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diff --git a/25512.txt b/25512.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..e6bd77a --- /dev/null +++ b/25512.txt @@ -0,0 +1,7951 @@ +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: ASCII + +*** 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 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 Phædrus, by Phaedrus + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE FABLES OF PHÆDRUS *** + +***** 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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