</a> +<i>A person had recited</i>)—Ver. 1. Adry remarks that this is not +a Fable, but only an Epigram.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteNF_9" id = "noteNF_9" href = "#tagNF_9">9.</a> +<i>About their business</i>)—Ver. 13. The words suggested in +Orellius, “Indicii falsi auctores propelli jubet,” are used here to fill +up the lacuna.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteNF_10" id = "noteNF_10" href = "#tagNF_10">10.</a> +<i>May I?</i>)—Ver. 29. “Licet?” meaning: “Do you give me +permission to go against the enemy?” The story about the spittle savours +of the middle ages.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteNF_11" id = "noteNF_11" href = "#tagNF_11">11.</a> +<i>When Juno</i>)—Ver. 1. This story is both silly and in very bad +taste. <!-- F2: This footnote is both silly and undeserved --></p> + +<p><a name = "noteNF_12" id = "noteNF_12" href = "#tagNF_12">12.</a> +<i>Remedy for a bad temper</i>)—Ver. 15. This doctrine is stated +in far too general terms.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteNF_13" id = "noteNF_13" href = "#tagNF_13">13.</a> +<i>Genius often wasted.</i>)—Ver. 7. It seems to border upon the +absurd to speak of an ass losing the opportunity of cultivating his +“ingenium.” He can hardly with propriety be quoted under any +circumstances as a specimen of a “mute inglorious Milton.”</p> + +<p><a name = "noteNF_14" id = "noteNF_14" href = "#tagNF_14">14.</a> +<i>A certain Woman</i>)—Ver. 1. This is the story of the Matron of +Ephesus, told in a much more interesting manner by Petronius +Arbiter.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteNF_15" id = "noteNF_15" href = "#tagNF_15">15.</a> +<i>Shan’t enjoy their repose</i>)—Ver. 9. The play upon the word +“cessabo,” seems redolent of the wit of the middle ages, and not of the +days of Phædrus.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteNF_16" id = "noteNF_16" href = "#tagNF_16">16.</a> +<i>Savage brotherhood</i>)—Ver. 6. “Societas.” The brotherhood of +litter-carriers, perhaps four or six in number.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteNF_17" id = "noteNF_17" href = "#tagNF_17">17.</a> +<i>If at any time</i>)—Ver. 1. This is not a Fable; it is merely +an anecdote in natural history, and one not very unlikely to have been +true.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteNF_18" id = "noteNF_18" href = "#tagNF_18">18.</a> +<i>Be made manifest</i>)—Ver. 1. This moral is couched in the same +words as St. Luke, viii. 17: “For nothing is secret which shall not be +made manifest.”</p> + +<p><a name = "noteNF_19" id = "noteNF_19" href = "#tagNF_19">19.</a> +<i>A Shepherd had broken</i>)—Ver. 1. As Adry remarks, this Fable +more closely resembles the brevity and elegance of Phædrus.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteNF_20" id = "noteNF_20" href = "#tagNF_20">20.</a> +<i>Having been guilty</i>)—Ver. 5. Chambry, one of the French +Editors, omits this, as unworthy of Phædrus, and Adry pronounces it +unintelligible. The meaning of this, which is Jannelli’s version, seems +to be: “When you ought not to please yourself, you do please yourself, +in committing the crime; but the consequence is that, afterwards, when +you ought to feel pleased, in that you have gratified your desires, you +cannot, in consequence of your guilty conscience.” It is so mutilated, +however, that Cassitti, Jannelli, and other Editors give entirely +different versions.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteNF_21" id = "noteNF_21" href = "#tagNF_21">21.</a> +<i>Injury to this field</i>)—Ver. 4. The Hare is more an enemy to +the flowers in gardens than to the fields. It was probably for this +reason that the Romans sacrificed this animal to the Goddess Flora.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteNF_22" id = "noteNF_22" href = "#tagNF_22">22.</a> +<i>Name of a God</i>)—Ver. 3. This pun upon the <ins class = +"correction" title = "text reads ‘resesemblance’">resemblance</ins> of +“Castor,” the name of the demigod, to “Castor,” “a beaver,” seems +to be a puerile pun; and the remark upon the limited “copia verborum” of +the Greeks, seems more likely to proceed from the Archbishop of Sipontum +than from Phædrus, who was evidently proud of his Grecian origin.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteNF_23" id = "noteNF_23" href = "#tagNF_23">23.</a> +<i>A Butterfly</i>)—Ver. 1. This Fable is in a sadly mutilated +state, and critics are at a loss to say, with any certainty, what is +meant by it. Whether the supposed word in l. 2, “barathris,” (if +really the correct reading), means the depths of hell, or the inner +folds of the leaves in which the Butterfly is enveloped in the chrysalis +state, or whether it means something else, will probably always remain a +matter of doubt. However, the Fable seems to allude to the prevalent +idea, that the soul, when disengaged from the body, took the form of a +butterfly. Indeed the Greeks called both the soul and a butterfly by the +name of <span class = "greek" title = "psuchê (printed with misplaced accent)">ψυχή</span>. There are six or seven different versions of the +first five lines.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteNF_24" id = "noteNF_24" href = "#tagNF_24">24.</a> +<i>Ashes do I fly</i>)—Ver. 6. It is just possible that this may +allude to the soul being disengaged from the corruption of the body.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteNF_25" id = "noteNF_25" href = "#tagNF_25">25.</a> +<i>Who were a Mule</i>)—Ver. 7. She would seem here to allude to +the doctrine of the transmigration of souls. It may possibly have been a +notion, that as the human soul took the form of a Butterfly, the souls +of animals appeared in the shapes of Wasps and Flies.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteNF_26" id = "noteNF_26" href = "#tagNF_26">26.</a> +<i>The Epilogue</i>)—This appears in reality to be only the +Fragment of an Epilogue.</p> + +</div> + + +<span class = "pagenum">454</span> + +<h3>ÆSOPIAN FABLES.<a class = "tag" name = "tagAF_1" id = "tagAF_1" href += "#noteAF_1">AF.1</a><br> +<span class = "smallroman">THE AUTHORS OF WHICH ARE NOT +KNOWN</span></h3> + +<hr class = "mid"> + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "AF_I" id = "AF_I"> +Fable I.</a><br> +THE SICK KITE.</h4> + +<p>A Kite having been sick for many months, and seeing now there was no +longer any hope of his recovery, asked his Mother to go round the sacred +places, and make the most earnest vows for his recovery. “I will do +so, my Son,” said she, “but I am greatly afraid I shall obtain no help; +but you, who have polluted every temple <i>and</i> every altar with your +ravages, sparing no sacrificial food, what is it you would now have me +ask?”</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "AF_II" id = "AF_II"> +Fable II.</a><br> +THE HARES TIRED OF LIFE.</h4> + +<p>He who cannot endure his own misfortune, let him look at others, and +learn patience.</p> + +<p>On one occasion, the Hares being scared in the woods by a great +noise, cried out, that, on account of their continued alarms, they would +end their lives. So they repaired to a certain pond, into which, in +their despondency, they were +<span class = "pagenum">455</span> +going to throw themselves. Alarmed at their approach, some Frogs fled +distractedly into the green sedge. “Oh!” says one <i>of the hares</i>, +“there are others too whom fear of misfortune torments. Endure existence +as others do.”</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "AF_III" id = "AF_III"> +Fable III.</a><br> +JUPITER AND THE FOX.</h4> + +<p>No fortune conceals baseness of nature.</p> + +<p>Jupiter having changed a Fox into a human shape, while she was +sitting as a Mistress on a royal throne, she saw a beetle creeping out +of a corner, and sprang nimbly towards the well-known prey. The Gods of +heaven smiled; the Great Father was ashamed, and expelled the Concubine, +repudiated and disgraced, addressing her in these words: “Live on in the +manner that you deserve, you, who cannot make a worthy use of my +kindness.”</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "AF_IV" id = "AF_IV"> +Fable IV.</a><br> +THE LION AND THE MOUSE.</h4> + +<p>This Fable teaches that no one should hurt those of more humble +condition.</p> + +<p>While a Lion was asleep in a wood, where some Field-Mice were +sporting about, one of them by chance leaped upon the Lion as he lay. +The Lion awoke and seized the wretched <i>creature</i> with a sudden +spring. The captive implored pardon <i>and</i> suppliantly confessed his +crime, a sin of imprudence. The Monarch, not deeming it a glorious +thing to exact vengeance for this, pardoned him and let him go. +A few days after, the Lion, while roaming by night, fell into a +trap. When he perceived that he was caught in the snare, he began to +roar with his loudest voice. At this tremendous noise the Mouse +instantly ran to his assistance, and exclaimed: “You have no need to +fear; I will make an adequate return for your great kindness.” +Immediately he began to survey all the knots and the fastenings of the +knots; and +<span class = "pagenum">456</span> +gnawing the strings after he had examined them, loosened the snare. Thus +did the Mouse restore the captured Lion to the woods.</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "AF_V" id = "AF_V"> +Fable V.</a><br> +THE MAN AND THE TREES.</h4> + +<p>Those perish, who give assistance to their foes.</p> + +<p>A certain Man, having made an axe, besought the Trees to afford him a +handle from their wood that would prove firm: they all desired that a +piece of Olive-tree should be given. He accepted the offer, and, fitting +on the handle, set to work with the axe to hew down the huge trunks. +While he was selecting such as he thought fit, the Oak is reported thus +to have said to the Ash: “We richly deserve to be cut down.”</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "AF_VI" id = "AF_VI"> +Fable VI.</a><br> +THE MOUSE AND THE FROG.</h4> + +<p>A Mouse, in order that he might pass over a river with greater ease, +sought the aid of a Frog. She tied the fore leg of the Mouse to her +hinder thigh. Hardly had they swum to the middle of the river, when the +Frog dived suddenly, trying to reach the bottom, that she might +perfidiously deprive the Mouse of life. While he struggled with all his +might not to sink, a Kite that was flying near at hand, beheld the +prey, and seizing the floundering Mouse in his talons, at the same time +bore off the Frog that was fastened to him.</p> + +<p>Thus do men often perish while meditating the <ins class = +"correction" title = "missing ‘of’">destruction others</ins>.</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "AF_VII" id = "AF_VII"> +Fable VII.</a><br> +THE TWO COCKS AND THE HAWK.</h4> + +<p>A Cock who had often fought with <i>another</i> Cock, and been +beaten, requested a Hawk <i>to act as</i> umpire in the contest. +<span class = "pagenum">457</span> +The latter conceived hopes, if both should come, of devouring him who +should first present himself. Shortly after, when he saw that they had +come to plead their cause, he seized the one who first brought his case +into court. The victim clamorously exclaimed: “’Tis not I that should be +punished, but the one who took to flight;” the Bird <i>replied</i>: “Do +not suppose that you can this day escape my talons; it is just that you +should now yourself endure the treacheries you were planning for +another.”<a class = "tag" name = "tagAF_2" id = "tagAF_2" href = +"#noteAF_2">AF.2</a></p> + +<p>He who often cogitates upon the death of others, little knows what +sad Fate he may be preparing for himself.</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "AF_VIII" id = "AF_VIII"> +Fable VIII.</a><br> +THE SNAIL AND THE APE.</h4> + +<p>A Snail, smitten with admiration of a Mirror which she had found, +began to climb its shining face, and lick it, fancying she could confer +no greater favour upon it, than to stain its brightness with her slime. +An Ape, when he saw the Mirror <i>thus</i> defiled, remarked: “He who +allows himself to be trodden by such <i>beings</i>, deserves to suffer +such a disgrace.”</p> + +<p>This Fable is written for those Women who unite themselves to +ignorant and foolish Men.</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "AF_IX" id = "AF_IX"> +Fable IX.</a><br> +THE CITY MOUSE AND COUNTRY MOUSE.</h4> + +<p>A City Mouse being once entertained at the table of a Country one, +dined on humble acorns in a hole. Afterwards he prevailed upon the +Countryman by his entreaties to enter the city and a cellar that +abounded with the choicest things. Here, while they were enjoying +remnants of various kinds, the door is thrown open, and in comes the +Butler; the Mice, terrified at the noise, fly in different directions, +<span class = "pagenum">458</span> +and the City one easily hides himself in his well-known holes; while the +unfortunate Rustic, all trepidation in that strange house, and dreading +death, runs to-and-fro along the walls. When the Butler had taken what +he wanted, and had shut the door, the City Mouse bade the Country one +again to take courage. The latter, still in a state of perturbation, +replied: “I hardly can take any food for fear. Do you think he will +come?” —“Why are you in such a fright?” said the City one; “come, +let us enjoy dainties which you may seek in vain in the country.” The +Countryman <i>replied</i>: “You, who don’t know what it is to fear, will +enjoy all these things; but, free from care and at liberty, may acorns +be my food!”</p> + +<p>’Tis better to live secure in poverty, than to be consumed by the +cares attendant upon riches.</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "AF_X" id = "AF_X"> +Fable X.</a><br> +THE ASS FAWNING UPON HIS MASTER.</h4> + +<p>An Ass, seeing the Dog fawn upon his master, and how he was crammed +at his table each day, and had bits thrown to him in abundance by the +Servants, thus remarked: “If the Master and the Servants are so very +fond of a most filthy Dog, what must it be with me, if I should pay him +similar attentions, who am much better than this Dog, and useful and +praiseworthy in many respects; who am supported by the pure streams of +undefiled water, and never in the habit of feeding upon nasty food? +Surely I am more worthy than a whelp to enjoy a happy life, and to +obtain the highest honor.” While the Ass is thus soliloquising, he sees +his Master enter the stable; so running up to him in haste and braying +aloud, he leaps upon him, claps both feet on his shoulders, begins to +lick his face; and tearing his clothes with his dirty hoofs, he fatigues +his Master with his heavy weight, as he stupidly fawns upon him. At +their Master’s outcry the Servants run to the spot, and seizing +everywhere such sticks and stones as come in their way, they punish the +braying <i>beast</i>, and knocking him off his Master’s body, soon send +him back, half-dead to the manger, with sore limbs and battered +rump.</p> + +<span class = "pagenum">459</span> +<p><i>This</i> Fable teaches that a fool is not to thrust himself upon +those who do not want him, or affect to perform the part of one superior +<i>to him</i>.</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "AF_XI" id = "AF_XI"> +Fable XI.</a><br> +THE CRANE, THE CROW, AND THE COUNTRYMAN.</h4> + +<p>A Crane and a Crow had made a league on oath, that the Crane should +protect the Crow against the Birds, <i>and</i> that the Crow should +foretell the future, so that the Crane might be on her guard. After +this, on their frequently flying into the fields of a certain +Countryman, and tearing up by the roots what had been sown, the owner of +the field saw it, and being vexed, cried out: “Give me a stone, Boy, +that I may hit the Crane.” When the Crow heard this, at once she warned +the Crane, who took all due precaution. On another day, too, the Crow +hearing him ask for a stone, again warned the Crane carefully to avoid +the danger. The Countryman, suspecting that the divining Bird heard his +commands, said to the Boy: “If I say, give me a cake, do you secretly +hand me a stone.” The Crane came <i>again</i>; he bade the Boy give him +a cake, but the Boy gave him a stone, with which he hit the Crane, and +broke her legs. The Crane, on being wounded, said: “Prophetic Crow, +where now are your auspices? Why did you not hasten to warn your +companion, as you swore you would, that no such evil might befall me?” +The Crow made answer: “It is not my art that deserves to be blamed; but +the purposes of double-tongued people are so deceiving, who say one +thing and do another.”</p> + +<p>Those who impose upon the inexperienced by deceitful promises, fail +not to cajole them by-and-bye with pretended reasons.</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "AF_XII" id = "AF_XII"> +Fable XII.</a><br> +THE BIRDS AND THE SWALLOW.</h4> + +<p>The Birds having assembled in one spot, saw a Man sowing flax in a +field. When the Swallow found that they thought +<span class = "pagenum">460</span> +nothing at all of this, she is reported to have called them together, +and thus addressed them: “Danger awaits us all from this, if the seed +should come to maturity.” The Birds laughed <i>at her</i>. When the +crop, however, sprang up, the Swallow again remarked: “Our destruction +is impending; come, let us root up the noxious blades, lest, if they +shortly grow up, nets may be made thereof, and we may be taken by the +contrivances of man.” The Birds persist in laughing at the words of the +Swallow, and foolishly despise <i>this</i> most prudent advice. But she, +in her caution, at once betook herself to Man, that she might suspend +her nest in safety under his rafters. The Birds, however, who had +disregarded her wholesome advice, being caught in nets made of the flax, +came to an untimely end.</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "AF_XIII" id = "AF_XIII"> +Fable XIII.</a><br> +THE PARTRIDGE AND THE FOX.</h4> + +<p>Once on a time a Partridge was sitting in a lofty tree. A Fox +came up, and began <i>thus</i> to speak: “O Partridge, how +beautiful is your aspect! Your beak transcends the coral; your thighs +the brightness of purple. And then, if you were to sleep, how much more +beauteous you would be<ins class = "correction" title = "close quote missing">.” </ins>As soon as the silly Bird had closed her eyes, +that instant the Fox seized the credulous thing. Suppliantly she uttered +these words, mingled with loud cries: “O Fox, I beseech you, +by the graceful dexterity of your exquisite skill, utter my name as +before, and then you shall devour me.” The Fox, willing to speak, opened +his mouth, and so the Partridge escaped destruction. Then said the +deluded Fox: “What need was there for me to speak?” The Partridge +retorted: “And what necessity was there for me to sleep, when my hour +for sleep had not come?”</p> + +<p>This is for those who speak when there is no occasion, and who sleep +when it is requisite to be on the watch.</p> + + +<span class = "pagenum">461</span> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "AF_XIV" id = "AF_XIV"> +Fable XIV.</a><br> +THE ASS, THE OX, AND THE BIRDS.</h4> + +<p>An Ass and an Ox, fastened to the same yoke, were drawing a waggon. +While the Ox was pulling with all his might he broke his horn. The Ass +swears that he experiences no help whatever from his weak companion. +Exerting himself in the labour, the Ox breaks his other horn, and at +length falls dead upon the ground. Presently, the Herdsman loads the Ass +with the flesh of the Ox, and he breaks down amid a thousand blows, and +stretched in the middle of the road, expires. The Birds flying to the +prey, exclaim: “If you had shown yourself compassionate to the Ox when +he entreated you, you would not have been food for us through your +untimely death.”</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "AF_XV" id = "AF_XV"> +Fable XV.</a><br> +THE LION AND THE SHEPHERD.</h4> + +<p>A Lion,<a class = "tag" name = "tagAF_3" id = "tagAF_3" href = +"#noteAF_3">AF.3</a> while wandering in a wood, trod on a thorn, and +soon after came up, wagging his tail, to a Shepherd: “Don’t be alarmed,” +<i>said he</i>, “I suppliantly entreat your aid; I am not in +search for prey.” Lifting up the <i>wounded</i> foot, the Man places it +in his lap, and, taking out the thorn, relieves <i>the patient’s</i> +severe pain: whereupon the Lion returns to the woods. Some time after, +the Shepherd (being accused on a false charge) is condemned, and is +ordered to be exposed to ravening Beasts at the ensuing games. While the +Beasts, on being let out,<a class = "tag" name = "tagAF_4" id = +"tagAF_4" href = "#noteAF_4">AF.4</a> are roaming to-and-fro, the Lion +recognizes the Man who effected the cure, and again raising his foot, +places it in the Shepherd’s lap. The King, as soon as <ins class = +"correction" title = "text unchanged: missing word">he aware</ins> of +this, immediately restored the Lion to the woods, and the Shepherd to +his friends.</p> + + +<span class = "pagenum">462</span> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "AF_XVI" id = "AF_XVI"> +Fable XVI.</a><br> +THE GNAT AND THE BULL.</h4> + +<p>A Gnat having challenged a Bull to a trial of strength, all the +People came to see the combat. Then <i>said</i> the Gnat: “’Tis enough +that you have come to meet me in combat; for <i>though</i> little in my +own idea, I am great in your judgment,” <i>and so saying</i>, he +took himself off on light wing through the air, and duped the multitude, +and eluded the threats of the Bull. <i>Now</i> if the Bull had kept in +mind his strength of neck, and had contemned an ignoble foe, the +vapouring of the trifler would have been all in vain.</p> + +<p>He loses character who puts himself on a level with the +undeserving.</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "AF_XVII" id = "AF_XVII"> +Fable XVII.</a><br> +THE HORSE AND THE ASS.</h4> + +<p>A Steed, swelling <i>with pride</i> beneath his trappings, met an +Ass, and because the latter, wearied with his load, made room very +slowly: “Hardly,” said <i>the Horse</i>, “can I restrain myself from +kicking you severely.” The Ass held his peace, only appealing with his +groans to the Gods. The Horse in a short space of time, broken-winded +with running, is sent to the farm. There the Ass espying him laden with +dung, thus jeered him: “Where are your former trappings, vain boaster, +who have now fallen into the misery which you treated with such +contempt?”</p> + +<p>Let not the fortunate man, unmindful of the uncertainty of fortune, +despise the lowly one, seeing that he knows not what he may come to +himself.</p> + + +<span class = "pagenum">463</span> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "AF_XVIII" id = "AF_XVIII"> +Fable XVIII.</a><br> +THE BIRDS, THE BEASTS, AND THE BAT.</h4> + +<p>The Birds were at war with the Beasts, and the conquerors were +defeated in their turn; but the Bat, fearing the doubtful issue of +<i>the strife</i>, always betook himself to those whom he saw +victorious. When they had returned to their former state of peace, the +fraud was apparent to both sides; convicted therefore of a crime so +disgraceful, <i>and</i> flying from the light, he thenceforth hid +himself in deep darkness, always flying alone by night.</p> + +<p>Whoever offers himself for sale to both sides, will live a life of +disgrace, hateful to them both.</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "AF_XIX" id = "AF_XIX"> +Fable XIX.</a><br> +THE NIGHTINGALE, THE HAWK, AND THE FOWLER.</h4> + +<p>While a Hawk was sitting in a Nightingale’s nest, on the watch for a +Hare, he found there some young ones. The Mother, alarmed at the danger +of her offspring, flew up, and suppliantly entreated him to spare her +young ones. “I will do what you wish,” he replied, “if you will +sing me a tuneful song with a clear voice.” On this, much as her heart +failed her, still, through fear, she obeyed, and being compelled, full +of grief she sang. The Hawk, who had seized the prey, <i>then</i> said: +“You have not sung your best;” and, seizing one of the young ones with +his claws, began to devour it. A Fowler approaches from another +direction, and stealthily extending his reed,<a class = "tag" name = +"tagAF_5" id = "tagAF_5" href = "#noteAF_5">AF.5</a> touches the +perfidious <i>creature</i> with bird-lime, and drags him to the +ground.</p> + +<p>Whoever lays crafty stratagems for others, ought to beware that he +himself be not entrapped by cunning.</p> + + +<span class = "pagenum">464</span> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "AF_XX" id = "AF_XX"> +Fable XX.</a><br> +THE WOLF, THE FOX, AND THE SHEPHERD.</h4> + +<p>A Wolf, in the course of time, had collected a store in his den, that +he might have food, which he might enjoy at his ease for many months. +A Fox, on learning this, went to the Wolf’s den, and <i>said</i> +with tremulous voice: “Is all right, brother? For not having seen you on +the look-out for prey in your woods, life has been saddened every day.” +The Wolf, when he perceived the envy of his rival, <i>replied</i>: “You +have not come hither from any anxiety on my account, but that you may +get a share. I know what is your deceitful aim.” The Fox enraged, +comes to a Shepherd, <i>and</i> says: “Shepherd, will you return me +thanks, if to-day I deliver up to you the enemy of your flock, so that +you need have no more anxiety?” The Shepherd <i>replied</i>: +“I will serve you, and will with pleasure give you anything you +like.” She points out the Wolf’s den to the Shepherd, who shuts him in, +despatches him immediately with a spear, and gladly gratifies his rival +with the property of another. When, however, the Fox had fallen into the +Hunter’s hands, being caught and mangled by the Dogs, she said: “Hardly +have I done an injury to another, ere I am now punished +<i>myself</i>.”</p> + +<p>Whoever ventures to injure another, ought to beware lest a greater +evil befall himself.</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "AF_XXI" id = "AF_XXI"> +Fable XXI.</a><br> +THE SHEEP AND THE WOLVES.</h4> + +<p>When the Sheep and the Wolves<a class = "tag" name = "tagAF_6" id = +"tagAF_6" href = "#noteAF_6">AF.6</a> engaged in battle, the former, +safe under the protection of the dogs, were victorious. The Wolves sent +ambassadors, and demanded a peace, +<span class = "pagenum">465</span> +ratified on oath, on these terms; that the Sheep should give up the +Dogs, and receive as hostages the whelps of the Wolves. The Sheep, +hoping that lasting concord would be thus secured, did as the Wolves +demanded. Shortly after, when the whelps began to howl, the Wolves, +alleging as a pretext, that their young ones were being murdered, and +that the peace had been broken by the Sheep, made a simultaneous rush on +every side, and attacked the latter <i>thus</i> deprived of protectors; +<i>and</i> so a late repentance condemned their folly in putting faith +in their enemies.</p> + +<p>If a person gives up to others the safeguard under which he has +previously lived in security, he will afterwards wish it back, but in +vain.</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "AF_XXII" id = "AF_XXII"> +Fable XXII.</a><br> +THE APE AND THE FOX.</h4> + +<p>An Ape asked a Fox to spare him some part of her exceeding length of +tail, with which he might be enabled to cover his most unseemly hinder +parts. “For of what use,” said he, “is a tail of such extraordinary +length? For what purpose do you drag such a vast weight along the +ground?” The Fox <i>answered</i>: “Even if it were longer, and much +bulkier, I would rather drag it along the ground and through mud +and thorns, than give you a part; that you might not appear more comely +through what covers me.”</p> + +<p>Greedy and rich <i>man</i>, this Fable has a lesson for you, who, +though you have a superabundance, still give nothing to the poor.</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "AF_XXIII" id = "AF_XXIII"> +Fable XXIII.</a><br> +THE WOLF, THE SHEPHERD, AND THE HUNTSMAN.</h4> + +<p>A Wolf, flying from the Huntsman’s close pursuit, was seen by a +Shepherd, <i>who noticed</i> which way he fled, and in what spot he +concealed himself. “Herdsman,” <i>said</i> the terrified fugitive, “by +all your hopes, do not, I do adjure you by the great Gods, betray +an innocent being, who has done you no injury.”</p> + +<span class = "pagenum">466</span> +<p>“Don’t fear,” the Shepherd replied; “I’ll point in another +direction.” Soon after, the Huntsman comes up in haste: “Shepherd, have +you not seen a Wolf come this way? Which way did he run?” The Shepherd +replied, in a loud voice: “He certainly did come, but he fled to the +left,” but he secretly motioned with his eyes towards the right. The +other did not understand him, and went on in haste. Then <i>said</i> the +Shepherd to the Wolf: “What thanks will you give me for having concealed +you?” “To your tongue, I give especial ones,” said the Wolf, “but +on your deceitful eyes I pray that the darkness of eternal night may +fall.”</p> + +<p>He who, courteous in his words, conceals deceit in his heart, may +understand that he is himself described in this Fable.</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "AF_XXIV" id = "AF_XXIV"> +Fable XXIV.</a><br> +THE TRUTHFUL MAN, THE LIAR, AND THE APES.</h4> + +<p>A Liar and a Truthful Man, while travelling together, chanced to come +into the land of the Apes. One of the number, who had made himself King, +seeing them, ordered them to be detained, that he might learn what men +said of him, <i>and</i> at the same time he ordered all the Apes to +stand in lengthened array on the right and left; and that a throne +should be placed for himself, as he had formerly seen was the practice +with the Kings among men. After this he questions the men <i>so</i> +ordered to be brought before him: “What do you think of me, strangers?” +“You seem to be a most mighty King,” the Liar replied. “What of these +whom you see now about me?” “These are ministers,<a class = "tag" name = +"tagAF_7" id = "tagAF_7" href = "#noteAF_7">AF.7</a> these are +lieutenants, and leaders of troops.” The Ape thus lyingly praised, +together with his crew, orders a present to be given to the flatterer. +On this the Truth-teller <i>remarked</i> to himself: “If so great the +reward for lying, with what gifts shall I not be presented, if, +according to my custom, I tell the truth?” The Ape then +<i>turns</i> to the Truthful Man: “And +<span class = "pagenum">467</span> +what do you think of me and those whom you see standing before me?” He +made answer: “You are a genuine Ape, and all these <i>are</i> Apes, who +are like you.” The King, enraged, ordered him to be torn with teeth and +claws, because he had told the truth.</p> + +<p>A courtly lie is praised by the wicked; plain-spoken truth brings +destruction on the good.</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "AF_XXV" id = "AF_XXV"> +Fable XXV.</a><br> +THE MAN AND THE LION.</h4> + +<p>A Man was disputing with a Lion which was the stronger of the two, +and while they were seeking evidence on the matter in dispute, they came +at last to a sepulchre, on which <i>the human disputant</i> pointed out +a Lion, depicted with his jaws rent asunder by a Man—a striking +proof of superior strength. The Lion made answer: “This was painted by a +human hand; if Lions knew how to paint, you would see the man undermost. +But I will give a more convincing proof of our valour.” He +<i>accordingly</i> led the Man to some games,<a class = "tag" name = +"tagAF_8" id = "tagAF_8" href = "#noteAF_8">AF.8</a> where, calling his +attention to men slain in reality by Lions, he said: “There is no need +of the testimony of pictures here; real valour is shown by deeds.”</p> + +<p><i>This</i> Fable teaches that liars use colouring in vain, when a +sure test is produced.</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "AF_XXVI" id = "AF_XXVI"> +Fable XXVI.</a><br> +THE STORK, THE GOOSE, AND THE HAWK.</h4> + +<p>A Stork, having come to a well-known pool, found a Goose diving +frequently beneath the water, <i>and</i> enquired why she did so. The +other replied: “This is our custom, and we find our food in the mud; and +then, besides, we thus find safety, and escape the attack of the Hawk +when he <ins class = "correction" title = "text reads ‘cames’">comes</ins> against +<span class = "pagenum">468</span> +us.” “I am much stronger than the Hawk,” said the Stork; “if you +choose to make an alliance with me, you will be able victoriously to +deride him.” The Goose believing her, and immediately accepting her aid, +goes with her into the fields: forthwith comes the Hawk, and seizes the +Goose in his remorseless claws and devours her, while the Stork flies +off. The Goose <i>called out after her</i>: “He who trusts himself to so +weak a protector, deserves to come to a still worse end.”</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "AF_XXVII" id = "AF_XXVII"> +Fable XXVII.</a><br> +THE SHEEP AND THE CROW.</h4> + +<p>A Crow, sitting at her ease upon a Sheep’s back, pecked her with her +beak. After she had done this for a long time, the Sheep, so patient +under injury, remarked: “If you had offered this affront to the Dog, you +could not have endured his barking.” But the Crow <i>thus answered</i> +the Sheep: “I never sit on the neck of one so strong, as I know +whom I may provoke; my years having taught me cunning, I am civil +to the robust, but insolent to the defenceless. Of such a nature have +the Gods thought fit to create me.”</p> + +<p><i>This</i> Fable was written for those base persons who oppress the +innocent, <i>and</i> fear to annoy the bold.</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "AF_XXVIII" id = "AF_XXVIII"> +Fable XXVIII.</a><br> +THE ANT AND THE GRASSHOPPER.</h4> + +<p>In winter time, an Ant was dragging forth from <ins class = +"correction" title = "text reads ‘her her’">her</ins> hole, and drying, +the grains which, in her foresight, she had collected during the summer. +A Grasshopper, being hungry, begged her to give him something: the +Ant <i>replied</i>: “What were you doing in summer?” The other +<i>said</i>: “I had not leisure to think of the future: I was +wandering through hedges and meadows, singing away.” The Ant laughing, +and carrying back the grains, said: “Very well, you who were singing +away in the summer, <ins class = "correction" title = "d invisible">dance</ins> in the winter.”</p> + +<p>Let the sluggard always labour at the proper time, lest when he has +nothing, he beg in vain.</p> + + +<span class = "pagenum">469</span> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "AF_XXIX" id = "AF_XXIX"> +Fable XXIX.</a><br> +THE HORSE AND THE ASS.</h4> + +<p>An Ass asked a Horse for a little barley. “With all my heart,” said +he, “if I had more than I wanted, I would give you plenty, in +accordance with my dignified position; but bye-and-bye, as soon as I +shall have come to my manger in the evening, I will give you a +sackful of wheat.” The Ass replied: “If you now deny me on a trifling +occasion, what am I to suppose you will do on one of greater +importance?”</p> + +<p>They who, while making great promises, refuse small favours, show +that they are very tenacious of giving.</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "AF_XXX" id = "AF_XXX"> +Fable XXX.</a><br> +THE OLD LION AND THE FOX.</h4> + +<p>Worn with years, a Lion pretended illness. Many Beasts came for the +purpose of visiting the sick King, whom at once he devoured. But a wary +Fox stood at a distance before the den, saluting the King. On the Lion +asking her why she did not come in: “Because,” <i>said she</i>, +“I see many foot-marks of those who have gone in, but none of those +who came out.”</p> + +<p>The dangers of others are generally of advantage to the wary.</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "AF_XXXI" id = "AF_XXXI"> +Fable XXXI.</a><br> +THE CAMEL AND THE FLEA.</h4> + +<p>A Flea, chancing to sit on the back of a Camel who was going along +weighed down with heavy burdens, was quite delighted with himself, as he +appeared to be so much higher. After they had made a long journey, they +came together in the evening to the stable. The Flea immediately +exclaimed, skipping lightly to the ground: “See, I have got down +directly, that I may not weary you any longer, <i>so</i> galled as you +are.” The Camel <i>replied</i>: “I thank you; but neither +<span class = "pagenum">470</span> +when you were on me did I find myself oppressed by your weight, nor do I +feel myself at all lightened now you have dismounted.”</p> + +<p>He who, while he is of no standing, boasts to be of a lofty one, +falls under contempt when he comes to be known.</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "AF_XXXII" id = "AF_XXXII"> +Fable XXXII.</a><br> +THE KID AND THE WOLF.</h4> + +<p>A She-Goat, that she might keep her young one in safety, on going +forth to feed, warned <i>her</i> heedless Kid not to open the door, +because she knew that many wild beasts were prowling about the cattle +stalls. When she was gone, there came a Wolf, imitating the voice of the +dam, and ordered the door to be opened for him. When the Kid heard him, +looking through a chink, he said to the Wolf: “I hear a sound like +my Mother’s <i>voice</i>, but you are a deceiver, and an enemy to me; +under my Mother’s voice you are seeking to drink my blood, and stuff +yourself with my flesh. Farewell.”</p> + +<p>’Tis greatly to the credit of children to be obedient to their +parents.</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "AF_XXXIII" id = "AF_XXXIII"> +Fable XXXIII.</a><br> +THE POOR MAN AND THE SERPENT.</h4> + +<p>In the house of a certain Poor Man, a Serpent was always in the habit +of coming to his table, and being fed there plentifully upon the crumbs. +Shortly after, the Man becoming rich, he began to be angry with the +Serpent, and wounded him with an axe. After the lapse of some time he +returned to his former poverty. When he saw that like the varying lot of +the Serpent, his own fortunes also changed, he coaxingly begged him to +pardon the offence. Then said the Serpent to him: “You will repent of +your wickedness until my wound is healed; don’t suppose, however, that I +take you henceforth with implicit confidence to be my friend. Still, +I could wish to be reconciled with you, if only I could never +recall to mind the perfidious axe.”</p> + +<span class = "pagenum">471</span> +<p>He deserves to be suspected, who has once done an injury; and an +intimacy with him is always to be renewed with caution.</p> + + +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "AF_XXXIV" id = "AF_XXXIV"> +Fable XXXIV.</a><br> +THE EAGLE AND THE KITE.</h4> + +<p>An Eagle was sitting on a branch with a Kite, in sorrowful mood. +“Why,” <i>said</i> the Kite, “do I see you with such a melancholy air?” +“I am looking out,” said she, “for a mate suited to myself, and +cannot find one.” “Take me,” <i>said the Kite</i>, “who am so much +stronger than you.” “Well, are you able to get a living by what you can +carry away?” “Many’s the time that I have seized and carried off an +ostrich in my talons.” Induced by his words, the Eagle took him as her +mate. A short time having passed after the nuptials, the Eagle +<i>said</i>: “Go and carry off for me the booty you promised me.” +Soaring aloft, the Kite brings back a field-mouse, most filthy, and +stinking from long-contracted mouldiness. “Is this,” said the Eagle, +“the performance of your promise?” The Kite replied to her: “That I +might contract a marriage with royalty, there is nothing I would not +have pledged myself to do, although I knew that I was unable.”</p> + +<p>Those who seek anxiously for partners of higher rank, painfully +lament a deception that has united them to the worthless.</p> + +<hr class = "tiny"> + +<h5><a name = "notes_AF" id = "notes_AF"> +Footnotes to Æsopian Fables</a></h5> + +<div class = "footnote"> + +<p><a name = "noteAF_1" id = "noteAF_1" href = "#tagAF_1">1.</a> +<i>Æsopian Fables</i>)—These Æsopian Fables appear much more +worthy of the genius of Phædrus than the preceding ones, which have been +attributed to him by the Italian Editors. The name of the author or +authors of these is unknown; but from the internal evidence, it is not +improbable that some may have been composed by Phædrus.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteAF_2" id = "noteAF_2" href = "#tagAF_2">2.</a> +<i>Planning for another</i>)—Ver. 10. The nature of the reason +assigned by the Hawk is not very clear. Perhaps the writer did not care +that he should give even so much as a specious reason.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteAF_3" id = "noteAF_3" href = "#tagAF_3">3.</a> +<i>A Lion</i>)—Ver. 1. This story is also told by Seneca—De +Beneficiis, B. II. c. 19, and by Aulus Gellius, B. III. +c. 14.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteAF_4" id = "noteAF_4" href = "#tagAF_4">4.</a> +<i>The Beasts, on being let out</i>)—Ver. 10. The beasts were sent +forth from “caveæ,” or “cages,” into the area of the Circus or +Amphitheatre.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteAF_5" id = "noteAF_5" href = "#tagAF_5">5.</a> +<i>Extending his reed</i>)—Ver. 13. From this it would appear, +that fowlers stood behind trees, and used reeds tipped with birdlime, +for the purpose of taking birds.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteAF_6" id = "noteAF_6" href = "#tagAF_6">6.</a> +<i>The Sheep and the Wolves</i>)—Ver. 1. Demosthenes is said to +have related this Fable to the Athenians, when dissuading them from +surrendering the Orators to Alexander.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteAF_7" id = "noteAF_7" href = "#tagAF_7">7.</a> +<i>Your ministers</i>)—Ver. 13. “Comites” here seems to mean +“ministers,” in the sense in which the word was used in the times of the +later Roman emperors.</p> + +<p><a name = "noteAF_8" id = "noteAF_8" href = "#tagAF_8">8.</a> +<i>Some games</i>)—Ver. 9. “Spectaculum,” or “venatio.” These were +exhibited by the wealthy Romans in the amphitheatre or circus, and on +some occasions many hundred beasts were slain in one day. Of course, as +here mentioned, their assailants would sometimes meet with an untimely +end.</p> + +</div> + + +<span class = "pagenum">472</span> + +</div> <!-- end div riley --> + + +<div class = "smart"> + +<span class = "pagenum">473</span> + +<h2><a name = "smart" id = "smart">THE FABLES OF PHÆDRUS,</a></h2> + +<h2 class = "six">TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH VERSE</h2> + +<h2 class = "five smallcaps"><span class = "extended">By +CHRISTOPHER SMAR</span>T, A.M.,</h2> + +<h2 class = "six">FELLOW OF PEMBROKE HALL, CAMBRIDGE.</h2> + +<hr class = "mid"> + +<h3><a name = "smart_I" id = "smart_I">BOOK I.</a></h3> + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_I_pro">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_I_pro" id = "smart_I_pro"> +PROLOGUE.</a></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p><span class = "firstword">What</span> from the founder Esop fell,</p> +<p>In neat familiar verse I tell:</p> +<p>Twofold’s the genius of the page,</p> +<p>To make you smile and make you sage.</p> +<p>But if the critics we displease,</p> +<p>By wrangling brutes and talking trees,</p> +<p>Let them remember, ere they blame,</p> +<p>We’re working neither sin nor shame;</p> +<p>’Tis but a play to form the youth</p> +<p>By fiction, in the cause of truth.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_I_I">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_I_I" id = "smart_I_I"> +<span class = "smallcaps">Fable I.</span></a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE WOLF AND THE LAMB.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p><span class = "firstword">By</span> thirst incited; to the brook</p> +<p>The Wolf and Lamb themselves betook.</p> +<p>The Wolf high up the current drank,</p> +<p>The Lamb far lower down the bank.</p> +<p>Then, bent his rav’nous maw to cram,</p> +<p>The Wolf took umbrage at the Lamb.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +“How dare you trouble all the flood,</p> +<p>And mingle my good drink with mud?”</p> +<p>“Sir,” says the Lambkin, sore afraid,</p> +<p>“How should I act, as you upbraid?</p> +<span class = "pagenum">474</span> +<p>The thing you mention cannot be,</p> +<p>The stream descends from you to me.”</p> +<p>Abash’d by facts, says he, “I know</p> +<p>’Tis now exact six months ago</p> +<p>You strove my honest fame to blot”—</p> +<p>“Six months ago, sir, I was not.”</p> +<p>“Then ’twas th’ old ram thy sire,” he cried,</p> +<p>And so he tore him, till he died.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +To those this fable I address</p> +<p>Who are determined to oppress,</p> +<p>And trump up any false pretence,</p> +<p>But they will injure innocence.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_I_II">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_I_II" id = "smart_I_II">II.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE FROGS DESIRING A KING.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>With equal laws when Athens throve,</p> +<p>The petulance of freedom drove</p> +<p>Their state to license, which o’erthrew</p> +<p>Those just restraints of old they knew.</p> +<p>Hence, as a factious discontent</p> +<p>Through every rank and order went,</p> +<p>Pisistratus the tyrant form’d</p> +<p>A party, and the fort he storm’d:</p> +<p>Which yoke, while all bemoan’d in grief,</p> +<p>(Not that he was a cruel chief,</p> +<p>But they unused to be controll’d)</p> +<p>Then Esop thus his fable told:</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +The Frogs, a freeborn people made,</p> +<p>From out their marsh with clamor pray’d</p> +<p>That Jove a monarch would assign</p> +<p>With power their manners to refine.</p> +<p>The sovereign smiled, and on their bog</p> +<p>Sent his petitioners a log,</p> +<p>Which, as it dash’d upon the place,</p> +<p>At first alarm’d the tim’rous race.</p> +<p>But ere it long had lain to cool,</p> +<p>One slily peep’d out of the pool,</p> +<p>And finding it a king in jest,</p> +<p>He boldly summon’d all the rest.</p> +<p>Now, void of fear, the tribe advanced,</p> +<p>And on the timber leap’d and danced,</p> +<span class = "pagenum">475</span> +<p>And having let their fury loose,</p> +<p>In gross affronts and rank abuse,</p> +<p>Of Jove they sought another king,</p> +<p>For useless was this wooden thing.</p> +<p>Then he a water-snake empower’d,</p> +<p>Who one by one their race devour’d.</p> +<p>They try to make escape in vain,</p> +<p>Nor, dumb through fear, can they complain.</p> +<p>By stealth they Mercury depute,</p> +<p>That Jove would once more hear their suit,</p> +<p>And send their sinking state to save;</p> +<p>But he in wrath this answer gave:</p> +<p>“You scorn’d the good king that you had,</p> +<p>And therefore you shall bear the bad.”</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +Ye likewise, O Athenian friends,</p> +<p>Convinced to what impatience tends,</p> +<p>Though slavery be no common curse,</p> +<p>Be still, for fear of worse and worse.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_I_III">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_I_III" id = "smart_I_III">III.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE VAIN JACKDAW.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>Lest any one himself should plume,</p> +<p>And on his neighbour’s worth presume;</p> +<p>But still let Nature’s garb prevail—</p> +<p>Esop has left this little tale:</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +A Daw, ambitious and absurd,</p> +<p>Pick’d up the quills of Juno’s bird;</p> +<p>And, with the gorgeous spoil adorn’d,</p> +<p>All his own sable brethren scorn’d,</p> +<p>And join’d the peacocks—who in scoff</p> +<p>Stripp’d the bold thief, and drove him off.</p> +<p>The Daw, thus roughly handled, went</p> +<p>To his own kind in discontent:</p> +<p>But they in turn contemn the spark,</p> +<p>And brand with many a shameful mark.</p> +<p>Then one he formerly disdain’d,</p> +<p>“Had you,” said he, “at home remain’d—</p> +<p>Content with Nature’s ways and will,</p> +<p>You had not felt the peacock’s bill;</p> +<p>Nor ’mongst the birds of your own dress</p> +<p>Had been deserted in distress.”</p> +</div> + + +<span class = "pagenum">476</span> +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_I_IV">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_I_IV" id = "smart_I_IV">IV.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE DOG IN THE RIVER.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>The churl that wants another’s fare</p> +<p>Deserves at least to lose his share.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +As through the stream a Dog convey’d</p> +<p>A piece of meat, he spied his shade</p> +<p>In the clear mirror of the flood,</p> +<p>And thinking it was flesh and blood,</p> +<p>Snapp’d to deprive him of the treat:—</p> +<p>But mark the glutton’s self-defeat,</p> +<p>Miss’d both another’s and his own,</p> +<p>Both shade and substance, beef and bone.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_I_V">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_I_V" id = "smart_I_V">V.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE HEIFER, GOAT, SHEEP, AND +LION.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>A partnership with men in power</p> +<p>We cannot build upon an hour.</p> +<p>This Fable proves the fact too true:</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +An Heifer, Goat, and harmless Ewe,</p> +<p>Were with the Lion as allies,</p> +<p>To raise in desert woods supplies.</p> +<p>There, when they jointly had the luck</p> +<p>To take a most enormous buck,</p> +<p>The Lion first the parts disposed,</p> +<p>And then his royal will disclosed.</p> +<p>“The first, as Lion hight, I crave;</p> +<p>The next you yield to me, as brave;</p> +<p>The third is my peculiar due,</p> +<p>As being stronger far than you;</p> +<p>The fourth you likewise will renounce,</p> +<p>For him that touches, I shall trounce.”</p> +<p>Thus rank unrighteousness and force</p> +<p>Seized all the prey without remorse.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_I_VI">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_I_VI" id = "smart_I_VI">VI.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE FROGS AND SUN.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>When Esop saw, with inward grief,</p> +<p>The nuptials of a neighb’ring thief,</p> +<p>He thus his narrative begun:</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +Of old ’twas rumor’d that the Sun</p> +<p>Would take a wife: with hideous cries</p> +<p>The quer’lous Frogs alarm’d the skies.</p> +<span class = "pagenum">477</span> +<p>Moved at their murmurs, Jove inquired</p> +<p>What was the thing that they desired?</p> +<p>When thus a tenant of the lake,</p> +<p>In terror, for his brethren spake:</p> +<p>“Ev’n now one Sun too much is found,</p> +<p>And dries up all the pools around,</p> +<p>Till we thy creatures perish here;</p> +<p>But oh, how dreadfully severe,</p> +<p>Should he at length be made a sire,</p> +<p>And propagate a race of fire!”</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_I_VII">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_I_VII" id = "smart_I_VII">VII.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE FOX AND THE TRAGIC MASK.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>A Fox beheld a Mask— “O rare</p> +<p>The headpiece, if but brains were there!”</p> +<p>This holds—whene’er the Fates dispense</p> +<p>Pomp, pow’r, and everything but sense.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_I_VIII">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_I_VIII" id = "smart_I_VIII">VIII.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE WOLF AND CRANE.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>Who for his merit seeks a price</p> +<p>From men of violence and vice,</p> +<p>Is twice a fool—first so declared,</p> +<p>As for the worthless he has cared;</p> +<p>Then after all, his honest aim</p> +<p>Must end in punishment and shame.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +A bone the Wolf devour’d in haste,</p> +<p>Stuck in his greedy throat so fast,</p> +<p>That, tortured with the pain, he roar’d,</p> +<p>And ev’ry beast around implored,</p> +<p>That who a remedy could find</p> +<p>Should have a premium to his mind.</p> +<p>A Crane was wrought upon to trust</p> +<p>His oath at length—and down she thrust</p> +<p>Her neck into his throat impure,</p> +<p>And so perform’d a desp’rate cure.</p> +<p>At which, when she desired her fee,</p> +<p>“You base, ungrateful minx,” says he,</p> +<p>“Whom I so kind forbore to kill,</p> +<p>And now, forsooth, you’d bring your bill<ins class = "correction" +title = "text has ’ for ”">!” </ins></p> +</div> + + +<span class = "pagenum">478</span> +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_I_IX">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_I_IX" id = "smart_I_IX">IX.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE HARE AND THE SPARROW.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>Still to give cautions, as a friend,</p> +<p>And not one’s own affairs attend,</p> +<p>Is but impertinent and vain,</p> +<p>As these few verses will explain.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +<p>A Sparrow taunted at a Hare</p> +<p>Caught by an eagle high in air,</p> +<p>And screaming loud— “Where now,” says she,</p> +<p>“Is your renown’d velocity?</p> +<p>Why loiter’d your much boasted speed?”</p> +<p>Just as she spake, an hungry glede</p> +<p>Did on th’ injurious railer fall,</p> +<p>Nor could her cries avail at all.</p> +<p>The Hare, with its expiring breath,</p> +<p>Thus said: “See comfort ev’n in death!</p> +<p>She that derided my distress</p> +<p>Must now deplore her own no less.”</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_I_X">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_I_X" id = "smart_I_X">X.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE WOLF AND FOX, WITH THE APE FOR +JUDGE.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>Whoe’er by practice indiscreet</p> +<p>Has pass’d for a notorious cheat,</p> +<p>Will shortly find his credit fail,</p> +<p>Though he speak truth, says Esop’s tale.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +The Wolf the Fox for theft arraign’d;</p> +<p>The Fox her innocence maintain’d:</p> +<p>The Ape, as umpire, takes his seat;</p> +<p>Each pleads his cause with skill and heat.</p> +<p>Then thus the Ape, with aspect grave,</p> +<p>The sentence from the hustings gave:</p> +<p>“For you, Sir Wolf, I do descry</p> +<p>That all your losses are a lie—</p> +<p>And you, with negatives so stout,</p> +<p>O Fox! have stolen the goods no doubt.”</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_I_XI">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_I_XI" id = "smart_I_XI">XI.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE ASS AND THE LION HUNTING.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>A coward, full of pompous speech,</p> +<p>The ignorant may overreach;</p> +<p>But is the laughing-stock of those</p> +<p>Who know how far his valor goes.</p> +<span class = "pagenum">479</span> + +<p class = "indent"> +Once on a time it came to pass,</p> +<p>The Lion hunted with the Ass,</p> +<p>Whom hiding in the thickest shade</p> +<p>He there proposed should lend him aid,</p> +<p>By trumpeting so strange a bray,</p> +<p>That all the beasts he should dismay,</p> +<p>And drive them o’er the desert heath</p> +<p>Into the lurking Lion’s teeth.</p> +<p>Proud of the task, the long-ear’d loon</p> +<p>Struck up such an outrageous tune,</p> +<p>That ’twas a miracle to hear—</p> +<p>The beasts forsake their haunts with fear,</p> +<p>And in the Lion’s fangs expired:</p> +<p>Who, being now with slaughter tired,</p> +<p>Call’d out the Ass, whose noise he stops.</p> +<p>The Ass, parading from the copse,</p> +<p>Cried out with most conceited scoff,</p> +<p>“How did my music-piece go off<ins class = "correction" title = +"close quote missing">?” </ins></p> +<p>“So well—were not thy courage known,</p> +<p>Their terror had been all my own!”</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_I_XII">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_I_XII" id = "smart_I_XII">XII.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE STAG AT THE FOUNTAIN.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>Full often what you now despise</p> +<p>Proves better than the things you prize;</p> +<p>Let Esop’s narrative decide:</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +A Stag beheld, with conscious pride,</p> +<p>(As at the fountain-head he stood)</p> +<p>His image in the silver flood,</p> +<p>And there extols his branching horns,</p> +<p>While his poor spindle-shanks he scorns—</p> +<p>But, lo! he hears the hunter’s cries,</p> +<p>And, frighten’d, o’er the champaign flies—</p> +<p>His swiftness baffles the pursuit:</p> +<p>At length a wood receives the brute,</p> +<p>And by his horns entangled there,</p> +<p>The pack began his flesh to tear:</p> +<p>Then dying thus he wail’d his fate:</p> +<p>“Unhappy me! and wise too late!</p> +<p>How useful what I did disdain!</p> +<p>How grievous that which made me vain.”</p> +</div> + + +<span class = "pagenum">480</span> +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_I_XIII">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_I_XIII" id = "smart_I_XIII">XIII.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE FOX AND THE CROW.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>His folly in repentance ends,</p> +<p>Who, to a flatt’ring knave attends.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +A Crow, her hunger to appease,</p> +<p>Had from a window stolen some cheese,</p> +<p>And sitting on a lofty pine</p> +<p>In state, was just about to dine.</p> +<p>This, when a Fox observed below,</p> +<p>He thus harangued the foolish Crow:</p> +<p>“Lady, how beauteous to the view</p> +<p>Those glossy plumes of sable hue!</p> +<p>Thy features how divinely fair!</p> +<p>With what a shape, and what an air!</p> +<p>Could you but frame your voice to sing,</p> +<p>You’d have no rival on the wing.”</p> +<p>But she, now willing to display</p> +<p>Her talents in the vocal way,</p> +<p>Let go the cheese of luscious taste,</p> +<p>Which Renard seized with greedy haste.</p> +<p>The grudging dupe now sees at last</p> +<p>That for her folly she must fast.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_I_XIV">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_I_XIV" id = "smart_I_XIV">XIV.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE COBBLER TURNED DOCTOR.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>A bankrupt Cobbler, poor and lean,</p> +<p>(No bungler e’er was half so mean)</p> +<p>Went to a foreign place, and there</p> +<p>Began his med’cines to prepare:</p> +<p>But one of more especial note</p> +<p>He call’d his sovereign antidote;</p> +<p>And by his technical bombast</p> +<p>Contrived to raise a name at last.</p> +<p>It happen’d that the king was sick,</p> +<p>Who, willing to detect the trick,</p> +<p>Call’d for some water in an ewer,</p> +<p>Poison in which he feign’d to pour</p> +<p>The antidote was likewise mix’d;</p> +<p>He then upon th’ empiric fix’d</p> +<p>To take the medicated cup,</p> +<p>And, for a premium, drink it up</p> +<span class = "pagenum">481</span> +<p>The quack, through dread of death, confess’d</p> +<p>That he was of no skill possess’d;</p> +<p>But all this great and glorious job</p> +<p>Was made of nonsense and the mob.</p> +<p>Then did the king his peers convoke,</p> +<p>And thus unto th’ assembly spoke:</p> +<p>“My lords and gentlemen, I rate</p> +<p>Your folly as inordinate,</p> +<p>Who trust your heads into his hand,</p> +<p>Where no one had his heels japann’d.”—</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +This story their attention craves</p> +<p>Whose weakness is the prey of knaves.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_I_XV">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_I_XV" id = "smart_I_XV">XV.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE SAPIENT ASS.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>In all the changes of a state,</p> +<p>The poor are the most fortunate,</p> +<p>Who, save the name of him they call</p> +<p>Their king, can find no odds at all.</p> +<p>The truth of this you now may read—</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +A fearful old man in a mead,</p> +<p>While leading of his Ass about,</p> +<p>Was startled at the sudden shout</p> +<p>Of enemies approaching nigh.</p> +<p>He then advised the Ass to fly,</p> +<p>“Lest we be taken in the place:”</p> +<p>But loth at all to mend his pace,</p> +<p>“Pray, will the conqueror,” quoth Jack,</p> +<p>“With double panniers load my back?”</p> +<p>“No,” says the man. “If that’s the thing,”</p> +<p>Cries he, “I care not who is king.”</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_I_XVI">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_I_XVI" id = "smart_I_XVI">XVI.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE SHEEP, THE STAG, AND THE WOLF<ins class = +"correction" title = ". missing">. </ins></span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>When one rogue would another get</p> +<p>For surety in a case of debt,</p> +<p>’Tis not the thing t’ accept the terms,</p> +<p>But dread th’ event—the tale affirms.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +A Stag approach’d the Sheep, to treat</p> +<p>For one good bushel of her wheat.</p> +<p>“The honest Wolf will give his bond.”</p> +<p>At which, beginning to despond,</p> +<span class = "pagenum">482</span> +<p>“The Wolf (cries she) ’s a vagrant bite.</p> +<p>And you are quickly out of sight;</p> +<p>Where shall I find or him or you</p> +<p>Upon the day the debt is due?”</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_I_XVII">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_I_XVII" id = "smart_I_XVII">XVII.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE SHEEP, THE DOG, AND +THE WOLF.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>Liars are liable to rue</p> +<p>The mischief they’re so prone to do.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +The Sheep a Dog unjustly dunn’d</p> +<p>One loaf directly to refund,</p> +<p>Which he the Dog to the said Sheep</p> +<p>Had given in confidence to keep.</p> +<p>The Wolf was summoned, and he swore</p> +<p>It was not one, but ten or more.</p> +<p>The Sheep was therefore cast at law</p> +<p>To pay for things she never saw.</p> +<p>But, lo! ere many days ensued,</p> +<p>Dead in a ditch the Wolf she view’d:</p> +<p>“This, this,” she cried, “is Heaven’s decree</p> +<p>Of justice on a wretch like thee.”</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_I_XIX">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_I_XIX" id = "smart_I_XIX">XIX.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE BITCH AND HER PUPPIES.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>Bad men have speeches smooth and fair,</p> +<p>Of which, that we should be aware,</p> +<p>And such designing villains thwart,</p> +<p>The underwritten lines exhort.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +A Bitch besought one of her kin</p> +<p>For room to put her Puppies in:</p> +<p>She, loth to say her neighbour nay,</p> +<p>Directly lent both hole and hay.</p> +<p>But asking to be repossess’d,</p> +<p>For longer time the former press’d,</p> +<p>Until her Puppies gather’d strength,</p> +<p>Which second lease expired at length;</p> +<p>And when, abused at such a rate,</p> +<p>The lender grew importunate,</p> +<p>“The place,” quoth she, “I will resign</p> +<p>When you’re a match for me and mine.”</p> +</div> + + +<span class = "pagenum">483</span> +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_I_XX">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_I_XX" id = "smart_I_XX">XX.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE HUNGRY DOGS.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>A stupid plan that fools project,</p> +<p>Not only will not take effect,</p> +<p><ins class = "correction" title = "B invisible">But</ins> proves +destructive in the end</p> +<p>To those that bungle and pretend.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +Some hungry Dogs beheld an hide</p> +<p>Deep sunk beneath the crystal tide,</p> +<p>Which, that they might extract for food,</p> +<p>They strove to drink up all the flood;</p> +<p>But bursten in the desp’rate deed,</p> +<p>They perish’d, ere they could succeed.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_I_XXI">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_I_XXI" id = "smart_I_XXI">XXI.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE OLD LION.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>Whoever, to his honor’s cost,</p> +<p>His pristine dignity has lost,</p> +<p>Is the fool’s jest and coward’s scorn,</p> +<p>When once deserted and forlorn.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +With years enfeebled and decay’d,</p> +<p>A Lion gasping hard was laid:</p> +<p>Then came, with furious tusk, a boar,</p> +<p>To vindicate his wrongs of yore:</p> +<p>The bull was next in hostile spite,</p> +<p>With goring horn his foe to smite:</p> +<p>At length the ass himself, secure</p> +<p>That now impunity was sure,</p> +<p>His blow too insolently deals,</p> +<p>And kicks his forehead with his heels.</p> +<p>Then thus the Lion, as he died:</p> +<p>“’Twas hard to bear the brave,” he cried;</p> +<p><ins class = "correction" title = "open quote missing">“But</ins> to +be trampled on by thee</p> +<p>Is Nature’s last indignity;</p> +<p>And thou, O despicable thing,</p> +<p>Giv’st death at least a double sting.”</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_I_XXII">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_I_XXII" id = "smart_I_XXII">XXII.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE MAN AND THE WEASEL.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>A Weasel, by a person caught,</p> +<p>And willing to get off, besought</p> +<p>The man to spare. “Be not severe</p> +<p>On him that keeps your pantry clear</p> +<span class = "pagenum">484</span> +<p>Of those intolerable mice.”</p> +<p>“This were,” says he, “a work of price,</p> +<p>If done entirely for my sake,</p> +<p>And good had been the plea you make:</p> +<p>But since, with all these pains and care,</p> +<p>You seize yourself the dainty fare</p> +<p>On which those vermin used to fall,</p> +<p>And then devour the mice and all,</p> +<p>Urge not a benefit in vain.”</p> +<p>This said, the miscreant was slain.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +The satire here those chaps will own,</p> +<p>Who, useful to themselves alone,</p> +<p>And bustling for a private end,</p> +<p>Would boast the merit of a friend.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_I_XXIII">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_I_XXIII" id = "smart_I_XXIII">XXIII.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE FAITHFUL HOUSE-DOG.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>A Man that’s gen’rous all at once</p> +<p>May dupe a novice or a dunce;</p> +<p>But to no purpose are the snares</p> +<p>He for the knowing ones prepares.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +When late at night a felon tried</p> +<p>To bribe a Dog with food, he cried,</p> +<p>“What ho! do you attempt to stop</p> +<p>The mouth of him that guards the shop?</p> +<p>You ’re mightily mistaken, sir,</p> +<p>For this strange kindness is a spur,</p> +<p>To make me double all my din,</p> +<p>Lest such a scoundrel should come in.”</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_I_XXIV">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_I_XXIV" id = "smart_I_XXIV">XXIV.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE PROUD FROG.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>When poor men to expenses run,</p> +<p>And ape their betters, they’re undone.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +An Ox the Frog a-grazing view’d,</p> +<p>And envying his magnitude,</p> +<p>She puffs her wrinkled skin, and tries</p> +<p>To vie with his enormous size:</p> +<p>Then asks her young to own at least</p> +<p>That she was bigger than the beast.</p> +<p>They answer, No. With might and main</p> +<p>She swells and strains, and swells again.</p> +<span class = "pagenum">485</span> +<p>“Now for it, who has got the day?”</p> +<p>The Ox is larger still, they say.</p> +<p>At length, with more and more ado,</p> +<p>She raged and puffed, and burst in two.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_I_XXV">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_I_XXV" id = "smart_I_XXV">XXV.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE DOG AND THE CROCODILE.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>Who give bad precepts to the wise,</p> +<p>And cautious men with guile advise,</p> +<p>Not only lose their toil and time,</p> +<p>But slip into sarcastic rhyme.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +The dogs that are about the Nile,</p> +<p>Through terror of the Crocodile,</p> +<p>Are therefore said to drink and run.</p> +<p>It happen’d on a day, that one,</p> +<p>As scamp’ring by the river side,</p> +<p>Was by the Crocodile espied:</p> +<p>“Sir, at your leisure drink, nor fear</p> +<p>The least design or treach’ry here.”</p> +<p>“That,” says the Dog, “ma’m, would I do</p> +<p>With all my heart, and thank you too,</p> +<p>But as you can on dog’s flesh dine,</p> +<p>You shall not taste a bit of mine.”</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_I_XXVI">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_I_XXVI" id = "smart_I_XXVI">XXVI.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE FOX AND THE STORK.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>One should do injury to none;</p> +<p>But he that has th’ assault begun,</p> +<p>Ought, says the fabulist, to find</p> +<p>The dread of being served in kind,</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +A Fox, to sup within his cave</p> +<p>The Stork an invitation gave,</p> +<p>Where, in a shallow dish, was pour’d</p> +<p>Some broth, which he himself devour’d;</p> +<p>While the poor hungry Stork was fain</p> +<p>Inevitably to abstain.</p> +<p>The Stork, in turn, the Fox invites,</p> +<p>And brings her liver and her lights</p> +<p><ins class = "correction" title = "text has ‘Ina’ with no space">In +a</ins> tall flagon, finely minced,</p> +<p>And thrusting in her beak, convinced</p> +<p>The Fox that he in grief must fast,</p> +<p>While she enjoy’d the rich repast.</p> +<span class = "pagenum">486</span> +<p>Then, as in vain he lick’d the neck,</p> +<p>The Stork was heard her guest to check,</p> +<p>“That every one the fruits should bear</p> +<p>Of their example, is but fair.”</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_I_XXVII">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_I_XXVII" id = "smart_I_XXVII">XXVII.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE DOG, TREASURE, AND VULTURE.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>A Dog, while scratching up the ground,</p> +<p>’Mongst human bones a treasure found;</p> +<p>But as his sacrilege was great,</p> +<p>To covet riches was his fate,</p> +<p>And punishment of his offence;</p> +<p>He therefore never stirr’d from thence,</p> +<p>But both in hunger and the cold,</p> +<p>With anxious care he watch’d the gold,</p> +<p>Till wholly negligent of food,</p> +<p>A ling’ring death at length ensued.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +Upon his corse a Vulture stood,</p> +<p>And thus descanted:— “It is good,</p> +<p>O Dog, that there thou liest bereaved</p> +<p>Who in the highway wast conceived,</p> +<p>And on a scurvy dunghill bred,</p> +<p>Hadst royal riches in thy head.”</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_I_XXVIII">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_I_XXVIII" id = "smart_I_XXVIII">XXVIII.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE FOX AND EAGLE.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>Howe’er exalted in your sphere,</p> +<p>There’s something from the mean to fear;</p> +<p>For, if their property you wrong,</p> +<p>The poor’s revenge is quick and strong.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +When on a time an Eagle stole</p> +<p>The cubs from out a Fox’s hole,</p> +<p>And bore them to her young away,</p> +<p>That they might feast upon the prey,</p> +<p>The dam pursues the winged thief,</p> +<p>And deprecates so great a grief;</p> +<p>But safe upon the lofty tree,</p> +<p>The Eagle scorn’d the Fox’s plea.</p> +<p>With that the Fox perceived at hand</p> +<p>An altar, whence she snatch’d a brand,</p> +<p>And compassing with flames the wood,</p> +<p>Put her in terror for her brood.</p> +<span class = "pagenum">487</span> +<p>She therefore, lest her house should burn,</p> +<p>Submissive did the cubs return.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_I_XXX">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_I_XXIX" id = "smart_I_XXIX">XXIX.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE FROGS AND BULLS.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>Men of low life are in distress</p> +<p>When great ones enmity profess.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +There was a Bull-fight in the fen,</p> +<p>A Frog cried out in trouble then,</p> +<p>“Oh, what perdition on our race!”</p> +<p>“How,” says another, “can the case</p> +<p>Be quite so desp’rate as you’ve said?</p> +<p>For they’re contending who is head,</p> +<p>And lead a life from us disjoin’d,</p> +<p>Of sep’rate station, diverse kind.”—</p> +<p>“But he, who worsted shall retire,</p> +<p>Will come into this lowland mire,</p> +<p>And with his hoof dash out our brains,</p> +<p>Wherefore their rage to us pertains.”</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_I_XXXI">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_I_XXX" id = "smart_I_XXX">XXX.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE KITE AND THE DOVES<ins class = +"correction" title = ". missing">. </ins></span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>He that would have the wicked reign,</p> +<p>Instead of help will find his bane.</p> +<p>The Doves had oft escaped the Kite,</p> +<p>By their celerity of flight;</p> +<p>The ruffian then to coz’nage stoop’d,</p> +<p>And thus the tim’rous race he duped:</p> +<p>“Why do you lead a life of fear,</p> +<p>Rather than my proposals hear?</p> +<p>Elect me for your king, and</p> +<p>I Will all your race indemnify.”</p> +<p>They foolishly the Kite believed,</p> +<p>Who having now the pow’r received,</p> +<p>Began upon the Doves to prey,</p> +<p>And exercise tyrannic sway.</p> +<p>“Justly,” says one who yet remain’d,</p> +<p>“We die the death ourselves ordain’d.”</p> +</div> + +<hr class = "mid"> + +<span class = "pagenum">488</span> +<h3><a name = "smart_II" id = "smart_II">BOOK II.</a></h3> + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_II_pro">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_II_pro" id = "smart_II_pro"> +PROLOGUE.</a></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p><span class = "firstword">The</span> way of writing Esop chose,</p> +<p>Sound doctrine by example shows;</p> +<p>For nothing by these tales is meant,</p> +<p>So much as that the bad repent;</p> +<p>And by the pattern that is set,</p> +<p>Due diligence itself should whet.</p> +<p>Wherefore, whatever arch conceit</p> +<p>You in our narratives shall meet</p> +<p>(If with the critic’s ear it take,</p> +<p>And for some special purpose make),</p> +<p>Aspires by real use to fame,</p> +<p>Rather than from an author’s name.</p> +<p>In fact, with all the care I can,</p> +<p>I shall abide <ins class = "correction" title = "text reads ‘my’">by</ins> Esop’s plan:</p> +<p>But if at times I intersperse</p> +<p>My own materials in the verse,</p> +<p>That sweet variety may please</p> +<p>The fancy, and attention ease;</p> +<p>Receive it in a friendly way;</p> +<p>Which grace I purpose to repay</p> +<p>By this consciousness of my song;</p> +<p>Whose praises, lest they be too long,</p> +<p>Attend, why you should stint the sneak,</p> +<p>But give the modest, ere they seek.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_II_I">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_II_I" id = "smart_II_I"> +<span class = "smallcaps">Fable I.</span></a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE JUDICIOUS LION.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>A Lion on the carcass stood</p> +<p>Of a young heifer in the wood;</p> +<p>A robber that was passing there,</p> +<p>Came up, and ask’d him for a share.</p> +<p>“A share,” says he, “you should receive,</p> +<p>But that you seldom ask our leave</p> +<p>For things so handily removed.”</p> +<p>At which the ruffian was reproved.</p> +<span class = "pagenum">489</span> +<p>It happen’d that the selfsame day</p> +<p>A modest pilgrim came that way,</p> +<p>And when he saw the Lion, fled:</p> +<p>Says he, “There is no cause of dread,</p> +<p>In gentle tone—take you the chine,</p> +<p>Which to your merit I assign.”—</p> +<p>Then having parted what he slew,</p> +<p>To favour his approach withdrew.</p> +<p>A great example, worthy praise,</p> +<p>But not much copied now-a-days!</p> +<p>For churls have coffers that o’erflow,</p> +<p>And sheepish worth is poor and low.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_II_II">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_II_II" id = "smart_II_II">II.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE BALD-PATE DUPE.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>Fondling or fondled—any how—</p> +<p>(Examples of all times allow)</p> +<p>That men by women must be fleeced.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +A dame, whose years were well increased,</p> +<p>But skill’d t’ affect a youthful mien,</p> +<p>Was a staid husband’s empress queen;</p> +<p>Who yet sequester’d half his heart</p> +<p>For a young damsel, brisk and smart.</p> +<p>They, while each wanted to attach</p> +<p>Themselves to him, and seem his match,</p> +<p>Began to tamper with his hair.</p> +<p>He, pleased with their officious care,</p> +<p>Was on a sudden made a coot;</p> +<p>For the young strumpet, branch and root,</p> +<p>Stripp’d of the hoary hairs his crown,</p> +<p>E’en as th’ old cat grubb’d up the brown.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_II_III">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_II_III" id = "smart_II_III">III.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE MAN AND THE DOG.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>Torn by a Cur, a man was led</p> +<p>To throw the snappish thief some bread</p> +<p>Dipt in the blood, which, he was told,</p> +<p>Had been a remedy of old. Then</p> +<p>Esop thus:— “Forbear to show</p> +<p>A pack of dogs the thing you do,</p> +<p>Lest they should soon devour us quite,</p> +<p>When thus rewarded as they bite.”</p> +<span class = "pagenum">490</span> + +<p class = "indent"> +One wicked miscreant’s success</p> +<p>Makes many more the trade profess.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_II_IV">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_II_IV" id = "smart_II_IV">IV.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE EAGLE, THE CAT, AND THE SOW.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>An Eagle built upon an oak</p> +<p>A Cat and kittens had bespoke</p> +<p>A hole about the middle bough;</p> +<p>And underneath a woodland</p> +<p>Sow Had placed her pigs upon the ground.</p> +<p>Then treach’rous Puss a method found</p> +<p>To overthrow, for her own good,</p> +<p>The peace of this chance neighbourhood</p> +<p>First to the Eagle she ascends—</p> +<p>“Perdition on your head impends,</p> +<p>And, far too probable, on mine;</p> +<p>For you observe that grubbing</p> +<p>Swine Still works the tree to overset,</p> +<p>Us and our young with ease to get.”</p> +<p>Thus having filled the Eagle’s pate</p> +<p>With consternation very great,</p> +<p>Down creeps she to the Sow below;</p> +<p>“The Eagle is your deadly foe,</p> +<p>And is determined not to spare</p> +<p>Your pigs, when you shall take the air.”</p> +<p>Here too a terror being spread,</p> +<p>By what this tattling gossip said,</p> +<p>She slily to her kittens stole,</p> +<p>And rested snug within her hole.</p> +<p>Sneaking from thence with silent tread</p> +<p>By night her family she fed,</p> +<p>But look’d out sharply all the day,</p> +<p>Affecting terror and dismay.</p> +<p>The Eagle lest the tree should fall,</p> +<p>Keeps to the boughs, nor stirs at all;</p> +<p>And anxious for her grunting race,</p> +<p>The Sow is loth to quit her place.</p> +<p>In short, they and their young ones starve,</p> +<p>And leave a prey for Puss to carve.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +Hence warn’d ye credulous and young,</p> +<p>Be cautious of a double tongue.</p> +</div> + + +<span class = "pagenum">491</span> +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_II_V">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_II_V" id = "smart_II_V">V.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">CÆSAR AND HIS SLAVE.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>There is in town a certain set</p> +<p>Of mortals, ever in a sweat,</p> +<p>Who idly bustling here and there,</p> +<p>Have never any time to spare,</p> +<p>While upon nothing they discuss</p> +<p>With heat, and most outrageous fuss,</p> +<p>Plague to themselves, and to the rest</p> +<p>A most intolerable pest.</p> +<p>I will correct this stupid clan</p> +<p>Of busy-bodies, if I can,</p> +<p>By a true story; lend an ear,</p> +<p>’Tis worth a trifler’s time to hear.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +Tiberius Cæsar, in his way</p> +<p>To Naples, on a certain day</p> +<p>Came to his own Misenian seat,</p> +<p>(Of old Lucullus’s retreat,)</p> +<p>Which from the mountain top surveys</p> +<p>Two seas, by looking different ways.</p> +<p>Here a shrewd slave began to cringe</p> +<p>With dapper coat and sash of fringe,</p> +<p>And, as his master walk’d between</p> +<p>The trees upon the tufted green,</p> +<p>Finding the weather very hot,</p> +<p>Officiates with his wat’ring-pot;</p> +<p>And still attending through the glade,</p> +<p>Is ostentatious of his aid.</p> +<p>Cæsar turns to another row,</p> +<p>Where neither sun nor rain could go;</p> +<p>He, for the nearest cut he knows,</p> +<p>Is still before with pot and rose.</p> +<p>Cæsar observes him twist and shift,</p> +<p>And understands the fellow’s drift;</p> +<p>“Here, you sir,” says th’ imperial lord.</p> +<p>The bustler, hoping a reward,</p> +<p>Runs skipping up. The chief in jest</p> +<p>Thus the poor jackanapes address’d</p> +<p>“As here is no great matter done,</p> +<p>Small is the premium you have won:</p> +<span class = "pagenum">492</span> +<p>The cuffs that make a servant free,</p> +<p>Are for a better man than thee.”</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_II_VI">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_II_VI" id = "smart_II_VI">VI.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE EAGLE, CARRION CROW, +AND TORTOISE.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>No soul can warrant life or right,</p> +<p>Secure from men of lawless might;</p> +<p>But if a knave’s advice assist,</p> +<p>’Gainst fraud and force what can exist?</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +An Eagle on a Tortoise fell,</p> +<p>And mounting bore him by the shell:</p> +<p>She with her house her body screens,</p> +<p>Nor can be hurt by any means.</p> +<p>A Carrion Crow came by that way,</p> +<p>“You’ve got,” says she, “a luscious prey;</p> +<p>But soon its weight will make you rue,</p> +<p>Unless I show you what to do.”</p> +<p>The captor promising a share,</p> +<p>She bids her from the upper air</p> +<p>To dash the shell against a rock,</p> +<p>Which would be sever’d by the shock.</p> +<p>The Eagle follows her behest,</p> +<p>Then feasts on turtle with his guest.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +Thus she, whom Nature made so strong,</p> +<p>And safe against external wrong,</p> +<p>No match for force, and its allies,</p> +<p>To cruel death a victim dies.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_II_VII">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_II_VII" id = "smart_II_VII">VII.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE MULES AND ROBBERS.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>Two laden Mules were on the road—</p> +<p>A charge of money was bestowed</p> +<p>Upon the one, the other bore</p> +<p>Some sacks of barley. He before.</p> +<p>Proud of his freight, begun to swell,</p> +<p>Stretch’d out his neck, and shook his bell.</p> +<p>The poor one, with an easy pace,</p> +<p>Came on behind a little space,</p> +<p>When on a sudden, from the wood</p> +<p>A gang of thieves before them stood;</p> +<p>And, while the muleteers engage,</p> +<p>Wound the poor creature in their rage</p> +<span class = "pagenum">493</span> +<p>Eager they seize the golden prize,</p> +<p>But the vile barley-bags despise.</p> +<p>The plunder’d mule was all forlorn,</p> +<p>The other thank’d them for their scorn:</p> +<p>“’Tis now my turn the head to toss,</p> +<p>Sustaining neither wound nor loss.”</p> +<p>The low estate’s from peril clear,</p> +<p>But wealthy men have much to fear.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_II_VIII">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_II_VIII" id = "smart_II_VIII">VIII.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE STAG AND THE OXEN.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>A Stag unharbour’d by the hounds,</p> +<p>Forth from his woodland covert bounds,</p> +<p>And blind with terror, at th’ alarm</p> +<p>Of death, makes to a neighb’ring farm;</p> +<p>There snug conceals him in some straw,</p> +<p>Which in an ox’s stall he saw.</p> +<p>“Wretch that thou art!” a bullock cried,</p> +<p>“That com’st within this place to hide;</p> +<p>By trusting man you are undone,</p> +<p>And into sure destruction run.”</p> +<p>But he with suppliant voice replies:</p> +<p>“Do you but wink with both your eyes,</p> +<p>I soon shall my occasions shape,</p> +<p>To make from hence a fair escape.”</p> +<p>The day is spent, the night succeeds,</p> +<p>The herdsman comes, the cattle feeds,</p> +<p>But nothing sees—then to and fro</p> +<p>Time after time the servants go;</p> +<p>Yet not a soul perceives the case.</p> +<p>The steward passes by the place,</p> +<p>Himself no wiser than the rest.</p> +<p>The joyful Stag his thanks address’d</p> +<p>To all the Oxen, that he there</p> +<p>Had found a refuge in despair.</p> +<p>“We wish you well,” an Ox return’d,</p> +<p>“But for your life are still concern’d,</p> +<p>For if old Argus come, no doubt,</p> +<p>His hundred eyes will find you out.”</p> +<p>Scarce had the speaker made an end,</p> +<p>When from the supper of a friend</p> +<span class = "pagenum">494</span> +<p>The master enters at the door,</p> +<p>And, seeing that the steers were poor</p> +<p>Of late, advances to the rack.</p> +<p>“Why were the fellow’s hands so slack?</p> +<p>Here’s hardly any straw at all,</p> +<p>Brush down those cobwebs from the wall.</p> +<p>Pray how much labour would it ask?”</p> +<p>While thus he undertakes the task,</p> +<p>To dust, and rummage by degrees,</p> +<p>The Stag’s exalted horns he sees:</p> +<p>Then calling all his folks around,</p> +<p>He lays him breathless on the ground.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +The master, as the tale declares,</p> +<p>Looks sharpest to his own affairs.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_II_epi">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_II_epi" id = "smart_II_epi">EPILOGUE.</a></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p><span class = "firstword">A statue</span> of great cost and fame</p> +<p>Th’ Athenians raised to Esop’s name,</p> +<p>Him setting on <ins class = "correction" title = "text reads ‘th’ the’">th’</ins> eternal base,</p> +<p>Whom servile rank could not disgrace;</p> +<p>That they might teach to all <ins class = "correction" title = "text reads ‘makind’">mankind</ins></p> +<p>The way to honor’s unconfined,</p> +<p>That glory’s due to rising worth,</p> +<p>And not alone to pomp and birth.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +Since then another seized the post</p> +<p>Lest I priority should boast,</p> +<p>This pow’r and praise was yet my own,</p> +<p>That he should not excel alone:</p> +<p>Nor is this Envy’s jealous ire,</p> +<p>But Emulation’s genuine fire.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +And if Rome should approve my piece,</p> +<p>She’ll soon have more to rival Greece.</p> +<p>But should th’ invidious town declare</p> +<p>Against my plodding over-care,</p> +<p>They cannot take away, nor hurt</p> +<p>Th’ internal conscience of desert.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +If these my studies reach their aim,</p> +<p>And, reader, your attention claim,</p> +<p>If your perception fully weighs</p> +<p>The drift of these my labour’d lays;</p> +<span class = "pagenum">495</span> +<p>Then such success precludes complaint.</p> +<p>But if the Picture which I paint</p> +<p>Should happen to attract their sight,</p> +<p>Whom luckless Nature brought to light,</p> +<p>Who scorn the labours of a man,</p> +<p>And when they carp do all they can;</p> +<p>Yet must this fatal cause to mourn</p> +<p>With all its bitterness be borne,</p> +<p>Till fortune be ashamed of days,</p> +<p>When genius fails, and int’rest sways.</p> +</div> + +<hr class = "mid"> + +<h3><a name = "smart_III" id = "smart_III">BOOK III.</a></h3> + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_III_pro">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_III_pro" id = "smart_III_pro"> +PROLOGUE, TO EUTYCHUS.</a></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p><span class = "firstword">The</span> tales of Phædrus would you +read,</p> +<p>O Eutychus, you must be freed</p> +<p>From business, that the mind unbent</p> +<p>May take the author’s full intent.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +You urge that this poetic turn</p> +<p>Of mine is not of such concern,</p> +<p>As with your time to interfere</p> +<p>A moment’s space: ’tis therefore clear</p> +<p>For those essays you have no call,</p> +<p>Which suit not your affairs at all.</p> +<p>A time may come, perhaps you’ll say,</p> +<p>That I shall make a holiday,</p> +<p>And have my vacant thoughts at large,</p> +<p>The student’s office to discharge—</p> +<p>And can you such vile stuff peruse,</p> +<p>Rather than serve domestic views,</p> +<p>Return the visits of a friend,</p> +<p>Or with your wife your leisure spend,</p> +<p>Relax your mind, your limbs relieve,</p> +<p>And for new toil new strength receive?</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +From <ins class = "correction" title = "text reads ‘wordly’">worldly</ins> cares you must estrange</p> +<p>Your thoughts, and feel a perfect change,</p> +<span class = "pagenum">496</span> +<p>If to Parnassus you repair,</p> +<p>And seek for your admission there,</p> +<p>Me—(whom a Grecian mother bore</p> +<p>On Hill Pierian, where of yore</p> +<p>Mnemosyne in love divine</p> +<p>Brought forth to Jove the tuneful Nine.</p> +<p>Though sprung where genius reign’d with art,</p> +<p>I grubb’d up av’rice from my heart,</p> +<p>And rather for applause than pay,</p> +<p>Embrace the literary way)</p> +<p>Yet as a writer and a wit,</p> +<p>With some abatements they admit.</p> +<p>What is his case then, do you think,</p> +<p>Who toils for wealth nor sleeps a wink,</p> +<p>Preferring to the pleasing pain</p> +<p>Of composition sordid gain?</p> +<p>But hap what will (as Sinon said,</p> +<p>When to king Priam he was led),</p> +<p>I book the third shall now fulfil,</p> +<p>With <ins class = "correction" title = "anomalous Æ in original">Æsop</ins> for my master still;</p> +<p>Which book I dedicate to you,</p> +<p>As both to worth and honour due.</p> +<p>Pleased, if you read—if not, content</p> +<p>As conscious of a sure event,</p> +<p>That these my fables shall remain,</p> +<p>And after-ages entertain.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +In a few words I now propose</p> +<p>To point from whence the Fable rose.</p> +<p>A servitude was all along</p> +<p>Exposed to most oppressive wrong,</p> +<p>The suff’rer therefore did not dare</p> +<p>His heart’s true dictates to declare;</p> +<p>But couch’d his meaning in the veil</p> +<p>Of many an allegoric tale,</p> +<p>And jesting with a moral aim,</p> +<p>Eluded all offence and blame.</p> +<p>This is the path that I pursue,</p> +<p>Inventing more than <ins class = "correction" title = "anomalous Æ in original">Æsop</ins> knew;</p> +<p>And certain topics by-the-by,</p> +<p>To my own <ins class = "correction" title = "spelling unchanged">hindrence</ins> did I try.</p> +<span class = "pagenum">497</span> +<p>But was there any of mankind,</p> +<p>Besides Sejanus, so inclined,</p> +<p>Who was alone to work my fall,</p> +<p>Informer, witness, judge and all;</p> +<p>I would confess the slander true,</p> +<p>And own such hardships were my due;</p> +<p>Nor would I fly, my grief to ease,</p> +<p>To such poor lenitives as these.</p> +<p>If any through suspicion errs,</p> +<p>And to himself alone refers,</p> +<p>What was design’d for thousands more</p> +<p>He’ll show too plainly, where he’s sore.</p> +<p>Yet ev’n from such I crave excuse,</p> +<p>For (far from personal abuse)</p> +<p>My verse in gen’ral would put down</p> +<p>True life and manners of the town.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +But here, perhaps, some one will ask</p> +<p>Why I, forsooth, embraced this task?</p> +<p>If Esop, though a Phrygian, rose,</p> +<p>And ev’n derived from Scythian snows;</p> +<p>If Anacharsis could devise</p> +<p>By wit to gain th’ immortal prize;</p> +<p>Shall I, who to learn’d Greece belong,</p> +<p>Neglect her honour and her song,</p> +<p>And by dull sloth myself disgrace?</p> +<p>Since we can reckon up in Thrace,</p> +<p>The authors that have sweetest sung,</p> +<p>Where Linus from Apollo sprung;</p> +<p>And he whose mother was a muse,</p> +<p>Whose voice could tenderness infuse</p> +<p>To solid rocks, strange monsters quell’d,</p> +<p>And Hebrus in his course withheld.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +Envy, stand clear, or thou shalt rue</p> +<p>Th’ attack, for glory is my due.</p> +<p>Thus having wrought upon your ear,</p> +<p>I beg that you would be sincere,</p> +<p>And in the poet’s cause avow</p> +<p>That candor, all the world allow.</p> +</div> + + +<span class = "pagenum">498</span> +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_III_I">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_III_I" id = "smart_III_I"> +<span class = "smallcaps">Fable I.</span></a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE OLD WOMAN AND +EMPTY CASK.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>An ancient dame a firkin sees,</p> +<p>In which the rich Falernian lees</p> +<p>Send from the nobly tinctured shell</p> +<p>A rare and most delicious smell!</p> +<p>There when a season she had clung</p> +<p>With greedy nostrils to the bung,</p> +<p>“O spirit exquisitely sweet!”</p> +<p>She cried, “how perfectly complete</p> +<p>Were you of old, and at the best,</p> +<p>When ev’n your dregs have such a zest!”</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +They’ll see the drift of this my rhyme,</p> +<p>Who knew the author in his prime.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_III_II">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_III_II" id = "smart_III_II">II.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE PANTHER AND SHEPHERDS.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>Their scorn comes home to them again</p> +<p>Who treat the wretched with disdain.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +A careless Panther long ago</p> +<p>Fell in a pit, which overthrow</p> +<p>The Shepherds all around alarm’d;</p> +<p>When some themselves with cudgels arm’d;</p> +<p>Others threw stones upon its head;</p> +<p>But some in pity sent her bread,</p> +<p>As death was not the creature’s due.</p> +<p>The night came on—the hostile crew</p> +<p>Went home, not doubting in the way</p> +<p>To find the Panther dead next day.</p> +<p>But she, recovering of her strength,</p> +<p>Sprang from the pit and fled at length.</p> +<p>But rushing in a little space</p> +<p>From forth her den upon the place,</p> +<p>She tears the flock, the Shepherd slays,</p> +<p>And all the region round dismays.</p> +<p>Then they began to be afraid</p> +<p>Who spared the beast and lent their aid;</p> +<p>They reck not of the loss, but make</p> +<p>Their pray’r for life, when thus she spake:</p> +<p>“I well remember them that threw</p> +<p>The stones, and well remember you</p> +<span class = "pagenum">499</span> +<p>Who gave me bread—desist to fear,</p> +<p>For ’twas the oppressor brought me here.”</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_III_IV">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_III_III" id = "smart_III_III">III.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE APE’S HEAD.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>A certain person, as he stood</p> +<p>Within the shambles buying food,</p> +<p>Amongst the other kitchen fare</p> +<p>Beheld an Ape suspended there;</p> +<p>And asking how ’twould taste, when dress’d,</p> +<p>The butcher shook his head in jest;</p> +<p>“If for such prog your fancy is,</p> +<p>Judge of the flavour by the phiz.”</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +This speech was not so true as keen,</p> +<p>For I in life have often seen</p> +<p>Good features with a wicked heart,</p> +<p>And plainness acting virtue’s part.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_III_V">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_III_IV" id = "smart_III_IV">IV.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">ESOP AND THE INSOLENT FELLOW.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>Fools from success perdition meet.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +An idle wretch about the street</p> +<p>At Esop threw a stone in rage.</p> +<p>“So much the better,” quoth the sage,</p> +<p>And gives three farthings for the job;</p> +<p>“I’ve no more money in my fob;</p> +<p>But if you’ll follow my advice,</p> +<p>More shall be levied in a trice.”</p> +<p>It happen’d that the selfsame hour</p> +<p>Came by a man of wealth and pow’r.</p> +<p>“There, throw your pellet at my lord,</p> +<p>And you shall have a sure reward!”</p> +<p>The fellow did as he was told;</p> +<p>But mark the downfall of the bold;</p> +<p>His hopes are baulk’d, and, lo! he gains</p> +<p>A rope and gibbet for his pains.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_III_VI">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_III_V" id = "smart_III_V">V.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE FLY AND THE MULE.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>A Fly that sat upon the beam Rated the</p> +<p>Mule: “Why, sure you dream?</p> +<span class = "pagenum">500</span> +<p><ins class = "correction" title = "text has superfluous “ at page-top">Pray</ins> get on faster with the cart</p> +<p>Or I shall sting you till you smart!”</p> +<p>She answers: “All this talk I hear</p> +<p>With small attention, but must fear</p> +<p>Him who upon the box sustains</p> +<p>The pliant whip, and holds the reins.</p> +<p>Cease then your pertness—for I know</p> +<p>When to give back, and when to go.”</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +This tale derides the talking crew,</p> +<p>Whose empty threats are all they do.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_III_VII">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_III_VI" id = "smart_III_VI">VI.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE DOG AND THE WOLF.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>I will, as briefly as I may,</p> +<p>The sweets of liberty display.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +A Wolf half famish’d, chanced to see</p> +<p>A Dog, as fat as dog could be:</p> +<p>For one day meeting on the road,</p> +<p>They mutual compliments bestowed:</p> +<p>“Prithee,” says Isgrim, faint and weak,</p> +<p>“How came you so well fed and sleek?</p> +<p>I starve, though stronger of the two.”</p> +<p>“It will be just as well with you,”</p> +<p>The Dog quite cool and frank replied,</p> +<p>“If with my master you’ll abide.”</p> +<p>“For what?” “Why merely to attend,</p> +<p>And from night thieves the door defend.”</p> +<p>“I gladly will accept the post,</p> +<p>What! shall I bear with snow and frost</p> +<p>And all this rough inclement plight,</p> +<p>Rather than have a home at night,</p> +<p>And feed on plenty at my ease?”</p> +<p>“Come, then, with me” —the Wolf agrees.</p> +<p>But as they went the mark he found,</p> +<p>Where the Dog’s collar had been bound:</p> +<p>“What’s this, my friend?” “Why, nothing.”</p> +<p>“Nay, Be more explicit, sir, I pray.”</p> +<p>“I’m somewhat fierce and apt to bite,</p> +<p>Therefore they hold me pretty tight,</p> +<p>That in the day-time I may sleep,</p> +<p>And night by night my vigils keep.</p> +<span class = "pagenum">501</span> +<p>At evening tide they let me out,</p> +<p>And then I freely walk about:</p> +<p>Bread comes without a care of mine.</p> +<p>I from my master’s table dine;</p> +<p>The servants throw me many a scrap,</p> +<p>With choice of pot-liquor to lap;</p> +<p>So, I’ve my bellyful, you find.”</p> +<p>“But can you go where you’ve a mind?”</p> +<p>“Not always, to be flat and plain.”</p> +<p>“Then, Dog, enjoy your post again,</p> +<p>For to remain this servile thing,</p> +<p>Old Isgrim would not be a king.”</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_III_VIII">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_III_VII" id = "smart_III_VII">VII.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE BROTHER AND SISTER.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>Warn’d by our <ins class = "correction" title = "error for ‘counsel’?">council</ins>, oft beware,</p> +<p>And look into yourself with care.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +There was a certain father had</p> +<p>A homely girl and comely lad.</p> +<p>These being at their childish play</p> +<p>Within their mother’s room one day,</p> +<p>A looking-glass was in the chair,</p> +<p>And they beheld their faces there.</p> +<p>The boy grows prouder as he looks;</p> +<p>The girl is in a rage, nor brooks</p> +<p>Her boasting brother’s jests and sneers,</p> +<p>Affronted at each word she hears:</p> +<p>Then to her father down she flies,</p> +<p>And urges all she can devise</p> +<p>Against the boy, who could presume</p> +<p>To meddle in a lady’s room.</p> +<p>At which, embracing each in turn,</p> +<p>With most affectionate concern,</p> +<p>“My dears,” he says, “ye may not pa<ins class = "correction" title = +"second ‘s’ missing or invisible">ss</ins></p> +<p>A day without this useful glass;</p> +<p>You, lest you spoil a pretty face,</p> +<p>By doing things to your disgrace;</p> +<p>You, by good conduct to correct</p> +<p>Your form, and beautify defect.”</p> +</div> + + +<span class = "pagenum">502</span> +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_III_IX">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_III_VIII" id = "smart_III_VIII">VIII.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">A SAYING OF SOCRATES.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>Though common be the name of friend,</p> +<p>Few can to faithfulness pretend,</p> +<p>That Socrates (whose cruel case,</p> +<p>I’d freely for his fame embrace,</p> +<p>And living any envy bear</p> +<p>To leave my character so fair)</p> +<p>Was building of a little cot,</p> +<p>When some one, standing on the spot,</p> +<p>Ask’d, as the folks are apt to do,</p> +<p>“How comes so great a man as you</p> +<p>Content with such a little hole?”—</p> +<p>“I wish,” says he, “with all my <ins class = "correction" title = "l invisible">soul</ins></p> +<p>That this same little house I build</p> +<p>Was with true friends completely fill’d.”</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_III_X">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_III_IX" id = "smart_III_IX">IX.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">OF DOUBT AND CREDULITY.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>’Tis frequently of bad event</p> +<p>To give or to withhold assent.</p> +<p>Two cases will th’ affair explain—</p> +<p>The good Hippolytus was slain;</p> +<p>In that his stepdame credit found,</p> +<p>And Troy was levell’d with the ground;</p> +<p>Because Cassandra’s prescious care</p> +<p>Sought, but obtain’d no credence there.</p> +<p>The facts should then be very strong,</p> +<p>Lest the weak judge determine wrong:</p> +<p>But that I may not make too free</p> +<p>With fabulous antiquity,</p> +<p>I now a curious tale shall tell,</p> +<p>Which I myself remember well.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +An honest man, that loved his wife,</p> +<p>Was introducing into life</p> +<p>A son upon the man’s estate.</p> +<p>One day a servant (whom, of late,</p> +<p>He with his freedom had endu’d)</p> +<p>Took him aside, and being shrewd,</p> +<p>Supposed that he might be his heir</p> +<p>When he’d divulged the whole affair.</p> +<span class = "pagenum">503</span> +<p>Much did he lie against the youth,</p> +<p>But more against the matron’s truth:</p> +<p>And hinted that, which worst of all</p> +<p>Was sure a lover’s heart to gall,</p> +<p>The visits of a lusty rake,</p> +<p>And honour of his house at stake.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +He at this scandal taking heat,</p> +<p>Pretends a journey to his seat;</p> +<p>But stopp’d at hand, while it was light,</p> +<p>Where, on a sudden, and by night,</p> +<p>He to his wife’s apartment sped,</p> +<p>Where she had put the lad to bed,</p> +<p>As watchful of his youthful bloom.</p> +<p>While now they’re running to the room,</p> +<p>And seek a light in haste, the sire,</p> +<p>No longer stifling of his ire,</p> +<p>Flies to the couch, where grouping round,</p> +<p>A head, but newly shaved, he found;</p> +<p>Then, as alone, he vengeance breath’d,</p> +<p>The sword within his bosom sheath’d—</p> +<p>The candle ent’ring, when he spied</p> +<p>The bleeding youth, and by his side</p> +<p>The spotless dame, who being fast</p> +<p>Asleep, knew nothing that had pass’d,</p> +<p>Instant in utmost grief involved,</p> +<p>He vengeance for himself resolved;</p> +<p>And on that very weapon flew,</p> +<p>Which his too cred’lous fury drew.</p> +<p>Th’ accusers take the woman straight,</p> +<p>And drag to the centumvirate;</p> +<p>Th’ ill-natured world directly built</p> +<p>A strong suspicion of her guilts,</p> +<p>As she th’ estate was to enjoy—</p> +<p>The lawyers all their skill employ;</p> +<p>And a great spirit those exert</p> +<p>Who most her innocence assert.</p> +<p>The judges then to Cæsar pray’d</p> +<p>That he would lend his special aid;</p> +<p>Who, as they acted upon oath,</p> +<p>Declared themselves extremely loth</p> +<span class = "pagenum">504</span> +<p>To close this intricate affair—</p> +<p>He, taking then himself the chair,</p> +<p>The clouds of calumny displaced.</p> +<p>And Truth up to her fountain traced.</p> +<p>“Let the freedman to vengeance go,</p> +<p>The cause of all this scene of woe:</p> +<p>For the poor widow, thus undone,</p> +<p>Deprived of husband and of son,</p> +<p>To pity has a greater plea</p> +<p>Than condemnation, I decree—</p> +<p>But if the man, with caution due,</p> +<p>Had rather blamed than listen’d to</p> +<p>The vile accuser, and his lie</p> +<p>Had strictly search’d with Reason’s eye,</p> +<p>This desp’rate guilt he had not known,</p> +<p>Nor branch and root his house o’erthrown.”</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +Nor wholly scorn, nor yet attend</p> +<p>Too much at what the tatlers vend,</p> +<p>Because there’s many a sad neglect.</p> +<p>Where you have little to suspect;</p> +<p>And treach’rous persons will attaint</p> +<p>Men, against whom there’s no complaint.</p> +<p>Hence simple folks too may be taught</p> +<p>How to form judgments as they ought,</p> +<p>And not see with another’s glass;</p> +<p>For things are come to such a pass,</p> +<p>That love and hate work diff’rent ways,</p> +<p>As int’rest or ambition sways.</p> +<p>Them you may know, in them confide,</p> +<p>Whom by experience you have tried.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +Thus have I made a long amends</p> +<p>For that brief style which some offends.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_III_XII">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_III_XI" id = "smart_III_XI">XI.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE COCK AND THE PEARL.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>A Cock, while scratching all around,</p> +<p>A Pearl upon the dunghill found:</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +“O splendid thing in foul disgrace,</p> +<p>Had there been any in the place</p> +<span class = "pagenum">505</span> +<p>That saw and knew thy worth when sold,</p> +<p>Ere this thou hadst been set in gold.</p> +<p>But I, who rather would have got</p> +<p>A corn of barley, heed thee not;</p> +<p>No service can there render’d be</p> +<p>From me to you, and you to me.”</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +I write this tale to them alone</p> +<p>To whom in vain my pearls are thrown.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_III_XIII">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_III_XII" id = "smart_III_XII">XII.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE BEES AND THE DRONES<ins class = +"correction" title = ". missing">. </ins></span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>Up in a lofty oak the Bees</p> +<p>Had made their honey-combs: but these</p> +<p>The Drones asserted they had wrought.</p> +<p>Then to the bar the cause was brought</p> +<p>Before the wasp, a learned chief,</p> +<p>Who well might argue either brief,</p> +<p>As of a middle nature made.</p> +<p>He therefore to both parties said:</p> +<p>“You’re not dissimilar in size,</p> +<p>And each with each your color vies,</p> +<p>That there’s a doubt concerning both:</p> +<p>But, lest I err, upon my oath,</p> +<p>Hives for yourselves directly choose,</p> +<p>And in the wax the work infuse,</p> +<p>That, from the flavor and the form,</p> +<p>We may point out the genuine swarm.”</p> +<p>The Drones refuse, the Bees agree—</p> +<p>Then thus did Justice Wasp decree:</p> +<p>“Who can, and who cannot, is plain,</p> +<p>So take, ye Bees, your combs again.”</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +This narrative had been suppress’d</p> +<p>Had not the Drones refused the test.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_III_XIV">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_III_XIII" id = "smart_III_XIII">XIII.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">ESOP PLAYING.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>As Esop was with boys at play,</p> +<p>And had his nuts as well as they,</p> +<p>A grave Athenian, passing by,</p> +<p>Cast on the sage a scornful eye,</p> +<p>As on a dotard quite bereaved:</p> +<p>Which, when the moralist perceived,</p> +<span class = "pagenum">506</span> +<p>(Rather himself a wit profess’d</p> +<p>Than the poor subject of a jest)</p> +<p>Into the public way he flung</p> +<p>A bow that he had just unstrung:</p> +<p>“There solve, thou conjurer,” he cries,</p> +<p>“The problem, that before thee lies.”</p> +<p>The people throng; he racks his brain,</p> +<p>Nor can the thing enjoin’d explain.</p> +<p>At last he gives it up—the seer</p> +<p>Thus then in triumph made it clear:</p> +<p>“As the tough bow exerts its spring,</p> +<p>A constant tension breaks the string;</p> +<p>But if ’tis let at seasons loose,</p> +<p>You may depend upon its use.”</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +Thus recreative sports and play</p> +<p>Are good upon a holiday,</p> +<p>And with more spirit they’ll pursue</p> +<p>The studies which they shall renew.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_III_XV">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_III_XIV" id = "smart_III_XIV">XIV.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE DOG AND THE LAMB.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>A Dog bespoke a sucking Lamb,</p> +<p>That used a she-goat as her dam,</p> +<p>“You little fool, why, how you baa!</p> +<p>This goat is not your own mamma:”</p> +<p>Then pointed to a distant mead,</p> +<p>Where several sheep were put to feed.</p> +<p>“I ask not,” says the Lamb, “for her</p> +<p>Who had me first at Nature’s spur,</p> +<p>And bore me for a time about,</p> +<p>Then, like a fardel, threw me out;</p> +<p>But her that is content to bilk</p> +<p>Her own dear kids, to give me milk.”</p> +<p>“Yet she that yean’d you sure,” says Tray,</p> +<p>“Should be preferr’d” —“I tell thee nay—</p> +<p>Whence could she know that what she hid</p> +<p>Was black or white?—but grant she did—</p> +<p>I being thus a male begot</p> +<p>’Twas no great favor, since my lot</p> +<p>Was hour by hour, throughout my life,</p> +<p>To dread the butcher and his knife.</p> +<span class = "pagenum">507</span> +<p>Why should I therefore give my voice</p> +<p>For her who had no pow’r or choice</p> +<p>In my production, and not cleave</p> +<p>To her so ready to relieve,</p> +<p>When she beheld me left alone,</p> +<p>And has such sweet indulgence shown?”</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +Kind deeds parental love proclaim,</p> +<p>Not mere necessity and name.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_III_XVI">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_III_XV" id = "smart_III_XV">XV.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE OWL AND THE GRASSHOPPER.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>Those who will not the forms obey</p> +<p>To be obliging in their way,</p> +<p>Must often punishment abide</p> +<p>For their ill-nature, and their pride.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +A Grasshopper, in rank ill-will,</p> +<p>Was very loud and very shrill</p> +<p>Against a sapient Owl’s repose,</p> +<p>Who was compelled by day to doze</p> +<p>Within a hollow oak’s retreat,</p> +<p>As wont by night to quest for meat—</p> +<p>She is desired to hold her peace.</p> +<p>But at the word her cries increase;</p> +<p>Again requested to abate</p> +<p>Her noise, she’s more importunate.</p> +<p>The Owl perceiving no redress,</p> +<p>And that her words were less and less</p> +<p>Accounted of, no longer pray’d,</p> +<p>But thus an artifice essay’d:</p> +<p>“Since ’tis impossible to nod,</p> +<p>While harping like the Delphian god,</p> +<p>You charm our ears, stead of a nap,</p> +<p>A batch of nectar will I tap,</p> +<p>Which lately from Minerva came;</p> +<p>Now if you do not scorn the same,</p> +<p>Together let us bumpers ply.”</p> +<p>The Grasshopper, extremely dry,</p> +<p>And, finding she had hit the key</p> +<p>That gain’d applause, approach’d with glee;</p> +<p>At which the Owl upon her flew,</p> +<p>And quick the trembling vixen slew.</p> +<span class = "pagenum">508</span> + +<p class = "indent"> +Thus by her death she was adjudged</p> +<p>To give what in her life she grudged.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_III_XVII">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_III_XVI" id = "smart_III_XVI">XVI.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE TREES PROTECTED.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>The gods took certain trees (th’ affair</p> +<p>Was some time since) into their care.</p> +<p>The oak was best approved by Jove,</p> +<p>The myrtle by the queen of love;</p> +<p>The god of music and the day</p> +<p>Vouchsafed to patronise the bay;</p> +<p>The pine Cybele chanced to please,</p> +<p>And the tall poplar Hercules.</p> +<p>Minerva upon this inquired</p> +<p>Why they all barren trees admired?</p> +<p>“The cause,” says Jupiter, “is plain,</p> +<p>Lest we give honour up for gain.”</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +“Let every one their fancy suit,</p> +<p>I choose the olive for its fruit.”</p> +<p>The sire of gods and men replies,</p> +<p>“Daughter, thou shalt be reckon’d wise</p> +<p>By all the world, and justly too;</p> +<p>For whatsover things we do,</p> +<p>If not a life of useful days,</p> +<p>How vain is all pretence to praise!”</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +Whate’er experiments you try,</p> +<p>Have some advantage in your eye.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_III_XVIII">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_III_XVII" id = "smart_III_XVII">XVII.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">JUNO AND THE PEACOCK.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>Her fav’rite bird to Juno came,</p> +<p>And was in dudgeon at the dame,</p> +<p>That she had not attuned her throat</p> +<p>With Philomela’s matchless note;</p> +<p>“She is the wonder of all ears;</p> +<p>But when I speak the audience sneers<ins class = "correction" title = +"close quote missing">.” </ins></p> +<p>The goddess to the bird replied,</p> +<p>(Willing to have him pacified,)</p> +<p>“You are above the rest endued</p> +<p>With beauty and with magnitude;</p> +<p>Your neck the em’rald’s gloss outvies,</p> +<p>And what a blaze of gemmeous dies</p> +<span class = "pagenum">509</span> +<p>Shines from the plumage of your tail!”</p> +<p>“All this dumb show will not avail,”</p> +<p>Cries he, “if I’m surpass’d in voice.”</p> +<p>“The fates entirely have the choice</p> +<p>Of all the lots—fair form is yours;</p> +<p>The eagle’s strength his prey secures;</p> +<p>The nightingale can sing an ode;</p> +<p>The crow and raven may forebode:</p> +<p>All these in sheer contentment crave</p> +<p>No other voice than Nature gave.”</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +By affectation be not sway’d,</p> +<p>Where Nature has not lent her aid;</p> +<p>Nor to that flatt’ring hope attend,</p> +<p>Which must in disappointment end.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_III_XIX">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_III_XVIII" id = "smart_III_XVIII">XVIII.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">ESOP AND THE IMPORTUNATE FELLOW.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>Esop (no other slave at hand)</p> +<p>Received himself his lord’s command</p> +<p>An early supper to provide.</p> +<p>From house to house he therefore tried</p> +<p>To beg the favor of a light;</p> +<p>At length he hit upon the right.</p> +<p>But as when first he sallied out</p> +<p>He made his tour quite round about,</p> +<p>On his return he took a race</p> +<p>Directly, cross the market-place:</p> +<p>When thus a talkative buffoon,</p> +<p>“Esop, what means this light at noon?”</p> +<p>He answer’d briefly, as he ran,</p> +<p>“Fellow, I’m looking for a man.”</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +Now if this jackanapes had weigh’d</p> +<p>The true intent of what was said,</p> +<p>He’d found that Esop had no sense</p> +<p>Of manhood in impertinence.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_IV_I">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_III_XIX" id = "smart_III_XIX">XIX.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE ASS AND PRIESTS OF CYBELE.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>The luckless wretch that’s born to woe</p> +<p>Must all his life affliction know—</p> +<p>And harder still, his cruel fate</p> +<p>Will on his very ashes wait.</p> +<span class = "pagenum">510</span> + +<p class = "indent"> +Cybele’s priests, in <ins class = "correction" title = "s invisible">quest</ins> of bread,</p> +<p>An Ass about the village led,</p> +<p>With things for sale from door to door;</p> +<p>Till work’d and beaten more and more,</p> +<p>At length, when the poor creature died,</p> +<p>They made them drums out of his hide.</p> +<p>Then question’d “how it came to pass</p> +<p>They thus could serve their darling Ass?”</p> +<p>The answer was, “He thought of peace</p> +<p>In death, and that his toils would cease;</p> +<p>But see his mis’ry knows no bounds,</p> +<p>Still with our blows his back resounds.”</p> +</div> + +<hr class = "mid"> + +<h3><a name = "smart_IV" id = "smart_IV">BOOK IV.</a></h3> + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_IV_pro">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_IV_pro" id = "smart_IV_pro"> +PROLOGUE.</a></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>To you, who’ve graver things bespoke,</p> +<p>This seems no better than a joke,</p> +<p>And light for mere amusement made;</p> +<p>Yet still we drive the scribbling trade,</p> +<p>And from the pen our pleasure find,</p> +<p>When we’ve no greater things to mind.</p> +<p>Yet if you look with care intense,</p> +<p>These tales your toil shall recompense;</p> +<p>Appearance is not always true,</p> +<p>And thousands err by such a view.</p> +<p>’Tis a choice spirit that has pried</p> +<p>Where clean contrivance chose to hide;</p> +<p>That this is not at random said,</p> +<p>I shall produce upon this head</p> +<p>A fable of an arch device,</p> +<p>About the Weasel and the Mice.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_IV_II">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_IV_I" id = "smart_IV_I"> +<span class = "smallcaps">Fable I.</span></a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE <ins class = "correction" title = +"spelling in original">WEAZEL</ins> AND MICE.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>A Weasel, worn with years, and lame,</p> +<p>That could not overtake its game,</p> +<span class = "pagenum">511</span> +<p>Now with the nimble Mice to deal,</p> +<p>Disguised herself with barley meal;</p> +<p>Then negligent her limbs she spread</p> +<p>In a sly nook, and lay for dead.</p> +<p>A Mouse that thought she there might feed,</p> +<p>Leapt up, and perish’d in the deed;</p> +<p>A second in like manner died;</p> +<p>A third, and sundry more beside:</p> +<p>Then comes the brindled Mouse, a chap</p> +<p>That oft escaped both snare and trap,</p> +<p>And seeing how the trick was played,</p> +<p>Thus to his crafty foe he said:—</p> +<p>“So may’st thou prosper day and night,</p> +<p>As thou art not an errant bite.”</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_IV_III">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_IV_II" id = "smart_IV_II">II.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE FOX AND THE GRAPES.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>An hungry Fox with fierce attack</p> +<p>Sprang on a Vine, but tumbled back,</p> +<p>Nor could attain the point in view,</p> +<p>So near the sky the bunches grew.</p> +<p>As he went off, “They’re scurvy stuff,”</p> +<p>Says he, “and not half ripe enough—</p> +<p>And I’ve more rev’rence for my tripes</p> +<p>Than to torment them with the gripes.”</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +For those this tale is very pat</p> +<p>Who lessen what they can’t come at.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_IV_IV">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_IV_III" id = "smart_IV_III">III.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE HORSE AND BOAR.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>A Wild-Boar wallow’d in the flood,</p> +<p>And troubled all the stream with mud,</p> +<p>Just where a horse to drink repair’d—</p> +<p>He therefore having war declared,</p> +<p>Sought man’s alliance for the fight,</p> +<p>And bore upon his back the knight;</p> +<p>Who being skill’d his darts to throw,</p> +<p>Despatched the Wild-Boar at a blow.</p> +<p>Then to the steed the victor said,</p> +<p>“I’m glad you came to me for aid,</p> +<p>For taught how useful you can be,</p> +<p>I’ve got at once a spoil and thee.”</p> +<span class = "pagenum">512</span> +<p>On which the fields he made him quit,</p> +<p>To feel the spur and champ the bit.</p> +<p>Then he his sorrow thus express’d:</p> +<p>“I needs must have my wrongs redress’d,</p> +<p>And making tyrant man the judge,</p> +<p>Must all my life become a drudge.”</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +This tale the passionate may warn,</p> +<p>To bear with any kind of scorn;</p> +<p>And rather all complaint withdraw</p> +<p>Than either go to war or law.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_IV_V">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_IV_IV" id = "smart_IV_IV">IV.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">ESOP AND THE WILL.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>That one man sometimes is more shrewd</p> +<p>Than a stupendous multitude,</p> +<p>To after-times I shall rehearse</p> +<p>In my concise familiar verse.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +A certain man on his decease,</p> +<p>Left his three girls so much a-piece:</p> +<p>The first was beautiful and frail,</p> +<p>With eyes still hunting for the male;</p> +<p>The second giv’n to spin and card,</p> +<p>A country housewife working hard;</p> +<p>The third but very ill to pass,</p> +<p>A homely slut, that loved her glass.</p> +<p>The dying man had left his wife</p> +<p>Executrix, and for her life</p> +<p>Sole tenant, if she should fulfil</p> +<p>These strange provisos of his will:</p> +<p>“That she should give th’ estate in fee</p> +<p>In equal portions to the three;</p> +<p>But in such sort, that this bequest</p> +<p>Should not be holden or possess’d;</p> +<p>Then soon as they should be bereav’n</p> +<p>Of all the substance that was giv’n,</p> +<p>They must for their good mother’s ease</p> +<p>Make up an hundred sesterces.”</p> +<p>This spread through Athens in a trice;</p> +<p>The prudent widow takes advice.</p> +<p>But not a lawyer could unfold</p> +<p>How they should neither have nor hold</p> +<span class = "pagenum">513</span> +<p>The very things that they were left.</p> +<p>Besides, when once they were bereft,</p> +<p>How they from nothing should confer</p> +<p>The money that was due to her.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +When a long time was spent in vain,</p> +<p>And no one could the will explain,</p> +<p>She left the counsellors unfeed,</p> +<p>And thus of her own self decreed:</p> +<p>The minstrels, trinkets, plate, and dress,</p> +<p>She gave the Lady to possess.</p> +<p>Then Mrs. Notable she stocks</p> +<p>With all the fields, the kine and flocks:</p> +<p>The workmen, farm, with a supply</p> +<p>Of all the tools of husbandry.</p> +<p>Last, to the Guzzler she consigns</p> +<p>The cellar stored with good old wines,</p> +<p>A handsome house to see a friend,</p> +<p>With pleasant gardens at the end.</p> +<p>Thus as she strove th’ affair to close,</p> +<p>By giving each the things they chose,</p> +<p>And those that knew them every one</p> +<p>Highly applauded what was done</p> +<p>Esop arose, and thus address’d</p> +<p>The crowd that to his presence press’d:</p> +<p>“O that the dead could yet perceive!</p> +<p>How would the prudent father grieve,</p> +<p>That all th’ Athenians had not skill</p> +<p>Enough to understand his will<ins class = "correction" title = "close quote missing">!” </ins></p> +<p>Then at their joint request he solved</p> +<p>That error, which had all involved.</p> +<p>“The gardens, house, and wine vaults too,</p> +<p>Give to the spinster as her due;</p> +<p>The clothes, the jewels, and such ware,</p> +<p>Be all the tippling lady’s share;</p> +<p>The fields, the barns, and flocks of sheep,</p> +<p>Give the gay courtesan to keep.</p> +<p>Not one will bear the very touch</p> +<p>Of things that thwart their tastes so much;</p> +<p>The slut to fill her cellar straight</p> +<p>Her wardrobe will evacuate;</p> +<span class = "pagenum">514</span> +<p>The lady soon will sell her farms,</p> +<p>For garments to set off her charms;</p> +<p>But she that loves the flocks and kine</p> +<p>Will alienate her stores of wine,</p> +<p>Her rustic genius to employ.</p> +<p>Thus none their portions shall enjoy,</p> +<p>And from the money each has made</p> +<p>Their mother shall be duly paid.”</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +Thus one man by his wit disclosed</p> +<p>The point that had so many posed.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_IV_VI">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_IV_V" id = "smart_IV_V">V.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE BATTLE OF THE MICE AND +WEASELS.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>The routed Mice upon a day</p> +<p>Fled from the Weasels in array;</p> +<p>But in the hurry of the flight,</p> +<p>What with their weakness and their fright</p> +<p>Each scarce could get into his cave:</p> +<p>Howe’er, at last their lives they save.</p> +<p>But their commanders (who had tied</p> +<p>Horns to their heads in martial pride,</p> +<p>Which as a signal they design’d</p> +<p>For non-commission’d mice to mind)</p> +<p>Stick in the entrance as they go,</p> +<p>And there are taken by the foe,</p> +<p>Who, greedy of the victim, gluts</p> +<p>With mouse-flesh his ungodly guts.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +Each great and national distress</p> +<p>Must chiefly mighty men oppress;</p> +<p>While folks subordinate and poor</p> +<p>Are by their littleness secure.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_IV_VII">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_IV_VI" id = "smart_IV_VI">VI.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">PHÆDRUS TO THE CAVILLERS.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>Thou that against my tales inveigh’st,</p> +<p>As much too pleasant for thy taste;</p> +<p>Egregious critic, cease to scoff,</p> +<p>While for a time I play you off,</p> +<p>And strive to soothe your puny rage.</p> +<p>As Esop comes upon the stage,</p> +<span class = "pagenum">515</span> +<p>And dress’d entirely new in Rome,</p> +<p>Thus enters with the tragic plume.—</p> +<p>“O that the fair Thessalian pine</p> +<p>Had never felt the wrath divine,</p> +<p>And fearless of the axe’s wound,</p> +<p>Had still the Pelian mountain crown’d!</p> +<p>That Argus by Palladian aid</p> +<p>Had ne’er the advent’rous vessel made;</p> +<p>In which at first, without dismay,</p> +<p>Death’s bold professors won their way,</p> +<p>In which th’ inhospitable main</p> +<p>Was first laid open for the bane</p> +<p>Of Grecians and barbarians too.</p> +<p>Which made the proud Æetas rue,</p> +<p>And whence Medea’s crimes to nought</p> +<p>The house and reign of Pelias brought.</p> +<p>She—while in various forms she tries</p> +<p>Her furious spirit to disguise,</p> +<p>At one place in her flight bestow’d</p> +<p>Her brother’s limbs upon the road;</p> +<p>And at another could betray</p> +<p>The daughters their own sire to slay<ins class = "correction" title = +"close quote missing">.” </ins></p> + +<p class = "indent"> +How think you now?—What arrant trash!</p> +<p>And our assertions much too rash!—</p> +<p>Since prior to th’ Ægean fleet</p> +<p>Did Minos piracy defeat,</p> +<p>And made adventures on the sea.</p> +<p>How then shall you and I agree?</p> +<p>Since, stern as Cato’s self, you hate</p> +<p>All tales alike, both small and great.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +Plague not too much the man of parts;</p> +<p>For he that does it surely smarts.—</p> +<p>This threat is to the fools, that squeam</p> +<p>At every thing of good esteem;</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +And that they may to taste pretend,</p> +<p>Ev’n heaven itself will discommend.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_IV_VIII">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_IV_VII" id = "smart_IV_VII">VII.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE VIPER AND THE FILE.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>He that a greater biter bites,</p> +<p>His folly on himself requites,</p> +<span class = "pagenum">516</span> +<p>As we shall manifest forthwith.—</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +There was a hovel of a smith,</p> +<p>Where a poor Viper chanced to steal,</p> +<p>And being greedy of a meal,</p> +<p>When she had seized upon a file,</p> +<p>Was answer’d in this rugged style:</p> +<p>“Why do you think, O stupid snake!</p> +<p>On me your usual meal to make,</p> +<p>Who’ve sharper teeth than thine by far,</p> +<p>And can corrode an iron bar?”</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_IV_IX">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_IV_VIII" id = "smart_IV_VIII">VIII.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE FOX AND THE GOAT.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>A crafty knave will make escape,</p> +<p>When once he gets into a scrape,</p> +<p>Still meditating self-defence,</p> +<p>At any other man’s expense.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +A Fox by some disaster fell</p> +<p>Into a deep and fenced well:</p> +<p>A thirsty Goat came down in haste,</p> +<p>And ask’d about the water’s taste,</p> +<p>If it was plentiful and sweet?</p> +<p>At which the Fox, in rank deceit,</p> +<p>“So great the solace of the run,</p> +<p>I thought I never should have done.</p> +<p>Be quick, my friend, your sorrows drown<ins class = "correction" +title = ". missing">.” </ins></p> +<p>This said, the silly Goat comes down.</p> +<p>The subtle Fox herself avails,</p> +<p>And by his horns the mound she scales,</p> +<p>And leaves the Goat in all the mire,</p> +<p>To gratify his heart’s desire.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_IV_X">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_IV_IX" id = "smart_IV_IX">IX.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE TWO BAGS.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>Great Jove, in his paternal care,</p> +<p>Has giv’n a man two Bags to bear;</p> +<p>That which his own default contains</p> +<p>Behind his back unseen remains;</p> +<p>But that which others’ vice attests</p> +<p>Swags full in view before our breasts.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +Hence we’re inevitably blind,</p> +<p>Relating to the Bag behind;</p> +<span class = "pagenum">517</span> +<p>But when our neighbours misdemean,</p> +<p>Our censures are exceeding keen.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_IV_XII">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_IV_X" id = "smart_IV_X">X.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE SACRILEGIOUS THIEF<ins class = +"correction" title = ". missing">. </ins></span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>A villain to Jove’s altar came</p> +<p>To light his candle in the flame,</p> +<p>And robb’d the god in dead of night,</p> +<p>By his own consecrated light:</p> +<p>Then thus an awful voice was sent,</p> +<p>As with the sacrilege he went:</p> +<p>“Though all this gold and silver plate</p> +<p>As gifts of evil men I hate;</p> +<p>And their removal from the fane</p> +<p>Can cause the Deity no pain;</p> +<p>Yet, caitiff, at th’ appointed time,</p> +<p>Thy life shall answer for thy crime.</p> +<p>But, for the future, lest this blaze,</p> +<p>At which the pious pray and praise,</p> +<p>Should guide the wicked, I decree</p> +<p>That no such intercourse there be.”</p> +<p>Hence to this day all men decline</p> +<p>To light their candle at the shrine;</p> +<p>Nor from a candle e’er presume</p> +<p>The holy light to re-illume.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +How many things are here contain’d,</p> +<p>By him alone can be explain’d</p> +<p>Who could this useful tale invent.</p> +<p>In the first place, herein is meant,</p> +<p>That they are often most your foes</p> +<p>Who from your fost’ring hand arose.</p> +<p>Next, that the harden’d villain’s fate</p> +<p>Is not from wrath precipitate,</p> +<p>But rather at a destined hour.</p> +<p>Lastly, we’re charg’d with all our pow’r,</p> +<p>To keep ourselves, by care intense,</p> +<p>From all connexions with offence.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_IV_XII">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_IV_XI" id = "smart_IV_XI">XI.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">HERCULES AND PLUTUS.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>Wealth by the brave is justly scorn’d,</p> +<p>Since men are from the truth suborn’d,</p> +<span class = "pagenum">518</span> +<p>And a full chest perverts their ways</p> +<p>From giving or deserving praise.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +When Hercules, for matchless worth,</p> +<p>Was taken up to heav’n from earth,</p> +<p>As in their turns to all the crowd</p> +<p>Of gratulating gods he bow’d,</p> +<p>When Plutus, Fortune’s son, he spies,</p> +<p>He from his face averts his eyes.</p> +<p>Jove ask’d the cause of this disgust:</p> +<p>“I hate him, as he is unjust,</p> +<p>To wicked men the most inclined,</p> +<p>And grand corrupter of mankind.”</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_IV_XV">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_IV_XII" id = "smart_IV_XII">XII.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE HE-GOATS AND SHE-GOATS.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>When the She-Goats from Jove obtain’d</p> +<p>A beard, th’ indignant Males complain’d,</p> +<p>That females by this near approach</p> +<p>Would on their gravity encroach.</p> +<p>“Suffer, my sapient friends,” says he,</p> +<p>“Their eminence in this degree,</p> +<p>And bear their beard’s most graceful length,</p> +<p>As they can never have your strength.”</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +Warn’d by this little tale, agree</p> +<p>With men in gen’ral form’d like thee,</p> +<p>While you by virtue still exceed,</p> +<p>And in the spirit take the lead.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_IV_XVI">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_IV_XIII" id = "smart_IV_XIII">XIII.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE PILOT AND SAILORS.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>On hearing a poor man lament</p> +<p>His worldly thoughts in discontent,</p> +<p>Esop this tale began to write,</p> +<p>For consolation and delight.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +The ship by furious tempests toss’d,</p> +<p>The Mariners gave all for lost;</p> +<p>But midst their tears and dread, the scene</p> +<p>Is changed at once, and all serene.</p> +<p>The wind is fair, the vessel speeds,</p> +<p>The Sailors’ boist’rous joy exceeds:</p> +<p>The Pilot then, by peril wise,</p> +<p>Was prompted to philosophise.</p> +<span class = "pagenum">519</span> +<p>“’Tis right to put a due restraint</p> +<p>On joy, and to retard complaint,</p> +<p>Because alternate hope and fright</p> +<p>Make up our lives of black and white.”</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_IV_XVIII">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_IV_XIV" id = "smart_IV_XIV">XIV.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE MAN AND THE ADDER.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>He, that malicious men relieves,</p> +<p>His folly in a season grieves.</p> +<p>A Man, against himself humane,</p> +<p>Took up an Adder, that had lain</p> +<p>And stiffen’d in the frosty air,</p> +<p>And in his bosom placed with care,</p> +<p>Where she with speed recov’ring breath,</p> +<p>Her benefactor stung to death.</p> +<p>Another Adder near the place,</p> +<p>On asking why she was so base,</p> +<p>Was told, “’Tis others to dissuade</p> +<p>From giving wickedness their aid.”</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_IV_XIX">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_IV_XV" id = "smart_IV_XV">XV.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE FOX AND THE DRAGON.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>A Fox was throwing up the soil,</p> +<p>And while with his assiduous toil</p> +<p>He burrow’d deep into the ground,</p> +<p>A Dragon in his den he found,</p> +<p>A-watching hidden treasure there,</p> +<p>Whom seeing, Renard speaks him fair:</p> +<p>“First, for your pardon I apply</p> +<p>For breaking on your privacy;</p> +<p>Then, as you very plainly see</p> +<p>That gold is of no use to me,</p> +<p>Your gentle leave let me obtain</p> +<p>To ask you, what can be the gain</p> +<p>Of all this care, and what the fruit,</p> +<p>That you should not with sleep recruit</p> +<p>Your spirits, but your life consume</p> +<p>Thus in an everlasting gloom?”</p> +<p>“’Tis not my profit here to stay,”</p> +<p>He cries; “but I must Jove obey.”</p> +<p>“What! will you therefore nothing take</p> +<p>Yourself, nor others welcome make?”</p> +<span class = "pagenum">520</span> +<p>“Ev’n so the fates decree:” —“Then, sir,</p> +<p>Have patience, whilst I do aver</p> +<p>That he who like affections knows</p> +<p>Is born with all the gods his foes.</p> +<p>Since to that place you needs must speed,</p> +<p>Where all your ancestors precede,</p> +<p>Why in the blindness of your heart</p> +<p>Do you torment your noble part?”</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +All this to thee do I indite,</p> +<p>Thou grudging churl, thy heir’s delight,</p> +<p>Who robb’st the gods of incense due,</p> +<p>Thyself of food and raiment too;</p> +<p>Who hear’st the harp with sullen mien,</p> +<p>To whom the piper gives the spleen;</p> +<p>Who’rt full of heavy groans and sighs</p> +<p>When in their price provisions rise;</p> +<p>Who with thy frauds heaven’s patience tire</p> +<p>To make thy heap a little higher,</p> +<p>And, lest death thank thee, in thy will</p> +<p>Hast tax’d the undertaker’s bill.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_IV_XX">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_IV_XVI" id = "smart_IV_XVI">XVI.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">PHÆDRUS, ON HIS FABLES.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>What certain envious hearts intend</p> +<p>I very clearly comprehend,</p> +<p>Let them dissemble e’er so much.—</p> +<p>When they perceive the master’s touch,</p> +<p>And find ’tis likely to endure,</p> +<p>They’ll say ’tis Esop to be sure—</p> +<p>But what appears of mean design,</p> +<p>At any rate they’ll vouch for mine.</p> +<p>These in a word I would refute:</p> +<p>Whether of great or no repute,</p> +<p>What sprung from Esop’s fertile thought</p> +<p>This hand has to perfection brought;</p> +<p>But waiving things to our distaste,</p> +<p>Let’s to the destined period haste.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_IV_XXI">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_IV_XVII" id = "smart_IV_XVII">XVII.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE SHIPWRECK OF SIMONIDES.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>A man, whose learned worth is known,</p> +<p>Has always riches of his own.</p> +<span class = "pagenum">521</span> + +<p class = "indent"> +Simonides, who was the head</p> +<p>Of lyric bards, yet wrote for bread,</p> +<p>His circuit took through every town</p> +<p>In Asia of the first renown,</p> +<p>The praise of heroes to rehearse,</p> +<p>Who gave him money for his verse.</p> +<p>When by this trade much wealth was earn’d,</p> +<p>Homewards by shipping he return’d</p> +<p>(A Cean born, as some suppose):</p> +<p>On board he went, a tempest rose,</p> +<p>Which shook th’ old ship to that degree,</p> +<p>She founder’d soon as out at sea.</p> +<p>Some purses, some their jewels tie</p> +<p>About them for a sure supply;</p> +<p>But one more curious, ask’d the seer,</p> +<p>“Poet, have you got nothing here?”</p> +<p>“My all,” says he, “is what I am.”—</p> +<p>On this some few for safety swam</p> +<p>(For most o’erburden’d by their goods,</p> +<p>Were smother’d in the whelming floods).</p> +<p>The spoilers came, the wealth demand,</p> +<p>And leave them naked on the strand.</p> +<p>It happen’d for the shipwreck’d crew</p> +<p>An ancient city was in view,</p> +<p>By name Clazomena, in which</p> +<p>There lived a scholar learn’d and rich,</p> +<p>Who often read, his cares to ease,</p> +<p>The verses of Simonides,</p> +<p>And was a vast admirer grown</p> +<p>Of this great poet, though unknown.</p> +<p>Him by his converse when he traced,</p> +<p>He with much heartiness embraced,</p> +<p>And soon equipp’d the bard anew,</p> +<p>With servants, clothes, and money too,</p> +<p>The rest benevolence implored,</p> +<p>With case depicted on a board:</p> +<p>Which when Simonides espied,</p> +<p>“I plainly told you all,” he cried,</p> +<p>“That all my wealth was in myself;</p> +<p>As for your chattels and your pelf,</p> +<span class = "pagenum">522</span> +<p>On which ye did so much depend,</p> +<p>They’re come to nothing in the end.”</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_IV_XXII">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_IV_XVIII" id = "smart_IV_XVIII">XVIII.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE MOUNTAIN IN LABOR.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>The Mountain labor’d, groaning loud,</p> +<p>On which a num’rous gaping crowd</p> +<p>Of noodles came to see the sight,</p> +<p>When, lo! a mouse was brought to light!</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +This tale’s for men of swagg’ring cast,</p> +<p>Whose threats, voluminous and vast,</p> +<p>With all their verse and all their prose,</p> +<p>Can make but little on’t, God knows.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_IV_XXIII">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_IV_XIX" id = "smart_IV_XIX">XIX.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE ANT AND THE FLY.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>An Ant and Fly had sharp dispute</p> +<p>Which creature was of most repute;</p> +<p>When thus began the flaunting Fly:</p> +<p>“Are you so laudible as I?</p> +<p>I, ere the sacrifice is carved,</p> +<p>Precede the gods; first come, first served—</p> +<p>Before the altar take my place,</p> +<p>And in all temples show my face,</p> +<p>Whene’er I please I set me down</p> +<p>Upon the head that wears a crown.</p> +<p>I with impunity can taste</p> +<p>The kiss of matrons fair and chaste.</p> +<p>And pleasure without labor claim—</p> +<p>Say, trollop, canst thou do the same?”</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +“The feasts of gods are glorious fare.</p> +<p>No doubt, to those who’re welcome there;</p> +<p>But not for such detested things.—</p> +<p>You talk of matron’s lips and kings;</p> +<p>I, who with wakeful care and pains</p> +<p>Against the winter hoard my grains,</p> +<p>Thee feeding upon ordure view.—</p> +<p>The altars you frequent, ’tis true;</p> +<p>But still are driv’n away from thence,</p> +<p>And elsewhere, as of much offence.</p> +<span class = "pagenum">523</span> +<p>A life of toil you will not lead,</p> +<p>And so have nothing when you need.</p> +<p>Besides all this, you talk with pride</p> +<p>Of things that modesty should hide.</p> +<p>You plague me here, while days increase,</p> +<p>But when the winter comes you cease.</p> +<p>Me, when the cold thy life bereaves,</p> +<p>A plenteous magazine receives.</p> +<p>I think I need no more advance</p> +<p>To cure you of your arrogance.”</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +The tenor of this tale infers</p> +<p>Two very diff’rent characters;</p> +<p>Of men self-praised and falsely vain,</p> +<p>And men of real worth <ins class = "correction" title = "missing ‘the’ or equivalent">in grain</ins>.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_IV_XXIV">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_IV_XX" id = "smart_IV_XX">XX.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE ESCAPE OF SIMONIDES<ins class = +"correction" title = ". missing">. </ins></span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>Th’ attention letters can engage,</p> +<p>Ev’n from a base degen’rate age,</p> +<p>I’ve shown before; and now shall show</p> +<p>Their lustre in another view,</p> +<p>And tell a memorable tale,</p> +<p>How much they can with heav’n prevail<ins class = "correction" title += "text has , for .">. </ins></p> + +<p class = "indent"> +Simonides, the very same</p> +<p>We lately had a call to name,</p> +<p>Agreed for such a sum to blaze</p> +<p>A certain famous champion’s praise.</p> +<p>He therefore a retirement sought,</p> +<p>But found the theme on which he wrote</p> +<p>So scanty, he was forced to use</p> +<p>Th’ accustom’d license of the muse,</p> +<p>And introduced and praise bestow’d</p> +<p>On Leda’s sons to raise his ode;</p> +<p>With these the rather making free,</p> +<p>As heroes in the same degree.</p> +<p>He warranted his work, and yet</p> +<p>Could but one third of payment get.</p> +<p>Upon demanding all the due,</p> +<p>“Let them,” says he, “pay t’other two,</p> +<p>Who take two places in the song;</p> +<p>But lest you think I do you wrong</p> +<span class = "pagenum">524</span> +<p>And part in dudgeon—I invite</p> +<p>Your company to sup this night,</p> +<p>For then my friends and kin I see,</p> +<p>’Mongst which I choose to reckon thee.”</p> +<p>Choused and chagrined, yet shunning blame,</p> +<p>He promised, set the hour, and came;</p> +<p>As fearful lest a favour spurn’d</p> +<p>Should to an open breach be turn’d.</p> +<p>The splendid banquet shone with plate,</p> +<p>And preparations full of state</p> +<p>Made the glad house with clamors roar—</p> +<p>When on a sudden at the door</p> +<p>Two youths, with sweat and dust besmear’d,</p> +<p>Above the human form appear’d,</p> +<p>And charged forthwith a little scout</p> +<p>To bid Simonides come out,</p> +<p>That ’twas his int’rest not to stay.—</p> +<p>The slave, in trouble and dismay,</p> +<p>Roused from his seat the feasting bard,</p> +<p>Who scarce had stirr’d a single yard</p> +<p>Before the room at once fell in,</p> +<p>And crush’d the champion and his kin.</p> +<p>No youths before the door are found.—</p> +<p>The thing soon spread the country round;</p> +<p>And when each circumstance was weigh’d,</p> +<p>They knew the gods that visit made,</p> +<p>And saved the poet’s life in lieu</p> +<p>Of those two-thirds which yet were due.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_IV_epi">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_IV_epi" id = "smart_IV_epi"> +EPILOGUE TO EUTYCHUS.</a></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>I yet have stock in hand to spare,</p> +<p>And could write on—but will forbear—</p> +<p>First, lest I tire a friend, whose state</p> +<p>And avocations are so great:</p> +<p>And then, if other pens should try</p> +<p>This <ins class = "correction" title = "text reads ‘morals cheme’">moral scheme</ins> as well as I,</p> +<p>They may have something to pursue:—</p> +<p>Yet if the spacious field we view,</p> +<p>More men are wanting for the plan,</p> +<p>Rather than matter for the man.</p> +<span class = "pagenum">525</span> +<p>Now for that prize I make my plea</p> +<p>You promised to my brevity.</p> +<p>Keep your kind word; for life, my friend,</p> +<p>Is daily nearer to its end;</p> +<p>And I shall share your love the less</p> +<p>The longer you your hand repress:</p> +<p>The sooner you the boon insure,</p> +<p>The more the tenure must endure;</p> +<p>And if I quick possession take,</p> +<p>The greater profit must I make,</p> +<p>While yet declining age subsists,</p> +<p>A room for friendly aid exists.</p> +<p>Anon with tasteless years grown weak,</p> +<p>In vain benevolence will seek</p> +<p>To do me good—when Death at hand</p> +<p>Shall come and urge his last demand.</p> +<p>’Tis folly, you’ll be apt to say,</p> +<p>A thousand times to beg and pray</p> +<p>Of one with so much worth and sense,</p> +<p>Whose gen’rous bounty is propense.</p> +<p>If e’er a miscreant succeeds,</p> +<p>By fair confession of his deeds,</p> +<p>An innocent offender’s case</p> +<p>Is far more worthy of your grace.</p> +<p>You for example sake begin,</p> +<p>Then others to the lure you’ll win,</p> +<p>And in rotation more and more</p> +<p>Will soon communicate their store.</p> +<p>Consider in your mind how far</p> +<p>At stake your word and honour are;</p> +<p>And let your closing the debate</p> +<p>By what I may congratulate.</p> +<p>I have been guilty of excess</p> +<p>Beyond my thought in this address</p> +<p>But ’tis not easy to refrain</p> +<p>A spirit work’d up to disdain</p> +<p>By wretches insolent and vile,</p> +<p>With a clear conscience all the while.</p> +<p>You’ll ask me, sir, at whom I hint—</p> +<p>In time they may appear in print.</p> +<span class = "pagenum">526</span> +<p>But give me leave to cite a phrase</p> +<p>I met with in my boyish days.</p> +<p>“’Tis dangerous for the mean and low</p> +<p>Too plain their grievances to show.”</p> +<p>This is advice I shall retain</p> +<p>While life and sanity remain.</p> +</div> + +<hr class = "mid"> + +<h3><a name = "smart_V" id = "smart_V">BOOK V.</a></h3> + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_V_pro">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_V_pro" id = "smart_V_pro"> +PROLOGUE, TO PARTICULO</a></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p><span class = "firstword">When</span> I resolved my hand to stay</p> +<p>For this, that others might have play,</p> +<p>On reconsidering of my part</p> +<p>I soon recanted in my heart:</p> +<p>For if a rival should arise,</p> +<p>How can he possibly devise</p> +<p>The things that I have let alone,</p> +<p>Since each man’s fancy is his own,</p> +<p>And likewise colouring of the piece<ins class = "correction" title = +"text has superfluous close quote">?—</ins></p> +<p>It was not therefore mere caprice,</p> +<p>But strong reflection made me write:</p> +<p>Wherefore since you in tales delight,</p> +<p>Which I, in justice, after all,</p> +<p>Not Esop’s, but Esopian call;</p> +<p>Since he invented but a few;</p> +<p>I more, and some entirely new,</p> +<p>Keeping indeed the ancient style,</p> +<p>With fresh materials all the while.</p> +<p>As at your leisure you peruse</p> +<p>The fourth collection of my muse,</p> +<p>That you may not be at a stand,</p> +<p>A fifth shall shortly come to hand;</p> +<p>’Gainst which, if as against the rest,</p> +<p>Malignant cavillers protest,</p> +<p>Let them carp on, and make it plain</p> +<p>They carp at what they can’t attain.</p> +<p>My fame’s secure, since I can show</p> +<p>How men of eminence like you,</p> +<span class = "pagenum">527</span> +<p>My little book transcribe and quote,</p> +<p>As like to live of classic note.</p> +<p>It is th’ ambition of my pen</p> +<p>To win th’ applause of learned men.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_V_I">Riley</a> +<h4 class = "smallcaps"><a name = "smart_V_I" id = "smart_V_I">I. +Demetrius and Menander.</a></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>If Esop’s name at any time</p> +<p>I bring into this measured rhyme,</p> +<p>To whom I’ve paid whate’er I owe,</p> +<p>Let all men by these presents know,</p> +<p>I with th’ old fabulist make free,</p> +<p>To strengthen my authority.</p> +<p>As certain sculptors of the age,</p> +<p>The more attention to engage,</p> +<p>And raise their price, the curious please,</p> +<p>By forging of Praxiteles;</p> +<p>And in like manner they purloin</p> +<p>A Myro to their silver coin.</p> +<p>’Tis thus our fables we can smoke,</p> +<p>As pictures for their age bespoke:</p> +<p>For biting envy, in disgust</p> +<p>To new improvements, favors rust;</p> +<p>But now a tale comes in of course,</p> +<p>Which these assertions will enforce.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +Demetrius, who was justly call’d</p> +<p>The tyrant, got himself install’d,</p> +<p>And held o’er Athens impious sway.</p> +<p>The crowd, as ever is the way,</p> +<p>Came, eager rushing far and wide,</p> +<p>And, “Fortunate event!” they cried.</p> +<p>The nobles came, the throne address’d:</p> +<p>The hand by which they were oppress’d</p> +<p>They meekly kiss’d, with inward stings</p> +<p>Of anguish for the face of things.</p> +<p>The idlers also, with the tribe</p> +<p>Of those who to themselves prescribe</p> +<p>Their ease and pleasure, in the end</p> +<p>Came sneaking, lest they should offend.</p> +<p>Amongst this troop Menander hies,</p> +<p>So famous for his comedies.</p> +<span class = "pagenum">528</span> +<p>(Him, though he was not known by sight,</p> +<p>The tyrant read with great delight,</p> +<p>Struck with the genius of the bard.)</p> +<p>In flowing robes bedaub’d with nard,</p> +<p>And saunt’ring tread he came along,</p> +<p>Whom, at the bottom of the throng,</p> +<p>When Phalereus beheld, he said:</p> +<p>“How dares that fribble show his head</p> +<p>In this our presence?” he was told—</p> +<p>“It is Menander you behold.”</p> +<p>Then, changed at once from fierce to bland,</p> +<p>He call’d, and took him by the hand.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_V_II">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_V_II" id = "smart_V_II">II.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE THIEF AND THE TRAVELLERS.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>Two men equipp’d were on their way;</p> +<p>One fearful; one without dismay,</p> +<p>An able fencer. As they went,</p> +<p>A robber came with black intent;</p> +<p>Demanding, upon pain of death,</p> +<p>Their gold and silver in a breath.</p> +<p>At which the man of spirit drew,</p> +<p>And instantly disarm’d and slew</p> +<p>The Thief, his honor to maintain.</p> +<p>Soon as the rogue was fairly slain,</p> +<p>The tim’rous chap began to puff,</p> +<p>And drew his sword, and stripp’d in buff—</p> +<p>“Leave me alone with him! stand back!</p> +<p>I’ll teach him whom he should attack.”</p> +<p>Then he who fought, “I wish, my friend,</p> +<p>But now you’d had such words to lend;</p> +<p>I might have been confirm’d the more,</p> +<p>Supposing truth to all you swore;</p> +<p>Then put your weapon in the sheath,</p> +<p>And keep your tongue within your teeth,</p> +<p>Though you may play an actor’s part</p> +<p>On them who do not know your heart.</p> +<p>I, who have seen this very day</p> +<p>How lustily you ran away,</p> +<p>Experience when one comes to blows</p> +<p>How far your resolution goes.”</p> +<span class = "pagenum">529</span> + +<p class = "indent"> +This narrative to those I tell</p> +<p>Who stand their ground when all is well;</p> +<p>But in the hour of pressing need</p> +<p>Abash’d, most shamefully recede.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_V_III">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_V_III" id = "smart_V_III">III.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE BALD MAN AND THE FLY.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>As on his head she chanced to sit,</p> +<p>A Man’s bald pate a Gadfly bit;</p> +<p>He, prompt to crush the little foe,</p> +<p>Dealt on himself a grievous blow:</p> +<p>At which the Fly, deriding said,</p> +<p>“You that would strike an insect dead</p> +<p>For one slight sting, in wrath so strict,</p> +<p>What punishment will you inflict</p> +<p>Upon yourself, who was so blunt</p> +<p>To do yourself this gross affront?”—</p> +<p>“O,” says the party, “as for me,</p> +<p>I with myself can soon agree.</p> +<p>The spirit of th’ intention’s all;</p> +<p>But thou, detested cannibal!</p> +<p>Blood-sucker! to have thee secured</p> +<p>More would I gladly have endured.”</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +What by this moral tale is meant</p> +<p>Is—those who wrong not with intent</p> +<p>Are venial; but to those that do</p> +<p>Severity, I think, is due.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_V_IV">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_V_IV" id = "smart_V_IV">IV.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE MAN AND THE ASS.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>A certain Man, when he had made</p> +<p>A sacrifice, for special aid</p> +<p>To Hercules, and kill’d a swine,</p> +<p>Did for his Ass’s share assign</p> +<p>All the remainder of the corn;</p> +<p>But he, rejecting it with scorn,</p> +<p>Thus said: “I gladly would partake—</p> +<p>But apprehend that life’s at stake;</p> +<p>For he you fatted up and fed</p> +<p>With store of this, is stuck and dead.”</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +Struck with the import of this tale,</p> +<p>I have succeeded to prevail</p> +<span class = "pagenum">530</span> +<p>Upon my passions, and abstain,</p> +<p>From peril of immod’rate gain.</p> +<p>But, you will say, those that have come</p> +<p>Unjustly by a handsome sum,</p> +<p>Upon the pillage still subsist—</p> +<p>Why, if we reckon up the list,</p> +<p>You’ll find by far the major part</p> +<p>Have been conducted in the cart:</p> +<p>Temerity for some may do,</p> +<p>But many more their rashness rue.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_V_V">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_V_V" id = "smart_V_V">V.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE BUFFOON AND COUNTRY-FELLOW.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>In ev’ry age, in each profession,</p> +<p>Men err the most by prepossession;</p> +<p>But when the thing is clearly shown,</p> +<p>Is fairly urged, and fully known,</p> +<p>We soon applaud what we deride,</p> +<p>And penitence succeeds to pride.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +A certain noble, on a day,</p> +<p>Having a mind to show away,</p> +<p>Invited by reward the mimes</p> +<p>And play’rs and tumblers of the times,</p> +<p>And built a large commodious stage</p> +<p>For the choice spirits of the age:</p> +<p>But, above all, amongst the rest</p> +<p>There came a genius who profess’d</p> +<p>To have a curious trick in store</p> +<p>That never was perform’d before.</p> +<p>Through all the town this soon got air,</p> +<p>And the whole house was like a fair;</p> +<p>But soon his entry as he made,</p> +<p>Without a prompter or parade,</p> +<p>’Twas all expectance and suspense,</p> +<p>And silence gagg’d the audience.</p> +<p>He, stooping down and looking big,</p> +<p>So wondrous well took off a pig,</p> +<p>All swore ’twas serious, and no joke,</p> +<p>For that, or underneath his cloak</p> +<p>He had concealed some grunting elf,</p> +<p>Or was a real hog himself.</p> +<span class = "pagenum">531</span> +<p>A search was made—no pig was found—</p> +<p>With thund’ring claps the seats resound,</p> +<p>And pit, and box, and gall’ries roar</p> +<p>With— “O rare! bravo!” and “encore.”</p> +<p>Old Roger Grouse, a country clown,</p> +<p>Who yet knew something of the town,</p> +<p>Beheld the mimic of his whim,</p> +<p>And on the morrow challenged him</p> +<p>Declaring to each beau and belle</p> +<p>That he this grunter would excel.</p> +<p>The morrow came—the crowd was greater—</p> +<p>But prejudice and rank ill-nature</p> +<p>Usurp’d the minds of men and wenches,</p> +<p>Who came to hiss and break the benches.</p> +<p>The mimic took his usual station,</p> +<p>And squeak’d with general approbation;</p> +<p>Again “Encore! encore!” they cry—</p> +<p>“’Tis quite the thing, ’tis very high.”</p> +<p>Old Grouse conceal’d, amidst this racket,</p> +<p>A real pig beneath his jacket—</p> +<p>Then forth he came, and with his nail</p> +<p>He pinch’d the urchin by the tail.</p> +<p>The tortured pig, from out his throat,</p> +<p>Produced the genuine nat’ral note.</p> +<p>All bellow’d out ’twas very sad!</p> +<p>Sure never stuff was half so bad.</p> +<p>“That like a pig!” each cried in scoff;</p> +<p>“Pshaw! nonsense! blockhead! off! off! off!”</p> +<p>The mimic was extoll’d, and Grouse</p> +<p>Was hiss’d, and catcall’d from the house.</p> +<p>“Soft ye, a word before I go,”</p> +<p>Quoth honest Hodge; and stooping low,</p> +<p>Produced the pig, and thus aloud</p> +<p>Bespoke the stupid partial crowd:</p> +<p>“Behold, and learn from this poor cratur,</p> +<p>How much you critics know of natur!”</p> +</div> + + +<h4><span class = "smallroman">TO PARTICULO</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p class = "indent"> +As yet my muse is not to seek,</p> +<p>But can from fresh materials speak;</p> +<span class = "pagenum">532</span> +<p>And our poetic fountain springs</p> +<p>With rich variety of things.</p> +<p>But you’re for sallies short and sweet;</p> +<p>Long tales their purposes defeat.</p> +<p>Wherefore, thou worthiest, best of men</p> +<p>Particulo, for whom my pen</p> +<p>Immortal honour will insure,</p> +<p>Long as a rev’rence shall endure</p> +<p>For Roman learning—if this strain</p> +<p>Cannot your approbation gain,</p> +<p>Yet, yet my brevity admire,</p> +<p>Which may the more to praise aspire,</p> +<p>The more our poets now-a-days</p> +<p>Are tedious in their lifeless lays.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_V_VI">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_V_VI" id = "smart_V_VI">VI.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE TWO BALD MEN.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>As on his way a Bald-pate went,</p> +<p>He found a comb by accident;</p> +<p>Another, with a head as bare,</p> +<p>Pursued, and hollow’d for a share.</p> +<p>The first produced the prize, and cried,</p> +<p>“Good Providence was on our side;</p> +<p>But by the strange caprice of Fate,</p> +<p>We’re to no purpose fortunate;</p> +<p>And, as the proverb says, have found</p> +<p>A hobnail, for a hundred pound.”</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +They by this tale may be relieved</p> +<p>Whose sanguine hopes have been deceived.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_V_VII">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_V_VII" id = "smart_V_VII">VII.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">PRINCE THE PIPER.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>A little, friv’lous, abject mind,</p> +<p>Pleased with the rabble, puff’d with wind,</p> +<p>When once, as fast as pride presumes,</p> +<p>Itself with vanity it plumes,</p> +<p>Is by fond lightness brought with ease</p> +<p>To any ridicule you please.</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +One Prince, a piper to the play,</p> +<p>Was rather noted in his way,</p> +<p>As call’d upon to show his art,</p> +<p>Whene’er Bathyllus did his part.</p> +<span class = "pagenum">533</span> +<p>He being at a certain fair,</p> +<p>(I do not well remember where,)</p> +<p>While they pull’d down the booth in haste,</p> +<p>Not taking heed, his leg displaced,</p> +<p>He from the scaffold fell so hard—</p> +<p>(Would he his pipes had rather marr’d!</p> +<p>Though they, poor fellow! were to him</p> +<p>As dear almost as life and limb).</p> +<p>Borne by the kind officious crowd,</p> +<p>Home he’s conducted, groaning loud.</p> +<p>Some months elapsed before he found</p> +<p>Himself recover’d of his wound:</p> +<p>Meantime, according to their way,</p> +<p>The droll frequenters of the play</p> +<p>Had a great miss of him, whose touch</p> +<p>The dancers’ spirits raised so much.</p> +<p>A certain man of high renown</p> +<p>Was just preparing for the town</p> +<p>Some games the mob to entertain,</p> +<p>When Prince began to walk again;</p> +<p>Whom, what with bribes and pray’rs, his grace</p> +<p>Prevail’d upon to show his face</p> +<p>In this performance, by all means—</p> +<p>And while he waits behind the scenes,</p> +<p>A rumour through the house is spread,</p> +<p>By certain, that “the piper’s dead.”</p> +<p>Others cried out, “The man is here,</p> +<p>And will immediately appear.”</p> +<p>The curtain draws, the lightnings flash,</p> +<p>The gods speak out their usual trash.</p> +<p>An ode, not to the Piper known,</p> +<p>Was to the chorus leader shown,</p> +<p>Which he was order’d to repeat,</p> +<p>And which was closed with this conceit—</p> +<p>“Receive with joy, O loyal Rome,</p> +<p>Thy Prince just rescued from his tomb.”</p> +<p>They all at once stand up and clap,</p> +<p>At which my most facetious chap</p> +<p>Kisses his hand, and scrapes and bows</p> +<p>To his good patrons in the house.</p> +<span class = "pagenum">534</span> +<p>First the equestrian order smoke</p> +<p>The fool’s mistake, and high in joke,</p> +<p>Command the song to be encored;</p> +<p>Which ended, flat upon the board</p> +<p>The Piper falls, the knights acclaim;</p> +<p>The people think that Prince’s aim</p> +<p>Is for a crown of bays at least.</p> +<p>Now all the seats perceived the jest,</p> +<p>And with his bandage white as snow,</p> +<p>White frock, white pumps, a perfect beauty</p> +<p>Proud of the feats he had achieved,</p> +<p>And these high honours he received,</p> +<p>With one unanimous huzza, Poor</p> +<p>Prince was kick’d out of the play.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_V_VIII">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_V_VIII" id = "smart_V_VIII">VIII.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">OPPORTUNITY.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>Bald, naked, of a human shape,</p> +<p>With fleet wings ready to escape,</p> +<p>Upon a razor’s edge his toes,</p> +<p>And lock that on his forehead grows—</p> +<p>Him hold, when seized, for goodness’ sake,</p> +<p>For Jove himself cannot retake</p> +<p>The fugitive when once he’s gone.</p> +<p>The picture that we here have drawn</p> +<p>Is Opportunity so brief.—</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +The ancients, in a bas-relief,</p> +<p>Thus made an effigy of Time,</p> +<p>That every one might use their prime;</p> +<p>Nor e’er impede, by dull delay,</p> +<p>Th’ effectual business of to-day.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_V_IX">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_V_IX" id = "smart_V_IX">IX.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE BULL AND THE CALF.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>A Bull was struggling to secure</p> +<p>His passage at a narrow door,</p> +<p>And scarce could reach the rack of hay,</p> +<p>His horns so much were in his way.</p> +<p>A Calf officious, fain would show</p> +<p>How he might twist himself and go.</p> +<span class = "pagenum">535</span> +<p>“Hold thou thy prate; all this,” says he,</p> +<p>“Ere thou wert calved was known to me.”</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +He, that a wiser man by half</p> +<p>Would teach, may think himself this Calf.</p> +</div> + + +<a class = "crossref" href = "#riley_V_X">Riley</a> +<h4><a name = "smart_V_X" id = "smart_V_X">X.</a> +<span class = "smallroman">THE OLD DOG AND THE HUNTSMAN.</span></h4> + +<div class = "verse"> +<p>A Dog, that time and often tried,</p> +<p>His master always satisfied;</p> +<p>And whensoever he assail’d,</p> +<p>Against the forest-beasts prevail’d</p> +<p>Both by activity and strength,</p> +<p>Through years began to flag at length.</p> +<p>One day, when hounded at a boar,</p> +<p>His ear he seized, as heretofore;</p> +<p>But with his teeth, decay’d and old,</p> +<p>Could not succeed to keep his hold.</p> +<p>At which the huntsman, much concern’d,</p> +<p>The vet’ran huff’d, who thus return’d:</p> +<p>“My resolution and my aim,</p> +<p>Though not my strength, are still the same;</p> +<p>For what I am if I am chid,</p> +<p>Praise what I was, and what I did.”</p> + +<p class = "indent"> +Philetus, you the drift perceive</p> +<p>Of this, with which I take my leave.</p> +</div> + +</div> <!-- end div smart --> + +<h2 class = "five">THE END.</h2> + +<p> <br> </p> + +<p class = "center smaller"> +LONDON: PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, LIMITED,<br> +STAMFORD STREET AND CHARING CROSS.</p> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Fables of Phædrus, by Phaedrus + +*** END 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Fables of Phdrus + Literally translated into English prose with notes + +Author: Phaedrus + +Translator: Henry Thomas Riley + Christopher Smart + +Release Date: May 18, 2008 [EBook #25512] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE FABLES OF PHDRUS *** + + + + +Produced by Louise Hope, Carl Hudkins and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This +file was produced from images generously made available +by The Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries) + + + + + +[Transcriber's Note: + +This e-text is intended for users whose text readers can display +neither the "real" (Unicode, utf-8) version of the file nor the +simplified Latin-1 version. Greek words in the Notes have been +transliterated and shown between +marks+; eta and omega are shown as e: +and o:. The "oe" and "ae" ligatures are written as the separate letters +"oe" and "ae". + +The text is taken from an omnibus volume that also contained Riley's +translation of the six surviving plays of Terence. The full title page +has been retained for completeness, but the sections of the Preface and +Contents that apply only to Terence have been omitted. + +In the original text, words and phrases supplied by the translator +(Riley only) were printed in _italics_. In this e-text they are shown in +{braces}. Italics in the notes and commentary are shown conventionally +with _lines_, boldface by =marks=. + +Footnotes have been renumbered within each Book, and grouped after their +Fables. The name is spelled "Aesop" in Riley, "Esop" in Smart and in the +Contents. Inconsistencies in fable numbering are described at the +beginning of the Table of Contents. + +Typographical errors are listed at the end of the text.] + + + * * * * * + * * * * + + + The + COMEDIES + of + TERENCE. + + And + + The FABLES of PHAEDRUS. + + Literally Translated into English Prose + with Notes, + + By HENRY THOMAS RILEY, B.A. + Late Scholar Of Clare Hall, Cambridge. + + To Which Is Added + A METRICAL TRANSLATION OF PHAEDRUS, + By CHRISTOPHER SMART, A.M. + + + London: George Bell & Sons, York Street, + Covent Garden. + 1887. + + + + +PREFACE. + + +In the Translation of Phaedrus, the Critical Edition by Orellius, 1831, +has been used, and in the Aesopian Fables, the text of the Parisian +Edition of Gail, 1826. The Notes will, it is believed, be found to +embody the little that is known of the contemporary history of the +Author. + + H. T. R. + + + + +CONTENTS. + + +THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. + + [Transcriber's Note: + + The Table of Contents refers primarily to the Riley text. Fables + I.XXIX, III.III, and several Fables in Book IV are missing in Smart; + Riley's Fable IV.I, "The Ass and the Priests of Cybele", is Smart's + III.XIX. Where Smart's numbers are different, they have been added + in [brackets] after the page reference. + + In the text, Book III, Fable XI is "The Eunuch to the Abusive Man"; + all following fables in Riley are numbered one higher than in the + Table of Contents. This fable is missing from Smart but the number + X is skipped, as was number I.XVIII.] + +BOOK I. + + Prose. Verse. + Prologue 365 473 + Fable I. The Wolf and the Lamb 365 473 + II. The Frogs asking for a King 366 474 + III. The vain Jackdaw and the Peacock 367 475 + IV. The Dog carrying some Meat across a River 368 476 + V. The Cow, the She-Goat, the Sheep, + and the Lion 368 476 + VI. The Frogs' complaint against the Sun 369 476 + VII. The Fox and the Tragic Mask 369 477 + VIII. The Wolf and the Crane 370 477 + IX. The Sparrow and the Hare 370 478 + X. The Wolf, the Fox, and the Ape 371 478 + XI. The Ass and the Lion hunting 371 478 + XII. The Stag at the Stream 372 479 + XIII. The Fox and the Raven 372 480 + XIV. The Cobbler turned Physician 373 480 + XV. The Ass and the Old Shepherd 373 481 + XVI. The Stag, the Sheep, and the Wolf 374 481 + XVII. The Sheep, the Dog, and the Wolf 374 482 + XVIII. The Woman in Labour 375 --- + XIX. The Bitch and her Whelps 375 482 + XX. The hungry Dogs 376 483 + XXI. The aged Lion, the Wild Boar, + the Bull, and the Ass 376 483 + XXII. The Man and the Weasel 376 483 + XXIII. The Faithful Dog 377 484 + XXIV. The Frog and the Ox 378 484 + XXV. The Dog and the Crocodile 377 485 + XXVI. The Fox and the Stork 378 485 + XXVII. The Dog, the Treasure, and the Vulture 379 486 + XXVIII. The Fox and the Eagle 380 486 + XXIX. The Ass deriding the Boar 380 --- + XXX. The Frogs frightened at the + Battle of the Bulls 380 487 [XXIX] + XXXI. The Kite and the Pigeons 381 487 [XXX] + + +BOOK II. + + Prologue 382 488 + Fable I. The Lion, the Robber, and the Traveller 383 488 + II. Two Women of different Ages beloved by + the Middle-aged Man 383 489 + III. The Man and the Dog 384 489 + IV. The Eagle, the Cat, and the Sow 384 490 + V. Caesar to the Chamberlain 385 491 + VI. The Eagle, the Crow, and the Tortoise 386 492 + VII. The Mules and Robbers 387 492 + VIII. The Stag and the Oxen 387 493 + Epilogue 388 494 + + +BOOK III. + + Prologue, to Eutychus 390 497 + Fable I. The Old Woman and the Cask 393 498 + II. The Panther and Shepherd 394 498 + III. Esop and the Farmer 395 --- + IV. The Butcher and the Ape 395 499 [III] + V. Esop and the Insolent Man 395 499 [IV] + VI. The Fly and the Mule 396 499 [V] + VII. The Dog and the Wolf 397 500 [VI] + VIII. The Brother and Sister 398 501 [VII] + IX. Socrates to his Friends 398 502 [VIII] + X. The Poet on Believing and not Believing 399 502 [IX] + [XI. The Eunuch to the Abusive Man 401 --- ] + XI. The Cock and the Pearl [XII] 401 504 + XII. The Bees and the Drones, the Wasp + sitting as judge [XIII] 402 505 + XIII. Esop at play [XIV] 402 505 + XIV. The Dog to the Lamb [XV] 403 506 + XV. The Grasshopper and the Owl [XVI] 404 507 + XVI. The Trees under the Protection + of the Gods [XVII] 405 508 + XVII. The Peacock to Juno [XVIII] 405 509 + XVIII. Esop's Answer to the Inquisitive Man [XIX] 406 509 + Epilogue 407 --- + +BOOK IV. + + Prologue 409 510 + Fable I. The Ass and the Priests of Cybele 410 509 + [III.XIX in Smart] + II. The Weasel and the Mice 411 510 [I] + III. The Fox and the Grapes 411 511 [II] + IV. The Horse and the Wild Boar 411 511 [III] + V. Esop interpreting a Will 412 512 [IV] + VI. The Battle of the Mice and the Weasels 413 514 [V] + VII. The Poet's Defence against the Censurers + of his Fables 414 514 [VI] + VIII. The Viper and the File 415 515 [VII] + IX. The Fox and the Goat 415 516 [VIII] + X. Of the Vices of Men 416 516 [IX] + XI. A Thief pillaging the Altar of Jupiter 416 517 [X] + XII. Hercules and Plutus 417 517 [XI] + XIII. The Lion reigning 417 --- + XIV. Prometheus 418 --- + XV. The She-Goats and their Beards 418 518 [XII] + XVI. The Pilot and the Mariners 419 518 [XIII] + XVII. The Embassy of the Dogs to Jupiter 419 --- + XVIII. The Man and the Snake 420 519 [XIV] + XIX. The Fox and the Dragon 421 519 [XV] + XX. Phaedrus 422 520 [XVI] + XXI. The Shipwreck of Simonides 422 520 [XVII] + XXII. The Mountain in Labour 423 522 [XVIII] + XXIII. The Ant and the Fly 424 522 [XIX] + XXIV. Simonides preserved by the Gods 425 523 [XX] + Epilogue 426 524 + + +BOOK V. + + Prologue 427 526 + Fable I. Demetrius and Menander 427 527 + II. The Travellers and the Robber 428 528 + III. The Bald Man and the Fly 429 529 + IV. The Man and the Ass 429 529 + V. The Buffoon and Countryman 429 530 + VI. The Two Bald Men 431 532 + VII. Princeps the Flute Player 431 532 + VIII. The Emblem of Opportunity 433 534 + IX. The Bull and the Calf 433 534 + X. The Huntsman and the Dog 433 535 + + +THE NEW FABLES--Attributed to Phaedrus. + + Fable I. The Ape and the Fox 435 + II. The Author 436 + III. Mercury and the two Women 436 + IV. Prometheus and Cunning 437 + V. The Author 438 + VI. The signification of the Punishments + of Tartarus 438 + VII. The Author 439 + VIII. Aesop and the Author 439 + IX. Pompeius Magnus and his Soldier 440 + X. Juno, Venus, and the Hen 441 + XI. The Father of a Family and Aesop 442 + XII. The Philosopher and the Victor + in the Gymnastic Games 442 + XIII. The Ass and the Lyre 443 + XIV. The Widow and the Soldier 443 + XV. The Rich Suitor and the Poor One 444 + XVI. Aesop and his Mistress 445 + XVII. A Cock carried in a Litter by Cats 446 + XVIII. The Sow bringing forth and the Wolf 446 + XIX. The Runaway Slave and Aesop 447 + XX. The Chariot Horse sold for the Mill 447 + XXI. The Hungry Bear 448 + XXII. The Traveller and the Raven 449 + XXIII. The Shepherd and the She-Goat 449 + XXIV. The Serpent and the Lizard 449 + XXV. The Crow and the Sheep 450 + XXVI. The Servant and the Master 450 + XXVII. The Hare and the Herdsman 450 + XXVIII. The Young Man and the Courtesan 451 + XXIX. The Beaver 451 + XXX. The Butterfly and the Wasp 452 + XXXI. The Ground-Swallow and the Fox 453 + Epilogue 453 + + +AESOPIAN FABLES--The Authors of Which Are Not Known. + + Fable I. The Sick Kite 454 + II. The Hares tired of Life 454 + III. Jupiter and the Fox 455 + IV. The Lion and the Mouse 455 + V. The Man and the Trees 456 + VI. The Mouse and the Frog 456 + VII. The Two Cocks and the Hawk 456 + VIII. The Snail and the Ape 457 + IX. The City Mouse and the Country Mouse 457 + X. The Ass fawning upon his Master 458 + XI. The Crane, the Crow, and the Countryman 459 + XII. The Birds and the Swallow 459 + XIII. The Partridge and the Fox 460 + XIV. The Ass, the Ox, and the Birds 461 + XV. The Lion and the Shepherd 461 + XVI. The Goat and the Bull 462 + XVII. The Horse and the Ass 462 + XVIII. The Birds, the Beasts, and the Bat 463 + XIX. The Nightingale, the Hawk, and the Fowler 463 + XX. The Wolf, the Fox, and the Shepherd 464 + XXI. The Sheep and the Wolves 464 + XXII. The Ape and the Fox 465 + XXIII. The Wolf, the Huntsman, and the Shepherd 465 + XXIV. The Truthful Man, the Liar, and the Apes 466 + XXV. The Man and the Lion 467 + XXVI. The Stork, the Goose, and the Hawk 467 + XXVII. The Sheep and the Crow 468 + XXVIII. The Ant and the Grasshopper 468 + XXIX. The Horse and the Ass 469 + XXX. The Old Lion and the Fox 469 + XXXI. The Camel and the Flea 469 + XXXII. The Kid and the Wolf 470 + XXXIII. The Poor Man and the Serpent 470 + XXXIV. The Eagle and the Kite 471 + + + + +THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS. + + + + +BOOK I. + +THE PROLOGUE. + + +The matter which Aesop, the inventor {of Fables}, has provided, I have +polished in Iambic verse. The advantages of {this} little work are +twofold--that it excites laughter, and by counsel guides the life {of +man}. But if any one shall think fit to cavil, because not only wild +beasts, but even trees speak, let him remember that we are disporting in +fables. + + +FABLE I. + +THE WOLF AND THE LAMB. + +Driven by thirst, a Wolf and a Lamb had come to the same stream; the +Wolf stood above, and the Lamb at a distance below. Then, the spoiler, +prompted by a ravenous maw, alleged a pretext for a quarrel. "Why," said +he, "have you made the water muddy for me {while I am} drinking?" The +Fleece-bearer, trembling, {answered}: "Prithee, Wolf, how can I do what +you complain of? The water is flowing downwards from you to where I am +drinking." The other, disconcerted by the force of truth, {exclaimed}: +"Six months ago, you slandered me." "Indeed," answered the Lamb, "I was +not born {then}." "By Hercules," said {the Wolf}, "{then 'twas} your +father slandered me;" and so, snatching him up, he tore him to pieces, +killing him unjustly. + +This Fable is applicable to those men who, under false pretences, +oppress the innocent. + + +FABLE II. + +THE FROGS ASKING FOR A KING. + +When Athens[1] was flourishing under just laws, liberty grown wanton +embroiled the city, and license relaxed the reins of ancient discipline. +Upon this, the partisans of factions conspiring, Pisistratus the +Tyrant[2] seized the citadel. When the Athenians were lamenting their +sad servitude (not that he was cruel, but because every burden is +grievous to those who are unused to it), and began to complain, Aesop +related a Fable to the following effect:-- + +"The Frogs, roaming at large in their marshy fens, with loud clamour +demanded of Jupiter a king, who, by {his} authority, might check their +dissolute manners. The Father of the Gods smiled, and gave them a little +Log, which, on being thrown {among them} startled the timorous race by +the noise and sudden commotion in the bog. When it had lain for some +time immersed in the mud, one {of them} by chance silently lifted his +head above the water, and having taken a peep at the king, called up all +the rest. Having got the better of their fears, vying with each other, +they swim towards him, and the insolent mob leap upon the Log. After +defiling it with every kind of insult, they sent to Jupiter, requesting +another king, because the one that had been given them was useless. Upon +this, he sent them a Water Snake,[3] who with his sharp teeth began to +gobble them up one after another. Helpless they strive in vain to escape +death; terror deprives them of voice. By stealth, therefore, they send +through Mercury a request to Jupiter, to succour them in their distress. +Then said the God in reply: 'Since you would not be content with your +good fortune, continue to endure your bad fortune.'" + +"Do you also, O fellow-citizens," said {Aesop}, "submit to the present +evil, lest a greater one befall you." + + [Footnote I.1: _When Athens_)--Ver. 1. This probably alludes + to the government of Solon, when Archon of Athens.] + + [Footnote I.2: _Pisistratus the Tyrant_)--Ver. 5. From Suidas + and Eusebius we learn that Aesop died in the fifty-fourth Olympiad, + while Pisistratus did not seize the supreme power at Athens till + the first year of the fifty-fifth. These dates, however, have been + disputed by many, and partly on the strength of the present + passage.] + + [Footnote I.3: _A Water-Snake_)--Ver. 24. Pliny tells us that + the "hydrus" lives in the water, and is exceedingly venomous. Some + Commentators think that Phaedrus, like Aesop, intends to conceal a + political meaning under this Fable, and that by the Water-Snake he + means Caligula, and by the Log, Tiberius. Others, perhaps with + more probability, think that the cruelty of Tiberius alone is + alluded to in the mention of the snake. Indeed, it is doubtful + whether Phaedrus survived to the time of Caligula: and it is more + generally believed that the First and Second Books were written in + the time of Augustus and Tiberius.] + + +FABLE III. + +THE VAIN JACKDAW AND THE PEACOCK. + +That one ought not to plume oneself on the merits which belong to +another, but ought rather to pass his life in his own proper guise, Aesop +has given us this illustration:-- + +A Jackdaw, swelling[4] with empty pride, picked up some feathers which +had fallen from a Peacock, and decked himself out {therewith}; upon +which, despising his own {kind}, he mingled with a beauteous flock of +Peacocks. They tore his feathers from off the impudent bird, and put him +to flight with their beaks. The Jackdaw, {thus} roughly handled, in +grief hastened to return to his own kind; repulsed by whom, he had to +submit to sad disgrace. Then said one of those whom he had formerly +despised: "If you had been content with our station, and had been ready +to put up with what nature had given, you would neither have experienced +the former affront, nor would your ill fortune have had to feel {the +additional pang} of this repulse." + + [Footnote I.4: _A Jackdaw, swelling_)--Ver. 4. Scheffer thinks + that Sejanus is alluded to under this image.] + + +FABLE IV. + +THE DOG CARRYING SOME MEAT ACROSS A RIVER. + +He who covets what belongs to another, deservedly loses his own. + +As a Dog, swimming[5] through a river, was carrying a piece of meat, he +saw his own shadow in the watery mirror; and, thinking that it was +another booty carried by another {dog}, attempted to snatch it away; but +his greediness {was} disappointed, he both dropped the food which he was +holding in his mouth, and was after all unable to reach that at which he +grasped. + + [Footnote I.5: _As a Dog swimming_)--Ver. 9. Lessing finds + some fault with the way in which this Fable is related, and with + fair reason. The Dog swimming would be likely to disturb the water + to such a degree, that it would be impossible for him to see with + any distinctness the reflection of the meat. The version which + represents him as crossing a bridge is certainly more consistent + with nature.] + + +FABLE V. + +THE COW, THE SHE-GOAT, THE SHEEP, AND THE LION. + +An alliance with the powerful is never to be relied upon: the present +Fable testifies the truth of my maxim. + +A Cow, a She-Goat, and a Sheep[6] patient under injuries, were partners +in the forests with a Lion. When they had captured a Stag of vast bulk, +thus spoke the Lion, after it had been divided into shares: "Because my +name is Lion, I take the first; the second you will yield to me because +I am courageous; then, because I am the strongest,[7] the third will +fall to my lot; if anyone touches the fourth, woe betide him." + +Thus did unscrupulousness seize upon the whole prey for itself. + + [Footnote I.6: _And a Sheep_)--Ver. 3. Lessing also censures + this Fable on the ground of the partnership being contrary to + nature; neither the cow, the goat, nor the sheep feed on flesh.] + + [Footnote I.7: _I am the strongest_)--Ver. 9. Some critics + profess to see no difference between "sum fortis" in the eighth + line, and "plus valeo" here; but the former expression appears to + refer to his courage, and the latter to his strength. However, the + second and third reasons are nothing but reiterations of the first + one, under another form. Davidson remarks on this passage: "I am + not certain that the Poet meant any distinction; nay, there is, + perhaps, a propriety in supposing that he industriously makes the + Lion plead twice upon the same title, to represent more strongly + by what unjust claims men in power often invade the property of + another."] + + +FABLE VI. + +THE FROGS' COMPLAINT AGAINST THE SUN. + +Aesop, on seeing the pompous wedding of a thief, who was his neighbour, +immediately began to relate the following story: + +Once on a time, when the Sun was thinking of taking a wife,[8] the Frogs +sent forth their clamour to the stars. Disturbed by their croakings, +Jupiter asked the cause of their complaints. Then {said} one of the +inhabitants of the pool: "As it is, by himself he parches up all the +standing waters, and compels us unfortunates to languish and die in +{our} scorched abode. What is to become of us, if he beget children?" + + [Footnote I.8: _Taking a wife_)--Ver. 3. It has been suggested + by Brotier and Desbillons, that in this Fable Phaedrus covertly + alludes to the marriage which was contemplated by Livia, or + Livilla, the daughter of the elder Drusus and Antonia, and the + wife of her first-cousin, the younger Drusus, with the infamous + Sejanus, the minister and favourite of Tiberius, after having, + with his assistance, removed her husband by poison. In such case, + the Frogs will represent the Roman people, the Sun Sejanus, who + had greatly oppressed them, and by Jupiter, Tiberius will be + meant.] + + +FABLE VII. + +THE FOX AND THE TRAGIC MASK. + +A Fox, by chance, casting his eyes on a Tragic Mask: "Ah," said she, +"great as is its beauty, still it has no brains."[9] + +This is meant for those to whom fortune has granted honor and renown, +leaving them void of common sense. + + [Footnote I.9: _Has no brains_)--Ver. 2. To make the sense of + this remark of the Fox the more intelligible, we must bear in mind + that the ancient masks covered the whole head, and sometimes + extended down to the shoulders; consequently, their resemblance to + the human head was much more striking than in the masks of the + present day.] + + +FABLE VIII. + +THE WOLF AND THE CRANE. + +He who expects a recompense for his services from the dishonest commits +a twofold mistake; first, because he assists the undeserving, and in the +next place, because he cannot be gone while he is yet safe. + +A bone that he had swallowed stuck in the jaws of a Wolf. Thereupon, +overcome by extreme pain, he began to tempt all and sundry by great +rewards to extract the cause of misery. At length, on his taking an +oath, a Crane was prevailed on, and, trusting the length of her neck to +his throat, she wrought, with danger to herself, a cure for the Wolf. +When she demanded the promised reward for this {service}, "You are an +ungrateful one," replied {the Wolf}, "to have taken your head in safety +out of my mouth, and {then} to ask for a reward." + + +FABLE IX. + +THE SPARROW AND THE HARE. + +Let us show, in a few lines, that it is unwise to be heedless[10] of +ourselves, while we are giving advice to others. + +A Sparrow upbraided a Hare that had been pounced upon by an Eagle, and +was sending forth piercing cries. "Where now," said he, "is that +fleetness for which you are so remarkable? Why were your feet {thus} +tardy?" While he was speaking, a Hawk seizes him unawares, and kills +him, shrieking aloud with vain complaints. The Hare, almost dead, as a +consolation in his agony, {exclaimed}: "You, who so lately, free from +care, were ridiculing my misfortunes, have now to deplore your own fate +with as woful cause." + + [Footnote I.10: _To be heedless_)--Ver. 1. "Cavere" is a word + of legal signification, meaning to give advice to a person by way + of assistance or precaution, as a patron to his client.] + + +FABLE X. + +THE WOLF, THE FOX, AND THE APE. + +Whoever has once become notorious by base fraud, even if he speaks the +truth, gains no belief. To this, a short Fable of Aesop bears witness. + +A Wolf indicted a Fox upon a charge of theft; the latter denied that she +was amenable to the charge. Upon this, the Ape sat as judge between +them; and when each of them had pleaded his cause, the Ape is said to +have pronounced {this} sentence: "You, {Wolf}, appear not to have lost +what you demand; I believe that you, {Fox}, have stolen what you so +speciously deny." + + +FABLE XI. + +THE ASS AND THE LION HUNTING. + +A dastard, who in his talk brags of his prowess, and is devoid of +courage,[11] imposes upon strangers, but is the jest of all who know +him. + +A Lion having resolved to hunt in company with an Ass, concealed him in +a thicket, and at the same time enjoined him to frighten the wild beasts +with his voice, to which they were unused, while he himself was to catch +them as they fled. Upon this, Long-ears, with all his might, suddenly +raised a cry, and terrified the beasts with {this} new cause of +astonishment.[12] While, in their alarm, they are flying to the +well-known outlets, they are overpowered by the dread onset of the Lion; +who, after he was wearied with slaughter, called forth the Ass {from his +retreat}, and bade him cease his clamour. On this the other, in his +insolence, {inquired}: "What think you of the assistance given by my +voice?" "Excellent!" said {the Lion}, "so much so, that if I had not +been acquainted with your spirit and your race, I should have fled in +alarm like {the rest}." + + [Footnote I.11: _Devoid of courage_)--Ver. 1. Burmann suggests, + with great probability, that Phaedrus had here in mind those + braggart warriors, who have been so well described by Plautus and + Terence, under the characters of Pyrgopolynices and Thraso.] + + [Footnote I.12: _This new cause of astonishment_)--Ver. 8. Never + having heard the voice of an ass in the forests before.] + + +FABLE XII. + +THE STAG AT THE STREAM. + +This story shows that what you contemn is often found of more utility +than what you load with praises. + +A Stag, when he had drunk at a stream, stood still, and gazed upon his +likeness in the water. While there, in admiration, he was praising his +branching horns, and finding fault with the extreme thinness of his +legs, suddenly roused by the cries of the huntsmen, he took to flight +over the plain, and with nimble course escaped the dogs. Then a wood +received the beast; in which, being entangled and caught by his horns, +the dogs began to tear him to pieces with savage bites. While dying, he +is said to have uttered these words: "Oh, how unhappy am I, who now too +late find out how useful to me were the things that I despised; and what +sorrow the things I used to praise, have caused me." + + +FABLE XIII. + +THE FOX AND THE RAVEN. + +He who is delighted at being flattered with artful words, {generally} +pays the ignominious penalty of a late repentance. + +As a Raven, perched in a lofty tree, was about to eat a piece of cheese, +stolen from a window,[13] a Fox espied him, {and} thereupon began thus +to speak: "O Raven, what a glossiness there is upon those feathers of +yours! What grace you carry in your shape and air! If you had a voice, +no bird whatever would be superior to you." On this, the other, while, +in his folly, attempting to show off his voice, let fall the cheese from +his mouth, which the crafty Fox with greedy teeth instantly snatched up. +Then, too late, the Raven, thus, in his stupidity overreached, heaved a +bitter sigh. + +By this story[14] it is shown, how much ingenuity avails, {and} how +wisdom is always an overmatch for strength. + + [Footnote I.13: _From a window_)--Ver. 3. Burmann suggests + that the window of a house in which articles of food were exposed + for sale, is probably meant.] + + [Footnote I.14: _By this story_)--Ver. 13. Heinsius thinks + this line and the next to be spurious; because, though Phaedrus + sometimes at the beginning mentions the design of his Fable, he + seldom does so at the end. In this conjecture he is followed by + Bentley, Sanadon, and many others of the learned.] + + + +FABLE XIV. + +THE COBBLER TURNED PHYSICIAN. + +A bungling Cobbler, broken down by want, having begun to practise physic +in a strange place, and selling his antidote[15] under a feigned name, +gained some reputation for himself by his delusive speeches. + +Upon this, the King of the city, who lay ill, being afflicted with a +severe malady, asked for a cup, for the purpose of trying him; and then +pouring water into it, and pretending that he was mixing poison with the +fellow's antidote, ordered him to drink it off, {in consideration of} a +stated reward. Through fear of death, the cobbler then confessed that +not by any skill in the medical art, but through the stupidity of the +public, he had gained his reputation. The King, having summoned a +council, thus remarked: "What think you of the extent of your madness, +when you do not hesitate to trust your lives[16] to one to whom no one +would trust his feet to be fitted with shoes?" + +This, I should say with good reason, is aimed at those through whose +folly impudence makes a profit. + + [Footnote I.15: _Selling his antidote_)--Ver. 3. "Antidotum" + probably means a universal remedy, capable of curing all natural + diseases, as well as neutralizing the effects of poison.] + + [Footnote I.16: _Trust your lives_)--Ver. 15. He seems to pun + upon the word "capita," as meaning not only "the life," but "the + head," in contradistinction to "the feet," mentioned in the next + line. As in l. 2 we find that he came to a place where he was not + known, we must suppose that the Cobbler confessed to the King his + former calling.] + + +FABLE XV. + +THE ASS AND THE OLD SHEPHERD. + +In a change of government, the poor change nothing beyond the name of +their master. That this is the fact this little Fable shows. + +A timorous Old Man was feeding an Ass in a meadow. Frightened by a +sudden alarm of the enemy, he tried to persuade the Ass to fly, lest +they should be taken prisoners. But he leisurely replied: "Pray, do you +suppose that the conqueror will place double panniers upon me?" The Old +Man said, "No." "Then what matters it to me, so long as I have to carry +my panniers, whom I serve?" + + +FABLE XVI. + +THE STAG, THE SHEEP, AND THE WOLF. + +When a rogue offers his name as surety in a doubtful case, he has no +design to act straight-forwardly, but is looking to mischief. + +A Stag asked a Sheep for a measure[17] of wheat, a Wolf being his +surety. The other, however, suspecting fraud, {replied}: "The Wolf has +always been in the habit of plundering and absconding; you, of rushing +out of sight with rapid flight: where am I to look for you both when the +day comes?"[18] + + [Footnote I.17: _For a measure_)--Ver. 3. Properly "modius;" + the principal dry measure of the Romans. It was equal to one-third + of the amphora, and therefore to nearly two gallons English.] + + [Footnote I.18: _Day comes_)--Ver. 6. "Quum dies adveniat," + a law term, signifying "when the day of payment comes."] + + +FABLE XVII. + +THE SHEEP, THE DOG, AND THE WOLF. + +Liars generally[19] pay the penalty of their guilt. + +A Dog, who was a false accuser, having demanded of a Sheep a loaf of +bread, which he affirmed he had entrusted to her charge; a Wolf, +summoned as a witness, affirmed that not only one was owing but ten. +Condemned on false testimony, the Sheep had to pay what she did not owe. +A few days after, the Sheep saw the Wolf lying in a pit. "This," said +she, "is the reward of villany, sent by the Gods." + + [Footnote I.19: _Liars generally_)--Ver. 1. It is supposed by + some that this Fable is levelled against the informers who + infested Rome in the days of Tiberius.] + + +FABLE XVIII. + +THE WOMAN IN LABOUR. + +No one returns with good will to the place which has done him a +mischief. + +Her months completed,[20] a Woman in labour lay upon the ground, +uttering woful moans. Her Husband entreated her to lay her body on the +bed, where she might with more ease deposit her ripe burden. "I feel far +from confident," said she, "that my pains can end in the place where +they originated." + + [Footnote I.20: _Her months completed_)--Ver. 2. Plutarch + relates this, not as a Fable, but as a true narrative.] + + +FABLE XIX. + +THE BITCH AND HER WHELPS. + +The fair words of a wicked man are fraught with treachery, and the +subjoined lines warn us to shun them. + +A Bitch, ready to whelp,[21] having entreated another that she might +give birth to her offspring in her kennel, easily obtained the favour. +Afterwards, on the other asking for her place back again, she renewed +her entreaties, earnestly begging for a short time, until she might be +enabled to lead forth her whelps when they had gained sufficient +strength. This time being also expired, {the other} began more urgently +to press for her abode: "If" said {the tenant}, "you can be a match for +me and my litter, I will depart from the place." + + [Footnote I.21: _Ready to whelp_)--Ver. 3. Justin, B. I., + c. 3, mentions this Fable with some little variation, as being + related by a Ligurian to Comanus, the son of King Nannus, who had + granted (about B.C. 540) some land to the Phocaeans for the + foundation of the city of Massilia; signifying thereby that the + natives would be quickly dispossessed by the newcomers.] + + +FABLE XX. + +THE HUNGRY DOGS. + +An ill-judged project is not only without effect, but also lures mortals +to their destruction. + +Some Dogs espied a raw hide sunk in a river. In order that they might +more easily get it out and devour it, they fell to drinking up the +water; they burst, however, and perished before they could reach what +they sought. + + +FABLE XXI. + +THE AGED LION, THE WILD BOAR, THE BULL, AND THE ASS. + +Whoever has fallen from a previous high estate, is in his calamity the +butt even of cowards. + +As a Lion, worn out with years, and deserted by his strength, lay +drawing his last breath, a Wild Boar came up to him, with flashing +tusks,[22] and with a blow revenged an old affront. Next, with hostile +horns, a Bull pierced the body of his foe. An Ass, on seeing the wild +beast maltreated with impunity, tore up his forehead with his heels. On +this, expiring, he {said}: "I have borne, with indignation, the insults +of the brave; but in being inevitably forced to bear with you, disgrace +to nature! I seem to die a double death." + + [Footnote I.22: _With flashing tusks_)--Ver. 5. "Fulmineus," + "lightning-like," is an epithet given by Ovid and Statius also, to + the tusks of the wild boar; probably by reason of their sharpness + and the impetuosity of the blow inflicted thereby. Scheffer + suggests that they were so called from their white appearance + among the black hair of the boar's head.] + + +FABLE XXII. + +THE MAN AND THE WEASEL. + +A Weasel, on being caught by a Man, wishing to escape impending death: +"Pray," said she, "do spare me, for 'tis I who keep your house clear of +troublesome mice." The Man made answer: "If you did so for my sake, it +would be a reason for thanking you, {and} I should have granted you the +pardon you entreat. But, inasmuch as you do your best that you may enjoy +the scraps which they would have gnawed, and devour the mice as well, +don't think of placing your pretended services to my account;" and so +saying, he put the wicked {creature} to death. + +Those persons ought to recognize this as applicable to themselves, whose +object is private advantage, and who boast to the unthinking of an +unreal merit. + + +FABLE XXIII. + +THE FAITHFUL DOG. + +The man who becomes liberal all of a sudden, gratifies the foolish, but +for the wary spreads his toils in vain. + +A Thief one night threw a crust of bread to a Dog, to try whether he +could be gained by the proffered victuals: "Hark you," said the Dog, "do +you think to stop my tongue so that I may not bark for my master's +property? You are greatly mistaken. For this sudden liberality bids me +be on the watch, that you may not profit by my neglect." + + +FABLE XXIV. + +THE FROG AND THE OX. + +The needy man, while affecting to imitate the powerful, comes to ruin. + +Once on a time, a Frog espied an Ox in a meadow, and moved with envy at +his vast bulk, puffed out her wrinkled skin, {and} then asked her young +ones whether she was bigger than the Ox. They said "No." Again, with +still greater efforts, she distended her skin, and in like manner +enquired which was the bigger:[23] they said: "The Ox." At last, while, +full of indignation, she tried, with all her might, to puff herself out, +she burst her body on the spot. + + [Footnote I.23: _Which was the bigger_)--Ver. 8. "Quis major + esset. Illi dixerunt Bovem." Bentley censures this line, and + thinks it spurious. In good Latin, he says "uter" would occupy the + place of "quis," and "bovem" would be replaced by "bos."] + + +FABLE XXV. + +THE DOG AND THE CROCODILE. + +Those who give bad advice to discreet persons, both lose their pains, +and are laughed to scorn. + +It has been related,[24] that Dogs drink at the river Nile running +along, that they may not be seized by the Crocodiles. Accordingly, a Dog +having begun to drink while running along, a Crocodile thus addressed +him: "Lap as leisurely as you like; drink on; come nearer, and don't be +afraid," said he. The other {replied}: "Egad, I would do so with all my +heart, did I not know that you are eager for my flesh." + + [Footnote I.24: _It has been related_)--Ver. 3. Pliny, in his + Natural History, B. viii. c. 40, and Aelian, in his Various and + Natural Histories, relate the same fact as to the dogs drinking of + the Nile. "To treat a thing, as the dogs do the Nile," was a + common proverb with the ancients, signifying to do it + superficially; corresponding with our homely saying, "To give it a + lick and a promise." Macrobius, in the Saturnalia, B. i. c. 2, + mentions a story, that after the defeat at Mutina, when enquiry + was made as to what had become of Antony, one of his servants made + answer: "He has done what the dogs do in Egypt, he drank and ran + away." + + +FABLE XXVI. + +THE FOX AND THE STORK. + +Harm should be done to no man; but if any one do an injury, this Fable +shows that he may be visited with a like return. + +A Fox is said to have given a Stork the first invitation to a banquet, +and to have placed before her some thin broth in a flat dish, of which +the hungry Stork could in no way get a taste. Having invited the Fox in +return, she set {before him} a narrow-mouthed jar,[25] full of minced +meat:[26] and, thrusting her beak into it, satisfied herself, {while} +she tormented her guest with hunger; who, after having in vain licked +the neck of the jar, as we have heard, thus addressed the foreign +bird:[27] "Every one is bound to bear patiently the results of his own +example." + + [Footnote I.25: _Of minced meat_)--Ver. 7. "Intritus cibus," + is thought here to signify a peculiar dish, consisting of bread + soaked in milk, cheese, garlic, and other herbs.] + + [Footnote I.26: _Narrow-mouthed jar_)--Ver. 8. The "lagena," + or "lagona," was a long-necked bottle or flagon, made of earth, + and much used for keeping wine or fruit.] + + [Footnote I.27: _The foreign bird_)--Ver. 11. Alluding + probably to the migratory habits of the stork, or the fact of her + being especially a native of Egypt.] + + +FABLE XXVII. + +THE DOG, THE TREASURE, AND THE VULTURE. + +This Fable may be applied to the avaricious, and to those, who, born to +a humble lot, affect to be called rich. + +Grubbing up human bones,[28] a Dog met with a Treasure; and, because he +had offended the Gods the Manes,[29] a desire for riches was inspired in +him, that so he might pay the penalty {due} to the holy character of the +place. Accordingly, while he was watching over the gold, forgetful of +food, he was starved to death; on which a Vulture, standing over him, is +reported to have said: "O Dog, you justly meet your death, who, begotten +at a cross-road, and bred up on a dunghill, have suddenly coveted regal +wealth." + + [Footnote I.28: _Human bones_)--Ver. 3. This plainly refers to + the custom which prevailed among the ancients, of burying golden + ornaments, and even money, with the dead; which at length was + practised to such an excess, that at Rome the custom was forbidden + by law. It was probably practised to a great extent by the people + of Etruria; if we may judge from the discoveries of golden + ornaments frequently made in their tombs.] + + [Footnote I.29: _Gods the Manes_)--Ver. 4. Perhaps by "Deos + Manes" are meant the good and bad Genii of the deceased.] + + +FABLE XXVIII. + +THE FOX AND THE EAGLE. + +Men, however high in station, ought to be on their guard against the +lowly; because, to ready address, revenge lies near at hand. + +An Eagle one day carried off the whelps of a Fox, and placed them in +{her} nest before her young ones, for them to tear in pieces as food. +The mother, following her, began to entreat that she would not cause +such sorrow to her miserable {suppliant}. The other despised her, as +being safe in the very situation of the spot. The Fox snatched from an +altar a burning torch, and surrounded the whole tree with flames, +intending to mingle anguish to her foe with the loss of her offspring. +The Eagle, that she might rescue her young ones from the peril of death, +in a suppliant manner restored to the Fox her whelps in safety. + + +FABLE XXIX. + +THE ASS DERIDING THE BOAR. + +Fools often, while trying to raise a silly laugh, provoke others by +gross affronts, and cause serious danger to themselves. + +An Ass meeting a Boar: "Good morrow to you, brother," says he. The other +indignantly rejects the salutation, and enquires why he thinks proper to +utter such an untruth. The Ass, with legs[30] crouching down, replies: +"If you deny that you are like me, at all events I have something very +like your snout." The Boar, just on the point of making a fierce attack, +suppressed his rage, and {said}: "Revenge were easy for me, but I +decline to be defiled with {such} dastardly blood." + + [Footnote I.30: _The ass, with legs_)--Ver. 7. This line is + somewhat modified in the translation.] + + +FABLE XXX. + +THE FROGS FRIGHTENED AT THE BATTLE OF THE BULLS. + +When the powerful[31] are at variance, the lowly are the sufferers. + +A Frog, viewing from a marsh, a combat of some Bulls: "Alas!" said she, +"what terrible destruction is threatening us." Being asked by another +why she said so, as the Bulls were contending for the sovereignty of the +herd, and passed their lives afar from them: "Their habitation is at a +distance," {said she}, "and they are of a different kind; still, he who +{is} expelled from the sovereignty of the meadow, will take to flight, +{and} come to the secret hiding-places in the fens, and trample and +crush us with his hard hoof. Thus does their fury concern our safety." + + [Footnote I.31: _When the powerful_)--Ver. 1. This is similar + to the line of Horace, "Quicquid delirant reges, plectuntur + Achivi."] + + +FABLE XXXI. + +THE KITE AND THE PIGEONS. + +He who entrusts himself to the protection of a wicked man, while he +seeks assistance, meets with destruction. + +Some Pigeons, having often escaped from a Kite, and by their swiftness +of wing avoided death, the spoiler had recourse to stratagem, and by a +crafty device of this nature, deceived the harmless race. "Why do you +prefer to live a life of anxiety, rather than conclude a treaty, and +make me {your} king, who can ensure your safety from every injury?" +They, putting confidence in him, entrusted themselves to the Kite, who, +on obtaining the sovereignty, began to devour them one by one, and to +exercise authority with his cruel talons. Then said one of those that +were left: "Deservedly are we smitten." + + + + +BOOK II. + + +THE PROLOGUE. + +The plan of Aesop is confined to instruction by examples; nor by Fables +is anything else[1] aimed at than that the errors of mortals may be +corrected, and persevering industry[2] exert itself. Whatever the +playful invention, therefore, of the narrator, so long as it pleases the +ear, and answers its purpose, it is recommended by its merits, not by +the Author's name. + +For my part, I will with all care follow the method of the sage;[3] but +if I should think fit to insert something[4] {of my own}, that variety +of subjects may gratify the taste, I trust, Reader, you will take it in +good part; provided that my brevity be a fair return for such a favour: +of which, that {my} praises may not be verbose, listen to the reason why +you ought to deny the covetous, {and} even to offer to the modest that +for which they have not asked. + + [Footnote II.1: _Is anything else_)--Ver. 2. Burmann thinks + that the object of the Author in this Prologue is to defend + himself against the censures of those who might blame him for not + keeping to his purpose, mentioned in the Prologue of the First + Book, of adhering to the fabulous matter used by Aesop, but mixing + up with such stories narratives of events that had happened in his + own time.] + + [Footnote II.2: _Persevering industry_)--Ver. 5. "Diligens + industria." An industry or ingenuity that exerts itself in trying + to discover the meaning of his Fables.] + + [Footnote II.3: _Of the sage_)--Ver. 8. Meaning Aesop.] + + [Footnote II.4: _To insert something_)--Ver. 9. He probably + alludes to such contemporary narratives as are found in Fable v. + of the present Book; in Fable x. of the Third; in B. IV., Fables + v., xxi., xxiv.; and B. V., Fables i., v., vii.] + + +FABLE I. + +THE LION, THE ROBBER, AND THE TRAVELLER. + +While a Lion was standing over a Bullock, which he had brought to the +ground, a Robber came up, and demanded a share. "I would give it you," +said {the Lion}, "were you not in the habit of taking without leave;" +and {so} repulsed the rogue. By chance, a harmless Traveller was led to +the same spot, and on seeing the wild beast, retraced his steps; on +which the Lion kindly said to him: "You have nothing to fear; boldly +take the share which is due to your modesty." Then having divided the +carcase, he sought the woods, that he might make room for the Man. + +A very excellent example, and worthy of all praise; but covetousness is +rich and modesty in want.[5] + + [Footnote II.5: _Modesty in want_)--Ver. 12. Martial has a + similar passage, B. iv., Epig. 9:-- + + "Semper eris pauper, si pauper es, Aemiliane, + Dantur opes nulli nunc nisi divitibus."] + + +FABLE II. + +THE TWO WOMEN OF DIFFERENT AGES BELOVED BY THE MIDDLE-AGED MAN. + +That the men, under all circumstances, are preyed upon by the women, +whether they love or are beloved, {this} truly we learn from examples. + +A Woman, not devoid of grace, held enthralled a certain Man of middle +age,[6] concealing her years by the arts of the toilet: a lovely Young +creature, too, had captivated the heart of the same person. Both, as +they were desirous to appear of the same age with him, began, each in +her turn, to pluck out the hair of the Man. While he imagined that he +was made trim by the care of the women, he suddenly found himself bald; +for the Young Woman had entirely pulled out the white hairs, the Old +Woman the black ones. + + [Footnote II.6: _Of middle age_)--Ver 8. It has been a matter + of doubt among Commentators to which "aetatis mediae" applies--the + man or the woman. But as she is called "anus," "an Old Woman," in + the last line, it is most probable that the man is meant.] + + +FABLE III. + +THE MAN AND THE DOG. + +A Man, torn by the bite of a savage Dog, threw a piece of bread, dipt in +his blood, to the offender; a thing that he had heard was a remedy for +the wound. Then said Aesop: "Don't do this before many dogs, lest they +devour us alive, when they know that such is the reward of guilt." + +The success of the wicked is a temptation to many. + + +FABLE IV. + +THE EAGLE, THE CAT, AND THE WILD SOW. + +An Eagle had made her nest at the top of an oak; a Cat who had found a +hole in the middle, had kittened {there}; a Sow, a dweller in the woods, +had laid her offspring at the bottom. Then thus does the Cat with deceit +and wicked malice, destroy the community so formed by accident. She +mounts up to the nest of the Bird: "Destruction," says she, "is +preparing for you, perhaps, too, for wretched me; for as you see, the +Sow, digging up the earth every day, is insidiously trying to overthrow +the oak, that she may easily seize our progeny on the ground." Having +{thus} spread terror, and bewildered {the Eagle's} senses, the Cat +creeps down to the lair of the bristly Sow: "In great danger," says she, +"are your offspring; for as soon as you go out to forage with your young +litter, the Eagle is ready to snatch away from you your little pigs." +Having filled this place likewise with alarm, she cunningly hides +herself in her safe hole. Thence she wanders forth on tiptoe by night, +and having filled herself and her offspring with food, she looks out all +day long, pretending alarm. Fearing the downfall, the Eagle sits still +in the branches; to avoid the attack of the spoiler, the Sow stirs not +abroad. Why make a long story? They perished through hunger, with their +young ones, and afforded the Cat and her kittens an ample repast. + +Silly credulity may take this as a proof how much evil a double-tongued +man may often contrive. + + +FABLE V. + +CAESAR TO THE CHAMBERLAIN. + +There is a certain set of busybodies at Rome, hurriedly running to and +fro, busily engaged in idleness, out of breath about nothing at all, +with much ado doing nothing, a trouble to themselves, and most annoying +to others. It is my object, by a true story, to reform this race, if +indeed I can: it is worth your while to attend. + +Tiberius Caesar, when on his way to Naples, came to his country-seat at +Misenum,[7] which, placed by the hand of Lucullus on the summit of the +heights, beholds the Sicilian sea in the distance, and that of Etruria +close at hand. One of the highly girt Chamberlains,[8] whose tunic of +Pelusian linen was nicely smoothed from his shoulders downwards, with +hanging fringes, while his master was walking through the pleasant +shrubberies, began with bustling officiousness to sprinkle[9] the +parched ground with a wooden watering-pot; but {only} got laughed at. +Thence, by short cuts {to him} well known, he runs before into another +walk,[10] laying the dust. Caesar takes notice of the fellow, and +discerns his object. Just as he is supposing that there is some +extraordinary good fortune in store for him: "Come hither," says his +master; on which he skips up to him, quickened by the joyous hope of a +sure reward. Then, in a jesting tone, thus spoke the mighty majesty of +the prince: "You have not profited much; your labour is all in vain; +manumission stands at a much higher price with me."[11] + + [Footnote II.7: _Country-seat at Misenum_)--Ver. 8. This villa + was situate on Cape Misenum, a promontory of Campania, near Baiae + and Cumae, so called from Misenus, the trumpeter of Aeneas, who was + said to have been buried there. The villa was originally built by + C. Marius, and was bought by Cornelia, and then by Lucullus, who + either rebuilt it or added extensively to it.] + + [Footnote II.8: _Of the chamberlains_)--Ver. 11. The + "atrienses" were a superior class of the domestic slaves. It was + their duty to take charge of the "atrium," or hall; to escort + visitors or clients, and to explain to strangers all matters + connected with the pictures, statues, and other decorations of the + house.] + + [Footnote II.9: _To sprinkle_)--Ver. 16. Burmann suggests that + this duty did not belong to the "atriensis," who would + consequently think that his courteous politeness would on that + account be still more pleasing to the Emperor.] + + [Footnote II.10: _Another walk_)--Ver. 18. The "xystus" was a + level piece of ground, in front of a portico, divided into + flower-beds of various shapes by borders of box.] + + [Footnote II.11: _Much higher price_)--Ver. 25. He alludes to + the Roman mode of manumission, or setting the slaves at liberty. + Before the master presented the slave to the Quaestor, to have the + "vindicta," or lictor's rod, laid on him, he turned him round and + gave him a blow on the face. In the word "veneunt," "sell," there + is a reference to the purchase of their liberty by the slaves, + which was often effected by means of their "peculium," or + savings.] + + +FABLE VI. + +THE EAGLE, THE CROW, AND THE TORTOISE. + +No one is sufficiently armed against the powerful; but if a wicked +adviser joins them, nothing can withstand such a combination of violence +and unscrupulousness.[12] + +An Eagle carried a Tortoise aloft, who had hidden her body in her horny +abode, and in her concealment could not, while thus sheltered, be +injured in any way. A Crow came through the air, and flying near, +exclaimed: "You really have carried off a rich prize in your talons; but +if I don't instruct you what you must do, in vain will you tire yourself +with the heavy weight." A share being promised her, she persuades the +Eagle to dash the hard shell from the lofty stars upon a rock, that, it +being broken to pieces, she may easily feed upon the meat. Induced by +her words, the Eagle attends to her suggestion, and at the same time +gives a large share of the banquet to her instructress. + +Thus she who had been protected by the bounty of nature, being an +unequal match for the two, perished by an unhappy fate. + + [Footnote II.12: Literally: Whatever violence and + unscrupulousness attack, comes.] + + +FABLE VII. + +THE MULES AND THE ROBBERS. + +Laden with burdens, two Mules were travelling along; the one was +carrying baskets[13] with money, the other sacks distended with store of +barley. The former, rich with his burden, goes exulting along, with neck +erect, and tossing to-and-fro upon his throat {his} clear-toned +bell:[14] his companion follows, with quiet and easy step. Suddenly some +Robbers rush from ambush upon them, and amid the slaughter[15] pierce +the Mule with a sword, and carry off the money; the valueless barley +they neglect. While, then, the one despoiled was bewailing their +mishaps: "For my part," says the other, "I am glad I was thought so +little of; for I have lost nothing, nor have I received hurt by a +wound." + +According to the moral of this Fable, poverty is safe; great riches are +liable to danger. + + [Footnote II.13: _Carrying baskets_)--Ver. 2. "Fisci" were + baskets made of twigs, or panniers, in which the Romans kept and + carried about sums of money. Being used especially in the Roman + treasury, the word in time came to signify the money itself. Hence + our word "fiscal."] + + [Footnote II.14: _Clear-toned bell_)--Ver. 5. Scheffer and + Gronovius think that the bell was used, as in some countries at + the present day, for the purpose of warning those who came in an + opposite direction to make room where the path was narrow.] + + [Footnote II.15: _Amid the slaughter_)--Ver. 8. He alludes no + doubt to the murder of the men conducting the mules by the + Robbers.] + + +FABLE VIII. + +THE STAG AND THE OXEN. + +A Stag, aroused from his woodland lair, to avoid impending death +threatened by huntsmen, repaired with blind fear to the nearest +farm-house, and hid himself in an ox-stall close at hand. Upon this, an +Ox said to him, as he concealed himself: "Why, what do you mean, unhappy +one, in thus rushing of your own accord upon destruction, and trusting +your life to the abode of man?" To this he suppliantly replied: "Do you +only spare me; the moment an opportunity is given I will again rush +forth." Night in her turn takes the place of day; the Neat-herd brings +fodder, but yet sees him not. All the farm servants pass and repass +every now and then; no one perceives him; even the Steward passes by, +nor does he observe anything. Upon this, the stag, in his joy, began to +return thanks to the Oxen who had kept so still, because they had +afforded him hospitality in the hour of adversity. One of them made +answer: "We really do wish you well; but if he, who has a hundred eyes, +should come, your life will be placed in great peril." In the meanwhile +the Master himself comes back from dinner; and having lately seen the +Oxen in bad condition, comes up to the rack: "Why," says he, "is there +so little fodder? Is litter scarce? What great trouble is it to remove +those spiders' webs?"[16] While he is prying into every corner, he +perceives too the branching horns of the Stag, and having summoned the +household, he orders him to be killed, and carries off the prize. + +This Fable signifies that the master sees better than any one else in +his own affairs. + + [Footnote II.16: _Those spiders' webs_)--Ver. 23. The mode of + clearing away the spider webs may be seen described in the + beginning of the "Stichus" of Plautus.] + + +THE EPILOGUE. + +The Athenians erected a statue to the genius of Aesop, and placed him, +though a slave, upon an everlasting pedestal, that all might know that +the way to fame is open to all, and that glory is not awarded to birth +but to merit. Since another[17] has prevented me from being the first, +I have made it my object, a thing which still lay in my power, that he +should not be the only one. Nor is this envy, but emulation; and if +Latium shall favour my efforts, she will have still more {authors} whom +she may match with Greece. {But} if jealousy shall attempt to detract +from my labours, still it shall not deprive me of the consciousness of +deserving praise. If my attempts reach your ears, and {your} taste +relishes {these} Fables, as being composed with skill, {my} success +{then} banishes every complaint. But if, on the contrary, my learned +labours fall into the hands of those whom a perverse nature has brought +to the light of day, and {who} are unable to do anything except carp at +their betters, I shall endure my unhappy destiny[18] with strength of +mind, until Fortune is ashamed of her own injustice. + + [Footnote II.17: _Since another_)--Ver. 5. He probably refers + to Aesop: though Heinsius thinks that he refers to C. Mecaenas + Melissus, mentioned by Ovid, in his Pontic Epistles, B. iv., El. + xvi., l. 30, a freedman of Mecaenas, who compiled a book of jests + partly from the works of Aesop. Burmann, however, ridicules this + supposition.] + + [Footnote II.18: _Unhappy destiny_)--Ver. 17. The words + "fatale exitium" have been considered as being here + inappropriately used. It is very doubtful whether the last part of + this Epilogue is genuine.] + + + + +BOOK III. + + +THE PROLOGUE. + +TO EUTYCHUS.[1] + +If you have a desire, Eutychus, to read the little books of Phaedrus, you +must keep yourself disengaged from business, that your mind, at liberty, +may relish the meaning of the lines. "But," you say, "my genius is not +of such great value, that a moment of time should be lost {for it} to my +own pursuits." There is no reason then why that should be touched by +your hands which is not suited for ears so engaged. Perhaps you will +say, "some holidays will come,[2] which will invite me to study with +mind unbent." Will you {rather}, I ask you, read worthless ditties,[3] +than bestow attention upon your domestic concerns, give moments to your +friends, your leisure to your wife, relax your mind, and refresh your +body, in order that you may return more efficiently to your wonted +duties? You must change your purpose and your mode of life, if you have +thoughts of crossing the threshold of the Muses. I, whom my mother +brought forth on the Pierian hill,[4] upon which hallowed Mnemosyne, +nine times fruitful, bore the choir of Muses to thundering Jove: +although I was born almost in the very school itself, and have entirely +erased {all} care for acquiring wealth from my breast, and with the +approval of many have applied myself to these pursuits, am still with +difficulty received into the choir {of the Poets}. What do you imagine +must be the lot of him who seeks, with ceaseless vigilance, to amass +great wealth, preferring the sweets of gain to the labours of learning? + +But now, come of it what may (as Sinon said[5] when he was brought +before the King of Dardania), I will trace a third book with the pen of +Aesop, and dedicate it to you, in acknowledgment of your honor and your +goodness.[6] If you read it, I shall rejoice; but if otherwise, at least +posterity will have something with which to amuse themselves. + +Now will I explain in a few words why Fabulous narrative was invented. +Slavery,[7] subject to the will of another, because it did not dare to +say what it wished, couched its sentiments in Fables, and by pleasing +fictions eluded censure. In place of its foot-path I have made a road, +and have invented more than it left, selecting some points to my own +misfortune.[8] But if any other than Sejanus[9] had been the informer, +if any other the witness, if any other the judge, in fine, I should +confess myself deserving of such severe woes; nor should I soothe my +sorrow with these expedients. If any one shall make erroneous surmises, +and apply to himself what is applicable to all in common, he will +absurdly expose the secret convictions of his mind. And still, to him I +would hold myself excused; for it is no intention of mine to point at +individuals, but to describe life itself and the manners of mankind. +Perhaps some one will say, that I undertake a weighty task. If Aesop of +Phrygia, if Anacharsis of Scythia[10] could, by their genius, found a +lasting fame, why should I who am more nearly related to learned Greece, +forsake in sluggish indolence the glories of my country? especially as +the Thracian race numbers its own authors, and Apollo was the parent of +Linus, a Muse of Orpheus, who with his song moved rocks and tamed wild +beasts, and held the current of Hebrus in sweet suspense. Away then, +envy! nor lament in vain, because to me the customary fame is due. + +I have urged you to read {these lines}; I beg that you will give me your +sincere opinion[11] of them with {your} well-known candour. + + [Footnote III.1: _Eutychus_)--Ver. 2. It is not known with + certainty who this Eutychus was to whom he addresses himself. It + has been suggested that he is the same person who is mentioned by + Josephus, Antiq. B. xix., c. 4, as flourishing at the Court of + Caligula, and who had previously been a charioteer and inspector + of buildings at the stables of Claudius. He is also supposed, from + the words of the Epilogue of this Book, line 20-26, to have held + more than one public office. It has been suggested that he was the + freedman of the Emperor Claudius or Augustus, an inscription + having been found in the tomb of the freedmen of the latter to C. + Julius Eutychus. But it is hardly probable that he is the person + meant; as there is little doubt that Phaedrus wrote the present + Book of Fables long after the time of Augustus. Indeed it has been + suggested by some that he wrote it as late as the reign of + Caligula.] + + [Footnote III.2: _Some holidays_)--Ver. 8. The Romans had + three kinds of public "feriae," or holidays, which all belonged to + the "dies nefasti," or days on which no public business could be + done. These were the "feriae stativae," "conceptivae," and + "imperativae." The first were held regularly, and on stated days + set forth in the Calendar. To these belonged the Lupercalia, + Carmentalia, and Agonalia. The "conceptivae," or "conceptae," were + moveable feasts held at certain seasons in every year, but not on + fixed days; the times for holding them being annually appointed by + the magistrates or priests. Among these were the "feriae Latinae," + Sementivae, Paganalia, and Compitalia. The "feriae imperativae" were + appointed to be held on certain emergencies by order of the + Consuls, Praetors, and Dictators; and were in general held to avert + national calamities or to celebrate great victories.] + + [Footnote III.3: _Worthless ditties_)--Ver. 10. "Naenia" were, + properly, the improvised songs that were sung at funerals by the + hired mourners, who were generally females. From their trivial + nature, the word came to be generally applied to all worthless + ditties, and under this name Phaedrus, with all humility, alludes + to his Fables.] + + [Footnote III.4: _On the Pierian Hill_)--Ver. 17. Judging from + this passage it would appear that Phaedrus was a Macedonian by + birth, and not, as more generally stated, a Thracian. Pieria was a + country on the south-east coast of Macedonia, through which ran a + ridge of mountains, a part of which were called Pieria, or the + Pierian mountain. The inhabitants are celebrated in the early + history of the music and poesy of Greece, as their country was one + of the earliest seats of the worship of the Muses, and Orpheus was + said to have been buried there. It is most probable that Phaedrus + was carried away in slavery to Rome in his early years, and that + he remembered but little of his native country.] + + [Footnote III.5: _As Sinon said_)--Ver. 27. He here alludes to + the words of Sinon, the Grecian spy, when brought before Priam, in + the Second Book of Virgil, 77-78:-- + + "Cuncta equidem tibi, rex, fuerit quodcumque fatebor + Vera, inquit----" + + Others, again, suppose that this was a proverbial expression in + general use at Rome. It is not improbable that it may have become + so on being adopted from the work of Virgil: "Come what may of it, + as Sinon said."] + + [Footnote III.6: _And your goodness_)--Ver. 30. "Honori et + meritis dedicam illum tuis." We learn from ancient inscriptions + that this was a customary formula in dedications.] + + [Footnote III.7: _Slavery_)--Ver. 34. He probably alludes to + Aesop's state of slavery, in the service of the philosopher + Xanthus.] + + [Footnote III.8: _To my own misfortune_)--Ver. 40. He + evidently alludes to some misfortune which has befallen him in + consequence of having alluded in his work to the events of his own + times. It has been suggested that he fell under the displeasure of + Tiberius and his minister Sejanus, in consequence of the covert + allusions made to them in Fables II and VI in the First Book. This + question is, however, involved in impenetrable obscurity.] + + [Footnote III.9: _Than Sejanus_)--Ver. 41. He means that Aelius + Sejanus had acted against him as both informer, witness, and + judge; but that had an honest man condemned him to the sufferings + he then experienced, he should not have complained. The nature of + the punishment here alluded to is not known.] + + [Footnote III.10: _Anacharsis of Scythia_)--Ver. 52. + A Scythian philosopher, and supposed contemporary of Aesop. He came + to Athens in pursuit of knowledge while Solon was the lawgiver of + that city. He is said to have written works on legislation and the + art of war.] + + +FABLE I. + +THE OLD WOMAN AND THE CASK. + +An Old Woman espied a Cask,[12] which had been drained to the dregs, +lying on the ground, {and} which still spread forth from its ennobled +shell a delightful smell of the Falernian lees.[13] After she had +greedily snuffed it up her nostrils with all her might; "O delicious +fragrance,[14]" said she, "how good I should say were your former +contents, when the remains of them are such!" + +What this refers to let him say who knows me.[15] + + [Footnote III.11: _Nearer to learned Greece_)--Ver. 54. + Alluding to Pieria, the place of his birth. The people of Pieria + were supposed to have been of Thracian origin.] + + [Footnote III.12: _A cask_)--Ver. 1. "Amphoram." Properly, the + "amphora," or earthen vessel with two handles, in which wine was + usually kept.] + + [Footnote III.13: _Falernian Lees_)--Ver. 2. The Falernian + wine held the second rank in estimation among the Romans. The + territory where it was grown commenced at the "Pons Campanus," and + extended from the Massic Hills to the river Vulturnus. Pliny + mentions three kinds, the rough, the sweet, and the thin. It is + supposed to have been of an amber colour, and of considerable + strength. It was the custom to write the age of the wine and the + vintage on the "amphora," or cask.] + + [Footnote III.14: _O, delicious fragrance_)--Ver. 5. "Anima," + most probably applies to the savour or smell of the wine; though + some Commentators have thought that she addresses the cask as + "anima," meaning "O dear soul;" others, that she speaks of the + wine as being the soul of life; while Walchius seems to think that + she is addressing her own soul, which is quite cheered by the + fumes.] + + [Footnote III.15: _Who knows me_)--Ver. 7. Burmann thinks that + the author covertly hints here at the habits of the Emperor + Tiberius in his old age, who still hankered after those vicious + indulgences which had been his main pursuits in his former days; + or else that the Poet simply refers to human life, in the same + spirit in which Seneca, Ep. lvii., calls old age, "faex vitae," "the + lees of life." Others again suppose that Phaedrus alludes to his + own old age, and means that those who knew him when this Fable was + written, may judge from their present acquaintance with him what + he must have been in his younger days. Heinsius thinks that it + refers to the present state of servitude of Phaedrus, compared with + his former liberty; but, if he was manumitted, as generally + supposed, by Augustus, and this Fable was not written till after + the death of Sejanus, that cannot be the case.] + + +FABLE II. + +THE PANTHER AND THE SHEPHERD. + +Repayment in kind is generally made by those who are despised. + +A Panther[16] had once inadvertently fallen into a pit. The rustics saw +her; some belaboured her with sticks, others pelted her with stones; +while some, on the other hand, moved with compassion, seeing that she +must die even though no one should hurt her, threw her some bread to +sustain existence. Night comes on apace; homeward they go without +concern, making sure of finding her dead on the following day. She, +however, after having recruited her failing strength, with a swift bound +effected her escape from the pit, and with hurried pace hastened to her +den. A few days intervening, she sallies forth, slaughters the flocks, +kills the shepherds themselves, and laying waste every side, rages with +unbridled fury. Upon this those who had shown mercy to the beast, +alarmed for their safety, made no demur to the loss {of their flocks, +and} begged only for their lives. But she {thus answered them}: +"I remember him who attacked me with stones, {and} him who gave me +bread; lay aside your fears; I return as an enemy to those {only} who +injured me." + + [Footnote III.16: _A Panther_)--Ver. 2. Some have suggested, + Burmann and Guyetus in the number, that by the Panther is meant + Tiberius, who, during his banishment to the isle of Rhodes, + occupied himself in studying how to wreak his vengeance upon his + enemies at Rome, and, with the fury of the Panther, as soon as he + had the opportunity, glutted his vengeance. This notion, however, + seems more ingenious than well founded.] + + +FABLE III. + +AESOP AND THE FARMER. + +One taught by experience is proverbially said to be more quick-{witted} +than a wizard, but the reason is not told; which, now for the first +time, shall be made known by my Fable. + +The ewes of a certain Man who reared flocks, brought forth lambs with +human heads. Dreadfully alarmed at the prodigy, he runs full of concern +to the soothsayers. One answers that it bears reference to the life of +the owner, and that the danger must be averted with a victim. Another, +no wiser, affirms that it is meant that his wife is an adultress, and +his children are spurious; but that it can be atoned for by a victim of +greater age.[17] Why enlarge? They all differ in opinions, and greatly +aggravate the anxiety of the Man. Aesop being at hand, a sage of nice +discernment, whom nature could never deceive {by appearances}, +remarked:-- "If you wish, Farmer, to take due precautions against +{this} portent, find wives for your shepherds."[18] + + [Footnote III.17: _Of greater age_)--Ver. 11. "Majori hostia;" + probably, a sheep of two years old instead of a lamb.] + + [Footnote III.18: _For your shepherds_)--Ver. 17. Plutarch + introduces Thales in his "Convivium Sapientium," as telling a + somewhat similar story. Phaedrus might, with better grace, have + omitted this so-called Fable.] + + +FABLE IV. + +THE BUTCHER AND THE APE. + +A man seeing an Ape hanging up at a Butcher's among the rest of his +commodities and provisions, enquired how it might taste;[19] on which +the Butcher, joking, replied: "Just as the head is, such, I warrant, is +the taste." + + [Footnote III.19: _How it might taste_)--Ver. 3. The Butcher + puns upon the twofold meaning of "sapio," "to taste of," or "have + a flavour," and "to be wise." The customer uses the word in the + former sense, while the Butcher answers it in the latter, and + perhaps in the former as well; "Such as the head is," pointing to + it, "I'll warrant the wisdom of the animal to be;" the words at + the same time bearing the meaning of, "It has an ape's head, and + therefore it can only taste like the head of an ape." "Sapor" + ordinarily means "flavour," or "taste;" but Cicero uses it in the + signification of wisdom or genius. Many other significations of + this passage have been suggested by the various Editors.] + + +This I deem to be said more facetiously than correctly; for on the one +hand I have often found the good-looking to be very knaves, and on the +other I have known many with ugly features to be most worthy men. + + +FABLE V. + +AESOP AND THE INSOLENT MAN. + +Success leads many astray to their ruin. + +An Insolent Fellow threw a stone at Aesop. "Well done," said he, and then +gave him a penny, thus continuing: "Upon my faith I have got no more, +but I will show you where you can get some; see, yonder comes a rich and +influential man; throw a stone at him in the same way, and you will +receive a due reward." The other, being persuaded, did as he was +advised. His daring impudence, however, was disappointed of its hope, +for, being seized, he paid the penalty on the cross.[20] + + [Footnote III.20: _On the cross_)--Ver. 10. The cross was + especially used as an instrument of punishment for malefactors of + low station, and, as we see here, sometimes on very trivial + occasions.] + + +FABLE VI. + +THE FLY AND THE MULE. + +A Fly sat on the pole of a chariot, and rebuking the Mule: "How slow you +are," said she; "will you not go faster? Take care that I don't prick +your neck with my sting." The Mule made answer: "I am not moved by your +words, but I fear him who, sitting on the next seat, guides my yoke[21] +with his pliant whip, and governs my mouth with the foam-covered reins. +Therefore, cease your frivolous impertinence, for I well know when to go +at a gentle pace, and when to run." + +In this Fable, he may be deservedly ridiculed, who, without {any} +strength, gives utterance to vain threats. + + [Footnote III.21: _Guides my yoke_)--Ver. 6. "Jugum meum;" + meaning, "me who bear the yoke."] + + +FABLE VII. + +THE DOG AND THE WOLF. + +I will shew in a few words how sweet is Liberty. + +A Wolf, quite starved with hunger, chanced to meet a well-fed Dog, and +as they stopped to salute each other, "Pray," {said the Wolf}, "how is +it that you are so sleek? or on what food have you made so much flesh? +I, who am far stronger, am perishing with hunger." The Dog frankly +{replied}: "You may enjoy the same condition, if you can render the like +service to your master." "What {is it}?" said the other. "To be the +guardian of his threshold, {and} to protect the house from thieves at +night." "I am quite ready for that," {said the Wolf}; "at present I have +to endure snow and showers, dragging on a wretched existence in the +woods. How much more pleasant for me to be living under a roof, and, at +my ease, to be stuffed with plenty of victuals." "Come along, then, with +me," {said the Dog}. As they were going along, the Wolf observed the +neck of the Dog, where it was worn with the chain. "Whence comes this, +my friend?" "Oh, it is nothing.[22]" "Do tell me, though." "Because I +appear to be fierce, they fasten me up in the day-time, that I may be +quiet when it is light, and watch when night comes; unchained at +midnight, I wander wherever I please. Bread is brought me without my +asking; from his own table my master gives me bones; the servants throw +me bits, and whatever dainties each person leaves; thus, without trouble +{on my part}, is my belly filled." "Well, if you have a mind to go +anywhere, are you at liberty?" "Certainly not," replied {the Dog}. +"{Then}, Dog, enjoy what you boast of; I would not be a king, to lose my +liberty." + + [Footnote III.22: _It is nothing_)--Ver. 17. "Nihil est." This + was a form of expression used when they wished to cut short any + disagreable question, to which they did not think fit to give a + direct answer.] + + +FABLE VIII. + +THE BROTHER AND SISTER. + +Warned by this lesson, often examine yourself. + +A certain Man had a very ugly Daughter, and also a Son, remarkable for +his handsome features. These, diverting themselves, as children do, +chanced to look into a mirror, as it lay upon their mother's chair.[23] +He praises his own good looks; she is vexed, and cannot endure the +raillery of her boasting brother, construing everything (and how could +she do otherwise?) as a reproach {against herself}. Accordingly, off she +runs to her Father, to be avenged {on him} in her turn, and with great +rancour, makes a charge against the Son, how that he, though a male, has +been meddling with a thing that belongs to the women. Embracing them +both, kissing them, and dividing his tender affection between the two, +he said: "I wish you both to use the mirror every day: you, that you may +not spoil your beauty by vicious conduct; you, that you may make amends +by your virtues for your looks." + + [Footnote III.23: _Their mother's chair_)--Ver. 4. The + "cathedra" was properly a soft or easy chair used in the + "gynaecaea," or women's apartments. These were of various forms and + sizes, and had backs to them; it was considered effeminate for the + male sex to use them. "Sellae" was the name of seats common to both + sexes. The use of the "speculum," or mirror, was also confined to + the female sex; indeed, even Pallas or Minerva was represented as + shunning its use, as only befitting her more voluptuous + fellow-goddess, Venus.] + + +FABLE IX. + +SOCRATES TO HIS FRIENDS. + +The name of a friend is common; but fidelity is rarely found. + +Socrates having laid for himself the foundation of a small house (a man, +whose death I would not decline, if I could acquire {similar} fame, and +{like him} I could yield to envy, if I might be but acquitted[24] when +ashes); one of the people, no matter who, {amongst such passing remarks} +as are usual in these cases, asked: "Why do you, so famed as you are, +build so small a house?" + +"I {only} wish," he replied, "I could fill it with real friends." + + [Footnote III.24: _I might be acquitted_)--Ver. 4. He alludes + to the fate of Socrates, who, after he was put to death by his + countrymen, was publicly pronounced to be innocent, and a statue + was erected in his honour.] + + +FABLE X. + +THE POET, ON BELIEVING, AND NOT BELIEVING. + +It is dangerous alike to believe or to disbelieve. Of either fact, +I will briefly lay before you an instance. + +Hippolytus met his death,[25] because his step-mother was believed: +because Cassandra was not believed, Troy fell. Therefore, we ought to +examine strictly into the truth of a matter, rather than {suffer} an +erroneous impression to pervert our judgment. But, that I may not weaken +{this truth} by referring to fabulous antiquity, I will relate to you a +thing that happened within my own memory. + +A certain married Man, who was very fond of his Wife, having now +provided the white toga[26] for his Son, was privately taken aside by +his Freedman, who hoped that he should be substituted as his next heir, +{and} who, after telling many lies about the youth, and still more about +the misconduct of the chaste Wife, added, what he knew would especially +grieve one so fond, that a gallant was in the habit of paying her +visits, and that the honor of his house was stained with base adultery. +Enraged at the supposed guilt of his Wife, the husband pretended a +journey to his country-house, and privately stayed behind in town; then +at night he suddenly entered at the door, making straight to his Wife's +apartment, in which the mother had ordered her son to sleep, keeping a +strict eye over his ripening years. While they are seeking for a light, +while the servants are hurrying to and fro, unable to restrain the +violence of his raging passion, he approaches the bed, and feels a head +in the dark. When he finds the hair cut close,[27] he plunges his sword +into {the sleeper's} breast, caring for nothing, so he but avenge his +injury. A light being brought, at the same instant he beholds his son, +and his chaste wife sleeping in her apartment; who, fast locked in her +first sleep, had heard nothing: on the spot he inflicted punishment on +himself for his guilt, and fell upon the sword which a too easy belief +had unsheathed. The accusers indicted the woman, and dragged her to +Rome, before the Centumviri.[28] Innocent as she was, dark suspicion +weighed heavily against her, because she had become possessor of his +property: her patrons stand[29] and boldly plead the cause of the +guiltless woman. The judges then besought the Emperor Augustus that he +would aid them in the discharge of their oath, as the intricacy of the +case had embarrassed them. After he had dispelled the clouds raised by +calumny, and had discovered a sure source of truth[30]: "Let the +Freedman," said he, "the cause of the mischief, suffer punishment; but +as for her, at the same instant bereft of a son, and deprived of a +husband, I deem her to be pitied rather than condemned. If the father of +the family had thoroughly enquired into the charge preferred, and had +shrewdly sifted the lying accusations, he would not, by a dismal crime, +have ruined his house from the very foundation." + +Let the ear despise nothing, nor yet let it accord implicit belief at +once: since not only do those err whom you would be far from suspecting, +but those who do not err are {sometimes} falsely and maliciously +accused. + +This also may be a warning to the simple, not to form a judgment on +anything according to the opinion of another; for the different aims of +mortals either follow the bias of their goodwill or their prejudice. He +{alone} will be correctly estimated {by you}, whom you judge of by +personal experience. + +These points I have enlarged upon, as by too great brevity I have +offended some. + + [Footnote III.25: _Met his death_)--Ver. 3. The story of + Hippolytus, who met his death in consequence of the treachery of + his step-mother Phaedra, is related at length in the Play of + Euripides of that name, and in the Fifteenth Book of Ovid's + Metamorphoses. The fate of Cassandra, the daughter of Priam, who + in vain prophesied the fall of Troy, is related in the Second Book + of the Aeneid, l. 246, _et seq._] + + [Footnote III.26: _The white toga_)--Ver. 10. The "toga + praetexta," or Consular robe, was worn by the male children of the + Romans till their sixteenth year; when they assumed the ordinary + "toga," which was called "pura," because it had no purple border, + and was entirely white.] + + [Footnote III.27: _The hair cut close_)--Ver. 27. This is + appropriately introduced, as the hair of youths was allowed to + grow long until they had reached the age of manhood, on which it + was cut close, and consecrated to the Gods.] + + [Footnote III.28: _The Centumviri_)--Ver. 35. The "Centumviri" + were a body of 105 officers, whose duty it was to assist the + praetor in litigated questions. They were sometimes called "judices + selecti," or "commissioned judges."] + + [Footnote III.29: _The patrons stand_)--Ver. 37. The patrons + stood while pleading the causes of their clients, while the judges + sat, as with us.] + + [Footnote III.30: _Sure source of truth_)--Ver. 43. It is + suggested that the source of information here alluded to was the + evidence of the slaves, who had heard their master mention in his + last moments the treachery of his freedman. It is not probable + that the freedman voluntarily came forward, and declared the truth + to Augustus. In l. 39, Augustus is called "Divus," as having been + deified after his death. Domitian was the first who was so called + during his lifetime.] + + +FABLE XI. + +THE EUNUCH TO THE ABUSIVE MAN. + +A Eunuch had a dispute with a scurrilous fellow, who, in addition to +obscene remarks and insolent abuse, reproached him with the misfortune +of his mutilated person. "Look you," said {the Eunuch}, "this is the +only point as to which I am effectually staggered, forasmuch as I want +the evidences of integrity. But why, simpleton, do you charge me with +the faults of fortune? That {alone} is really disgraceful to a man, +which he has deserved to suffer."[31] + + [Footnote III.31: _Deserved to suffer_)--Ver. 7. Though this + moral may apply to all misfortunes in general, it is supposed by + some of the Commentators that by the insulter some individual + notorious for his adulteries was intended to be represented; who + consequently merited by law to be reduced to the same situation as + the innocent Eunuch.] + + +FABLE XII. + +THE COCK AND THE PEARL. + +A young Cock, while seeking for food on a dunghill, found a Pearl, and +exclaimed: "What a fine thing are you to be lying in {so} unseemly a +place. If any one sensible of your value had espied you here, you would +long ago have returned to your former brilliancy. And it is I who have +found you, I to whom food is far preferable! I can be of no use to you +or you to me." + +This I relate for those who have no relish for me.[32] + + [Footnote III.32: _Have no relish for me_)--Ver. 8. From this + passage we may infer either that Phaedrus himself had many + censurers at Rome, or that the people in general were not admirers + of Fables.] + + +FABLE XIII. + +THE BEES AND THE DRONES, THE WASP SITTING AS JUDGE. + +Some Bees had made their combs in a lofty oak. Some lazy Drones asserted +that these belonged to them. The cause was brought into court, the Wasp +{sitting as} judge; who, being perfectly acquainted with either race, +proposed to the two parties these terms: "Your shape is not unlike, and +your colour is similar; so that the affair clearly and fairly becomes a +matter of doubt. But that my sacred duty may not be at fault through +insufficiency of knowledge, {each of you} take hives, and pour your +productions into the waxen cells; that from the flavour of the honey and +the shape of the comb, the maker of them, about which the present +dispute exists, may be evident." The Drones decline; the proposal +pleases the Bees. Upon this, the Wasp pronounces sentence to the +following effect: "It is evident who cannot, and who did, make {them}; +wherefore, to the Bees I restore the fruits of their labours." + +This Fable I should have passed by in silence, if the Drones had not +refused the proposed stipulation.[33] + + +FABLE XIV. + +AESOP AT PLAY. + +An Athenian seeing Aesop in a crowd of boys at play with nuts,[34] +stopped and laughed at him for a madman. As soon as the Sage,--a laugher +at others rather than one to be laughed at,--perceived this, he placed +an unstrung bow in the middle of the road: "Hark you, wise man," said +he, "unriddle what I have done." The people gather round. The man +torments his invention a long time, but cannot make out the reason of +the proposed question. At last he gives up. Upon this, the victorious +Philosopher says: "You will soon break the bow, if you always keep it +bent; but if you loosen it, it will be fit for use when you want it." + +Thus ought recreation sometimes to be given to the mind, that it may +return to you better fitted for thought. + + [Footnote III.33: _The proposed stipulation_)--Ver. 17. It has + been suggested that Phaedrus here alludes to some who had laid + claim to the authorship of his Fables, and had refused a challenge + given by him, such as that here given to the Drones, to test the + correctness of their assertions.] + + [Footnote III.34: _At play with nuts_)--Ver. 2. It is thought + by Schwabe that Phaedrus wrote this Fable in defence of his early + patron Augustus, against those who censured him for the levity of + his conduct in his old age, as we learn from Suetonius that he + amused himself with fishing, playing with dice, pebbles, or nuts + with boys. --For some account of Roman games with nuts, see "The + Walnut-tree," a fragment of Ovid, in vol. iii. p. 491, of Bohn's + Translation of that author.] + + +FABLE XV. + +THE DOG TO THE LAMB. + +A Dog said to a Lamb[35] bleating among some She-Goats: "Simpleton, you +are mistaken; your mother is not here;" and pointed out some Sheep at a +distance, in a flock by themselves. "I am not looking for her," {said +the Lamb}, "who, when she thinks fit, conceives, then carries her +unknown burden for a certain number of months, and at last empties out +the fallen bundle; but for her who, presenting her udder, nourishes me, +and deprives her young ones of milk that I may not go without." "Still," +said the Dog, "she ought to be preferred who brought you forth." "Not at +all: how was she to know whether I should be born black or white?[36] +However, suppose she did know; seeing I was born a male, truly she +conferred a great obligation on me in giving me birth, that I might +expect the butcher every hour. Why should she, who had no power in +engendering me, be preferred to her who took pity on me as I lay, and of +her own accord shewed me a welcome affection? It is kindliness makes +parents, not the ordinary course {of Nature}." + +By these lines the author meant to show that men are averse to fixed +rules, but are won by kind services. + + [Footnote III.35: _To a Lamb_)--Ver. 1. Burmann suggests that + this Fable is levelled against the cruelty of parents, who were + much in the habit of exposing their children, who were + consequently far from indebted to them. Schwabe conjectures that + the system of employing wet-nurses is intended here to be + censured.] + + [Footnote III.36: _Black or white_)--Ver. 10. This, though + disregarded by the mother, would be of importance to him, as the + black lambs were first selected for sacrifice.] + + +FABLE XVI. + +THE GRASSHOPPER AND THE OWL. + +He who does not conform to courtesy, mostly pays the penalty of his +superciliousness. + +A Grasshopper was making a chirping that was disagreeable to an Owl, who +was wont to seek her living in the dark, and in the day-time to take her +rest in a hollow tree. She was asked to cease her noise, but she began +much more loudly to send forth her note; entreaties urged again only set +her on still more. The Owl, when she saw she had no remedy, and that her +words were slighted, attacked the chatterer with this stratagem: "As +your song, which one might take for the tones of Apollo's lyre, will not +allow me to go to sleep, I have a mind to drink some nectar which Pallas +lately gave me;[37] if you do not object, come, let us drink together." +The other, who was parched with thirst, as soon as she found her voice +complimented, eagerly flew up. The Owl, coming forth from her hollow, +seized the trembling thing, and put her to death. + +Thus what she had refused when alive, she gave when dead. + + [Footnote III.37: _Pallas lately gave me_)--Ver. 13. The Owl + was sacred to Pallas.] + + +FABLE XVII. + +THE TREES UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE GODS. + +The Gods in days of yore made choice of such Trees as they wished to be +under their protection. The Oak pleased Jupiter, the Myrtle Venus, the +Laurel Phoebus, the Pine Cybele, the lofty Poplar Hercules. Minerva, +wondering why they had chosen the barren ones, enquired the reason. +Jupiter answered: "That we may not seem to sell the honor for the +fruit." "Now, so heaven help me,"[38] said she, "let any one say what he +likes, but the Olive is more pleasing to me on account of its fruit." +Then said the Father of the Gods and the Creator of men: "O daughter, it +is with justice that you are called wise by all; unless what we do is +useful, vain is our glory."[39] + +This little Fable admonishes us to do nothing that is not profitable. + + [Footnote III.38: _So heaven help me_)--Ver. 8. "Mehercule," + literally "By Hercules." This was a form of oath used generally by + men, and Phaedrus has been censured for here putting it in the + mouth of Minerva. Some Commentators also think that he is guilty + of a slight anachronism in using the name of Hercules here to give + emphasis to an asseveration; but there does not appear to be any + ground for so thinking, as the choice must, of course, be supposed + to have been made after his death and deification. In the + Amphitryon of Plautus, Mercury is represented as swearing by + Hercules before that God was born.] + + [Footnote III.39: _Vain is our glory_)--Ver. 12. "Nisi utile + est quod facimus, stulta est gloria." This line is said to have + been found copied on a marble stone, as part of a sepulchral + inscription, at Alba Julia or Weissenburg, in Transylvania.] + + +FABLE XVIII. + +THE PEACOCK TO JUNO. + +A Peacock came to Juno, complaining sadly that she had not given to him +the song of the Nightingale; that it was the admiration of every ear, +while he himself was laughed at the very instant he raised his voice. +The Goddess, to console him, replied: "But you surpass the {nightingale} +in beauty, you surpass {him} in size; the brilliancy of the emerald +shines upon your neck; and you unfold a tail begemmed with painted +plumage." "Wherefore {give} me," he retorted, "a beauty that is dumb, if +I am surpassed in voice?" "By the will of the Fates," {said she}, "have +your respective qualities been assigned; beauty to you, strength to the +Eagle, melody to the Nightingale, to the Raven presages, unpropitious +omens to the Crow; all of {these} are contented with their own +endowments." + +Covet not that which has not been granted you, lest your baffled hopes +sink down to {useless} repinings. + + +FABLE XIX. + +AESOP'S ANSWER TO THE INQUISITIVE MAN. + +When Aesop was the only servant of his master, he was ordered to prepare +dinner earlier than usual. Accordingly, he went round to several houses, +seeking for fire,[40] and at last found a place at which to light his +lantern. Then as he had made a rather long circuit, he shortened the way +back, for he went home straight through the Forum. There a certain +Busybody in the crowd {said to him}: "Aesop, why with a light at +mid-day?" "I'm in search of a man,"[41] said he; and went hastily +homewards. + +If the inquisitive fellow reflected on this {answer}, he must have +perceived that the sage did not deem him a man, who could so +unseasonably rally him when busy. + + [Footnote III.40: _Seeking for fire_)--Ver. 3. Fire was + kindled in general by being kept smouldering in a log under the + ashes, from day to day, for culinary purposes; or else it was + begged from a neighbour, as we learn from the Aulularia of + Plautus, A. I., Sc. ii., l. 12 _et seq._; and so generally was + this done that we find it stated in the Trinummus, A. II., + sc. ii., l. 53, that it was the custom not to refuse fire when + asked for even to an enemy.] + + [Footnote III.41: _In search of a man_)--Ver 9. Meaning that + he did not deem the enquirer to be a man. The same story is told + in Diogenes Laertius, of Diogenes the Cynic.] + + +EPILOGUE.[42] + +There are yet remaining {Fables} for me to write, but I purposely +abstain; first, that I may not seem troublesome to you, whom a +multiplicity of matters distract; and next, that, if perchance any other +person is desirous to make a like attempt, he may still have something +left to do; although there is so abundant a stock of matter that an +artist will be wanting to the work, not work to the artist. I request +that you will give the reward to my brevity which you promised; make +good your word. For life each day is nearer unto death; and the greater +the time that is wasted in delays, the less the advantage that will +accrue to me. If you dispatch the matter quickly, the more lasting will +be {my} enjoyment; the sooner I receive {your favours}, the longer shall +I have the benefit {thereof}. While there are yet some remnants of a +wearied life,[43] there is room for {your} goodness; in aftertimes your +kindness will in vain endeavour to aid me, infirm with old age; for then +I shall have ceased to be able to enjoy your kindness, and death, close +at hand, will be claiming its due. I deem it foolish to address my +entreaties to you, when your compassion is so ready, spontaneously, to +render assistance. A criminal has often gained pardon by confessing; how +much more reasonably ought it to be granted to the innocent? It is your +province[44] {now to judge of my cause}; it will fall to others +by-and-by; and again by a like revolution, the turn of others will come. +Pronounce the sentence, as religion--as your oath permits; and give me +reason to rejoice in your decision. My feelings have passed the limits +they had proposed; but the mind is with difficulty restrained, which, +conscious of unsullied integrity, is exposed to the insults of spiteful +men. "Who are they?" you will ask: they will be seen in time. For my +part, so long as I shall continue in my senses, I shall take care to +recollect that "it is a dangerous thing for a man of humble birth to +murmur in public.[45]" + + [Footnote III.42: This and the following Prologue seem better + suited to their present places than to the close of the Fourth + Book, where in most of the editions they appear.] + + [Footnote III.43: _Of a wearied life_)--Ver. 15. It is + impossible to say with any certainty to what he refers; but the + most probable conjecture is that he has again got into trouble + through his compositions, and is begging Eutychus, in some public + capacity, immediately to give a favourable decision in his behalf. + That "Languens aevum" means a life worn out with misfortune, and + does not refer to himself as sinking, in want, under old age, is + evident from the next line. It has been conjectured by some that + Phaedrus wrote these lines in prison, where he had been thrown + through the malice of his enemies.] + + [Footnote III.44: _It is your province_)--Ver. 24. He is + supposed to allude to some judicial position held by Eutychus, + which he would have to vacate at the end of a year, and be + succeeded by others, probably not so favourably disposed to + himself.] + + [Footnote III.45: _To murmur in public_)--Ver. 33. "Palam + mutire plebeio piaculum est." These words are quoted from the + Telephus of Ennius.] + + + + +BOOK IV. + + +PROLOGUE. + +TO PARTICULO. + +When I had determined to put an end to my labours, with the view that +there might be material enough {left} for others, in my mind I silently +condemned {my} resolve. For even if there is any one desirous of the +like fame, how will he guess what it is I have omitted,[1] so as to wish +to hand down that same to posterity; since each man has a turn of +thinking of his own, and a tone peculiar to himself. It was not, +therefore, {any} fickleness, but assured grounds, that set me upon +writing {again}. Wherefore, Particulo,[2] as you are amused by Fables +(which I will style "Aesopian," not "those of Aesop;" for whereas he +published but few, I have brought out a great many, employing the old +style, but with modern subjects), now at your leisure you shall peruse a +Fourth Book. If envy shall choose to carp at it, so long as it cannot +imitate,[3] why let it carp. I have gained glory {enough}, in that you, +and {others} like to you, have quoted my words in your writings, and +have thought me worthy of being long remembered. Why should I stand in +need of the applause of the illiterate? + + [Footnote IV.1: _I have omitted_)--Ver. 5. "Divinabit" seems + preferable here to "damnabit," or "demonstrabit," the other + readings; and Burmann is probably right in supposing that he means + to say that many of the Aesopian fables had not yet been used by + him, and though others may make use of them as bearing a general + moral, they will not be able so well as himself to point their + moral in reference to individuals or classes, in consequence of + his advantage in having already adapted many of them to the + censure of particular vices.] + + [Footnote IV.2: _Particulo_)--Ver. 10. Of Particulo nothing + whatever is known, except that he was a freedman.] + + [Footnote IV.3: _Cannot imitate_)--Ver. 16. Gronovius thinks + that he alludes to the Greek proverb "+Mo:meisthai rhadion e: + mimeisthai.+" "'Tis easier to blame than to imitate."] + + +FABLE I. + +THE ASS AND THE PRIESTS OF CYBELE. + +He who has been born to ill luck, not only passes an unhappy life, but +even after death the cruel rigour of destiny pursues him. + +The Galli, {priests} of Cybele,[4] were in the habit, on their begging +excursions, of leading about an Ass, to carry their burdens. When he was +dead with fatigue and blows, his hide being stripped off, they made +themselves tambourines[5] therewith. Afterwards, on being asked by some +one what they had done with their favourite, they answered in these +words: "He fancied that after death he would rest in quiet; but see, +dead as he is, fresh blows are heaped upon him." + + [Footnote IV.4: _Priests of Cybele_)--Ver. 4. During the + Festival of Cybele, the Galli or eunuch-priests of the Goddess + went about with an image of her seated on an ass, and beating + a tambourine, for the purpose of making a collection to defray + the expenses of the worship. They were called by the Greeks + +me:tragurtai+, "Collectors for the Mother." See the Fasti of Ovid, + B. iv., l. 350, vol. i., p. 149, of Bohn's Translation.] + + [Footnote IV.5: _Tambourines_)--Ver. 7. "The tympana," which + were almost exactly similar to our tambourines, were covered with + the skin of asses or of oxen, and were beaten with the hand or a + small stick.] + + +FABLE II. + +THE WEASEL AND THE MICE. + +This way of writing seems to you facetious; and no doubt, while we have +nothing of more importance, we do sport with the pen. But examine these +Fables with attention, {and} what useful lessons will you find +{concealed} under them! Things are not always what they seem; first +appearances deceive many: few minds understand what skill has hidden in +an inmost corner. That I may not appear to have said this without +reason, I will add a Fable about the Weasel and the Mice. + +A Weasel, worn out with years and old age, being unable to overtake the +active Mice, rolled herself in flour, and threw herself carelessly along +in a dark spot. A Mouse, thinking her food, jumped upon her, and, being +caught, was put to death: another in like manner perished, and then a +third. Some others having followed, an {old} brindled fellow came, who +had escaped snares and mouse-traps full oft; and viewing from afar the +stratagem of the crafty foe: "So fare you well,[6]" said he, "you that +are lying there, as you are flour." + + [Footnote IV.6: _So fare you well_)--Ver. 21. "Sic valeas." + --"Fare you well, if you are flour, which you are not. I wish you + luck as much as I believe you are what you pretend to be, _i.e._, + not at all."] + + +FABLE III. + +THE FOX AND THE GRAPES. + +Urged by hunger, a Fox, leaping with all her might, tried to reach a +cluster of Grapes upon a lofty vine. When {she found} she could not +reach them, she left them, saying: "They are not ripe yet; I don't like +to eat them while sour." + +Those who disparage what they cannot perform, ought to apply this lesson +to themselves. + + +FABLE IV. + +THE HORSE AND THE WILD BOAR. + +While a Wild Boar was wallowing, he muddied the shallow water, at which +a Horse had been in the habit of quenching his thirst. Upon this, +a disagreement arose. The Horse,[7] enraged with the beast, sought the +aid of man, and, raising him on his back, returned against the foe. +After the Horseman, hurling his javelins, had slain {the Boar}, he is +said to have spoken thus: "I am glad that I gave assistance at your +entreaties, for I have captured a prey, and have learned how useful you +are;" and so compelled him, unwilling as he was, to submit to the rein. +Then {said the Horse}, sorrowing: "Fool that I am! while seeking to +revenge a trifling matter, I have met with slavery." + +This Fable will admonish the passionate, that it is better to be injured +with impunity, than to put ourselves in the power of another. + + [Footnote IV.7: _The horse_)--Ver. 3. "Sonipes," literally + "sounding-hoof." This was a name commonly given to the horse by + the Romans. Lucan repeatedly calls a war-horse by this epithet.] + + +FABLE V. + +AESOP INTERPRETING A WILL. + +I will show to posterity, by a short story, that there is often more +merit in one man than in a multitude. + +A Person, at his death, left three Daughters; one handsome, and hunting +for the men with her eyes; the second, an industrious spinner of +wool,[8] frugal, and fond of a country life; the third, given to wine, +and very ugly. Now the old man made their Mother his heir, on this +condition, that she should distribute his whole fortune equally among +the three, but in such a manner that they should not possess or enjoy +what was given them; {and} further, that as soon as they should cease to +have the property which they had received, they should pay over to their +Mother a hundred thousand sesterces. The rumour spreads all over Athens. +The anxious Mother consults the learned in the law. No one can explain +in what way they are not to possess what has been given, or have the +enjoyment {of it}; and then again, in what way those who have received +nothing, are to pay money. After a long time had been wasted, and still +the meaning of the will could not be understood, the Parent, +disregarding the strict letter of the law, consulted equity.[9] For the +Wanton, she sets aside the garments, female trinkets, silver +bathing-vessels, eunuchs, {and} beardless boys: for the Worker in wool, +the fields, cattle, farm, labourers, oxen, beasts of burden, and +implements of husbandry: for the Drinker, a store-room,[10] well stocked +with casks of old wine, a finely finished house,[11] and delightful +gardens. When she was intending to distribute what was thus set apart +for each, and the public approved, who knew them well; Aesop suddenly +stood up in the midst of the multitude, {and exclaimed}: "O! if +consciousness remained to their buried father, how would he grieve that +the people of Athens are unable to interpret his will!" + +On this, being questioned, he explained the error of them all: "The +house and the furniture, with the fine gardens, and the old wines, give +to the Worker in wool, so fond of a country life. The clothes, the +pearls, the attendants, and other things, make over to her who spends +her life in luxury. The fields, the vines, and the flocks, with the +shepherds, present to the Wanton. Not one will be able to retain +possession of what is alien to her taste. The Ungainly one will sell her +wardrobe to procure wine; the Wanton will part with the lands to procure +fine clothes; and she who delights in cattle, and attends to her +spinning, will get rid of her luxurious abode at any price. Thus, no one +will possess what was given, and they will pay to their Mother the sum +named from the price of the things, which each of them has sold." + +Thus did the sagacity of one man find out what had baffled the +superficial enquiries of many. + + [Footnote IV.8: _Spinner of wool_)--Ver. 5. "Lanificam." + Working in wool was the constant employment of the more + industrious among the females of the higher class. Ovid, in the + Fasti, Book ii., l. 742, represents Lucretia as being found thus + employed by her husband and Tarquinius. The Emperor Augustus + refused to wear any clothes that were not woven by the females of + his family.] + + [Footnote IV.9: _Consulted equity_)--Ver. 20. This seems to be + the meaning of "fidem advocare:" but the passage has caused + considerable difficulty to the Commentators.] + + [Footnote IV.10: _A store-room_)--Ver. 25. The "apotheca" was + a place in the upper part of the house, in which the Romans + frequently placed the amphorae in which their wine was stored. It + was situate above the "fumarium," as the smoke was thought to + heighten the flavour of the wine.] + + [Footnote IV.11: _A finely finished house_)--Ver. 26. + "Politam" probably refers to the care with which the houses of the + opulent in cities were smoothed by the workman's art. According to + some Commentators, however, "domus polita" here means "a house + furnished with every luxury."] + + +FABLE VI. + +THE BATTLE OF THE MICE AND THE WEASELS. + +When the Mice, overcome by the army of the Weasels, (whose History is +painted in {our} taverns[12]), took to flight, and crowded in +trepidation about their narrow lurking-holes, with difficulty getting +in, they managed, however, to escape death. Leaders, who had fastened +horns to their heads, in order that they might have a conspicuous sign +for {their} troops to follow in battle, stuck fast at the entrance, and +were captured by the enemy. The victor, sacrificing them with greedy +teeth, plunged them into the Tartarean recesses of his capacious paunch. + +Whenever a people is reduced to the last extremity, the high position of +its chiefs is in danger; the humble commonalty easily finds safety in +obscurity. + + [Footnote IV.12: _In our taverns_)--Ver. 2. We learn from + Horace and other ancient writers, that it was the custom to paint + comic subjects on the walls of the taverns; and similar subjects + have been found painted on walls at Pompeii.] + + +FABLE VII. + +THE POET'S DEFENCE AGAINST THE CENSURERS OF HIS FABLES. + +You, fastidious {critic}, who carp at my writings, and disdain to read +trifles of this kind, endure with some small patience this little book, +while I smooth down the severity of your brow, and Aesop comes forward in +a new and more lofty style.[13] + +Would that the pine had never fallen on the summits of Pelion[14] under +the Thessalian axe! and that Argus had never, with the aid of Pallas, +invented a way boldly to meet certain death, {in the} ship which, to the +destruction of Greeks and Barbarians, first laid open the bays of the +inhospitable Euxine. For both had the house of the proud Aeetes to lament +it, and the realms of Pelias[15] fell by the guilt of Medea, who, after +concealing by various methods the cruelty of her disposition, there +effected her escape, by means of the limbs[16] of her brother, {and} +here embrued the hands of the daughters of Pelias in their father's +blood. + +What think you of this? "This, too, is mere folly," say you, "and is an +untrue story; for long before this, Minos, of more ancient date, +subjected the Aegaean seas with his fleet, and by seasonable correction, +punished {piratical} attacks." What then can I possibly do for you, my +Cato of a Reader, if neither Fables[17] nor Tragic Stories suit your +taste? Do not be too severe upon {all} literary men, lest they repay you +the injury with interest. + +This is said to those who are over-squeamish in their folly, and, to +gain a reputation for wisdom, would censure heaven itself. + + [Footnote IV.13: _More lofty style_)--Ver. 5. "Cothurnis," + literally "the buskins of Tragedy."] + + [Footnote IV.14: _Summits of Pelion_)--Ver 6. The ship Argo + was said to have been built of wood grown on Mount Pelion. The + author alludes to the expedition of Jason to Colchis to fetch + thence the Golden Fleece.] + + [Footnote IV.15: _The realms of Pelias_)--Ver. 13. He alludes + to the death of Pelias, King of Thessaly, through the schemes of + Medea, daughter of Aeetes, King of Colchis, at the hands of his own + daughters. See Ovid's Metamorphoses, B. vii. l. 297, _et seq._] + + [Footnote IV.16: _Limbs of her brother_)--Ver. 15. When, on + her flight with Jason, Aeetes pursued his daughter Medea, she, + having taken with her her brother Absyrtus, in order to retard her + father in the pursuit, cut her brother in pieces, and scattered + his limbs in the way. Thus, while the father was employed in + gathering the limbs of his son, Medea made her escape. The place + where this happened was thence said to have had the name of Tomi; + and to this place Ovid was banished by Augustus. See the Story + related in the Tristia of Ovid, B. iii. El. ix.] + + [Footnote IV.17: _If neither Fables_)--Ver. 22. By "fabellae," + he probably means Aesopian fables, while by "fabulae," the more + lofty stories of tragedy are meant. By "Cato," he means a + censorious or over-scrupulous reader.] + + +FABLE VIII. + +THE VIPER AND THE FILE. + +Let him who with greedy teeth attacks one who can bite harder, consider +himself described in this Fable. + +A Viper came[18] into a smith's workshop; {and} while on the search +whether there was anything fit to eat, fastened her teeth upon a File. +That, however, disdainfully exclaimed "Why, fool, do you try to wound me +with your teeth, who am in the habit of gnawing asunder every kind of +iron?" + + [Footnote IV.18: _A Viper entered_)--Ver. 3. Lokman, the + Arabian Fabulist, has the same fable; but there a Cat plays the + part of the Viper.] + + +FABLE IX. + +THE FOX AND THE GOAT. + +As soon as a crafty man has fallen into danger, he seeks to make his +escape by the sacrifice of another. + +A Fox, through inadvertence, having fallen into a well,[19] and being +closed in by the sides which were too high for her, a Goat parched with +thirst came to the same spot, and asked whether the water was good, and +in plenty. The other, devising a stratagem, {replied}: "Come down, {my} +friend: such is the goodness of the water, that my pleasure {in +drinking} cannot be satisfied." Longbeard descended; then the Fox, +mounting on his high horns, escaped from the well, and left the Goat to +stick fast in the enclosed mud. + + [Footnote IV.19: _Fallen into a well_)--Ver. 3. Some of the + Commentators think that Tiberius and Sejanus are pointed at in + this Fable.] + + +FABLE X. + +OF THE VICES OF MEN. + +Jupiter has loaded us with a couple of Wallets: the one, filled with our +own vices, he has placed at our backs, {the other}, heavy with those of +others, he has hung before. + +From this circumstance, we are not able to see our own faults: but as +soon as others make a slip, we are ready to censure. + + +FABLE XI. + +A THIEF PILLAGING THE ALTAR OF JUPITER. + +A Thief lighted his Lamp at the altar of Jupiter, and then plundered it +by the help of its own light. Just as he was taking his departure, laden +with the results of his sacrilege, the Holy Place suddenly sent forth +these words: "Although these were the gifts of the wicked, and to me +abominable, so much so that I care not to be spoiled of them, still, +profane man, thou shalt pay the penalty with thy life, when hereafter, +the day of punishment, appointed by fate, arrives. But, that our fire, +by means of which piety worships the awful Gods, may not afford its +light to crime, I forbid that {henceforth} there shall be any such +interchange of light." Accordingly, to this day, it is neither lawful +for a lamp {to be lighted} at the fire of the Gods, nor yet a sacrifice +kindled from a lamp.[20] + + [Footnote IV.20: _From a lamp_)--Ver. 13. The ancients were + compelled to light sacrifices to the Gods from torches, and not + with fire from a lamp. More usually a fire was kept constantly + burning in the temple for the purpose.] + + +No other than he who invented this Fable, could explain how many useful +lessons it affords. In the first place, it teaches that those whom you +yourself have brought up, may often be found the most hostile to you: +then again, it shows that crimes are punished not through the wrath of +the Gods, but at the time appointed by the Fates: lastly, it warns the +good to use nothing in common with the wicked. + + +FABLE XII. + +THE EVILS OF WEALTH. + +HERCULES and PLUTUS. + +Riches are deservedly despised by a man of worth,[21] because a +well-stored chest intercepts praise from its true objects. + +When Hercules was received into heaven as the reward of his virtues, and +saluted in turn the Gods who were congratulating him, on Plutus +approaching, who is the child of Fortune, he turned away his eyes. {His} +father, {Jupiter}, enquired the reason: "I hate him," says he, "because +he is the friend of the wicked, and at the same time corrupts all by +presenting the temptation of gain." + + [Footnote IV.21: _A man of worth_)--Ver. 1. It has been + suggested that by "forti viro," Phaedrus means a military man. The + word "fortis" seems rather here to mean "of real worth," or "of + strong mind." Some of ancient authors make Plutus to be the son of + Ceres and Jasius.] + + +FABLE XIII. + +THE LION REIGNING. + +Nothing is more advantageous to a man than to speak the truth; a maxim +that ought indeed to be approved of by all; but still sincerity is +frequently impelled to its own destruction. + +The Lion having made himself king of the wild beasts, and wishing to +acquire the reputation of equity, abandoned his former course {of +rapine}, and, content among them with a moderate supply of food, +distributed hallowed justice with incorruptible fidelity. But after +second thoughts began to prevail[22] + + *** *** *** + +_(The rest is lost)._ + + +FABLE XIV. + +PROMETHEUS. + + *** *** *** + *** *** *** + A fictione veretri linguam mulieris, + Affinitatem traxit inde obscoenitas. + Rogavit alter, tribadas et molles mares + Quae ratio procreasset? Exposuit senex. + Idem Prometheus auctor vulgi fictilis + (Qui simul offendit ad fortunam, frangitur,) + Naturae partes, veste quas celat pudor, + Quum separatim toto finxisset die, + Aptare mox ut posset corporibus suis, + Ad coenam est invitatus subito a Libero; + Ubi irrigatus multo venas nectare + Sero domum est reversus titubanti pede. + Tum semisomno corde et errore ebrio, + Applicuit virginale generi masculo, + Et masculina membra applicuit faeminis; + Ita nunc libido pravo fruitur gaudio. + + +FABLE XV. + +THE SHE-GOATS AND THEIR BEARDS. + +The She-Goats[23] having obtained of Jupiter the favour of a beard, the +He-Goats, full of concern, began to be indignant that the females +rivalled them in their dignity. "Suffer them," said {the God}, "to enjoy +their empty honours, and to use the badge that belongs to your rank, so +long as they are not sharers in your courage." + +This Fable teaches you to bear that those who are inferior to you in +merit should be like you in outside appearances. + + [Footnote IV.22: _Began to prevail_)--Ver. 9. The remainder of + this Fable is lost. It is supposed to have been torn out of the + MS. of the writings of Phaedrus by some pious monk, who, objecting + to the following Fable, destroyed the leaf which contained the + latter part of the present one, as well as some part of the next. + Orellius considers the lines ending with "obscoenitas" as the + fragment of a Fable distinct from the succeeding lines.] + + [Footnote IV.23: _The She-Goats_)--Ver. 1. This Fable is + thought by some to bear reference to the interference of Livia in + affairs of state.] + + +FABLE XVI. + +THE PILOT AND THE MARINERS. + +On a certain man complaining of his {adverse} fortune, Aesop, for the +purpose of consoling him, invented {this Fable}. + +A ship which had been tossed by a fierce tempest (while the passengers +were all in tears, and filled with apprehensions of death) on the day +suddenly changing to a serene aspect, began to be borne along in safety +upon the buoyant waves, and to inspire the mariners with an excess of +gladness. On this, the Pilot, who had been rendered wise by experience, +{remarked}: "We ought to be moderate in our joy, and to complain with +caution; for the whole of life is a mixture of grief and joy." + + +FABLE XVII. + +THE EMBASSY OF THE DOGS TO JUPITER. + +The Dogs once sent[24] Ambassadors to Jupiter, to entreat of him a +happier lot in life, and that he would deliver them from the insulting +treatment of man, who gave them bread mixed with bran, and satisfied +their most urgent hunger with filthy offal. The ambassadors set out, +{but} with no hasty steps, while snuffing with their nostrils for food +in every filth. Being summoned, they fail to make their appearance. +After some difficulty Mercury finds them at last, and brings them up in +confusion. As soon, however, as they saw the countenance of mighty Jove, +in their fright they bewrayed the whole palace. Out they go, driven away +with sticks; but great Jove forbade that they should be sent back. {The +Dogs}, wondering that their Ambassadors did not return, {and} suspecting +that they had committed something disgraceful, after a while ordered +others to be appointed to aid them. Rumour {soon} betrayed the former +Ambassadors. Dreading that something of a similar nature may happen a +second time, they stuff the Dogs behind with perfumes, and plenty of +them. They give their directions; the Ambassadors are dispatched; at +once they take their departure. They beg for an audience, {and} +forthwith obtain it. Then did the most mighty Father of the Gods take +his seat {on his throne}, and brandish his thunders; all things began to +shake. The Dogs in alarm, so sudden was the crash, in a moment let fall +the perfumes with their dung. All cry out, that the affront must be +avenged. {But} before proceeding to punishment, thus spoke Jupiter:-- +"It is not for a King to send Ambassadors away, nor is it a difficult +matter to inflict a {proper} punishment on the offence; but by way of +judgment this is the reward you shall have. I don't forbid their return, +but they shall be famished with hunger, lest they be not able to keep +their stomachs in order. And as for those who sent such despicable +{Ambassadors} as you, they shall never be free from the insults of man." + +And so it is,[25] that even now {the Dogs} of the present day are in +expectation of their Ambassadors. When one of them sees a strange {Dog} +appear, he snuffs at his tail. + + [Footnote IV.24: _The Dogs once sent_)--Ver. 1. It is supposed + that in this singular Fable, Phaedrus ridicules, in a covert + manner, some of the prevailing superstitions of his day, or else + that he satirizes Tiberius and Sejanus, while the Dogs signify the + Roman people.] + + [Footnote IV.25: _And so it is_)--Ver. 35. This and the next + line are regarded by many as spurious: indeed Hare is disinclined + to believe that this Fable was written by Phaedrus at all.] + + +FABLE XVIII. + +THE MAN AND THE SNAKE. + +He who gives relief to the wicked has to repent it before long. + +A Man took up a Snake stiffened with frost, and warmed her in his bosom, +being compassionate to his own undoing; for when she had recovered, she +instantly killed the Man. On another one asking her the reason of {this} +crime, she made answer: "That people may learn not to assist the +wicked."[26] + + [Footnote IV.26: _Not to assist the wicked_)--Ver. 5. It has + been remarked that Phaedrus here deviates from nature, in making + the Serpent give a bad character of itself. Those who think that + Phaedrus wrote after the time of Tiberius, suggest that Caligula is + represented by the snake, who wreaked his cruelty on his former + benefactors, Macro and Ennia.] + + +FABLE XIX. + +THE FOX AND THE DRAGON. + +While a Fox, digging a lair, was throwing out the earth, and making +deeper and more numerous burrows, she came to the farthest recesses of a +Dragon's den,[27] who was watching some treasure hidden there. As soon +as {the Fox} perceived him, {she began}:-- "In the first place, I beg +that you will pardon my unintentional {intrusion}; and next, as you see +clearly enough that gold is not suited to my mode of life, have the +goodness to answer me: what profit do you derive from this toil, or what +is the reward, so great that you should be deprived of sleep, and pass +your life in darkness?" "None {at all}," replied the other; "but this +{task} has been assigned me by supreme Jove." "Then you neither take +{anything} for yourself, nor give to another?" "Such is the will of the +Fates." "Don't be angry {then}, if I say frankly: the man is born under +the displeasure of the Gods who is like you." + +As you must go to that place to which {others} have gone before, why in +the blindness of your mind do you torment your wretched existence? To +you I address myself, Miser, joy of your heir,[28] who rob the Gods of +their incense, yourself of food; who hear with sorrow the musical sound +of the lyre; whom the joyous notes of the pipes torment; from whom the +price of provisions extorts a groan;[29] who, while adding some +farthings to your estate, offend heaven by your sordid perjuries; who +are for cutting down[30] every expense at your funeral, for fear +Libitina[31] should be at all a gainer at the expense of your property. + + [Footnote IV.27: _Of a Dragon's den_)--Ver. 3. In former + times, when riches were more commonly duried in the earth, it was + perhaps found convenient to encourage a superstitious notion, + which was very prevalent, that they were guarded by watchful + Dragons.] + + [Footnote IV.28: _Joy of your heir_)--Ver. 18. That is to say, + in his death.] + + [Footnote IV.29: _Extorts a groan_)--Ver. 22. So in the + Aulularia of Plautus, Act II. Sc. viii. the miser Euclio is + represented as groaning over the high price of provisions.] + + [Footnote IV.30: _Cutting down_)--Ver. 25. In his will.] + + [Footnote IV.31: _Lest Libitina_)--Ver. 26. The + "pollinctores," or "undertakers," kept their biers and other + implements required at funerals, at the Temple of the Goddess + Libitina.] + + +FABLE XX. + +PHAEDRUS. + +Although malice may dissemble for the present, I am still perfectly +aware what judgment it will think proper to arrive at. Whatever it shall +{here} deem worthy {to be transmitted} to posterity, it will say belongs +to Aesop; if it shall be not so well pleased with any portion, it will, +for any wager, contend that the same was composed by me. One who thus +thinks, I would refute once for all by {this} my answer: whether this +work is silly, or whether it is worthy of praise, he was the inventor: +my hand has brought it to perfection. But let us pursue our purpose in +the order we proposed. + + +FABLE XXI. + +THE SHIPWRECK OF SIMONIDES. + +A learned man has always a fund of riches in himself. + +Simonides, who wrote {such} excellent {lyric} poems, the more easily to +support his poverty, began to make a tour of the celebrated cities of +Asia, singing the praises of victors for such reward as he might +receive. After he had become enriched by this kind of gain, he resolved +to return to his native land by sea; (for he was born, it is said, in +the island of Ceos[32]). {Accordingly} he embarked in a ship, which a +dreadful tempest, together with its own rottenness, caused to founder at +sea. Some gathered together their girdles,[33] others their precious +effects, {which formed} the support of their existence. One who was over +inquisitive, {remarked}: "Are you going to save none of your property, +Simonides?" He made reply: "All my {possessions} are about me." A few +{only} made their escape by swimming, for the majority, being weighed +down by their burdens, perished. Some thieves make their appearance, and +seize what each person has saved, leaving them naked. Clazomenae, an +ancient city, chanced to be near; to which the shipwrecked persons +repaired. Here a person devoted to the pursuits of literature, who had +often read the lines of Simonides, and was a very great admirer of him +though he had never seen him, knowing from his very language {who he +was}, received him with the greatest pleasure into his house, and +furnished him with clothes, money, and attendants. The others +{meanwhile} were carrying about their pictures,[34] begging for +victuals. Simonides chanced to meet them; and, as soon as he saw them, +remarked: "I told you that all my property was about me; what you +endeavoured to save is lost." + + [Footnote IV.32: _In the island of Ceos_)--Ver. 28. The poet + Simonides was born at Iulis, a city of the isle of Ceos, one of + the Cyclades, in the Aegaean Sea.] + + [Footnote IV.33: _Their girdles_)--Ver. 11. Among the + ancients, the zones or girdles were sometimes used for the purpose + of keeping money there; while sometimes purses were carried + suspended from them.] + + [Footnote IV.34: _Carrying about their pictures_)--Ver. 24. It + was the custom for shipwrecked persons to go about soliciting + charity with a painting suspended from the neck, representing + their calamity; much in the fashion which we sometimes see + followed at the present day.] + + +FABLE XXII. + +THE MOUNTAIN IN LABOUR. + +A Mountain[35] was in labour, sending forth dreadful groans, and there +was in the districts the highest expectation. After all, it brought +forth a Mouse. + +This is designed for you, who, when you have threatened great things, +produce nothing. + + [Footnote IV.35: _A Mountain_)--Ver. 1. Tachos, King of Egypt, + is said by Plutarch to have said to Agesilaus, King of Sparta, + when he came to his assistance: "The mountain has been in labour, + Jupiter has been in alarm, but it has brought forth a mouse," + alluding to the diminutive stature of Agesilaus; who contented + himself with replying, in answer to this rude remark: "One day I + shall appear to you even to be a lion."] + + +FABLE XXIII. + +THE ANT AND THE FLY. + +An Ant and a Fly were contending with great warmth which was of the +greater importance. The Fly was the first to begin: "Can you possibly +compare with my endowments? When a sacrifice is made, I am the first to +taste of the entrails that belong to the Gods. I pass my time among the +altars, I wander through all the temples; soon as I have espied it, +I seat myself on the head of a king; and I taste of the chaste kisses of +matrons. I labour not, and yet enjoy the nicest of things: what like to +this, {good} rustic, falls to your lot?" "Eating with the Gods," said +the Ant, "is certainly a thing to be boasted of; but by him who is +invited, not him who is loathed {as an intruder}. You talk about kings +and the kisses of matrons. While I am carefully heaping up a stock of +grain for winter, I see you feeding on filth about the walls. You +frequent the altars; yes, and are driven away as often as you come. You +labour not; therefore it is that you have nothing when you stand in need +of it. And, further, you boast about what modesty ought to conceal. You +tease me in summer; when winter comes you are silent. While the cold is +shrivelling you up and putting you to death, a well-stored abode +harbours me. Surely I have now pulled down your pride enough." + +A Fable of this nature distinctly points out the characters of those who +set themselves off with unfounded praises, and of those whose virtues +gain solid fame. + + +FABLE XXIV. + +SIMONIDES PRESERVED BY THE GODS. + +I have said, above, how greatly learning is esteemed among men: I will +now hand down to posterity how great is the honor paid to it by the +Gods. + +Simonides, the very same of whom I have {before} made mention, agreed, +at a fixed price, to write a panegyric for a certain Pugilist,[36] who +had been victorious: {accordingly} he sought retirement. As the +meagreness of his subject cramped his imagination, he used, according to +general custom, the license of the Poet, and introduced the twin stars +of Leda,[37] citing them as an example of similar honours. He finished +the Poem according to contract, but received {only} a third part of the +sum agreed upon. On his demanding the rest: "They," said he, "will give +it you whose praises occupy {the other} two-thirds; but, that I may feel +convinced that you have not departed in anger, promise to dine with me, +{as} I intend to-day to invite my kinsmen, in the number of whom I +reckon you." Although defrauded, and smarting under the injury, in order +that he might not, by parting on bad terms, break off all friendly +intercourse, he promised that he would. At the hour named he returned, +{and} took his place at table. The banquet shone joyously with its cups; +the house resounded with gladness, amid vast preparations, when, on a +sudden, two young men, covered with dust, and dripping with +perspiration, their bodies of more than human form, requested one of the +servants to call Simonides to them, {and say} that it was of consequence +to him to make no delay. The man, quite confused, called forth +Simonides; {and} hardly had he put one foot out of the banquetting room, +when suddenly the fall of the ceiling crushed the rest, and no young men +were to be seen at the gate. + +When the circumstances of the story I have told were made known, all +were persuaded that the personal intervention of the Divinities had +saved the Poet's life by way of reward. + + [Footnote IV.36: _A certain Pugilist_)--Ver. 5. "Pyctae;" from + the Greek +pukte:s+, a "boxer," or "pugilist," Latinized.] + + [Footnote IV.37: _Twin stars of Leda_)--Ver. 9. Castor and + Pollux, the twin sons of Leda.] + + +EPILOGUE. + +There are still remaining many things which I might say, and there is a +copious abundance of subjects; but {though} witticisms, well-timed, are +pleasing; out of place, they disgust. Wherefore, most upright Particulo +(a name destined to live in my writings, so long as a value shall +continue to be set upon the Latin literature), if {you like not} my +genius, at least approve my brevity, which has the more just claim to be +commended, seeing how wearisome Poets {usually} are.[38] + + [Footnote IV.38: _Usually are_)--Ver. 9. Orellius introduces + this after Fable V in the Fifth Book.] + + + + +BOOK V. + + +PROLOGUE. + +If I shall anywhere insert the name of Aesop, to whom I have already +rendered every {honor} that was his due, know that it is for the sake of +{his} authority, just as some statuaries do in our day, who obtain a +much greater price for their productions, if they inscribe the name of +Praxiteles on their marbles, and Myron[1] on their polished silver. +{Therefore} let {these} Fables obtain a hearing. Carping envy more +readily favours the works of antiquity than those of the present day. +But now I turn to a Fable, with a moral to the purpose. + + [Footnote V.1: _And Myron_)--Ver. 7. Myron was a famous + sculptor, statuary, and engraver, of Greece. He was a native of + Eleutherae, in Boeotia, and according to Petronius Arbiter, died in + extreme poverty.] + + +FABLE I. + +DEMETRIUS AND MENANDER. + +Demetrius,[2] who was called Phalereus, unjustly took possession of the +sovereignty of Athens. The mob, according to their usual practice, rush +from all quarters vying with each other, and cheer him, and wish him +joy. Even the chief men kiss the hand by which they are oppressed, while +they silently lament the sad vicissitudes of fortune. Moreover, those +who live in retirement, and take their ease, come creeping in last of +all, that their absence may not injure them. Among these Menander, +famous[3] for his Comedies (which Demetrius, who did not know him, had +read, and had admired the genius of the man), perfumed with unguents, +and clad in a flowing robe, came with a mincing and languid step. As +soon as the Tyrant caught sight of him at the end of the train: "What +effeminate wretch," said he, "is this, who presumes to come into my +presence?" Those near him made answer: "This is Menander the Poet." +Changed in an instant, he exclaimed: "A more agreeable looking man could +not possibly exist." + + [Footnote V.2: _Called Phalereus_)--Ver. 1. Demetrius + Phalereus, the statesman, philosopher, and ruler of Athens, was so + called from the Attic demus, or borough of Phalerus, where he was + born. He died in exile in Egypt, according to some accounts, of + the bite of a serpent. There seems no good reason for giving to + his rule over the Athenians the epithet of "improbum," found in + the next line, although in the latter years of his government he + gave himself up in a great measure to sensual pursuits.] + + [Footnote V.3: _Menander, famous_)--Ver. 9. Menander, the + inventor of the New Comedy. Some of the Comedies of Terence are + Translations from his works.] + + +FABLE II. + +THE TRAVELLERS AND THE ROBBER. + +Two Soldiers having fallen in with a Robber, one fled, while the other +stood his ground, and defended himself with a stout right-hand. The +Robber slain, his cowardly companion comes running up, and draws his +sword; then throwing back his travelling cloak,[4] says: "Let's have +him;" "I'll take care he shall soon know whom he attacks." On this, he +who had vanquished {the robber made answer}: "I wish you had seconded me +just now at least with those words; I should have been still more +emboldened, believing them true; now keep your sword quiet, as well as +your silly tongue, that you may be able to deceive others who don't know +you. I, who have experienced with what speed you take to your heels, +know full well that no dependence is to be placed upon your valour." + +This story may be applied to him who is courageous in prosperity, in +times of danger takes to flight. + + [Footnote V.4: _His travelling cloak_)--Ver. 5. The "paenula" + was a travelling-cloak made of leather or wool, with a hood + attached to it, to cover the head.] + + +FABLE III. + +THE BALD MAN AND THE FLY. + +A Fly bit the bare pate of a Bald Man; who, endeavouring to crush it, +gave himself a heavy blow. Then said the Fly jeeringly: "You wanted to +revenge the sting of a tiny insect with death; what will you do to +yourself, who have added insult to injury?" {The Man} made answer: "I am +easily reconciled to myself, because I know that there was no intention +of doing harm. But you, worthless insect, and one of a contemptible +race, who take a delight in drinking human blood, I could wish to +destroy you, even at a heavier penalty." + +This Fable teaches that pardon is to be granted to him who errs through +mistake. But him who is designedly mischievous, I deem to be deserving +of {any} punishment. + + +FABLE IV. + +THE MAN AND THE ASS. + +A Man having sacrificed a young boar to the god Hercules, to whom he +owed performance of a vow {made} for the preservation of his health, +ordered the remains of the barley to be set for the Ass. But he refused +{to touch it}, and said: "I would most willingly accept your food, if he +who had been fed upon it had not had his throat cut." + +Warned by the significance of this Fable, I have always been careful to +avoid the gain that exposed to hazard. "But," say you, "those who have +got riches by rapine, are {still} in possession of them." Come, then, +let us enumerate those, who, being detected, have come to a bad end; you +will find that those {so} punished constitute a great majority. + +Rashness brings luck to a few, misfortune to most. + + +FABLE V. + +THE BUFFOON AND THE COUNTRYMAN. + +Men are in the habit of erring through prejudice; and while they stand +up in defence of their erroneous notions, {are wont} to be driven by +plain facts to confession of their mistakes. + +A rich Man, about to entertain the people with grand shows, invited all, +by the promise of a reward, to exhibit whatever new piece of ingenuity +any one could. The Performers came to the contest for fame, among whom a +Buffoon, well known for his drollery, said that he had a kind of +entertainment which had never yet been brought out at {any} theatre. The +rumour, spreading, brought together the {whole} city; and the places, +empty shortly before, sufficed not for the multitude. But as soon as he +appeared on the stage, alone, {and} without any apparatus, any +stage-assistants, the very intenseness of expectation produced silence. +Suddenly, he dropped down his head towards his bosom, and so well did he +imitate the voice of a pig with his own, that they concluded there was a +real one under his cloak, and ordered it to be shaken out. This being +done, as soon as they found that nothing was discovered, they loaded the +Man with many praises, and bestowed upon him the greatest applause. + +A Countryman seeing this take place: "Egad," said he, "he shan't surpass +me;" and immediately gave out that he would do the same thing still +better on the following day. A still greater crowd assembled. Prejudice +had already taken possession of their minds, and they took their seats, +determined to deride, and not as {unbiassed} spectators. Both Performers +come forth. First, the Buffoon grunts away, and excites their applause, +and awakens their acclamations. Next, the Countryman, pretending that he +concealed a pig beneath his clothes (which, in fact, he did; but quite +unsuspected, because they had found none about the other), twitched the +ear of the real {pig}, which he was concealing, and with the pain forced +from it its natural cry. The people shouted with one voice that the +Buffoon had given a much more exact imitation, and ordered the +Countryman to be driven from the stage. On this, he produced the pig +itself from the folds of his cloak, and convicting them of their +disgraceful mistake by a manifest proof: "Look," said {he}, "this shows +what sort of judges you are." + + +FABLE VI. + +THE TWO BALD MEN. + +A Bald Man chanced to find a comb in the public road. Another, equally +destitute of hair, came up: "Come," said he, "shares, whatever it is you +have found." The other showed the booty, and added withal: "The will of +the Gods has favoured us, but through the malignity of fate, we have +found, as the saying is, a coal instead of a treasure." + +This complaint befits him whom hope has disappointed. + + +FABLE VII. + +PRINCEPS, THE FLUTE-PLAYER. + +When a weak mind, beguiled by frivolous applause, has once given way to +insolent self-sufficiency, {such} foolish vanity is easily exposed to +ridicule. + +Princeps, the Flute-player, was pretty well known, being accustomed to +accompany Bathyllus[5] with his music on the stage. It chanced that, at +a representation, I don't well remember what it was, while the +flying-machine[6] was being whirled along, he fell heavily, through +inadvertence, and broke his left leg, when he would much rather have +parted with two right ones.[7] He was picked up and carried to his house +groaning aloud. Some months pass by before his cure is completed. As is +the way with the spectators, for {they are} a merry race, the man began +to be missed, by whose blasts the vigour of the dancer was wont to be +kept at full stretch. + +A certain Nobleman was about to exhibit a show, just when Princeps was +beginning to walk abroad. With a present {and} entreaties he prevailed +upon him merely to present himself on the day of the show. When the day +came a rumour about the Flute-player ran through the theatre. Some +affirmed that he was dead, some that he would appear before them without +delay. The curtain falling,[8] the thunders rolled,[9] and the Gods +conversed in the usual form. At this moment the Chorus struck up a song +unknown to him who had so recently returned; of which the burthen was +this: "Rejoice, Rome, in security, for your prince [{Princeps}] is +well." All rise with one consent and applaud. The Flute-player kisses +hands, {and} imagines that his friends are congratulating him. The +Equestrian order perceive the ridiculous mistake, and with loud laughter +encore the song. It is repeated. My man {now} throws himself {sprawling} +at full length upon the stage.[10] Ridiculing him, the Knights applaud; +while the people fancy he is {only} asking for a chaplet. When, however, +the reality came to be known throughout all the tiers, Princeps, his leg +bound up with a snow-white fillet, clad in snow-white tunic, {and} +snow-white shoes,[11] while pluming himself on the honors really paid to +the Deified House,[12] was thrust out headlong by common consent. + + [Footnote V.5: _Accompany Bathyllus_)--Ver. 5. He alludes to + Bathyllus, the favourite and freedman of Mecaenas, and who brought + to perfection pantomimic dancing at Rome.] + + [Footnote V.6: _Flying-machine_)--Ver. 7. The "pegma" was a + piece of machinery used on the stage for the purpose of aiding the + ascents and descents of the Gods there represented.] + + [Footnote V.7: _Losing two right ones_)--Ver. 9. The Poet puns + on the twofold meanings of the word "tibia," which signifies the + main bone of the leg, and a pipe or flute. These pipes were + right-handed or left-handed, probably varying in tone, two being + played at a time. Explained at length, the pun means, "Princeps + broke his left leg, when he could have better afforded to break + two right-handed pipes."] + + [Footnote V.8: _The curtain falling_)--Ver. 23. The "aulaeum," + or stage-curtain, called also "siparium," was a piece of tapestry + stretched on a frame, which, rising before the stage, concealed it + till the actors appeared. Instead of drawing up this curtain to + discover the stage and actors, according to the present practice, + it was depressed when the play began, and fell beneath the level + of the stage: whence "aulaea premuntur" or "mittuntur," "the + curtain is dropped," meant that the play had began.] + + [Footnote V.9: _The thunders rolled_)--Ver. 23. This thunder + was made by the noise of rolling stones in copper vessels.] + + [Footnote V.10: _Upon the stage_)--Ver. 32. The "pulpitum" was + properly an elevated place on the proscenium, or space between the + scene and the orchestra.] + + [Footnote V.11: _Snow-white shoes_)--Ver. 37. We learn from + Ovid and other authors that white shoes were solely worn by the + female sex.] + + [Footnote V.12: _To the Deified house_)--Ver. 38. Taking to + himself the honor that belonged to the house of Augustus, which + was worshipped with Divine honors.] + + +FABLE VIII. + +THE EMBLEM OF OPPORTUNITY. + +A Bald Man, balancing on a razor's edge, fleet of foot, his forehead +covered with hair,[13] his body naked--if you have caught him, hold him +fast; when he has once escaped, not Jupiter himself can overtake him: he +is the emblem how shortlived is Opportunity. + +The ancients devised such a portraiture of Time, {to signify} that +slothful delay should not hinder the execution of our purposes. + + [Footnote V.13: _His forehead covered with hair_)--Ver. 2. + From this figure of Time or Opportunity, Time came to be + represented in the middle ages with a tuft of hair on his + forehead; whence our common expression "To take time by the + forelock," signifying to make the best of an opportunity.] + + +FABLE IX. + +THE BULL AND THE CALF. + +When a Bull was struggling with his horns in a narrow passage, and could +hardly effect an entrance to the manger, a Calf began to point out in +what way he might turn himself: "Hush," said {the Bull}, "I knew that +before you were born." + +Let him who would instruct a wiser man, consider {this as} said to +himself. + + +FABLE X. + +THE HUNTSMAN AND THE DOG. + +A Dog, who had always given satisfaction to his master by his boldness +against swift and savage beasts, began to grow feeble under increasing +years. On one occasion, being urged to the combat with a bristling Boar, +he seized him by the ear; but, through the rottenness of his teeth, let +go his prey. Vexed at this, the Huntsman upbraided the Dog. Old +Barker[14] {replied}: "It is not my courage that disappoints you, but my +strength. You commend me for what I have been; and you blame me that I +am not {what I was}." + +You, Philetus,[15] may easily perceive why I have written this. + + [Footnote V.14: _Old Barker_)--Ver. 7. We may here enumerate + the names of this nature, which we find given by Phaedrus to + various animals: "laniger," "wool-bearer," the sheep; "auritulus," + "long-ears," the ass; "sonipes," "sounding-hoof," the horse; + "barbatus," "long-beard," the goat; "retorridus," "brindle," the + mouse; and "latrans," "barker," the dog.] + + [Footnote V.15: _Philetus._)--Ver. 10. Of this Philetus + nothing certain is known, but he is supposed to have been a + freedman of the emperor Claudius.] + + + + +THE NEW FABLES, + +BY SOME ATTRIBUTED TO PHAEDRUS.[1] + + [Footnote NF.1: _Attributed to Phaedrus_)--Cassito and + Jannelli, with several other critics, are strongly of opinion that + these Fables were written by Phaedrus. On a critical examination, + however, they will be found to be so dissimilar in style and + language from those acknowledged to be by Phaedrus, that it is very + difficult not to come to the conclusion that they are the work of + some more recent writer, of inferior genius, and less pure + latinity. They were first published in 1809, at Naples, by + Cassito, from a MS. which had belonged to Nicholas Perotti, + Archbishop of Sipontum or Manfredonia, at the end of the fifteenth + century, and who, notwithstanding his assertions to the contrary, + was perhaps either the author of them or altered them very + materially. They appear in the MSS. in a mutilated condition; and + the lacunae have been filled up according to the fancy of the + successive Editors of the Fables. Those inserted in Gail's edition + have in general been here adopted.] + + +FABLE I. + +THE APE AND THE FOX. + +_The Greedy Man is not willing to give even from his superabundance._ + +An Ape asked a Fox for a part of her tail, that he might decently cover +his naked hinder parts therewith; but the ill-natured creature +{replied}: "Although it grow {even} longer {than it is}, still I will +sooner drag it through mud and brambles, than give you ever so small a +part {thereof}." + + +FABLE II. + +THE AUTHOR. + +_We must not require what is unreasonable._ + +If Nature had[2] formed the human race according to my notions, it would +have been far better endowed: for she would have given us every good +quality that indulgent Fortune has bestowed on {any} animal: the +strength of the Elephant, and the impetuous force of the Lion, the +age of the Crow, the majestic port of the fierce Bull, the gentle +tractableness of the fleet Horse; and Man should still have had the +ingenuity that is peculiarly his own. Jupiter in heaven laughs to +himself, no doubt, he who, in his mighty plan, denied these {qualities} +to men, lest our audacity should wrest {from him} the sceptre of the +world. Contented, therefore, with the gifts of unconquered Jove, let us +pass the years of our time allotted by fate, nor attempt more than +mortality permits. + + [Footnote NF.2: _If nature had_)--Ver. 1. This can hardly be + styled a Fable; it is merely an Epilogue or moral lesson.] + + +FABLE III. + +MERCURY AND THE TWO WOMEN. + +_Another Fable on the same subject._ + +Once on a time, two Women had given their guest, Mercury, a mean and +sordid entertainment; one of the women had a little son in the cradle, +while the profession of a Courtesan had its charms for the other. In +order, therefore that he might give a suitable return for their +services, when about to depart, and just crossing the threshold, he +said: "In me you behold a God; I will give you at once whatever each may +wish." The Mother makes her request, and asks that she may immediately +see her Son graced with a beard; the Courtesan {requests} that whatever +she touches may follow her. Mercury flies away--the women return +in-doors: behold the infant, with a beard, is crying aloud. The +Courtesan happened to laugh heartily at this, on which the humours {of +the head} filled her nostrils, as is often the case. Intending therefore +to blow her nose, she seized it with her hand, and drew out its length +to the ground; and {thus}, while laughing at another, she became herself +a subject for laughter.[3] + + [Footnote NF.3: _For laughter_)--Ver. 17. This story savours + more of the false wit of the middle ages than of the genius of + Phaedrus.] + + +FABLE IV. + +PROMETHEUS AND CUNNING. + +_On Truth and Falsehood._ + +When once Prometheus, the framer of a new race, had formed Truth from +fine earth, that she might be able to dispense justice among mankind, +being suddenly summoned by the messenger of great Jove, he left {his} +workshop in charge of treacherous Cunning, whom he had lately received +in apprenticeship. The latter, inflamed by zeal, with clever hand formed +an image of similar appearance, corresponding stature, and like in every +limb, so far as the time permitted. When nearly the whole had now been +wondrously set up, he found he had no clay to make the feet. {His} +master came back, and Cunning, confused by fear at his quick return, sat +down in his own place. Prometheus, admiring so strong a resemblance, +wished the merit to appear to belong to his own skill, {and} therefore +placed the two images together in the furnace. When they were thoroughly +baked, and life had been breathed into them, hallowed Truth moved on +with modest gait; but her imperfect copy remained fixed on the spot. +Thence the spurious image, the result of the stealthy work, was called +Mendacity,[4] because they say, she has no feet,--an assertion with +which I readily agree. + + [Footnote NF.4: _Was called Mendacity_)--Ver. 21. There is a + sort of pun intended upon the word "menda," a blemish. Because + Falsehood was blemished in having no feet, she was called + "mendacium" or "mendacity." Here the author's etymology is at + fault, as the word "mendacity" comes from "mentior," to lie; which + is not likely to have been derived from "menda." Besides, + Falsehood, whether she has feet or not, generally travels more + speedily than Truth.] + + +FABLE V.[5] + +THE AUTHOR. + +_Nothing is long concealed._ + +* * * Pretended vices are sometimes profitable to men, but still the +truth appears in time. + + [Footnote NF.5: _Fable V._)--This seems to be only a fragment; + probably the moral of a Fable now lost.] + + +FABLE VI. + +THE SIGNIFICATION OF THE PUNISHMENTS OF TARTARUS. + +_The meaning is to be considered, not the mere words._ + +The story of Ixion, whirling round upon the wheel, teaches {us} what a +rolling thing is fortune. Sisyphus, with immense labour, pushing the +stone up the lofty hill, which ever, his labour lost, rolls back from +the top, shows that men's miseries are endless. When Tantalus is +athirst, standing in the midst of the river, the greedy are described, +whom a sufficiency of blessings surrounds, but none can they enjoy. The +wicked Danaids carry water in urns, and cannot fill their pierced +vessels; just so, whatever you bestow on luxury, will flow out beneath. +Wretched Tityus is stretched over nine acres,[6] presenting for dire +punishment a liver that ever grows again: by this it is shown that the +greater the extent of land a man possesses, the heavier are his cares. +Antiquity purposely wrapped up the truth, in order that the wise might +understand--the ignorant remain in error. + + [Footnote NF.6: _Nine acres_)--Ver. 13. "Jugera." The + "jugerum" was a piece of land 240 feet long by 120 wide.] + + +FABLE VII. + +THE AUTHOR. + +_On the Oracle of Apollo._ + +Phoebus! who dost inhabit Delphi and the beauteous Parnassus, say what is +most useful to us. Why do the locks of the holy prophetess stand erect; +the tripods shake; the holy shrines resound; the laurels, too,[7] +quiver, and the very day grow pale? Smitten by the Divinity, the Pythia +utters {these} words, and the warning of the Delian God instructs the +nations: "Practise virtue; pay your vows to the Gods above; defend your +country, your parents, your children, {and} your chaste wives with arms; +repel the foe with the sword; assist your friends; spare the wretched; +favour the good; meet the treacherous face to face; punish offences; +chastise the impious; inflict vengeance on those who, by base adultery, +defile the marriage couch; beware of the wicked; trust no man too far." +Thus having said, the Maiden falls frenzied to the ground: frenzied, +indeed, for what she said, she said in vain. + + [Footnote NF.7: _The laurels, too_)--Ver. 5. The "cortina" or + oracular shrine was surrounded with laurels; which were said to + quiver while the oracles were being pronounced. This is probably + the most beautiful portion of these newly-discovered poems. Still, + it cannot with propriety be called a Fable.] + + +FABLE VIII. + +AESOP AND THE AUTHOR. + +_On a bad Author who praised himself._ + +A Person had recited[8] some worthless composition to Aesop, in which he +had inordinately bragged about himself. Desirous, therefore, to know +what the Sage thought {thereof}: "Does it appear to you," said he, "that +I have been too conceited? I have no empty confidence in my own +capacity." Worried to death with the execrable volume, Aesop replied: +"I greatly approve of your bestowing praise on yourself, for it will +never be your lot to receive it from another." + + [Footnote NF.8: _A person had recited_)--Ver. 1. Adry remarks + that this is not a Fable, but only an Epigram.] + + +FABLE IX. + +POMPEIUS MAGNUS AND HIS SOLDIER. + +_How difficult it is to understand a man._ + +A Soldier of Pompeius Magnus, a man of huge bulk, by talking mincingly +and walking with an affected gait, had acquired the character of an +effeminate wretch, {and that} most fully established. Lying in wait by +night for the beasts of burden of his General, he drives away the mules +{laden} with garments and gold, and a vast weight of silver. A rumour of +what has been done gets abroad; the soldier is accused, {and} carried +off to the Praetorium. On this, Magnus {says to him}: "How say you? Have +you dared to rob me, comrade?" The soldier forthwith spits into his left +hand, and scatters about the spittle with his fingers. "Even thus, +General," says he, "may my eyes drip out, if I have seen or touched +{your property}." Then Magnus, a man of easy disposition, orders the +false accusers to be sent about their business,[9] and will not believe +the man guilty of so great audacity. + +Not long afterwards a barbarian, confiding in his strength of hand, +challenges one of the Romans. Each man fears to accept the challenge, +and the leaders of highest rank mutter {among themselves}. At length, +this effeminate wretch in appearance, but Mars in prowess, approached +the General, who was seated on his tribunal, and, with a lisping voice, +said "May I?"[10] But Magnus, getting angry, as {well he might}, the +matter being so serious, ordered him to be turned out. Upon this, an +aged man among the Chieftain's friends, {remarked}: "I think it would be +better for this person to be exposed to the hazards of Fortune, since in +him our loss would be but small, than a valiant man, who, if conquered +through {some} mischance, might entail upon you a charge of rashness." +Magnus acquiesced, and gave the Soldier permission to go out to meet +{the champion}, whose head, to the surprise of the army, he whipped off +sooner than you could say it, and returned victorious. Thereupon said +Pompeius: "With great pleasure I present you with the soldier's crown, +because you have vindicated the honor of the Roman name; nevertheless," +said he, "may my eyes drip out" (imitating the unseemly act with which +the Soldier had accompanied his oath), "if you did not carry off my +property from among the baggage." + + [Footnote NF.9: _About their business_)--Ver. 13. The words + suggested in Orellius, "Indicii falsi auctores propelli jubet," + are used here to fill up the lacuna.] + + [Footnote NF.10: _May I?_)--Ver. 29. "Licet?" meaning: "Do you + give me permission to go against the enemy?" The story about the + spittle savours of the middle ages.] + + +FABLE X. + +JUNO, VENUS, AND THE HEN. + +_On the Lustfulness of Women._ + +When Juno[11] was praising her own chastity, Venus did not lose the +opportunity of a joke, and, to show that there was no female equal to +herself {in that virtue}, is said to have asked this question of the +Hen: "Tell me, will you, with how much food could you be satisfied?" The +hen replied: "Whatever you give me will be enough; but still you must +let me scratch a bit with my feet." "To keep you from scratching," said +{the Goddess}, "is a measure of wheat enough?" "Certainly; indeed it is +too much; but still do allow me to scratch." "In fine," {said Venus}, +"what do you require, on condition of not scratching at all?" Then at +last the hen confessed the weak point in her nature: "Though a {whole} +barn were open for me, still scratch I must." Juno is said to have +laughed at the joke of Venus, for by the Hen she meant the Female Sex. + + [Footnote NF.11: _When Juno_)--Ver. 1. This story is both + silly and in very bad taste.] + + +FABLE XI. + +THE FATHER OF A FAMILY AND AESOP. + +_How a bad-tempered Son may be tamed._ + +A Father of a family had a passionate Son, who, as soon as he had got +out of his fathers sight, inflicted many a blow upon the servants, and +gave loose to the impetuous temper of youth. Aesop consequently told this +short story to the old man. + +A certain Man was yoking an old Ox along with a Calf; and when the Ox +shunning {to bear} the yoke with a neck so unfit for it, alleged the +failing strength of his years: "You have no reason to fear," said the +Countryman, "I don't do this that you may labour, but that you may tame +him, who with his heels and horns has made many lame." Just so, unless +you always keep your son by you, and by your management restrain his +temper, take care that the broils in your house don't increase to a +still greater degree. Gentleness is the remedy for a bad temper.[12] + + [Footnote NF.12: _Remedy for a bad temper_)--Ver. 15. This + doctrine is stated in far too general terms.] + + +FABLE XII. + +THE PHILOSOPHER AND THE VICTOR IN THE GYMNASTIC GAMES. + +_How Boastfulness may sometimes be checked._ + +A Philosopher chancing to find the Victor in a gymnastic contest too +fond of boasting, asked him whether his adversary had been the stronger +man. {To this} the other {replied}: "Don't mention it; my strength was +far greater." "Then, you simpleton," retorted {the Philosopher}, "what +praise do you deserve, if you, being the stronger, have conquered one +who was not so powerful? You might perhaps have been tolerated if you +had told us that you had conquered one who was your superior in +strength." + + +FABLE XIII. + +THE ASS AND THE LYRE. + +_How Genius is often wasted through Misfortune._ + +An Ass espied a Lyre lying in a meadow: he approached and tried the +strings with his hoof; they sounded at his touch. "By my faith, a pretty +thing," said he; "it happens unfortunately that I am not skilled in the +art. If any person of greater skill had found it, he might have charmed +my ears with divine notes." + +So Genius is often wasted through Misfortune.[13] + + [Footnote NF.13: _Genius often wasted._)--Ver. 7. It seems to + border upon the absurd to speak of an ass losing the opportunity + of cultivating his "ingenium." He can hardly with propriety be + quoted under any circumstances as a specimen of a "mute inglorious + Milton."] + + +FABLE XIV. + +THE WIDOW AND THE SOLDIER. + +_The great Inconstancy and Lustfulness of Women._ + +A certain Woman[14] had for some years lost her beloved Husband, and had +placed his body in a tomb; and as she could by no means be forced from +it, and passed her life in mourning at the sepulchre, she obtained a +distinguished character for strict chastity. In the meantime, some +persons who had plundered the temple of Jupiter suffered the penalty of +crucifixion. In order that no one might remove their remains, soldiers +were appointed as guards of the dead bodies, close by the monument in +which the woman had shut herself up. Some time after, one of the Guards, +being thirsty, asked, in the middle of the night, for some water, of a +servant-maid, who chanced just then to be assisting her mistress, who +was going to rest; for she had been watching by a lamp, and had +prolonged her vigils to a late hour. The door being a little open, the +Soldier peeps in, and beholds a Woman, emaciated indeed, but of +beauteous features. His smitten heart is immediately inflamed, and he +gradually burns with unchaste desires. His crafty shrewdness invents a +thousand pretences for seeing her more frequently. Wrought upon by daily +intercourse, by degrees she became more complaisant to the stranger, and +soon enthralled his heart by a closer tie. While the careful Guard is +here passing his nights, a body is missed from one of the crosses. The +Soldier in his alarm relates to the Woman what has happened; but the +chaste Matron replies: "You have no grounds for fear;" and gives up the +body of her Husband to be fastened to the cross, that he may not undergo +punishment for his negligence. + +Thus did profligacy usurp the place of honour. + + [Footnote NF.14: _A certain Woman_)--Ver. 1. This is the story + of the Matron of Ephesus, told in a much more interesting manner + by Petronius Arbiter.] + + +FABLE XV. + +THE RICH SUITOR AND THE POOR ONE. + +_Fortune sometimes favours Men beyond their hopes and expectations._ + +Two Youths were courting a Maiden at the same time; the Rich man got the +better of the birth and good looks of the Poor one. When the appointed +day for the nuptials had arrived, the woe-begone Lover, because he could +not endure his grief, betook himself to some gardens near at hand; +a little beyond which, the splendid villa of the Rich man was about to +receive the Maiden from her mother's bosom, as his house in the city +seemed not to be roomy enough. The marriage procession is arranged, +a great crowd flocks to the scene, and Hymenaeus gives the marriage +torch. Now an Ass, which used to gain a living for the Poor man, was +standing at the threshold of a gate; and it so happens the maidens lead +him along, that the fatigues of the way may not hurt the tender feet {of +the Bride}. On a sudden, by the pity of Venus, the heavens are swept by +winds, the crash of thunder resounds through the firmament, and brings +on a rough night with heavy rain; light is withdrawn from their eyes, +and at the same moment a storm of hail, spreading in all directions, +beats upon them, frightening and scattering them on all sides, +compelling each to seek safety for himself in flight. The Ass runs under +the well-known roof close at hand, and with a loud voice gives notice of +his presence. The servants run out of doors, behold with admiration the +beautiful Maiden, and then go and tell their master. He, seated at table +with a few companions, was consoling his passion with repeated draughts. +When the news was brought him, exulting with delight, {both} Bacchus and +Venus exhorting him, he celebrated his joyous nuptials amid the +applauses of his comrades. The bride's parents sought their daughter +through the crier, {while} the intended Husband grieved at the loss of +his Wife. After what had taken place became known to the public, all +agreed in approving of the favour shown by the Gods of heaven. + + +FABLE XVI. + +AESOP AND HIS MISTRESS. + +_How injurious it often is to tell the Truth._ + +Aesop being in the service of an Ugly Woman, who wasted the whole day in +painting herself up, and used fine clothes, pearls, gold, {and} silver, +yet found no one who would touch her with a finger: "May I {say} a few +words?" said he. "Say on," {she replied}. "{Then} I think," {said he}, +"that you will effect anything you wish, if you lay aside your +ornaments." "Do I then seem to you so much preferable by myself?" {said +she}. "Why, no; if you don't make presents, your bed will enjoy its +repose." "But your sides," she replied, "shan't enjoy their repose;"[15] +and ordered the talkative Slave to be flogged. Shortly after a thief +took away a silver bracelet. When the Woman was told that it could not +be found, full of fury she summoned all {her slaves}, and threatened +them with a severe flogging if they did not tell the truth. "Threaten +others," said {Aesop}, "indeed you won't trick me, mistress; I was lately +beaten with the whip because I told the truth." + + [Footnote NF.15: _Shan't enjoy their repose_)--Ver. 9. The + play upon the word "cessabo," seems redolent of the wit of the + middle ages, and not of the days of Phaedrus.] + + +FABLE XVII. + +A COCK CARRIED IN A LITTER BY CATS. + +_An extreme feeling of Security often leads Men into Danger._ + +A Cock had some Cats to carry him in his litter: a Fox on seeing him +borne along in this pompous manner, said: "I advise you to be on your +guard against treachery, for if you were to examine the countenances of +those creatures, you would pronounce that they are carrying a booty, not +a burden." As soon as the savage brotherhood[16] began to be hungry, +they tore their Master to pieces, and went shares in the proceeds of +their guilt. + + [Footnote NF.16: _Savage brotherhood_)--Ver. 6. "Societas." + The brotherhood of litter-carriers, perhaps four or six in + number.] + + +FABLE XVIII. + +THE SOW BRINGING FORTH, AND THE WOLF + +_We must first make trial of a Man before we entrust ourselves to him._ + +A Sow was lying and groaning, her travail coming on; a Wolf came running +to her aid, and, offering his assistance, said that he could perform the +duties of midwife. She, however, understanding the treachery of the +wicked animal, rejected the suspicious services of the evil-doer, and +said: "If you keep at a greater distance it is enough." + +But had she entrusted herself to the perfidious Wolf, she would have had +just as much pain to cry for, and her death {into the bargain}. + + +FABLE XIX. + +THE RUNAWAY SLAVE AND AESOP. + +_There is no necessity to add evil to evil._ + +A Slave, when running away from a Master of severe disposition, met +Aesop, to whom he was known as a neighbour: "Why {are} you in such a +hurry?" {said Aesop}. "I'll tell you candidly, father," {said the other}, +"for you are worthy to be called by that name, as our sorrows are safely +entrusted to you. Stripes are in superabundance; victuals fail: every +now and then I am sent to the farm as a slave to the rustics {there}: if +he dines at home I am kept standing by him all night, or if he is +invited out, I remain until daylight in the street. I have fairly earned +my liberty; but with grey hairs I am {still} a slave. If I were +conscious to myself of any fault, I should bear this patiently: I never +have had a bellyful, and, unhappy that I am, I have to put up with a +severe master besides. For these reasons, and {for others} which it +would take too long to recount, I have determined to go wherever my feet +may carry me." "Listen then," said Aesop; "When you have committed no +fault, you suffer these inconveniences as you say: what if you had +offended? What do you suppose you would {then} have had to suffer?" + +By such advice he was prevented from running away. + + +FABLE XX. + +THE CHARIOT-HORSE SOLD FOR THE MILL. + +_Whatever happens, we must bear it with equanimity._ + +A certain Man withdrew from his chariot a Horse, ennobled by many +victories, and sold him for the mill. As he was being led out of doors +from the mill-stones to water, he saw his fellows going towards the +Circus, to celebrate the joyous contests at the games. With tears +starting forth, he said, "Go on and be happy; celebrate without me the +festive day in the race; at the place to which the accursed hand of the +thief has dragged me, will I lament my sad fate." + + +FABLE XXI. + +THE HUNGRY BEAR. + +_Hunger sharpens the wits._ + +If at any time[17] sustenance is wanting to the Bear in the woods, he +runs to the rocky shore, and, grasping a rock, gradually lets down his +shaggy thighs into the water; and as soon as the Crabs have stuck to the +long hair, betaking himself to shore, the crafty fellow shakes off his +sea-spoil, and enjoys the food that he has collected in every quarter. +Thus even in Fools does hunger sharpen the wits. + + [Footnote NF.17: _If at any time_)--Ver. 1. This is not a + Fable; it is merely an anecdote in natural history, and one not + very unlikely to have been true.] + + +FABLE XXII. + +THE TRAVELLER AND THE RAVEN. + +_Men are very frequently imposed upon by words._ + +A Man while going through the fields along his solitary path, heard the +word "Hail!" whereat he stopped for a moment, but seeing no one, went on +his way. Again the same sound saluted him from a hidden spot; encouraged +by the hospitable voice, he stopped short, that whoever it was might +receive the like civility. When, looking all about, he had remained long +in perplexity, and had lost the time in which he might have walked some +miles, a Raven showed himself, and hovering above him, continually +repeated "Hail!" Then, perceiving that he had been deluded: "Perdition +seize you," said he, "most mischievous bird, to have thus delayed me +when I was in such a hurry." + + +FABLE XXIII. + +THE SHEPHERD AND THE SHE-GOAT. + +_Nothing is secret which shall not be made manifest._[18] + +A Shepherd had broken[19] the horn of a She-Goat with his staff, {and} +began to entreat her not to betray him to his Master. "Although unjustly +injured," {said she}, "still, I shall be silent; but the thing itself +will proclaim your offence." + + [Footnote NF.18: _Be made manifest_)--Ver. 1. This moral is + couched in the same words as St. Luke, viii. 17: "For nothing is + secret which shall not be made manifest."] + + [Footnote NF.19: _A Shepherd had broken_)--Ver. 1. As Adry + remarks, this Fable more closely resembles the brevity and + elegance of Phaedrus.] + + +FABLE XXIV. + +THE SERPENT AND THE LIZARD. + +_When the Lion's skin fails, the Fox's must be employed; that is to say, +when strength fails, we must employ craftiness._ + +A Serpent chanced to catch a Lizard by the tail; but when she tried to +devour it with open throat, it snatched up a little twig that lay close +at hand, and, holding it transversely with pertinacious bite, checked +the greedy jaws, agape to devour it, by this cleverly contrived +impediment. So the Serpent dropped the prey from her mouth unenjoyed. + + +FABLE XXV. + +THE CROW AND THE SHEEP. + +_Many are in the habit of injuring the weak and cringing to the +powerful._ + +An pestilent Crow had taken her seat upon a Sheep; which after carrying +her a long time on her back and much against her inclination, remarked: +"If you had done thus to a Dog with his sharp teeth, you would have +suffered for it." To this the rascally {Crow replied}: "I despise the +defenceless, and I yield to the powerful; I know whom to vex, and whom +to flatter craftily; by these means I put off my old age for years." + + +FABLE XXVI. + +THE SERVANT AND THE MASTER. + +_There is no curse more severe than a bad conscience._ + +A Servant having been guilty[20] of a secret offence in debauching the +wife of his master, on the latter coming to know of it, he said, in the +presence of those standing by: "Are you quite pleased with yourself? +For, when you ought not, you do please yourself; but not with impunity, +for when you ought to be pleased, you cannot be." + + [Footnote NF.20: _Having been guilty_)--Ver. 5. Chambry, one + of the French Editors, omits this, as unworthy of Phaedrus, and + Adry pronounces it unintelligible. The meaning of this, which is + Jannelli's version, seems to be: "When you ought not to please + yourself, you do please yourself, in committing the crime; but the + consequence is that, afterwards, when you ought to feel pleased, + in that you have gratified your desires, you cannot, in + consequence of your guilty conscience." It is so mutilated, + however, that Cassitti, Jannelli, and other Editors give entirely + different versions.] + + +FABLE XXVII. + +THE HARE AND THE HERDSMAN. + +_Many are kind in words, faithless at heart._ + +A Hare was flying from the Huntsman with speedy foot, and being seen by +a Herdsman, as she was creeping into a thicket: "By the Gods of heaven, +I beg of you," said she, "and by all your hopes, do not betray me, +Herdsman; I have never done any injury to this field."[21] "Don't be +afraid," the Countryman replied, "remain concealed without +apprehension." And now the Huntsman coming up, {enquired}: "Pray, +Herdsman, has a Hare come this way?" "She did come, but went off that +way to the left;" {he answered}, winking and nodding to the right. The +Huntsman in his haste did not understand him, and hurried out of sight. + +Then {said} the Herdsman: "Are you not glad that I concealed you?" +"I don't deny," said she, "that to your tongue I owe most sincere +thanks, and I return them, but I wish you may be deprived of your +perfidious eyes." + + [Footnote NF.21: _Injury to this field_)--Ver. 4. The Hare is + more an enemy to the flowers in gardens than to the fields. It was + probably for this reason that the Romans sacrificed this animal to + the Goddess Flora.] + + +FABLE XXVIII. + +THE YOUNG MAN AND THE COURTESAN. + +_Many things are pleasing which still are not to our advantage._ + +While a perfidious Courtesan was fawning upon a Youth, and he, though +wronged {by her} many a time and oft, still showed himself indulgent to +the Woman, the faithless {Creature thus addressed him}: "Though many +contend {for me} with {their} gifts, still do I esteem you the most." +The Youth, recollecting how many times he had been deceived, replied: +"Gladly, my love, do I hear these words; not because you are constant, +but because you administer to my pleasures." + + +FABLE XXIX. + +THE BEAVER. + +_Many would escape, if for the sake of safety they would disregard their +comforts._ + +The Beaver (to which the talkative Greeks have given the name of Castor, +thus bestowing upon an animal the name of a God[22]--they who boast of +the abundance of their epithets) when can no longer escape the dogs, is +said to bite off his testicles, because he is aware that it is for them +he is sought; a thing which I would not deny being done through an +instinct granted by the Gods; for as soon as the Huntsman has found the +drug, he ceases his pursuit, and calls off the dogs. + +If men could manage, so as to be ready to part with what they own, in +order to live in safety for the future, there would be no one to devise +stratagems to the detriment of the naked body. + + [Footnote NF.22: _Name of a God_)--Ver. 3. This pun upon the + resemblance of "Castor," the name of the demigod, to "Castor," + "a beaver," seems to be a puerile pun; and the remark upon the + limited "copia verborum" of the Greeks, seems more likely to + proceed from the Archbishop of Sipontum than from Phaedrus, who was + evidently proud of his Grecian origin.] + + +FABLE XXX. + +THE BUTTERFLY AND THE WASP. + +_Not past but present Fortune must be regarded._ + +A Butterfly[23] seeing a Wasp flying by: "Oh, sad is our lot," said she, +"derived from the depths of hell, from the recesses of which we have +received our existence. I, eloquent in peace, brave in battle, most +skilled in every art, whatever I once was, behold, light and rotten, and +mere ashes do I fly.[24] You, who were a Mule[25] with panniers, hurt +whomsoever you choose, by fixing your sting in him." The Wasp, too, +uttered these words, well suited to her disposition: "Consider not what +we were, but what we now are." + + [Footnote NF.23: _A Butterfly_)--Ver. 1. This Fable is in a + sadly mutilated state, and critics are at a loss to say, with any + certainty, what is meant by it. Whether the supposed word in l. 2, + "barathris," (if really the correct reading), means the depths of + hell, or the inner folds of the leaves in which the Butterfly is + enveloped in the chrysalis state, or whether it means something + else, will probably always remain a matter of doubt. However, the + Fable seems to allude to the prevalent idea, that the soul, when + disengaged from the body, took the form of a butterfly. Indeed + the Greeks called both the soul and a butterfly by the name of + +psuche:+. There are six or seven different versions of the first + five lines.] + + [Footnote NF.24: _Ashes do I fly_)--Ver. 6. It is just + possible that this may allude to the soul being disengaged from + the corruption of the body.] + + [Footnote NF.25: _Who were a Mule_)--Ver. 7. She would seem + here to allude to the doctrine of the transmigration of souls. It + may possibly have been a notion, that as the human soul took the + form of a Butterfly, the souls of animals appeared in the shapes + of Wasps and Flies.] + + +FABLE XXXI. + +THE GROUND-SWALLOW AND THE FOX. + +_Confidence is not to be placed in the wicked._ + +A Bird which the Rustics call a Ground-Swallow ({terraneola}), because +it makes its nest in the ground, chanced to meet a wicked Fox, on seeing +whom she soared aloft on her wings. "Save you," said the other; "why, +pray, do you fly from me, as though I had not abundance of food in the +meadows,--crickets, beetles, {and} plenty of locusts. You have nothing +to fear, I beg {to assure you}; I love you dearly for your quiet ways, +and your harmless life." {The Bird} replied: "You speak very fairly, +indeed; however, I am not near you, but up in the air; I shall therefore +proceed, and that is the way in which I trust my life to you." + + +FABLE XXXII. + +THE EPILOGUE.[26] + +_Of those who read this book._ + +Whatever my Muse has here written in sportive mood, both malice and +worth equally join in praising; but the latter with candour, while the +other is secretly annoyed. + + [Footnote NF.26: _The Epilogue_)--This appears in reality to + be only the Fragment of an Epilogue.] + + + + +AESOPIAN FABLES.[1] + +THE AUTHORS OF WHICH ARE NOT KNOWN + + [Footnote AF.1: _Aesopian Fables_)--These Aesopian Fables appear + much more worthy of the genius of Phaedrus than the preceding ones, + which have been attributed to him by the Italian Editors. The name + of the author or authors of these is unknown; but from the + internal evidence, it is not improbable that some may have been + composed by Phaedrus.] + + +FABLE I. + +THE SICK KITE. + +A Kite having been sick for many months, and seeing now there was no +longer any hope of his recovery, asked his Mother to go round the sacred +places, and make the most earnest vows for his recovery. "I will do so, +my Son," said she, "but I am greatly afraid I shall obtain no help; but +you, who have polluted every temple {and} every altar with your ravages, +sparing no sacrificial food, what is it you would now have me ask?" + + +FABLE II. + +THE HARES TIRED OF LIFE. + +He who cannot endure his own misfortune, let him look at others, and +learn patience. + +On one occasion, the Hares being scared in the woods by a great noise, +cried out, that, on account of their continued alarms, they would end +their lives. So they repaired to a certain pond, into which, in their +despondency, they were going to throw themselves. Alarmed at their +approach, some Frogs fled distractedly into the green sedge. "Oh!" says +one {of the hares}, "there are others too whom fear of misfortune +torments. Endure existence as others do." + + +FABLE III. + +JUPITER AND THE FOX. + +No fortune conceals baseness of nature. + +Jupiter having changed a Fox into a human shape, while she was sitting +as a Mistress on a royal throne, she saw a beetle creeping out of a +corner, and sprang nimbly towards the well-known prey. The Gods of +heaven smiled; the Great Father was ashamed, and expelled the Concubine, +repudiated and disgraced, addressing her in these words: "Live on in the +manner that you deserve, you, who cannot make a worthy use of my +kindness." + + +FABLE IV. + +THE LION AND THE MOUSE. + +This Fable teaches that no one should hurt those of more humble +condition. + +While a Lion was asleep in a wood, where some Field-Mice were sporting +about, one of them by chance leaped upon the Lion as he lay. The Lion +awoke and seized the wretched {creature} with a sudden spring. The +captive implored pardon {and} suppliantly confessed his crime, a sin of +imprudence. The Monarch, not deeming it a glorious thing to exact +vengeance for this, pardoned him and let him go. A few days after, the +Lion, while roaming by night, fell into a trap. When he perceived that +he was caught in the snare, he began to roar with his loudest voice. At +this tremendous noise the Mouse instantly ran to his assistance, and +exclaimed: "You have no need to fear; I will make an adequate return for +your great kindness." Immediately he began to survey all the knots and +the fastenings of the knots; and gnawing the strings after he had +examined them, loosened the snare. Thus did the Mouse restore the +captured Lion to the woods. + + +FABLE V. + +THE MAN AND THE TREES. + +Those perish, who give assistance to their foes. + +A certain Man, having made an axe, besought the Trees to afford him a +handle from their wood that would prove firm: they all desired that a +piece of Olive-tree should be given. He accepted the offer, and, fitting +on the handle, set to work with the axe to hew down the huge trunks. +While he was selecting such as he thought fit, the Oak is reported thus +to have said to the Ash: "We richly deserve to be cut down." + + +FABLE VI. + +THE MOUSE AND THE FROG. + +A Mouse, in order that he might pass over a river with greater ease, +sought the aid of a Frog. She tied the fore leg of the Mouse to her +hinder thigh. Hardly had they swum to the middle of the river, when the +Frog dived suddenly, trying to reach the bottom, that she might +perfidiously deprive the Mouse of life. While he struggled with all his +might not to sink, a Kite that was flying near at hand, beheld the prey, +and seizing the floundering Mouse in his talons, at the same time bore +off the Frog that was fastened to him. + +Thus do men often perish while meditating the destruction others. + + +FABLE VII. + +THE TWO COCKS AND THE HAWK. + +A Cock who had often fought with {another} Cock, and been beaten, +requested a Hawk {to act as} umpire in the contest. The latter conceived +hopes, if both should come, of devouring him who should first present +himself. Shortly after, when he saw that they had come to plead their +cause, he seized the one who first brought his case into court. The +victim clamorously exclaimed: "'Tis not I that should be punished, but +the one who took to flight;" the Bird {replied}: "Do not suppose that +you can this day escape my talons; it is just that you should now +yourself endure the treacheries you were planning for another."[2] + +He who often cogitates upon the death of others, little knows what sad +Fate he may be preparing for himself. + + [Footnote AF.2: _Planning for another_)--Ver. 10. The nature + of the reason assigned by the Hawk is not very clear. Perhaps the + writer did not care that he should give even so much as a specious + reason.] + + +FABLE VIII. + +THE SNAIL AND THE APE. + +A Snail, smitten with admiration of a Mirror which she had found, began +to climb its shining face, and lick it, fancying she could confer no +greater favour upon it, than to stain its brightness with her slime. An +Ape, when he saw the Mirror {thus} defiled, remarked: "He who allows +himself to be trodden by such {beings}, deserves to suffer such a +disgrace." + +This Fable is written for those Women who unite themselves to ignorant +and foolish Men. + + +FABLE IX. + +THE CITY MOUSE AND COUNTRY MOUSE. + +A City Mouse being once entertained at the table of a Country one, dined +on humble acorns in a hole. Afterwards he prevailed upon the Countryman +by his entreaties to enter the city and a cellar that abounded with the +choicest things. Here, while they were enjoying remnants of various +kinds, the door is thrown open, and in comes the Butler; the Mice, +terrified at the noise, fly in different directions, and the City one +easily hides himself in his well-known holes; while the unfortunate +Rustic, all trepidation in that strange house, and dreading death, runs +to-and-fro along the walls. When the Butler had taken what he wanted, +and had shut the door, the City Mouse bade the Country one again to +take courage. The latter, still in a state of perturbation, replied: +"I hardly can take any food for fear. Do you think he will come?" +--"Why are you in such a fright?" said the City one; "come, let us +enjoy dainties which you may seek in vain in the country." The +Countryman {replied}: "You, who don't know what it is to fear, will +enjoy all these things; but, free from care and at liberty, may acorns +be my food!" + +'Tis better to live secure in poverty, than to be consumed by the cares +attendant upon riches. + + +FABLE X. + +THE ASS FAWNING UPON HIS MASTER. + +An Ass, seeing the Dog fawn upon his master, and how he was crammed at +his table each day, and had bits thrown to him in abundance by the +Servants, thus remarked: "If the Master and the Servants are so very +fond of a most filthy Dog, what must it be with me, if I should pay him +similar attentions, who am much better than this Dog, and useful and +praiseworthy in many respects; who am supported by the pure streams of +undefiled water, and never in the habit of feeding upon nasty food? +Surely I am more worthy than a whelp to enjoy a happy life, and to +obtain the highest honor." While the Ass is thus soliloquising, he sees +his Master enter the stable; so running up to him in haste and braying +aloud, he leaps upon him, claps both feet on his shoulders, begins to +lick his face; and tearing his clothes with his dirty hoofs, he fatigues +his Master with his heavy weight, as he stupidly fawns upon him. At +their Master's outcry the Servants run to the spot, and seizing +everywhere such sticks and stones as come in their way, they punish the +braying {beast}, and knocking him off his Master's body, soon send him +back, half-dead to the manger, with sore limbs and battered rump. + +{This} Fable teaches that a fool is not to thrust himself upon those who +do not want him, or affect to perform the part of one superior {to him}. + + +FABLE XI. + +THE CRANE, THE CROW, AND THE COUNTRYMAN. + +A Crane and a Crow had made a league on oath, that the Crane should +protect the Crow against the Birds, {and} that the Crow should foretell +the future, so that the Crane might be on her guard. After this, on +their frequently flying into the fields of a certain Countryman, and +tearing up by the roots what had been sown, the owner of the field saw +it, and being vexed, cried out: "Give me a stone, Boy, that I may hit +the Crane." When the Crow heard this, at once she warned the Crane, who +took all due precaution. On another day, too, the Crow hearing him ask +for a stone, again warned the Crane carefully to avoid the danger. The +Countryman, suspecting that the divining Bird heard his commands, said +to the Boy: "If I say, give me a cake, do you secretly hand me a stone." +The Crane came {again}; he bade the Boy give him a cake, but the Boy +gave him a stone, with which he hit the Crane, and broke her legs. The +Crane, on being wounded, said: "Prophetic Crow, where now are your +auspices? Why did you not hasten to warn your companion, as you swore +you would, that no such evil might befall me?" The Crow made answer: "It +is not my art that deserves to be blamed; but the purposes of +double-tongued people are so deceiving, who say one thing and do +another." + +Those who impose upon the inexperienced by deceitful promises, fail not +to cajole them by-and-bye with pretended reasons. + + +FABLE XII. + +THE BIRDS AND THE SWALLOW. + +The Birds having assembled in one spot, saw a Man sowing flax in a +field. When the Swallow found that they thought nothing at all of this, +she is reported to have called them together, and thus addressed them: +"Danger awaits us all from this, if the seed should come to maturity." +The Birds laughed {at her}. When the crop, however, sprang up, the +Swallow again remarked: "Our destruction is impending; come, let us root +up the noxious blades, lest, if they shortly grow up, nets may be made +thereof, and we may be taken by the contrivances of man." The Birds +persist in laughing at the words of the Swallow, and foolishly despise +{this} most prudent advice. But she, in her caution, at once betook +herself to Man, that she might suspend her nest in safety under his +rafters. The Birds, however, who had disregarded her wholesome advice, +being caught in nets made of the flax, came to an untimely end. + + +FABLE XIII. + +THE PARTRIDGE AND THE FOX. + +Once on a time a Partridge was sitting in a lofty tree. A Fox came up, +and began {thus} to speak: "O Partridge, how beautiful is your aspect! +Your beak transcends the coral; your thighs the brightness of purple. +And then, if you were to sleep, how much more beauteous you would be." +As soon as the silly Bird had closed her eyes, that instant the Fox +seized the credulous thing. Suppliantly she uttered these words, mingled +with loud cries: "O Fox, I beseech you, by the graceful dexterity of +your exquisite skill, utter my name as before, and then you shall devour +me." The Fox, willing to speak, opened his mouth, and so the Partridge +escaped destruction. Then said the deluded Fox: "What need was there for +me to speak?" The Partridge retorted: "And what necessity was there for +me to sleep, when my hour for sleep had not come?" + +This is for those who speak when there is no occasion, and who sleep +when it is requisite to be on the watch. + + +FABLE XIV. + +THE ASS, THE OX, AND THE BIRDS. + +An Ass and an Ox, fastened to the same yoke, were drawing a waggon. +While the Ox was pulling with all his might he broke his horn. The Ass +swears that he experiences no help whatever from his weak companion. +Exerting himself in the labour, the Ox breaks his other horn, and at +length falls dead upon the ground. Presently, the Herdsman loads the Ass +with the flesh of the Ox, and he breaks down amid a thousand blows, and +stretched in the middle of the road, expires. The Birds flying to the +prey, exclaim: "If you had shown yourself compassionate to the Ox when +he entreated you, you would not have been food for us through your +untimely death." + + +FABLE XV. + +THE LION AND THE SHEPHERD. + +A Lion,[3] while wandering in a wood, trod on a thorn, and soon after +came up, wagging his tail, to a Shepherd: "Don't be alarmed," {said he}, +"I suppliantly entreat your aid; I am not in search for prey." Lifting +up the {wounded} foot, the Man places it in his lap, and, taking out the +thorn, relieves {the patient's} severe pain: whereupon the Lion returns +to the woods. Some time after, the Shepherd (being accused on a false +charge) is condemned, and is ordered to be exposed to ravening Beasts at +the ensuing games. While the Beasts, on being let out,[4] are roaming +to-and-fro, the Lion recognizes the Man who effected the cure, and again +raising his foot, places it in the Shepherd's lap. The King, as soon as +he aware of this, immediately restored the Lion to the woods, and the +Shepherd to his friends. + + [Footnote AF.3: _A Lion_)--Ver. 1. This story is also told by + Seneca--De Beneficiis, B. II. c. 19, and by Aulus Gellius, B. III. + c. 14.] + + [Footnote AF.4: _The Beasts, on being let out_)--Ver. 10. The + beasts were sent forth from "caveae," or "cages," into the area of + the Circus or Amphitheatre.] + + +FABLE XVI. + +THE GNAT AND THE BULL. + +A Gnat having challenged a Bull to a trial of strength, all the People +came to see the combat. Then {said} the Gnat: "'Tis enough that you have +come to meet me in combat; for {though} little in my own idea, I am +great in your judgment," {and so saying}, he took himself off on light +wing through the air, and duped the multitude, and eluded the threats of +the Bull. {Now} if the Bull had kept in mind his strength of neck, and +had contemned an ignoble foe, the vapouring of the trifler would have +been all in vain. + +He loses character who puts himself on a level with the undeserving. + + +FABLE XVII. + +THE HORSE AND THE ASS. + +A Steed, swelling {with pride} beneath his trappings, met an Ass, and +because the latter, wearied with his load, made room very slowly: +"Hardly," said {the Horse}, "can I restrain myself from kicking you +severely." The Ass held his peace, only appealing with his groans to the +Gods. The Horse in a short space of time, broken-winded with running, is +sent to the farm. There the Ass espying him laden with dung, thus jeered +him: "Where are your former trappings, vain boaster, who have now fallen +into the misery which you treated with such contempt?" + +Let not the fortunate man, unmindful of the uncertainty of fortune, +despise the lowly one, seeing that he knows not what he may come to +himself. + + +FABLE XVIII. + +THE BIRDS, THE BEASTS, AND THE BAT. + +The Birds were at war with the Beasts, and the conquerors were defeated +in their turn; but the Bat, fearing the doubtful issue of {the strife}, +always betook himself to those whom he saw victorious. When they had +returned to their former state of peace, the fraud was apparent to both +sides; convicted therefore of a crime so disgraceful, {and} flying from +the light, he thenceforth hid himself in deep darkness, always flying +alone by night. + +Whoever offers himself for sale to both sides, will live a life of +disgrace, hateful to them both. + + +FABLE XIX. + +THE NIGHTINGALE, THE HAWK, AND THE FOWLER. + +While a Hawk was sitting in a Nightingale's nest, on the watch for a +Hare, he found there some young ones. The Mother, alarmed at the danger +of her offspring, flew up, and suppliantly entreated him to spare her +young ones. "I will do what you wish," he replied, "if you will sing me +a tuneful song with a clear voice." On this, much as her heart failed +her, still, through fear, she obeyed, and being compelled, full of grief +she sang. The Hawk, who had seized the prey, {then} said: "You have not +sung your best;" and, seizing one of the young ones with his claws, +began to devour it. A Fowler approaches from another direction, and +stealthily extending his reed,[5] touches the perfidious {creature} with +bird-lime, and drags him to the ground. + +Whoever lays crafty stratagems for others, ought to beware that he +himself be not entrapped by cunning. + + [Footnote AF.5: _Extending his reed_)--Ver. 13. From this it + would appear, that fowlers stood behind trees, and used reeds + tipped with birdlime, for the purpose of taking birds.] + + +FABLE XX. + +THE WOLF, THE FOX, AND THE SHEPHERD. + +A Wolf, in the course of time, had collected a store in his den, that he +might have food, which he might enjoy at his ease for many months. +A Fox, on learning this, went to the Wolf's den, and {said} with +tremulous voice: "Is all right, brother? For not having seen you on the +look-out for prey in your woods, life has been saddened every day." The +Wolf, when he perceived the envy of his rival, {replied}: "You have not +come hither from any anxiety on my account, but that you may get a +share. I know what is your deceitful aim." The Fox enraged, comes to a +Shepherd, {and} says: "Shepherd, will you return me thanks, if to-day I +deliver up to you the enemy of your flock, so that you need have no more +anxiety?" The Shepherd {replied}: "I will serve you, and will with +pleasure give you anything you like." She points out the Wolf's den to +the Shepherd, who shuts him in, despatches him immediately with a spear, +and gladly gratifies his rival with the property of another. When, +however, the Fox had fallen into the Hunter's hands, being caught and +mangled by the Dogs, she said: "Hardly have I done an injury to another, +ere I am now punished {myself}." + +Whoever ventures to injure another, ought to beware lest a greater evil +befall himself. + + +FABLE XXI. + +THE SHEEP AND THE WOLVES. + +When the Sheep and the Wolves[6] engaged in battle, the former, safe +under the protection of the dogs, were victorious. The Wolves sent +ambassadors, and demanded a peace, ratified on oath, on these terms; +that the Sheep should give up the Dogs, and receive as hostages the +whelps of the Wolves. The Sheep, hoping that lasting concord would be +thus secured, did as the Wolves demanded. Shortly after, when the whelps +began to howl, the Wolves, alleging as a pretext, that their young ones +were being murdered, and that the peace had been broken by the Sheep, +made a simultaneous rush on every side, and attacked the latter {thus} +deprived of protectors; {and} so a late repentance condemned their folly +in putting faith in their enemies. + +If a person gives up to others the safeguard under which he has +previously lived in security, he will afterwards wish it back, but in +vain. + + [Footnote AF.6: _The Sheep and the Wolves_)--Ver. 1. + Demosthenes is said to have related this Fable to the Athenians, + when dissuading them from surrendering the Orators to Alexander.] + + +FABLE XXII. + +THE APE AND THE FOX. + +An Ape asked a Fox to spare him some part of her exceeding length of +tail, with which he might be enabled to cover his most unseemly hinder +parts. "For of what use," said he, "is a tail of such extraordinary +length? For what purpose do you drag such a vast weight along the +ground?" The Fox {answered}: "Even if it were longer, and much bulkier, +I would rather drag it along the ground and through mud and thorns, than +give you a part; that you might not appear more comely through what +covers me." + +Greedy and rich {man}, this Fable has a lesson for you, who, though you +have a superabundance, still give nothing to the poor. + + +FABLE XXIII. + +THE WOLF, THE SHEPHERD, AND THE HUNTSMAN. + +A Wolf, flying from the Huntsman's close pursuit, was seen by a +Shepherd, {who noticed} which way he fled, and in what spot he concealed +himself. "Herdsman," {said} the terrified fugitive, "by all your hopes, +do not, I do adjure you by the great Gods, betray an innocent being, who +has done you no injury." + +"Don't fear," the Shepherd replied; "I'll point in another direction." +Soon after, the Huntsman comes up in haste: "Shepherd, have you not seen +a Wolf come this way? Which way did he run?" The Shepherd replied, in a +loud voice: "He certainly did come, but he fled to the left," but he +secretly motioned with his eyes towards the right. The other did not +understand him, and went on in haste. Then {said} the Shepherd to the +Wolf: "What thanks will you give me for having concealed you?" "To your +tongue, I give especial ones," said the Wolf, "but on your deceitful +eyes I pray that the darkness of eternal night may fall." + +He who, courteous in his words, conceals deceit in his heart, may +understand that he is himself described in this Fable. + + +FABLE XXIV. + +THE TRUTHFUL MAN, THE LIAR, AND THE APES. + +A Liar and a Truthful Man, while travelling together, chanced to come +into the land of the Apes. One of the number, who had made himself King, +seeing them, ordered them to be detained, that he might learn what men +said of him, {and} at the same time he ordered all the Apes to stand in +lengthened array on the right and left; and that a throne should be +placed for himself, as he had formerly seen was the practice with the +Kings among men. After this he questions the men {so} ordered to be +brought before him: "What do you think of me, strangers?" "You seem to +be a most mighty King," the Liar replied. "What of these whom you see +now about me?" "These are ministers,[7] these are lieutenants, and +leaders of troops." The Ape thus lyingly praised, together with his +crew, orders a present to be given to the flatterer. On this the +Truth-teller {remarked} to himself: "If so great the reward for lying, +with what gifts shall I not be presented, if, according to my custom, +I tell the truth?" The Ape then {turns} to the Truthful Man: "And what +do you think of me and those whom you see standing before me?" He made +answer: "You are a genuine Ape, and all these {are} Apes, who are like +you." The King, enraged, ordered him to be torn with teeth and claws, +because he had told the truth. + +A courtly lie is praised by the wicked; plain-spoken truth brings +destruction on the good. + + [Footnote AF.7: _Your ministers_)--Ver. 13. "Comites" here + seems to mean "ministers," in the sense in which the word was used + in the times of the later Roman emperors.] + + +FABLE XXV. + +THE MAN AND THE LION. + +A Man was disputing with a Lion which was the stronger of the two, and +while they were seeking evidence on the matter in dispute, they came at +last to a sepulchre, on which {the human disputant} pointed out a Lion, +depicted with his jaws rent asunder by a Man--a striking proof of +superior strength. The Lion made answer: "This was painted by a human +hand; if Lions knew how to paint, you would see the man undermost. But I +will give a more convincing proof of our valour." He {accordingly} led +the Man to some games,[8] where, calling his attention to men slain in +reality by Lions, he said: "There is no need of the testimony of +pictures here; real valour is shown by deeds." + +{This} Fable teaches that liars use colouring in vain, when a sure test +is produced. + + [Footnote AF.8: _Some games_)--Ver. 9. "Spectaculum," or + "venatio." These were exhibited by the wealthy Romans in the + amphitheatre or circus, and on some occasions many hundred beasts + were slain in one day. Of course, as here mentioned, their + assailants would sometimes meet with an untimely end.] + + +FABLE XXVI. + +THE STORK, THE GOOSE, AND THE HAWK. + +A Stork, having come to a well-known pool, found a Goose diving +frequently beneath the water, {and} enquired why she did so. The other +replied: "This is our custom, and we find our food in the mud; and then, +besides, we thus find safety, and escape the attack of the Hawk when he +comes against us." "I am much stronger than the Hawk," said the Stork; +"if you choose to make an alliance with me, you will be able +victoriously to deride him." The Goose believing her, and immediately +accepting her aid, goes with her into the fields: forthwith comes the +Hawk, and seizes the Goose in his remorseless claws and devours her, +while the Stork flies off. The Goose {called out after her}: "He who +trusts himself to so weak a protector, deserves to come to a still worse +end." + + +FABLE XXVII. + +THE SHEEP AND THE CROW. + +A Crow, sitting at her ease upon a Sheep's back, pecked her with her +beak. After she had done this for a long time, the Sheep, so patient +under injury, remarked: "If you had offered this affront to the Dog, you +could not have endured his barking." But the Crow {thus answered} the +Sheep: "I never sit on the neck of one so strong, as I know whom I may +provoke; my years having taught me cunning, I am civil to the robust, +but insolent to the defenceless. Of such a nature have the Gods thought +fit to create me." + +{This} Fable was written for those base persons who oppress the +innocent, {and} fear to annoy the bold. + + +FABLE XXVIII. + +THE ANT AND THE GRASSHOPPER. + +In winter time, an Ant was dragging forth from her hole, and drying, the +grains which, in her foresight, she had collected during the summer. +A Grasshopper, being hungry, begged her to give him something: the Ant +{replied}: "What were you doing in summer?" The other {said}: "I had not +leisure to think of the future: I was wandering through hedges and +meadows, singing away." The Ant laughing, and carrying back the grains, +said: "Very well, you who were singing away in the summer, dance in the +winter." + +Let the sluggard always labour at the proper time, lest when he has +nothing, he beg in vain. + + +FABLE XXIX. + +THE HORSE AND THE ASS. + +An Ass asked a Horse for a little barley. "With all my heart," said he, +"if I had more than I wanted, I would give you plenty, in accordance +with my dignified position; but bye-and-bye, as soon as I shall have +come to my manger in the evening, I will give you a sackful of wheat." +The Ass replied: "If you now deny me on a trifling occasion, what am I +to suppose you will do on one of greater importance?" + +They who, while making great promises, refuse small favours, show that +they are very tenacious of giving. + + +FABLE XXX. + +THE OLD LION AND THE FOX. + +Worn with years, a Lion pretended illness. Many Beasts came for the +purpose of visiting the sick King, whom at once he devoured. But a wary +Fox stood at a distance before the den, saluting the King. On the Lion +asking her why she did not come in: "Because," {said she}, "I see many +foot-marks of those who have gone in, but none of those who came out." + +The dangers of others are generally of advantage to the wary. + + +FABLE XXXI. + +THE CAMEL AND THE FLEA. + +A Flea, chancing to sit on the back of a Camel who was going along +weighed down with heavy burdens, was quite delighted with himself, as he +appeared to be so much higher. After they had made a long journey, they +came together in the evening to the stable. The Flea immediately +exclaimed, skipping lightly to the ground: "See, I have got down +directly, that I may not weary you any longer, {so} galled as you are." +The Camel {replied}: "I thank you; but neither when you were on me did I +find myself oppressed by your weight, nor do I feel myself at all +lightened now you have dismounted." + +He who, while he is of no standing, boasts to be of a lofty one, falls +under contempt when he comes to be known. + + +FABLE XXXII. + +THE KID AND THE WOLF. + +A She-Goat, that she might keep her young one in safety, on going forth +to feed, warned {her} heedless Kid not to open the door, because she +knew that many wild beasts were prowling about the cattle stalls. When +she was gone, there came a Wolf, imitating the voice of the dam, and +ordered the door to be opened for him. When the Kid heard him, looking +through a chink, he said to the Wolf: "I hear a sound like my Mother's +{voice}, but you are a deceiver, and an enemy to me; under my Mother's +voice you are seeking to drink my blood, and stuff yourself with my +flesh. Farewell." + +'Tis greatly to the credit of children to be obedient to their parents. + + +FABLE XXXIII. + +THE POOR MAN AND THE SERPENT. + +In the house of a certain Poor Man, a Serpent was always in the habit of +coming to his table, and being fed there plentifully upon the crumbs. +Shortly after, the Man becoming rich, he began to be angry with the +Serpent, and wounded him with an axe. After the lapse of some time he +returned to his former poverty. When he saw that like the varying lot of +the Serpent, his own fortunes also changed, he coaxingly begged him to +pardon the offence. Then said the Serpent to him: "You will repent of +your wickedness until my wound is healed; don't suppose, however, that I +take you henceforth with implicit confidence to be my friend. Still, +I could wish to be reconciled with you, if only I could never recall to +mind the perfidious axe." + +He deserves to be suspected, who has once done an injury; and an +intimacy with him is always to be renewed with caution. + + +FABLE XXXIV. + +THE EAGLE AND THE KITE. + +An Eagle was sitting on a branch with a Kite, in sorrowful mood. "Why," +{said} the Kite, "do I see you with such a melancholy air?" "I am +looking out," said she, "for a mate suited to myself, and cannot find +one." "Take me," {said the Kite}, "who am so much stronger than you." +"Well, are you able to get a living by what you can carry away?" "Many's +the time that I have seized and carried off an ostrich in my talons." +Induced by his words, the Eagle took him as her mate. A short time +having passed after the nuptials, the Eagle {said}: "Go and carry off +for me the booty you promised me." Soaring aloft, the Kite brings back a +field-mouse, most filthy, and stinking from long-contracted mouldiness. +"Is this," said the Eagle, "the performance of your promise?" The Kite +replied to her: "That I might contract a marriage with royalty, there is +nothing I would not have pledged myself to do, although I knew that I +was unable." + +Those who seek anxiously for partners of higher rank, painfully lament a +deception that has united them to the worthless. + + + * * * * * + * * * * + + + THE FABLES OF PHAEDRUS, + + Translated Into English Verse + By CHRISTOPHER SMART, A.M., + Fellow Of Pembroke Hall, Cambridge. + + + + +BOOK I. + + +PROLOGUE. + + What from the founder Esop fell, + In neat familiar verse I tell: + Twofold's the genius of the page, + To make you smile and make you sage. + But if the critics we displease, + By wrangling brutes and talking trees, + Let them remember, ere they blame, + We're working neither sin nor shame; + 'Tis but a play to form the youth + By fiction, in the cause of truth. + + +FABLE I. THE WOLF AND THE LAMB. + + By thirst incited; to the brook + The Wolf and Lamb themselves betook. + The Wolf high up the current drank, + The Lamb far lower down the bank. + Then, bent his rav'nous maw to cram, + The Wolf took umbrage at the Lamb. + "How dare you trouble all the flood, + And mingle my good drink with mud?" + "Sir," says the Lambkin, sore afraid, + "How should I act, as you upbraid? + The thing you mention cannot be, + The stream descends from you to me." + Abash'd by facts, says he, "I know + 'Tis now exact six months ago + You strove my honest fame to blot"-- + "Six months ago, sir, I was not." + "Then 'twas th' old ram thy sire," he cried, + And so he tore him, till he died. + To those this fable I address + Who are determined to oppress, + And trump up any false pretence, + But they will injure innocence. + + +II. THE FROGS DESIRING A KING. + + With equal laws when Athens throve, + The petulance of freedom drove + Their state to license, which o'erthrew + Those just restraints of old they knew. + Hence, as a factious discontent + Through every rank and order went, + Pisistratus the tyrant form'd + A party, and the fort he storm'd: + Which yoke, while all bemoan'd in grief, + (Not that he was a cruel chief, + But they unused to be controll'd) + Then Esop thus his fable told: + The Frogs, a freeborn people made, + From out their marsh with clamor pray'd + That Jove a monarch would assign + With power their manners to refine. + The sovereign smiled, and on their bog + Sent his petitioners a log, + Which, as it dash'd upon the place, + At first alarm'd the tim'rous race. + But ere it long had lain to cool, + One slily peep'd out of the pool, + And finding it a king in jest, + He boldly summon'd all the rest. + Now, void of fear, the tribe advanced, + And on the timber leap'd and danced, + And having let their fury loose, + In gross affronts and rank abuse, + Of Jove they sought another king, + For useless was this wooden thing. + Then he a water-snake empower'd, + Who one by one their race devour'd. + They try to make escape in vain, + Nor, dumb through fear, can they complain. + By stealth they Mercury depute, + That Jove would once more hear their suit, + And send their sinking state to save; + But he in wrath this answer gave: + "You scorn'd the good king that you had, + And therefore you shall bear the bad." + Ye likewise, O Athenian friends, + Convinced to what impatience tends, + Though slavery be no common curse, + Be still, for fear of worse and worse. + + +III. THE VAIN JACKDAW. + + Lest any one himself should plume, + And on his neighbour's worth presume; + But still let Nature's garb prevail-- + Esop has left this little tale: + A Daw, ambitious and absurd, + Pick'd up the quills of Juno's bird; + And, with the gorgeous spoil adorn'd, + All his own sable brethren scorn'd, + And join'd the peacocks--who in scoff + Stripp'd the bold thief, and drove him off. + The Daw, thus roughly handled, went + To his own kind in discontent: + But they in turn contemn the spark, + And brand with many a shameful mark. + Then one he formerly disdain'd, + "Had you," said he, "at home remain'd-- + Content with Nature's ways and will, + You had not felt the peacock's bill; + Nor 'mongst the birds of your own dress + Had been deserted in distress." + + +IV. THE DOG IN THE RIVER. + + The churl that wants another's fare + Deserves at least to lose his share. + As through the stream a Dog convey'd + A piece of meat, he spied his shade + In the clear mirror of the flood, + And thinking it was flesh and blood, + Snapp'd to deprive him of the treat:-- + But mark the glutton's self-defeat, + Miss'd both another's and his own, + Both shade and substance, beef and bone. + + +V. THE HEIFER, GOAT, SHEEP, AND LION. + + A partnership with men in power + We cannot build upon an hour. + This Fable proves the fact too true: + An Heifer, Goat, and harmless Ewe, + Were with the Lion as allies, + To raise in desert woods supplies. + There, when they jointly had the luck + To take a most enormous buck, + The Lion first the parts disposed, + And then his royal will disclosed. + "The first, as Lion hight, I crave; + The next you yield to me, as brave; + The third is my peculiar due, + As being stronger far than you; + The fourth you likewise will renounce, + For him that touches, I shall trounce." + Thus rank unrighteousness and force + Seized all the prey without remorse. + + +VI. THE FROGS AND SUN. + + When Esop saw, with inward grief, + The nuptials of a neighb'ring thief, + He thus his narrative begun: + Of old 'twas rumor'd that the Sun + Would take a wife: with hideous cries + The quer'lous Frogs alarm'd the skies. + Moved at their murmurs, Jove inquired + What was the thing that they desired? + When thus a tenant of the lake, + In terror, for his brethren spake: + "Ev'n now one Sun too much is found, + And dries up all the pools around, + Till we thy creatures perish here; + But oh, how dreadfully severe, + Should he at length be made a sire, + And propagate a race of fire!" + + +VII. THE FOX AND THE TRAGIC MASK. + + A Fox beheld a Mask-- "O rare + The headpiece, if but brains were there!" + This holds--whene'er the Fates dispense + Pomp, pow'r, and everything but sense. + + +VIII. THE WOLF AND CRANE. + + Who for his merit seeks a price + From men of violence and vice, + Is twice a fool--first so declared, + As for the worthless he has cared; + Then after all, his honest aim + Must end in punishment and shame. + A bone the Wolf devour'd in haste, + Stuck in his greedy throat so fast, + That, tortured with the pain, he roar'd, + And ev'ry beast around implored, + That who a remedy could find + Should have a premium to his mind. + A Crane was wrought upon to trust + His oath at length--and down she thrust + Her neck into his throat impure, + And so perform'd a desp'rate cure. + At which, when she desired her fee, + "You base, ungrateful minx," says he, + "Whom I so kind forbore to kill, + And now, forsooth, you'd bring your bill!" + + +IX. THE HARE AND THE SPARROW. + + Still to give cautions, as a friend, + And not one's own affairs attend, + Is but impertinent and vain, + As these few verses will explain. + A Sparrow taunted at a Hare + Caught by an eagle high in air, + And screaming loud-- "Where now," says she, + "Is your renown'd velocity? + Why loiter'd your much boasted speed?" + Just as she spake, an hungry glede + Did on th' injurious railer fall, + Nor could her cries avail at all. + The Hare, with its expiring breath, + Thus said: "See comfort ev'n in death! + She that derided my distress + Must now deplore her own no less." + + +X. THE WOLF AND FOX, WITH THE APE FOR JUDGE. + + Whoe'er by practice indiscreet + Has pass'd for a notorious cheat, + Will shortly find his credit fail, + Though he speak truth, says Esop's tale. + The Wolf the Fox for theft arraign'd; + The Fox her innocence maintain'd: + The Ape, as umpire, takes his seat; + Each pleads his cause with skill and heat. + Then thus the Ape, with aspect grave, + The sentence from the hustings gave: + "For you, Sir Wolf, I do descry + That all your losses are a lie-- + And you, with negatives so stout, + O Fox! have stolen the goods no doubt." + + +XI. THE ASS AND THE LION HUNTING. + + A coward, full of pompous speech, + The ignorant may overreach; + But is the laughing-stock of those + Who know how far his valor goes. + Once on a time it came to pass, + The Lion hunted with the Ass, + Whom hiding in the thickest shade + He there proposed should lend him aid, + By trumpeting so strange a bray, + That all the beasts he should dismay, + And drive them o'er the desert heath + Into the lurking Lion's teeth. + Proud of the task, the long-ear'd loon + Struck up such an outrageous tune, + That 'twas a miracle to hear-- + The beasts forsake their haunts with fear, + And in the Lion's fangs expired: + Who, being now with slaughter tired, + Call'd out the Ass, whose noise he stops. + The Ass, parading from the copse, + Cried out with most conceited scoff, + "How did my music-piece go off?" + "So well--were not thy courage known, + Their terror had been all my own!" + + +XII. THE STAG AT THE FOUNTAIN. + + Full often what you now despise + Proves better than the things you prize; + Let Esop's narrative decide: + A Stag beheld, with conscious pride, + (As at the fountain-head he stood) + His image in the silver flood, + And there extols his branching horns, + While his poor spindle-shanks he scorns-- + But, lo! he hears the hunter's cries, + And, frighten'd, o'er the champaign flies-- + His swiftness baffles the pursuit: + At length a wood receives the brute, + And by his horns entangled there, + The pack began his flesh to tear: + Then dying thus he wail'd his fate: + "Unhappy me! and wise too late! + How useful what I did disdain! + How grievous that which made me vain." + + +XIII. THE FOX AND THE CROW. + + His folly in repentance ends, + Who, to a flatt'ring knave attends. + A Crow, her hunger to appease, + Had from a window stolen some cheese, + And sitting on a lofty pine + In state, was just about to dine. + This, when a Fox observed below, + He thus harangued the foolish Crow: + "Lady, how beauteous to the view + Those glossy plumes of sable hue! + Thy features how divinely fair! + With what a shape, and what an air! + Could you but frame your voice to sing, + You'd have no rival on the wing." + But she, now willing to display + Her talents in the vocal way, + Let go the cheese of luscious taste, + Which Renard seized with greedy haste. + The grudging dupe now sees at last + That for her folly she must fast. + + +XIV. THE COBBLER TURNED DOCTOR. + + A bankrupt Cobbler, poor and lean, + (No bungler e'er was half so mean) + Went to a foreign place, and there + Began his med'cines to prepare: + But one of more especial note + He call'd his sovereign antidote; + And by his technical bombast + Contrived to raise a name at last. + It happen'd that the king was sick, + Who, willing to detect the trick, + Call'd for some water in an ewer, + Poison in which he feign'd to pour + The antidote was likewise mix'd; + He then upon th' empiric fix'd + To take the medicated cup, + And, for a premium, drink it up + The quack, through dread of death, confess'd + That he was of no skill possess'd; + But all this great and glorious job + Was made of nonsense and the mob. + Then did the king his peers convoke, + And thus unto th' assembly spoke: + "My lords and gentlemen, I rate + Your folly as inordinate, + Who trust your heads into his hand, + Where no one had his heels japann'd."-- + This story their attention craves + Whose weakness is the prey of knaves. + + +XV. THE SAPIENT ASS. + + In all the changes of a state, + The poor are the most fortunate, + Who, save the name of him they call + Their king, can find no odds at all. + The truth of this you now may read-- + A fearful old man in a mead, + While leading of his Ass about, + Was startled at the sudden shout + Of enemies approaching nigh. + He then advised the Ass to fly, + "Lest we be taken in the place:" + But loth at all to mend his pace, + "Pray, will the conqueror," quoth Jack, + "With double panniers load my back?" + "No," says the man. "If that's the thing," + Cries he, "I care not who is king." + + +XVI. THE SHEEP, THE STAG, AND THE WOLF. + + When one rogue would another get + For surety in a case of debt, + 'Tis not the thing t' accept the terms, + But dread th' event--the tale affirms. + A Stag approach'd the Sheep, to treat + For one good bushel of her wheat. + "The honest Wolf will give his bond." + At which, beginning to despond, + "The Wolf (cries she) 's a vagrant bite. + And you are quickly out of sight; + Where shall I find or him or you + Upon the day the debt is due?" + + +XVII. THE SHEEP, THE DOG, AND THE WOLF. + + Liars are liable to rue + The mischief they're so prone to do. + The Sheep a Dog unjustly dunn'd + One loaf directly to refund, + Which he the Dog to the said Sheep + Had given in confidence to keep. + The Wolf was summoned, and he swore + It was not one, but ten or more. + The Sheep was therefore cast at law + To pay for things she never saw. + But, lo! ere many days ensued, + Dead in a ditch the Wolf she view'd: + "This, this," she cried, "is Heaven's decree + Of justice on a wretch like thee." + + +XIX. THE BITCH AND HER PUPPIES. + + Bad men have speeches smooth and fair, + Of which, that we should be aware, + And such designing villains thwart, + The underwritten lines exhort. + A Bitch besought one of her kin + For room to put her Puppies in: + She, loth to say her neighbour nay, + Directly lent both hole and hay. + But asking to be repossess'd, + For longer time the former press'd, + Until her Puppies gather'd strength, + Which second lease expired at length; + And when, abused at such a rate, + The lender grew importunate, + "The place," quoth she, "I will resign + When you're a match for me and mine." + + +XX. THE HUNGRY DOGS. + + A stupid plan that fools project, + Not only will not take effect, + But proves destructive in the end + To those that bungle and pretend. + Some hungry Dogs beheld an hide + Deep sunk beneath the crystal tide, + Which, that they might extract for food, + They strove to drink up all the flood; + But bursten in the desp'rate deed, + They perish'd, ere they could succeed. + + +XXI. THE OLD LION. + + Whoever, to his honor's cost, + His pristine dignity has lost, + Is the fool's jest and coward's scorn, + When once deserted and forlorn. + With years enfeebled and decay'd, + A Lion gasping hard was laid: + Then came, with furious tusk, a boar, + To vindicate his wrongs of yore: + The bull was next in hostile spite, + With goring horn his foe to smite: + At length the ass himself, secure + That now impunity was sure, + His blow too insolently deals, + And kicks his forehead with his heels. + Then thus the Lion, as he died: + "'Twas hard to bear the brave," he cried; + "But to be trampled on by thee + Is Nature's last indignity; + And thou, O despicable thing, + Giv'st death at least a double sting." + + +XXII. THE MAN AND THE WEASEL. + + A Weasel, by a person caught, + And willing to get off, besought + The man to spare. "Be not severe + On him that keeps your pantry clear + Of those intolerable mice." + "This were," says he, "a work of price, + If done entirely for my sake, + And good had been the plea you make: + But since, with all these pains and care, + You seize yourself the dainty fare + On which those vermin used to fall, + And then devour the mice and all, + Urge not a benefit in vain." + This said, the miscreant was slain. + The satire here those chaps will own, + Who, useful to themselves alone, + And bustling for a private end, + Would boast the merit of a friend. + + +XXIII. THE FAITHFUL HOUSE-DOG. + + A Man that's gen'rous all at once + May dupe a novice or a dunce; + But to no purpose are the snares + He for the knowing ones prepares. + When late at night a felon tried + To bribe a Dog with food, he cried, + "What ho! do you attempt to stop + The mouth of him that guards the shop? + You 're mightily mistaken, sir, + For this strange kindness is a spur, + To make me double all my din, + Lest such a scoundrel should come in." + + +XXIV. THE PROUD FROG. + + When poor men to expenses run, + And ape their betters, they're undone. + An Ox the Frog a-grazing view'd, + And envying his magnitude, + She puffs her wrinkled skin, and tries + To vie with his enormous size: + Then asks her young to own at least + That she was bigger than the beast. + They answer, No. With might and main + She swells and strains, and swells again. + "Now for it, who has got the day?" + The Ox is larger still, they say. + At length, with more and more ado, + She raged and puffed, and burst in two. + + +XXV. THE DOG AND THE CROCODILE. + + Who give bad precepts to the wise, + And cautious men with guile advise, + Not only lose their toil and time, + But slip into sarcastic rhyme. + The dogs that are about the Nile, + Through terror of the Crocodile, + Are therefore said to drink and run. + It happen'd on a day, that one, + As scamp'ring by the river side, + Was by the Crocodile espied: + "Sir, at your leisure drink, nor fear + The least design or treach'ry here." + "That," says the Dog, "ma'm, would I do + With all my heart, and thank you too, + But as you can on dog's flesh dine, + You shall not taste a bit of mine." + + +XXVI. THE FOX AND THE STORK. + + One should do injury to none; + But he that has th' assault begun, + Ought, says the fabulist, to find + The dread of being served in kind, + A Fox, to sup within his cave + The Stork an invitation gave, + Where, in a shallow dish, was pour'd + Some broth, which he himself devour'd; + While the poor hungry Stork was fain + Inevitably to abstain. + The Stork, in turn, the Fox invites, + And brings her liver and her lights + In a tall flagon, finely minced, + And thrusting in her beak, convinced + The Fox that he in grief must fast, + While she enjoy'd the rich repast. + Then, as in vain he lick'd the neck, + The Stork was heard her guest to check, + "That every one the fruits should bear + Of their example, is but fair." + + +XXVII. THE DOG, TREASURE, AND VULTURE. + + A Dog, while scratching up the ground, + 'Mongst human bones a treasure found; + But as his sacrilege was great, + To covet riches was his fate, + And punishment of his offence; + He therefore never stirr'd from thence, + But both in hunger and the cold, + With anxious care he watch'd the gold, + Till wholly negligent of food, + A ling'ring death at length ensued. + Upon his corse a Vulture stood, + And thus descanted:-- "It is good, + O Dog, that there thou liest bereaved + Who in the highway wast conceived, + And on a scurvy dunghill bred, + Hadst royal riches in thy head." + + +XXVIII. THE FOX AND EAGLE. + + Howe'er exalted in your sphere, + There's something from the mean to fear; + For, if their property you wrong, + The poor's revenge is quick and strong. + When on a time an Eagle stole + The cubs from out a Fox's hole, + And bore them to her young away, + That they might feast upon the prey, + The dam pursues the winged thief, + And deprecates so great a grief; + But safe upon the lofty tree, + The Eagle scorn'd the Fox's plea. + With that the Fox perceived at hand + An altar, whence she snatch'd a brand, + And compassing with flames the wood, + Put her in terror for her brood. + She therefore, lest her house should burn, + Submissive did the cubs return. + + +XXIX. THE FROGS AND BULLS. + + Men of low life are in distress + When great ones enmity profess. + There was a Bull-fight in the fen, + A Frog cried out in trouble then, + "Oh, what perdition on our race!" + "How," says another, "can the case + Be quite so desp'rate as you've said? + For they're contending who is head, + And lead a life from us disjoin'd, + Of sep'rate station, diverse kind."-- + "But he, who worsted shall retire, + Will come into this lowland mire, + And with his hoof dash out our brains, + Wherefore their rage to us pertains." + + +XXX. THE KITE AND THE DOVES. + + He that would have the wicked reign, + Instead of help will find his bane. + The Doves had oft escaped the Kite, + By their celerity of flight; + The ruffian then to coz'nage stoop'd, + And thus the tim'rous race he duped: + "Why do you lead a life of fear, + Rather than my proposals hear? + Elect me for your king, and + I Will all your race indemnify." + They foolishly the Kite believed, + Who having now the pow'r received, + Began upon the Doves to prey, + And exercise tyrannic sway. + "Justly," says one who yet remain'd, + "We die the death ourselves ordain'd." + + + + +BOOK II. + + +PROLOGUE. + + The way of writing Esop chose, + Sound doctrine by example shows; + For nothing by these tales is meant, + So much as that the bad repent; + And by the pattern that is set, + Due diligence itself should whet. + Wherefore, whatever arch conceit + You in our narratives shall meet + (If with the critic's ear it take, + And for some special purpose make), + Aspires by real use to fame, + Rather than from an author's name. + In fact, with all the care I can, + I shall abide by Esop's plan: + But if at times I intersperse + My own materials in the verse, + That sweet variety may please + The fancy, and attention ease; + Receive it in a friendly way; + Which grace I purpose to repay + By this consciousness of my song; + Whose praises, lest they be too long, + Attend, why you should stint the sneak, + But give the modest, ere they seek. + + +FABLE I. THE JUDICIOUS LION. + + + A Lion on the carcass stood + Of a young heifer in the wood; + A robber that was passing there, + Came up, and ask'd him for a share. + "A share," says he, "you should receive, + But that you seldom ask our leave + For things so handily removed." + At which the ruffian was reproved. + It happen'd that the selfsame day + A modest pilgrim came that way, + And when he saw the Lion, fled: + Says he, "There is no cause of dread, + In gentle tone--take you the chine, + Which to your merit I assign."-- + Then having parted what he slew, + To favour his approach withdrew. + A great example, worthy praise, + But not much copied now-a-days! + For churls have coffers that o'erflow, + And sheepish worth is poor and low. + + +II. THE BALD-PATE DUPE. + + Fondling or fondled--any how-- + (Examples of all times allow) + That men by women must be fleeced. + A dame, whose years were well increased, + But skill'd t' affect a youthful mien, + Was a staid husband's empress queen; + Who yet sequester'd half his heart + For a young damsel, brisk and smart. + They, while each wanted to attach + Themselves to him, and seem his match, + Began to tamper with his hair. + He, pleased with their officious care, + Was on a sudden made a coot; + For the young strumpet, branch and root, + Stripp'd of the hoary hairs his crown, + E'en as th' old cat grubb'd up the brown. + + +III. THE MAN AND THE DOG. + + Torn by a Cur, a man was led + To throw the snappish thief some bread + Dipt in the blood, which, he was told, + Had been a remedy of old. Then + Esop thus:-- "Forbear to show + A pack of dogs the thing you do, + Lest they should soon devour us quite, + When thus rewarded as they bite." + One wicked miscreant's success + Makes many more the trade profess. + + +IV. THE EAGLE, THE CAT, AND THE SOW. + + An Eagle built upon an oak + A Cat and kittens had bespoke + A hole about the middle bough; + And underneath a woodland + Sow Had placed her pigs upon the ground. + Then treach'rous Puss a method found + To overthrow, for her own good, + The peace of this chance neighbourhood + First to the Eagle she ascends-- + "Perdition on your head impends, + And, far too probable, on mine; + For you observe that grubbing + Swine Still works the tree to overset, + Us and our young with ease to get." + Thus having filled the Eagle's pate + With consternation very great, + Down creeps she to the Sow below; + "The Eagle is your deadly foe, + And is determined not to spare + Your pigs, when you shall take the air." + Here too a terror being spread, + By what this tattling gossip said, + She slily to her kittens stole, + And rested snug within her hole. + Sneaking from thence with silent tread + By night her family she fed, + But look'd out sharply all the day, + Affecting terror and dismay. + The Eagle lest the tree should fall, + Keeps to the boughs, nor stirs at all; + And anxious for her grunting race, + The Sow is loth to quit her place. + In short, they and their young ones starve, + And leave a prey for Puss to carve. + Hence warn'd ye credulous and young, + Be cautious of a double tongue. + + +V. CAESAR AND HIS SLAVE. + + There is in town a certain set + Of mortals, ever in a sweat, + Who idly bustling here and there, + Have never any time to spare, + While upon nothing they discuss + With heat, and most outrageous fuss, + Plague to themselves, and to the rest + A most intolerable pest. + I will correct this stupid clan + Of busy-bodies, if I can, + By a true story; lend an ear, + 'Tis worth a trifler's time to hear. + Tiberius Caesar, in his way + To Naples, on a certain day + Came to his own Misenian seat, + (Of old Lucullus's retreat,) + Which from the mountain top surveys + Two seas, by looking different ways. + Here a shrewd slave began to cringe + With dapper coat and sash of fringe, + And, as his master walk'd between + The trees upon the tufted green, + Finding the weather very hot, + Officiates with his wat'ring-pot; + And still attending through the glade, + Is ostentatious of his aid. + Caesar turns to another row, + Where neither sun nor rain could go; + He, for the nearest cut he knows, + Is still before with pot and rose. + Caesar observes him twist and shift, + And understands the fellow's drift; + "Here, you sir," says th' imperial lord. + The bustler, hoping a reward, + Runs skipping up. The chief in jest + Thus the poor jackanapes address'd + "As here is no great matter done, + Small is the premium you have won: + The cuffs that make a servant free, + Are for a better man than thee." + + +VI. THE EAGLE, CARRION CROW, AND TORTOISE. + + No soul can warrant life or right, + Secure from men of lawless might; + But if a knave's advice assist, + 'Gainst fraud and force what can exist? + An Eagle on a Tortoise fell, + And mounting bore him by the shell: + She with her house her body screens, + Nor can be hurt by any means. + A Carrion Crow came by that way, + "You've got," says she, "a luscious prey; + But soon its weight will make you rue, + Unless I show you what to do." + The captor promising a share, + She bids her from the upper air + To dash the shell against a rock, + Which would be sever'd by the shock. + The Eagle follows her behest, + Then feasts on turtle with his guest. + Thus she, whom Nature made so strong, + And safe against external wrong, + No match for force, and its allies, + To cruel death a victim dies. + + +VII. THE MULES AND ROBBERS. + + Two laden Mules were on the road-- + A charge of money was bestowed + Upon the one, the other bore + Some sacks of barley. He before. + Proud of his freight, begun to swell, + Stretch'd out his neck, and shook his bell. + The poor one, with an easy pace, + Came on behind a little space, + When on a sudden, from the wood + A gang of thieves before them stood; + And, while the muleteers engage, + Wound the poor creature in their rage + Eager they seize the golden prize, + But the vile barley-bags despise. + The plunder'd mule was all forlorn, + The other thank'd them for their scorn: + "'Tis now my turn the head to toss, + Sustaining neither wound nor loss." + The low estate's from peril clear, + But wealthy men have much to fear. + + +VIII. THE STAG AND THE OXEN. + + A Stag unharbour'd by the hounds, + Forth from his woodland covert bounds, + And blind with terror, at th' alarm + Of death, makes to a neighb'ring farm; + There snug conceals him in some straw, + Which in an ox's stall he saw. + "Wretch that thou art!" a bullock cried, + "That com'st within this place to hide; + By trusting man you are undone, + And into sure destruction run." + But he with suppliant voice replies: + "Do you but wink with both your eyes, + I soon shall my occasions shape, + To make from hence a fair escape." + The day is spent, the night succeeds, + The herdsman comes, the cattle feeds, + But nothing sees--then to and fro + Time after time the servants go; + Yet not a soul perceives the case. + The steward passes by the place, + Himself no wiser than the rest. + The joyful Stag his thanks address'd + To all the Oxen, that he there + Had found a refuge in despair. + "We wish you well," an Ox return'd, + "But for your life are still concern'd, + For if old Argus come, no doubt, + His hundred eyes will find you out." + Scarce had the speaker made an end, + When from the supper of a friend + The master enters at the door, + And, seeing that the steers were poor + Of late, advances to the rack. + "Why were the fellow's hands so slack? + Here's hardly any straw at all, + Brush down those cobwebs from the wall. + Pray how much labour would it ask?" + While thus he undertakes the task, + To dust, and rummage by degrees, + The Stag's exalted horns he sees: + Then calling all his folks around, + He lays him breathless on the ground. + The master, as the tale declares, + Looks sharpest to his own affairs. + + +EPILOGUE. + + A statue of great cost and fame + Th' Athenians raised to Esop's name, + Him setting on th' eternal base, + Whom servile rank could not disgrace; + That they might teach to all mankind + The way to honor's unconfined, + That glory's due to rising worth, + And not alone to pomp and birth. + Since then another seized the post + Lest I priority should boast, + This pow'r and praise was yet my own, + That he should not excel alone: + Nor is this Envy's jealous ire, + But Emulation's genuine fire. + And if Rome should approve my piece, + She'll soon have more to rival Greece. + But should th' invidious town declare + Against my plodding over-care, + They cannot take away, nor hurt + Th' internal conscience of desert. + If these my studies reach their aim, + And, reader, your attention claim, + If your perception fully weighs + The drift of these my labour'd lays; + Then such success precludes complaint. + But if the Picture which I paint + Should happen to attract their sight, + Whom luckless Nature brought to light, + Who scorn the labours of a man, + And when they carp do all they can; + Yet must this fatal cause to mourn + With all its bitterness be borne, + Till fortune be ashamed of days, + When genius fails, and int'rest sways. + + + + +BOOK III. + +PROLOGUE, TO EUTYCHUS. + + + The tales of Phaedrus would you read, + O Eutychus, you must be freed + From business, that the mind unbent + May take the author's full intent. + You urge that this poetic turn + Of mine is not of such concern, + As with your time to interfere + A moment's space: 'tis therefore clear + For those essays you have no call, + Which suit not your affairs at all. + A time may come, perhaps you'll say, + That I shall make a holiday, + And have my vacant thoughts at large, + The student's office to discharge-- + And can you such vile stuff peruse, + Rather than serve domestic views, + Return the visits of a friend, + Or with your wife your leisure spend, + Relax your mind, your limbs relieve, + And for new toil new strength receive? + From worldly cares you must estrange + Your thoughts, and feel a perfect change, + If to Parnassus you repair, + And seek for your admission there, + Me--(whom a Grecian mother bore + On Hill Pierian, where of yore + Mnemosyne in love divine + Brought forth to Jove the tuneful Nine. + Though sprung where genius reign'd with art, + I grubb'd up av'rice from my heart, + And rather for applause than pay, + Embrace the literary way) + Yet as a writer and a wit, + With some abatements they admit. + What is his case then, do you think, + Who toils for wealth nor sleeps a wink, + Preferring to the pleasing pain + Of composition sordid gain? + But hap what will (as Sinon said, + When to king Priam he was led), + I book the third shall now fulfil, + With Aesop for my master still; + Which book I dedicate to you, + As both to worth and honour due. + Pleased, if you read--if not, content + As conscious of a sure event, + That these my fables shall remain, + And after-ages entertain. + In a few words I now propose + To point from whence the Fable rose. + A servitude was all along + Exposed to most oppressive wrong, + The suff'rer therefore did not dare + His heart's true dictates to declare; + But couch'd his meaning in the veil + Of many an allegoric tale, + And jesting with a moral aim, + Eluded all offence and blame. + This is the path that I pursue, + Inventing more than Aesop knew; + And certain topics by-the-by, + To my own hindrence did I try. + But was there any of mankind, + Besides Sejanus, so inclined, + Who was alone to work my fall, + Informer, witness, judge and all; + I would confess the slander true, + And own such hardships were my due; + Nor would I fly, my grief to ease, + To such poor lenitives as these. + If any through suspicion errs, + And to himself alone refers, + What was design'd for thousands more + He'll show too plainly, where he's sore. + Yet ev'n from such I crave excuse, + For (far from personal abuse) + My verse in gen'ral would put down + True life and manners of the town. + But here, perhaps, some one will ask + Why I, forsooth, embraced this task? + If Esop, though a Phrygian, rose, + And ev'n derived from Scythian snows; + If Anacharsis could devise + By wit to gain th' immortal prize; + Shall I, who to learn'd Greece belong, + Neglect her honour and her song, + And by dull sloth myself disgrace? + Since we can reckon up in Thrace, + The authors that have sweetest sung, + Where Linus from Apollo sprung; + And he whose mother was a muse, + Whose voice could tenderness infuse + To solid rocks, strange monsters quell'd, + And Hebrus in his course withheld. + Envy, stand clear, or thou shalt rue + Th' attack, for glory is my due. + Thus having wrought upon your ear, + I beg that you would be sincere, + And in the poet's cause avow + That candor, all the world allow. + + +FABLE I. THE OLD WOMAN AND EMPTY CASK. + + An ancient dame a firkin sees, + In which the rich Falernian lees + Send from the nobly tinctured shell + A rare and most delicious smell! + There when a season she had clung + With greedy nostrils to the bung, + "O spirit exquisitely sweet!" + She cried, "how perfectly complete + Were you of old, and at the best, + When ev'n your dregs have such a zest!" + They'll see the drift of this my rhyme, + Who knew the author in his prime. + + +II. THE PANTHER AND SHEPHERDS. + + Their scorn comes home to them again + Who treat the wretched with disdain. + A careless Panther long ago + Fell in a pit, which overthrow + The Shepherds all around alarm'd; + When some themselves with cudgels arm'd; + Others threw stones upon its head; + But some in pity sent her bread, + As death was not the creature's due. + The night came on--the hostile crew + Went home, not doubting in the way + To find the Panther dead next day. + But she, recovering of her strength, + Sprang from the pit and fled at length. + But rushing in a little space + From forth her den upon the place, + She tears the flock, the Shepherd slays, + And all the region round dismays. + Then they began to be afraid + Who spared the beast and lent their aid; + They reck not of the loss, but make + Their pray'r for life, when thus she spake: + "I well remember them that threw + The stones, and well remember you + Who gave me bread--desist to fear, + For 'twas the oppressor brought me here." + + +III. THE APE'S HEAD. + + A certain person, as he stood + Within the shambles buying food, + Amongst the other kitchen fare + Beheld an Ape suspended there; + And asking how 'twould taste, when dress'd, + The butcher shook his head in jest; + "If for such prog your fancy is, + Judge of the flavour by the phiz." + This speech was not so true as keen, + For I in life have often seen + Good features with a wicked heart, + And plainness acting virtue's part. + + +IV. ESOP AND THE INSOLENT FELLOW. + + Fools from success perdition meet. + An idle wretch about the street + At Esop threw a stone in rage. + "So much the better," quoth the sage, + And gives three farthings for the job; + "I've no more money in my fob; + But if you'll follow my advice, + More shall be levied in a trice." + It happen'd that the selfsame hour + Came by a man of wealth and pow'r. + "There, throw your pellet at my lord, + And you shall have a sure reward!" + The fellow did as he was told; + But mark the downfall of the bold; + His hopes are baulk'd, and, lo! he gains + A rope and gibbet for his pains. + + +V. THE FLY AND THE MULE. + + A Fly that sat upon the beam Rated the + Mule: "Why, sure you dream? + Pray get on faster with the cart + Or I shall sting you till you smart!" + She answers: "All this talk I hear + With small attention, but must fear + Him who upon the box sustains + The pliant whip, and holds the reins. + Cease then your pertness--for I know + When to give back, and when to go." + This tale derides the talking crew, + Whose empty threats are all they do. + + +VI. THE DOG AND THE WOLF. + + I will, as briefly as I may, + The sweets of liberty display. + A Wolf half famish'd, chanced to see + A Dog, as fat as dog could be: + For one day meeting on the road, + They mutual compliments bestowed: + "Prithee," says Isgrim, faint and weak, + "How came you so well fed and sleek? + I starve, though stronger of the two." + "It will be just as well with you," + The Dog quite cool and frank replied, + "If with my master you'll abide." + "For what?" "Why merely to attend, + And from night thieves the door defend." + "I gladly will accept the post, + What! shall I bear with snow and frost + And all this rough inclement plight, + Rather than have a home at night, + And feed on plenty at my ease?" + "Come, then, with me" --the Wolf agrees. + But as they went the mark he found, + Where the Dog's collar had been bound: + "What's this, my friend?" "Why, nothing." + "Nay, Be more explicit, sir, I pray." + "I'm somewhat fierce and apt to bite, + Therefore they hold me pretty tight, + That in the day-time I may sleep, + And night by night my vigils keep. + At evening tide they let me out, + And then I freely walk about: + Bread comes without a care of mine. + I from my master's table dine; + The servants throw me many a scrap, + With choice of pot-liquor to lap; + So, I've my bellyful, you find." + "But can you go where you've a mind?" + "Not always, to be flat and plain." + "Then, Dog, enjoy your post again, + For to remain this servile thing, + Old Isgrim would not be a king." + + +VII. THE BROTHER AND SISTER. + + Warn'd by our council, oft beware, + And look into yourself with care. + There was a certain father had + A homely girl and comely lad. + These being at their childish play + Within their mother's room one day, + A looking-glass was in the chair, + And they beheld their faces there. + The boy grows prouder as he looks; + The girl is in a rage, nor brooks + Her boasting brother's jests and sneers, + Affronted at each word she hears: + Then to her father down she flies, + And urges all she can devise + Against the boy, who could presume + To meddle in a lady's room. + At which, embracing each in turn, + With most affectionate concern, + "My dears," he says, "ye may not pass + A day without this useful glass; + You, lest you spoil a pretty face, + By doing things to your disgrace; + You, by good conduct to correct + Your form, and beautify defect." + + +VIII. A SAYING OF SOCRATES. + + Though common be the name of friend, + Few can to faithfulness pretend, + That Socrates (whose cruel case, + I'd freely for his fame embrace, + And living any envy bear + To leave my character so fair) + Was building of a little cot, + When some one, standing on the spot, + Ask'd, as the folks are apt to do, + "How comes so great a man as you + Content with such a little hole?"-- + "I wish," says he, "with all my soul + That this same little house I build + Was with true friends completely fill'd." + + +IX. OF DOUBT AND CREDULITY. + + 'Tis frequently of bad event + To give or to withhold assent. + Two cases will th' affair explain-- + The good Hippolytus was slain; + In that his stepdame credit found, + And Troy was levell'd with the ground; + Because Cassandra's prescious care + Sought, but obtain'd no credence there. + The facts should then be very strong, + Lest the weak judge determine wrong: + But that I may not make too free + With fabulous antiquity, + I now a curious tale shall tell, + Which I myself remember well. + An honest man, that loved his wife, + Was introducing into life + A son upon the man's estate. + One day a servant (whom, of late, + He with his freedom had endu'd) + Took him aside, and being shrewd, + Supposed that he might be his heir + When he'd divulged the whole affair. + Much did he lie against the youth, + But more against the matron's truth: + And hinted that, which worst of all + Was sure a lover's heart to gall, + The visits of a lusty rake, + And honour of his house at stake. + He at this scandal taking heat, + Pretends a journey to his seat; + But stopp'd at hand, while it was light, + Where, on a sudden, and by night, + He to his wife's apartment sped, + Where she had put the lad to bed, + As watchful of his youthful bloom. + While now they're running to the room, + And seek a light in haste, the sire, + No longer stifling of his ire, + Flies to the couch, where grouping round, + A head, but newly shaved, he found; + Then, as alone, he vengeance breath'd, + The sword within his bosom sheath'd-- + The candle ent'ring, when he spied + The bleeding youth, and by his side + The spotless dame, who being fast + Asleep, knew nothing that had pass'd, + Instant in utmost grief involved, + He vengeance for himself resolved; + And on that very weapon flew, + Which his too cred'lous fury drew. + Th' accusers take the woman straight, + And drag to the centumvirate; + Th' ill-natured world directly built + A strong suspicion of her guilts, + As she th' estate was to enjoy-- + The lawyers all their skill employ; + And a great spirit those exert + Who most her innocence assert. + The judges then to Caesar pray'd + That he would lend his special aid; + Who, as they acted upon oath, + Declared themselves extremely loth + To close this intricate affair-- + He, taking then himself the chair, + The clouds of calumny displaced. + And Truth up to her fountain traced. + "Let the freedman to vengeance go, + The cause of all this scene of woe: + For the poor widow, thus undone, + Deprived of husband and of son, + To pity has a greater plea + Than condemnation, I decree-- + But if the man, with caution due, + Had rather blamed than listen'd to + The vile accuser, and his lie + Had strictly search'd with Reason's eye, + This desp'rate guilt he had not known, + Nor branch and root his house o'erthrown." + Nor wholly scorn, nor yet attend + Too much at what the tatlers vend, + Because there's many a sad neglect. + Where you have little to suspect; + And treach'rous persons will attaint + Men, against whom there's no complaint. + Hence simple folks too may be taught + How to form judgments as they ought, + And not see with another's glass; + For things are come to such a pass, + That love and hate work diff'rent ways, + As int'rest or ambition sways. + Them you may know, in them confide, + Whom by experience you have tried. + Thus have I made a long amends + For that brief style which some offends. + + +XI. THE COCK AND THE PEARL. + + A Cock, while scratching all around, + A Pearl upon the dunghill found: + "O splendid thing in foul disgrace, + Had there been any in the place + That saw and knew thy worth when sold, + Ere this thou hadst been set in gold. + But I, who rather would have got + A corn of barley, heed thee not; + No service can there render'd be + From me to you, and you to me." + I write this tale to them alone + To whom in vain my pearls are thrown. + + +XII. THE BEES AND THE DRONES. + + Up in a lofty oak the Bees + Had made their honey-combs: but these + The Drones asserted they had wrought. + Then to the bar the cause was brought + Before the wasp, a learned chief, + Who well might argue either brief, + As of a middle nature made. + He therefore to both parties said: + "You're not dissimilar in size, + And each with each your color vies, + That there's a doubt concerning both: + But, lest I err, upon my oath, + Hives for yourselves directly choose, + And in the wax the work infuse, + That, from the flavor and the form, + We may point out the genuine swarm." + The Drones refuse, the Bees agree-- + Then thus did Justice Wasp decree: + "Who can, and who cannot, is plain, + So take, ye Bees, your combs again." + This narrative had been suppress'd + Had not the Drones refused the test. + + +XIII. ESOP PLAYING. + + As Esop was with boys at play, + And had his nuts as well as they, + A grave Athenian, passing by, + Cast on the sage a scornful eye, + As on a dotard quite bereaved: + Which, when the moralist perceived, + (Rather himself a wit profess'd + Than the poor subject of a jest) + Into the public way he flung + A bow that he had just unstrung: + "There solve, thou conjurer," he cries, + "The problem, that before thee lies." + The people throng; he racks his brain, + Nor can the thing enjoin'd explain. + At last he gives it up--the seer + Thus then in triumph made it clear: + "As the tough bow exerts its spring, + A constant tension breaks the string; + But if 'tis let at seasons loose, + You may depend upon its use." + Thus recreative sports and play + Are good upon a holiday, + And with more spirit they'll pursue + The studies which they shall renew. + + +XIV. THE DOG AND THE LAMB. + + A Dog bespoke a sucking Lamb, + That used a she-goat as her dam, + "You little fool, why, how you baa! + This goat is not your own mamma:" + Then pointed to a distant mead, + Where several sheep were put to feed. + "I ask not," says the Lamb, "for her + Who had me first at Nature's spur, + And bore me for a time about, + Then, like a fardel, threw me out; + But her that is content to bilk + Her own dear kids, to give me milk." + "Yet she that yean'd you sure," says Tray, + "Should be preferr'd" --"I tell thee nay-- + Whence could she know that what she hid + Was black or white?--but grant she did-- + I being thus a male begot + 'Twas no great favor, since my lot + Was hour by hour, throughout my life, + To dread the butcher and his knife. + Why should I therefore give my voice + For her who had no pow'r or choice + In my production, and not cleave + To her so ready to relieve, + When she beheld me left alone, + And has such sweet indulgence shown?" + Kind deeds parental love proclaim, + Not mere necessity and name. + + +XV. THE OWL AND THE GRASSHOPPER. + + Those who will not the forms obey + To be obliging in their way, + Must often punishment abide + For their ill-nature, and their pride. + A Grasshopper, in rank ill-will, + Was very loud and very shrill + Against a sapient Owl's repose, + Who was compelled by day to doze + Within a hollow oak's retreat, + As wont by night to quest for meat-- + She is desired to hold her peace. + But at the word her cries increase; + Again requested to abate + Her noise, she's more importunate. + The Owl perceiving no redress, + And that her words were less and less + Accounted of, no longer pray'd, + But thus an artifice essay'd: + "Since 'tis impossible to nod, + While harping like the Delphian god, + You charm our ears, stead of a nap, + A batch of nectar will I tap, + Which lately from Minerva came; + Now if you do not scorn the same, + Together let us bumpers ply." + The Grasshopper, extremely dry, + And, finding she had hit the key + That gain'd applause, approach'd with glee; + At which the Owl upon her flew, + And quick the trembling vixen slew. + Thus by her death she was adjudged + To give what in her life she grudged. + + +XVI. THE TREES PROTECTED. + + The gods took certain trees (th' affair + Was some time since) into their care. + The oak was best approved by Jove, + The myrtle by the queen of love; + The god of music and the day + Vouchsafed to patronise the bay; + The pine Cybele chanced to please, + And the tall poplar Hercules. + Minerva upon this inquired + Why they all barren trees admired? + "The cause," says Jupiter, "is plain, + Lest we give honour up for gain." + "Let every one their fancy suit, + I choose the olive for its fruit." + The sire of gods and men replies, + "Daughter, thou shalt be reckon'd wise + By all the world, and justly too; + For whatsover things we do, + If not a life of useful days, + How vain is all pretence to praise!" + Whate'er experiments you try, + Have some advantage in your eye. + + +XVII. JUNO AND THE PEACOCK. + + Her fav'rite bird to Juno came, + And was in dudgeon at the dame, + That she had not attuned her throat + With Philomela's matchless note; + "She is the wonder of all ears; + But when I speak the audience sneers." + The goddess to the bird replied, + (Willing to have him pacified,) + "You are above the rest endued + With beauty and with magnitude; + Your neck the em'rald's gloss outvies, + And what a blaze of gemmeous dies + Shines from the plumage of your tail!" + "All this dumb show will not avail," + Cries he, "if I'm surpass'd in voice." + "The fates entirely have the choice + Of all the lots--fair form is yours; + The eagle's strength his prey secures; + The nightingale can sing an ode; + The crow and raven may forebode: + All these in sheer contentment crave + No other voice than Nature gave." + By affectation be not sway'd, + Where Nature has not lent her aid; + Nor to that flatt'ring hope attend, + Which must in disappointment end. + + +XVIII. ESOP AND THE IMPORTUNATE FELLOW. + + Esop (no other slave at hand) + Received himself his lord's command + An early supper to provide. + From house to house he therefore tried + To beg the favor of a light; + At length he hit upon the right. + But as when first he sallied out + He made his tour quite round about, + On his return he took a race + Directly, cross the market-place: + When thus a talkative buffoon, + "Esop, what means this light at noon?" + He answer'd briefly, as he ran, + "Fellow, I'm looking for a man." + Now if this jackanapes had weigh'd + The true intent of what was said, + He'd found that Esop had no sense + Of manhood in impertinence. + + +XIX. THE ASS AND PRIESTS OF CYBELE. + + The luckless wretch that's born to woe + Must all his life affliction know-- + And harder still, his cruel fate + Will on his very ashes wait. + Cybele's priests, in quest of bread, + An Ass about the village led, + With things for sale from door to door; + Till work'd and beaten more and more, + At length, when the poor creature died, + They made them drums out of his hide. + Then question'd "how it came to pass + They thus could serve their darling Ass?" + The answer was, "He thought of peace + In death, and that his toils would cease; + But see his mis'ry knows no bounds, + Still with our blows his back resounds." + + + + +BOOK IV. + + +PROLOGUE. + + To you, who've graver things bespoke, + This seems no better than a joke, + And light for mere amusement made; + Yet still we drive the scribbling trade, + And from the pen our pleasure find, + When we've no greater things to mind. + Yet if you look with care intense, + These tales your toil shall recompense; + Appearance is not always true, + And thousands err by such a view. + 'Tis a choice spirit that has pried + Where clean contrivance chose to hide; + That this is not at random said, + I shall produce upon this head + A fable of an arch device, + About the Weasel and the Mice. + + +FABLE I. THE WEAZEL AND MICE. + + A Weasel, worn with years, and lame, + That could not overtake its game, + Now with the nimble Mice to deal, + Disguised herself with barley meal; + Then negligent her limbs she spread + In a sly nook, and lay for dead. + A Mouse that thought she there might feed, + Leapt up, and perish'd in the deed; + A second in like manner died; + A third, and sundry more beside: + Then comes the brindled Mouse, a chap + That oft escaped both snare and trap, + And seeing how the trick was played, + Thus to his crafty foe he said:-- + "So may'st thou prosper day and night, + As thou art not an errant bite." + + +II. THE FOX AND THE GRAPES. + + An hungry Fox with fierce attack + Sprang on a Vine, but tumbled back, + Nor could attain the point in view, + So near the sky the bunches grew. + As he went off, "They're scurvy stuff," + Says he, "and not half ripe enough-- + And I've more rev'rence for my tripes + Than to torment them with the gripes." + For those this tale is very pat + Who lessen what they can't come at. + + +III. THE HORSE AND BOAR. + + A Wild-Boar wallow'd in the flood, + And troubled all the stream with mud, + Just where a horse to drink repair'd-- + He therefore having war declared, + Sought man's alliance for the fight, + And bore upon his back the knight; + Who being skill'd his darts to throw, + Despatched the Wild-Boar at a blow. + Then to the steed the victor said, + "I'm glad you came to me for aid, + For taught how useful you can be, + I've got at once a spoil and thee." + On which the fields he made him quit, + To feel the spur and champ the bit. + Then he his sorrow thus express'd: + "I needs must have my wrongs redress'd, + And making tyrant man the judge, + Must all my life become a drudge." + This tale the passionate may warn, + To bear with any kind of scorn; + And rather all complaint withdraw + Than either go to war or law. + + +IV. ESOP AND THE WILL. + + That one man sometimes is more shrewd + Than a stupendous multitude, + To after-times I shall rehearse + In my concise familiar verse. + A certain man on his decease, + Left his three girls so much a-piece: + The first was beautiful and frail, + With eyes still hunting for the male; + The second giv'n to spin and card, + A country housewife working hard; + The third but very ill to pass, + A homely slut, that loved her glass. + The dying man had left his wife + Executrix, and for her life + Sole tenant, if she should fulfil + These strange provisos of his will: + "That she should give th' estate in fee + In equal portions to the three; + But in such sort, that this bequest + Should not be holden or possess'd; + Then soon as they should be bereav'n + Of all the substance that was giv'n, + They must for their good mother's ease + Make up an hundred sesterces." + This spread through Athens in a trice; + The prudent widow takes advice. + But not a lawyer could unfold + How they should neither have nor hold + The very things that they were left. + Besides, when once they were bereft, + How they from nothing should confer + The money that was due to her. + When a long time was spent in vain, + And no one could the will explain, + She left the counsellors unfeed, + And thus of her own self decreed: + The minstrels, trinkets, plate, and dress, + She gave the Lady to possess. + Then Mrs. Notable she stocks + With all the fields, the kine and flocks: + The workmen, farm, with a supply + Of all the tools of husbandry. + Last, to the Guzzler she consigns + The cellar stored with good old wines, + A handsome house to see a friend, + With pleasant gardens at the end. + Thus as she strove th' affair to close, + By giving each the things they chose, + And those that knew them every one + Highly applauded what was done + Esop arose, and thus address'd + The crowd that to his presence press'd: + "O that the dead could yet perceive! + How would the prudent father grieve, + That all th' Athenians had not skill + Enough to understand his will!" + Then at their joint request he solved + That error, which had all involved. + "The gardens, house, and wine vaults too, + Give to the spinster as her due; + The clothes, the jewels, and such ware, + Be all the tippling lady's share; + The fields, the barns, and flocks of sheep, + Give the gay courtesan to keep. + Not one will bear the very touch + Of things that thwart their tastes so much; + The slut to fill her cellar straight + Her wardrobe will evacuate; + The lady soon will sell her farms, + For garments to set off her charms; + But she that loves the flocks and kine + Will alienate her stores of wine, + Her rustic genius to employ. + Thus none their portions shall enjoy, + And from the money each has made + Their mother shall be duly paid." + Thus one man by his wit disclosed + The point that had so many posed. + + +V. THE BATTLE OF THE MICE AND WEASELS. + + The routed Mice upon a day + Fled from the Weasels in array; + But in the hurry of the flight, + What with their weakness and their fright + Each scarce could get into his cave: + Howe'er, at last their lives they save. + But their commanders (who had tied + Horns to their heads in martial pride, + Which as a signal they design'd + For non-commission'd mice to mind) + Stick in the entrance as they go, + And there are taken by the foe, + Who, greedy of the victim, gluts + With mouse-flesh his ungodly guts. + Each great and national distress + Must chiefly mighty men oppress; + While folks subordinate and poor + Are by their littleness secure. + + +VI. PHAEDRUS TO THE CAVILLERS. + + Thou that against my tales inveigh'st, + As much too pleasant for thy taste; + Egregious critic, cease to scoff, + While for a time I play you off, + And strive to soothe your puny rage. + As Esop comes upon the stage, + And dress'd entirely new in Rome, + Thus enters with the tragic plume.-- + "O that the fair Thessalian pine + Had never felt the wrath divine, + And fearless of the axe's wound, + Had still the Pelian mountain crown'd! + That Argus by Palladian aid + Had ne'er the advent'rous vessel made; + In which at first, without dismay, + Death's bold professors won their way, + In which th' inhospitable main + Was first laid open for the bane + Of Grecians and barbarians too. + Which made the proud Aeetas rue, + And whence Medea's crimes to nought + The house and reign of Pelias brought. + She--while in various forms she tries + Her furious spirit to disguise, + At one place in her flight bestow'd + Her brother's limbs upon the road; + And at another could betray + The daughters their own sire to slay." + How think you now?--What arrant trash! + And our assertions much too rash!-- + Since prior to th' Aegean fleet + Did Minos piracy defeat, + And made adventures on the sea. + How then shall you and I agree? + Since, stern as Cato's self, you hate + All tales alike, both small and great. + Plague not too much the man of parts; + For he that does it surely smarts.-- + This threat is to the fools, that squeam + At every thing of good esteem; + And that they may to taste pretend, + Ev'n heaven itself will discommend. + + +VII. THE VIPER AND THE FILE. + + He that a greater biter bites, + His folly on himself requites, + As we shall manifest forthwith.-- + There was a hovel of a smith, + Where a poor Viper chanced to steal, + And being greedy of a meal, + When she had seized upon a file, + Was answer'd in this rugged style: + "Why do you think, O stupid snake! + On me your usual meal to make, + Who've sharper teeth than thine by far, + And can corrode an iron bar?" + + +VIII. THE FOX AND THE GOAT. + + A crafty knave will make escape, + When once he gets into a scrape, + Still meditating self-defence, + At any other man's expense. + A Fox by some disaster fell + Into a deep and fenced well: + A thirsty Goat came down in haste, + And ask'd about the water's taste, + If it was plentiful and sweet? + At which the Fox, in rank deceit, + "So great the solace of the run, + I thought I never should have done. + Be quick, my friend, your sorrows drown." + This said, the silly Goat comes down. + The subtle Fox herself avails, + And by his horns the mound she scales, + And leaves the Goat in all the mire, + To gratify his heart's desire. + + +IX. THE TWO BAGS. + + Great Jove, in his paternal care, + Has giv'n a man two Bags to bear; + That which his own default contains + Behind his back unseen remains; + But that which others' vice attests + Swags full in view before our breasts. + Hence we're inevitably blind, + Relating to the Bag behind; + But when our neighbours misdemean, + Our censures are exceeding keen. + + +X. THE SACRILEGIOUS THIEF. + + A villain to Jove's altar came + To light his candle in the flame, + And robb'd the god in dead of night, + By his own consecrated light: + Then thus an awful voice was sent, + As with the sacrilege he went: + "Though all this gold and silver plate + As gifts of evil men I hate; + And their removal from the fane + Can cause the Deity no pain; + Yet, caitiff, at th' appointed time, + Thy life shall answer for thy crime. + But, for the future, lest this blaze, + At which the pious pray and praise, + Should guide the wicked, I decree + That no such intercourse there be." + Hence to this day all men decline + To light their candle at the shrine; + Nor from a candle e'er presume + The holy light to re-illume. + How many things are here contain'd, + By him alone can be explain'd + Who could this useful tale invent. + In the first place, herein is meant, + That they are often most your foes + Who from your fost'ring hand arose. + Next, that the harden'd villain's fate + Is not from wrath precipitate, + But rather at a destined hour. + Lastly, we're charg'd with all our pow'r, + To keep ourselves, by care intense, + From all connexions with offence. + + +XI. HERCULES AND PLUTUS. + + Wealth by the brave is justly scorn'd, + Since men are from the truth suborn'd, + And a full chest perverts their ways + From giving or deserving praise. + When Hercules, for matchless worth, + Was taken up to heav'n from earth, + As in their turns to all the crowd + Of gratulating gods he bow'd, + When Plutus, Fortune's son, he spies, + He from his face averts his eyes. + Jove ask'd the cause of this disgust: + "I hate him, as he is unjust, + To wicked men the most inclined, + And grand corrupter of mankind." + + +XII. THE HE-GOATS AND SHE-GOATS. + + When the She-Goats from Jove obtain'd + A beard, th' indignant Males complain'd, + That females by this near approach + Would on their gravity encroach. + "Suffer, my sapient friends," says he, + "Their eminence in this degree, + And bear their beard's most graceful length, + As they can never have your strength." + Warn'd by this little tale, agree + With men in gen'ral form'd like thee, + While you by virtue still exceed, + And in the spirit take the lead. + + +XIII. THE PILOT AND SAILORS. + + On hearing a poor man lament + His worldly thoughts in discontent, + Esop this tale began to write, + For consolation and delight. + The ship by furious tempests toss'd, + The Mariners gave all for lost; + But midst their tears and dread, the scene + Is changed at once, and all serene. + The wind is fair, the vessel speeds, + The Sailors' boist'rous joy exceeds: + The Pilot then, by peril wise, + Was prompted to philosophise. + "'Tis right to put a due restraint + On joy, and to retard complaint, + Because alternate hope and fright + Make up our lives of black and white." + + +XIV. THE MAN AND THE ADDER. + + He, that malicious men relieves, + His folly in a season grieves. + A Man, against himself humane, + Took up an Adder, that had lain + And stiffen'd in the frosty air, + And in his bosom placed with care, + Where she with speed recov'ring breath, + Her benefactor stung to death. + Another Adder near the place, + On asking why she was so base, + Was told, "'Tis others to dissuade + From giving wickedness their aid." + + +XV. THE FOX AND THE DRAGON. + + A Fox was throwing up the soil, + And while with his assiduous toil + He burrow'd deep into the ground, + A Dragon in his den he found, + A-watching hidden treasure there, + Whom seeing, Renard speaks him fair: + "First, for your pardon I apply + For breaking on your privacy; + Then, as you very plainly see + That gold is of no use to me, + Your gentle leave let me obtain + To ask you, what can be the gain + Of all this care, and what the fruit, + That you should not with sleep recruit + Your spirits, but your life consume + Thus in an everlasting gloom?" + "'Tis not my profit here to stay," + He cries; "but I must Jove obey." + "What! will you therefore nothing take + Yourself, nor others welcome make?" + "Ev'n so the fates decree:" --"Then, sir, + Have patience, whilst I do aver + That he who like affections knows + Is born with all the gods his foes. + Since to that place you needs must speed, + Where all your ancestors precede, + Why in the blindness of your heart + Do you torment your noble part?" + All this to thee do I indite, + Thou grudging churl, thy heir's delight, + Who robb'st the gods of incense due, + Thyself of food and raiment too; + Who hear'st the harp with sullen mien, + To whom the piper gives the spleen; + Who'rt full of heavy groans and sighs + When in their price provisions rise; + Who with thy frauds heaven's patience tire + To make thy heap a little higher, + And, lest death thank thee, in thy will + Hast tax'd the undertaker's bill. + + +XVI. PHAEDRUS, ON HIS FABLES. + + What certain envious hearts intend + I very clearly comprehend, + Let them dissemble e'er so much.-- + When they perceive the master's touch, + And find 'tis likely to endure, + They'll say 'tis Esop to be sure-- + But what appears of mean design, + At any rate they'll vouch for mine. + These in a word I would refute: + Whether of great or no repute, + What sprung from Esop's fertile thought + This hand has to perfection brought; + But waiving things to our distaste, + Let's to the destined period haste. + + +XVII. THE SHIPWRECK OF SIMONIDES. + + A man, whose learned worth is known, + Has always riches of his own. + Simonides, who was the head + Of lyric bards, yet wrote for bread, + His circuit took through every town + In Asia of the first renown, + The praise of heroes to rehearse, + Who gave him money for his verse. + When by this trade much wealth was earn'd, + Homewards by shipping he return'd + (A Cean born, as some suppose): + On board he went, a tempest rose, + Which shook th' old ship to that degree, + She founder'd soon as out at sea. + Some purses, some their jewels tie + About them for a sure supply; + But one more curious, ask'd the seer, + "Poet, have you got nothing here?" + "My all," says he, "is what I am."-- + On this some few for safety swam + (For most o'erburden'd by their goods, + Were smother'd in the whelming floods). + The spoilers came, the wealth demand, + And leave them naked on the strand. + It happen'd for the shipwreck'd crew + An ancient city was in view, + By name Clazomena, in which + There lived a scholar learn'd and rich, + Who often read, his cares to ease, + The verses of Simonides, + And was a vast admirer grown + Of this great poet, though unknown. + Him by his converse when he traced, + He with much heartiness embraced, + And soon equipp'd the bard anew, + With servants, clothes, and money too, + The rest benevolence implored, + With case depicted on a board: + Which when Simonides espied, + "I plainly told you all," he cried, + "That all my wealth was in myself; + As for your chattels and your pelf, + On which ye did so much depend, + They're come to nothing in the end." + + +XVIII. THE MOUNTAIN IN LABOR. + + The Mountain labor'd, groaning loud, + On which a num'rous gaping crowd + Of noodles came to see the sight, + When, lo! a mouse was brought to light! + This tale's for men of swagg'ring cast, + Whose threats, voluminous and vast, + With all their verse and all their prose, + Can make but little on't, God knows. + + +XIX. THE ANT AND THE FLY. + + An Ant and Fly had sharp dispute + Which creature was of most repute; + When thus began the flaunting Fly: + "Are you so laudible as I? + I, ere the sacrifice is carved, + Precede the gods; first come, first served-- + Before the altar take my place, + And in all temples show my face, + Whene'er I please I set me down + Upon the head that wears a crown. + I with impunity can taste + The kiss of matrons fair and chaste. + And pleasure without labor claim-- + Say, trollop, canst thou do the same?" + "The feasts of gods are glorious fare. + No doubt, to those who're welcome there; + But not for such detested things.-- + You talk of matron's lips and kings; + I, who with wakeful care and pains + Against the winter hoard my grains, + Thee feeding upon ordure view.-- + The altars you frequent, 'tis true; + But still are driv'n away from thence, + And elsewhere, as of much offence. + A life of toil you will not lead, + And so have nothing when you need. + Besides all this, you talk with pride + Of things that modesty should hide. + You plague me here, while days increase, + But when the winter comes you cease. + Me, when the cold thy life bereaves, + A plenteous magazine receives. + I think I need no more advance + To cure you of your arrogance." + The tenor of this tale infers + Two very diff'rent characters; + Of men self-praised and falsely vain, + And men of real worth in grain. + + +XX. THE ESCAPE OF SIMONIDES. + + Th' attention letters can engage, + Ev'n from a base degen'rate age, + I've shown before; and now shall show + Their lustre in another view, + And tell a memorable tale, + How much they can with heav'n prevail. + Simonides, the very same + We lately had a call to name, + Agreed for such a sum to blaze + A certain famous champion's praise. + He therefore a retirement sought, + But found the theme on which he wrote + So scanty, he was forced to use + Th' accustom'd license of the muse, + And introduced and praise bestow'd + On Leda's sons to raise his ode; + With these the rather making free, + As heroes in the same degree. + He warranted his work, and yet + Could but one third of payment get. + Upon demanding all the due, + "Let them," says he, "pay t'other two, + Who take two places in the song; + But lest you think I do you wrong + And part in dudgeon--I invite + Your company to sup this night, + For then my friends and kin I see, + 'Mongst which I choose to reckon thee." + Choused and chagrined, yet shunning blame, + He promised, set the hour, and came; + As fearful lest a favour spurn'd + Should to an open breach be turn'd. + The splendid banquet shone with plate, + And preparations full of state + Made the glad house with clamors roar-- + When on a sudden at the door + Two youths, with sweat and dust besmear'd, + Above the human form appear'd, + And charged forthwith a little scout + To bid Simonides come out, + That 'twas his int'rest not to stay.-- + The slave, in trouble and dismay, + Roused from his seat the feasting bard, + Who scarce had stirr'd a single yard + Before the room at once fell in, + And crush'd the champion and his kin. + No youths before the door are found.-- + The thing soon spread the country round; + And when each circumstance was weigh'd, + They knew the gods that visit made, + And saved the poet's life in lieu + Of those two-thirds which yet were due. + + +EPILOGUE TO EUTYCHUS. + + I yet have stock in hand to spare, + And could write on--but will forbear-- + First, lest I tire a friend, whose state + And avocations are so great: + And then, if other pens should try + This moral scheme as well as I, + They may have something to pursue:-- + Yet if the spacious field we view, + More men are wanting for the plan, + Rather than matter for the man. + Now for that prize I make my plea + You promised to my brevity. + Keep your kind word; for life, my friend, + Is daily nearer to its end; + And I shall share your love the less + The longer you your hand repress: + The sooner you the boon insure, + The more the tenure must endure; + And if I quick possession take, + The greater profit must I make, + While yet declining age subsists, + A room for friendly aid exists. + Anon with tasteless years grown weak, + In vain benevolence will seek + To do me good--when Death at hand + Shall come and urge his last demand. + 'Tis folly, you'll be apt to say, + A thousand times to beg and pray + Of one with so much worth and sense, + Whose gen'rous bounty is propense. + If e'er a miscreant succeeds, + By fair confession of his deeds, + An innocent offender's case + Is far more worthy of your grace. + You for example sake begin, + Then others to the lure you'll win, + And in rotation more and more + Will soon communicate their store. + Consider in your mind how far + At stake your word and honour are; + And let your closing the debate + By what I may congratulate. + I have been guilty of excess + Beyond my thought in this address + But 'tis not easy to refrain + A spirit work'd up to disdain + By wretches insolent and vile, + With a clear conscience all the while. + You'll ask me, sir, at whom I hint-- + In time they may appear in print. + But give me leave to cite a phrase + I met with in my boyish days. + "'Tis dangerous for the mean and low + Too plain their grievances to show." + This is advice I shall retain + While life and sanity remain. + + + + +BOOK V. + + +PROLOGUE, TO PARTICULO + + When I resolved my hand to stay + For this, that others might have play, + On reconsidering of my part + I soon recanted in my heart: + For if a rival should arise, + How can he possibly devise + The things that I have let alone, + Since each man's fancy is his own, + And likewise colouring of the piece?-- + It was not therefore mere caprice, + But strong reflection made me write: + Wherefore since you in tales delight, + Which I, in justice, after all, + Not Esop's, but Esopian call; + Since he invented but a few; + I more, and some entirely new, + Keeping indeed the ancient style, + With fresh materials all the while. + As at your leisure you peruse + The fourth collection of my muse, + That you may not be at a stand, + A fifth shall shortly come to hand; + 'Gainst which, if as against the rest, + Malignant cavillers protest, + Let them carp on, and make it plain + They carp at what they can't attain. + My fame's secure, since I can show + How men of eminence like you, + My little book transcribe and quote, + As like to live of classic note. + It is th' ambition of my pen + To win th' applause of learned men. + + +I. DEMETRIUS AND MENANDER. + + If Esop's name at any time + I bring into this measured rhyme, + To whom I've paid whate'er I owe, + Let all men by these presents know, + I with th' old fabulist make free, + To strengthen my authority. + As certain sculptors of the age, + The more attention to engage, + And raise their price, the curious please, + By forging of Praxiteles; + And in like manner they purloin + A Myro to their silver coin. + 'Tis thus our fables we can smoke, + As pictures for their age bespoke: + For biting envy, in disgust + To new improvements, favors rust; + But now a tale comes in of course, + Which these assertions will enforce. + Demetrius, who was justly call'd + The tyrant, got himself install'd, + And held o'er Athens impious sway. + The crowd, as ever is the way, + Came, eager rushing far and wide, + And, "Fortunate event!" they cried. + The nobles came, the throne address'd: + The hand by which they were oppress'd + They meekly kiss'd, with inward stings + Of anguish for the face of things. + The idlers also, with the tribe + Of those who to themselves prescribe + Their ease and pleasure, in the end + Came sneaking, lest they should offend. + Amongst this troop Menander hies, + So famous for his comedies. + (Him, though he was not known by sight, + The tyrant read with great delight, + Struck with the genius of the bard.) + In flowing robes bedaub'd with nard, + And saunt'ring tread he came along, + Whom, at the bottom of the throng, + When Phalereus beheld, he said: + "How dares that fribble show his head + In this our presence?" he was told-- + "It is Menander you behold." + Then, changed at once from fierce to bland, + He call'd, and took him by the hand. + + +II. THE THIEF AND THE TRAVELLERS. + + Two men equipp'd were on their way; + One fearful; one without dismay, + An able fencer. As they went, + A robber came with black intent; + Demanding, upon pain of death, + Their gold and silver in a breath. + At which the man of spirit drew, + And instantly disarm'd and slew + The Thief, his honor to maintain. + Soon as the rogue was fairly slain, + The tim'rous chap began to puff, + And drew his sword, and stripp'd in buff-- + "Leave me alone with him! stand back! + I'll teach him whom he should attack." + Then he who fought, "I wish, my friend, + But now you'd had such words to lend; + I might have been confirm'd the more, + Supposing truth to all you swore; + Then put your weapon in the sheath, + And keep your tongue within your teeth, + Though you may play an actor's part + On them who do not know your heart. + I, who have seen this very day + How lustily you ran away, + Experience when one comes to blows + How far your resolution goes." + This narrative to those I tell + Who stand their ground when all is well; + But in the hour of pressing need + Abash'd, most shamefully recede. + + +III. THE BALD MAN AND THE FLY. + + As on his head she chanced to sit, + A Man's bald pate a Gadfly bit; + He, prompt to crush the little foe, + Dealt on himself a grievous blow: + At which the Fly, deriding said, + "You that would strike an insect dead + For one slight sting, in wrath so strict, + What punishment will you inflict + Upon yourself, who was so blunt + To do yourself this gross affront?"-- + "O," says the party, "as for me, + I with myself can soon agree. + The spirit of th' intention's all; + But thou, detested cannibal! + Blood-sucker! to have thee secured + More would I gladly have endured." + What by this moral tale is meant + Is--those who wrong not with intent + Are venial; but to those that do + Severity, I think, is due. + + +IV. THE MAN AND THE ASS. + + A certain Man, when he had made + A sacrifice, for special aid + To Hercules, and kill'd a swine, + Did for his Ass's share assign + All the remainder of the corn; + But he, rejecting it with scorn, + Thus said: "I gladly would partake-- + But apprehend that life's at stake; + For he you fatted up and fed + With store of this, is stuck and dead." + Struck with the import of this tale, + I have succeeded to prevail + Upon my passions, and abstain, + From peril of immod'rate gain. + But, you will say, those that have come + Unjustly by a handsome sum, + Upon the pillage still subsist-- + Why, if we reckon up the list, + You'll find by far the major part + Have been conducted in the cart: + Temerity for some may do, + But many more their rashness rue. + + +V. THE BUFFOON AND COUNTRY-FELLOW. + + In ev'ry age, in each profession, + Men err the most by prepossession; + But when the thing is clearly shown, + Is fairly urged, and fully known, + We soon applaud what we deride, + And penitence succeeds to pride. + A certain noble, on a day, + Having a mind to show away, + Invited by reward the mimes + And play'rs and tumblers of the times, + And built a large commodious stage + For the choice spirits of the age: + But, above all, amongst the rest + There came a genius who profess'd + To have a curious trick in store + That never was perform'd before. + Through all the town this soon got air, + And the whole house was like a fair; + But soon his entry as he made, + Without a prompter or parade, + 'Twas all expectance and suspense, + And silence gagg'd the audience. + He, stooping down and looking big, + So wondrous well took off a pig, + All swore 'twas serious, and no joke, + For that, or underneath his cloak + He had concealed some grunting elf, + Or was a real hog himself. + A search was made--no pig was found-- + With thund'ring claps the seats resound, + And pit, and box, and gall'ries roar + With-- "O rare! bravo!" and "encore." + Old Roger Grouse, a country clown, + Who yet knew something of the town, + Beheld the mimic of his whim, + And on the morrow challenged him + Declaring to each beau and belle + That he this grunter would excel. + The morrow came--the crowd was greater-- + But prejudice and rank ill-nature + Usurp'd the minds of men and wenches, + Who came to hiss and break the benches. + The mimic took his usual station, + And squeak'd with general approbation; + Again "Encore! encore!" they cry-- + "'Tis quite the thing, 'tis very high." + Old Grouse conceal'd, amidst this racket, + A real pig beneath his jacket-- + Then forth he came, and with his nail + He pinch'd the urchin by the tail. + The tortured pig, from out his throat, + Produced the genuine nat'ral note. + All bellow'd out 'twas very sad! + Sure never stuff was half so bad. + "That like a pig!" each cried in scoff; + "Pshaw! nonsense! blockhead! off! off! off!" + The mimic was extoll'd, and Grouse + Was hiss'd, and catcall'd from the house. + "Soft ye, a word before I go," + Quoth honest Hodge; and stooping low, + Produced the pig, and thus aloud + Bespoke the stupid partial crowd: + "Behold, and learn from this poor cratur, + How much you critics know of natur!" + + +TO PARTICULO + + As yet my muse is not to seek, + But can from fresh materials speak; + And our poetic fountain springs + With rich variety of things. + But you're for sallies short and sweet; + Long tales their purposes defeat. + Wherefore, thou worthiest, best of men + Particulo, for whom my pen + Immortal honour will insure, + Long as a rev'rence shall endure + For Roman learning--if this strain + Cannot your approbation gain, + Yet, yet my brevity admire, + Which may the more to praise aspire, + The more our poets now-a-days + Are tedious in their lifeless lays. + + +VI. THE TWO BALD MEN. + + As on his way a Bald-pate went, + He found a comb by accident; + Another, with a head as bare, + Pursued, and hollow'd for a share. + The first produced the prize, and cried, + "Good Providence was on our side; + But by the strange caprice of Fate, + We're to no purpose fortunate; + And, as the proverb says, have found + A hobnail, for a hundred pound." + They by this tale may be relieved + Whose sanguine hopes have been deceived. + + +VII. PRINCE THE PIPER. + + A little, friv'lous, abject mind, + Pleased with the rabble, puff'd with wind, + When once, as fast as pride presumes, + Itself with vanity it plumes, + Is by fond lightness brought with ease + To any ridicule you please. + One Prince, a piper to the play, + Was rather noted in his way, + As call'd upon to show his art, + Whene'er Bathyllus did his part. + He being at a certain fair, + (I do not well remember where,) + While they pull'd down the booth in haste, + Not taking heed, his leg displaced, + He from the scaffold fell so hard-- + (Would he his pipes had rather marr'd! + Though they, poor fellow! were to him + As dear almost as life and limb). + Borne by the kind officious crowd, + Home he's conducted, groaning loud. + Some months elapsed before he found + Himself recover'd of his wound: + Meantime, according to their way, + The droll frequenters of the play + Had a great miss of him, whose touch + The dancers' spirits raised so much. + A certain man of high renown + Was just preparing for the town + Some games the mob to entertain, + When Prince began to walk again; + Whom, what with bribes and pray'rs, his grace + Prevail'd upon to show his face + In this performance, by all means-- + And while he waits behind the scenes, + A rumour through the house is spread, + By certain, that "the piper's dead." + Others cried out, "The man is here, + And will immediately appear." + The curtain draws, the lightnings flash, + The gods speak out their usual trash. + An ode, not to the Piper known, + Was to the chorus leader shown, + Which he was order'd to repeat, + And which was closed with this conceit-- + "Receive with joy, O loyal Rome, + Thy Prince just rescued from his tomb." + They all at once stand up and clap, + At which my most facetious chap + Kisses his hand, and scrapes and bows + To his good patrons in the house. + First the equestrian order smoke + The fool's mistake, and high in joke, + Command the song to be encored; + Which ended, flat upon the board + The Piper falls, the knights acclaim; + The people think that Prince's aim + Is for a crown of bays at least. + Now all the seats perceived the jest, + And with his bandage white as snow, + White frock, white pumps, a perfect beauty + Proud of the feats he had achieved, + And these high honours he received, + With one unanimous huzza, Poor + Prince was kick'd out of the play. + + +VIII. OPPORTUNITY. + + Bald, naked, of a human shape, + With fleet wings ready to escape, + Upon a razor's edge his toes, + And lock that on his forehead grows-- + Him hold, when seized, for goodness' sake, + For Jove himself cannot retake + The fugitive when once he's gone. + The picture that we here have drawn + Is Opportunity so brief.-- + The ancients, in a bas-relief, + Thus made an effigy of Time, + That every one might use their prime; + Nor e'er impede, by dull delay, + Th' effectual business of to-day. + + +IX. THE BULL AND THE CALF. + + A Bull was struggling to secure + His passage at a narrow door, + And scarce could reach the rack of hay, + His horns so much were in his way. + A Calf officious, fain would show + How he might twist himself and go. + "Hold thou thy prate; all this," says he, + "Ere thou wert calved was known to me." + He, that a wiser man by half + Would teach, may think himself this Calf. + + +X. THE OLD DOG AND THE HUNTSMAN. + + A Dog, that time and often tried, + His master always satisfied; + And whensoever he assail'd, + Against the forest-beasts prevail'd + Both by activity and strength, + Through years began to flag at length. + One day, when hounded at a boar, + His ear he seized, as heretofore; + But with his teeth, decay'd and old, + Could not succeed to keep his hold. + At which the huntsman, much concern'd, + The vet'ran huff'd, who thus return'd: + "My resolution and my aim, + Though not my strength, are still the same; + For what I am if I am chid, + Praise what I was, and what I did." + Philetus, you the drift perceive + Of this, with which I take my leave. + + +THE END. + + LONDON: PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, LIMITED, + STAMFORD STREET AND CHARING CROSS. + + + * * * * * + * * * * + * * * * * + +Errata (noted by transcriber) + +Inconsistencies in fable numbering are described at the beginning of the +Table of Contents. All footnotes (Fn.), Aesopian Fables (AF) and New +Fables (NF) are in Riley only. + +"Invisible" means that there is an appropriately sized blank space in +the text, but the letter itself is absent. + + Fn. I.26 The "lagena," or "lagona," was a long-necked bottle + [_standard spelling is "lagoena"_] + Fn. II.6 she is called "anus," "an Old Woman," + [_The Latin language had two unrelated words spelled "anus". The + one referenced here is "anu:s" with long final U._] + Fn. V.7 the word "tibia," which signifies the main bone of the leg + [_Not an error: until recently, English "leg" often had the + narrower meaning of "lower leg"._] + + +Errors and inconsistencies: + +RILEY + + Fn. III.2 The "feriae imperativae" were appointed to be held [ferae] + Fn. III.22 to cut short any disagreable question + [_spelling unchanged_] + III.XIX If the inquisitive fellow reflected [inquistive] + Fn. IV.27 riches were more commonly buried in the earth [duried] + V.V excites their applause, and awakens [awaken] + NF IX as {well he might} + [_"as // as" at page break, italicized as shown_] + NF XXIX when can no longer escape the dogs + [_text unchanged: probable missing word "when he can..."_ + _missing space "longerescape"_] + NF Fn. 22: This pun upon the resemblance [resesemblance] + AF VI while meditating the destruction others. + [_text unchanged: probable missing word "destruction of others"_] + AF XV The King, as soon as he aware of this + [_text unchanged: missing verb in "he ... aware"_] + AF XXVI the attack of the Hawk when he comes [cames] + AF XXVIII dragging forth from her hole [her her] + +SMART + + I.XXVI In a tall flagon, finely minced, [Ina tall] + II.Prol. I shall abide by Esop's plan: [my] + II.Epil. Him setting on th' eternal base, [th' the eternal] + -- That they might teach to all mankind [makind] + III.Prol. From worldly cares you must estrange [wordly] + -- With Aesop for my master still; + -- Inventing more than Aesop knew; + [_anomalous spelling unchanged in both] + -- To my own hindrence did I try. [_spelling unchanged_] + III.VII Warn'd by our council, oft beware + [_text unchanged: error for "counsel"?_] + IV.I FABLE I. THE WEAZEL AND MICE. [_spelling unchanged_] + IV.XIX And men of real worth in grain. + [_text unchanged: probable missing word "in the grain"_] + IV.Epi. This moral scheme as well as I [morals cheme] + + +Missing or incorrect footnote tags: + + III.Prol. TO EUTYCHUS.[1] + -- Anacharsis of Scythia[10] could + IV.VI (whose History is painted in {our} taverns[12]) + [_printed "1" for "2"_] + V.I Demetrius,[2] who was called Phalereus + [_printed "1" for "2"_] + New Fables: BY SOME ATTRIBUTED TO PHAEDRUS.[1] + NF.XXI If at any time[17] sustenance is wanting + + +Incorrect punctuation or capitalization: + +RILEY + + I.I "Indeed," answered the Lamb, [' for "] + Fn. I.12 _This new cause of astonishment_)--Ver. 8. Never + [_anomalous -- after line number_] + I.XXV he drank and ran away." [, for .] + Fn. III.13 _Falernian Lees_ [_body text has lower-case "lees"_] + Fn. III.14 _O, delicious fragrance_ + [_body text has no comma after "O"_] + Fn. IV.4 to defray the expenses of the worship. [, for .] + -- B. iv., l. 350, vol. i., p. 149 [vol. .i,] + IV.XVII not able to keep their stomachs in order. [order..] + IV.XIX who rob the Gods of their incense, yourself of food + [_printed "your-/yourself" at line break_] + Fn. V.13 signifying to make the best of an opportunity. + [_superfluous " at end_] + Fn. V.15 _Philetus._) [_anomalous ._] + Fn. NF.4 the word "menda," a blemish. + [_superfluous " at end: blemish."_] + Fn. NF.23 by the name of +psuche:+ [_Greek incorrectly accented_] + +SMART + + I.VIII And now, forsooth, you'd bring your bill!" [' for "] + III.V Pray get on faster with the cart + [_superfluous " at beginning (top of page)] + IV.XX How much they can with heav'n prevail. [, for .] + V.Prol. And likewise colouring of the piece?-- + [_superfluous close quote: piece?"--] + + +Mechanical Errors: + +RILEY + + I.XIV {in consideration of} a stated reward. [_d. invisible_] + I.XV feeding an Ass in a meadow [_i of "in" invisible_] + II.Epil. a book of jests partly from the works of Aesop. + [_f of "of" invisible_] + AF.XXVIII dance in the winter [_d invisible_] + +SMART + + I.XX But proves destructive in the end [_B invisible_] + III.VII "My dears," he says, "ye may not pass + [_line-final s missing or invisible_] + III.VIII "I wish," says he, "with all my soul + [_line-final l missing or invisible_] + III.XIX Cybele's priests, in quest of bread, + [_s of "quest" invisible_] + + +Missing or invisible punctuation: + + _Unless otherwise noted, the quotation mark " or " is missing._ + +RILEY + + I.II continue to endure your bad fortune.'" [_inner ' missing_] + I.III to feel {the additional pang} of this repulse." + I.X have stolen what you so speciously deny." + I.XI I should have fled in alarm like {the rest}." + Fn I.12 heard the voice of an ass in the forests before. + [_final . missing_] + I.XXIII that you may not profit by my neglect." + I.XXVII have suddenly coveted regal wealth." + I.XXIX to be defiled with {such} dastardly blood." + I.XXX "and they are of a different kind + II.V manumission stands at a much higher price with me." + Fn II.5 Vera, inquit----" + Fn II.12 Whatever violence and unscrupulousness attack, comes. + [_final . missing_] + Fn III.15 manumitted, as generally supposed, by Augustus + [_second , missing_] + III.VII "how is it that you are so sleek? + IV.XVIII "That people may learn not to assist the wicked."[26] + IV.XXIV my kinsmen, in the number of whom I reckon you." + Fn V.12 which was worshipped with Divine honors. + [_final . missing_] + V.X you blame me that I am not {what I was}." + NF XXIV dropped the prey from her mouth unenjoyed. + [_final . missing_] + NF XXV you would have suffered for it." + NF XXVII never done any injury to this field." + NF XXIII and your harmless life." + NF XXX by fixing your sting in him." + AF XIII how much more beauteous you would be." + +SMART + +_In titles, the final . is missing or invisible._ + + I.XI "How did my music-piece go off?" [_close quote missing_] + I.XVI THE SHEEP, THE STAG, AND THE WOLF. + I.XXI "But to be trampled on by thee + I.XXX THE KITE AND THE DOVES. + III.XII THE BEES AND THE DRONES. + III.XVII But when I speak the audience sneers." + IV.IV Enough to understand his will!" + IV.VI The daughters their own sire to slay." + IV.VIII Be quick, my friend, your sorrows drown." + IV.X THE SACRILEGIOUS THIEF. + IV.XX THE ESCAPE OF SIMONIDES. + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Fables of Phdrus, by Phaedrus + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE FABLES OF PHDRUS *** + +***** This file should be named 25512.txt or 25512.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/2/5/5/1/25512/ + +Produced by Louise Hope, Carl Hudkins and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This +file was produced from images generously made available +by The Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries) + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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