THE COMEDIES OF TERENCE.  AND THE FABLES OF PHÆDRUS.

365

THE FABLES OF PHÆDRUS.

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BOOK I.

Smart

THE PROLOGUE.

The matter which Æsop, the inventor
of Fables, has provided, I have polished in Iambic verse.
The advantages of this little work are twofold—that it
excites laughter, and by counsel guides the life of man. But if
any one shall think fit to cavil, because not only wild beasts, but even
trees speak, let him remember that we are disporting in fables.

---

Smart

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
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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.

Smart

Fable II.
THE FROGS ASKING FOR A KING.

When AthensI.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
TyrantI.2 seized the citadel. When the Athenians were lamenting
their sad servitude (not that he was cruel, but because every burden is
grievous to those who are unused to it), and began to complain, Æsop
related a Fable to the following effect:—

“The Frogs, roaming at large in their marshy fens, with loud clamour
demanded of Jupiter a king, who, by his authority, might check
their dissolute manners. The Father of the Gods smiled, and gave them a
little Log, which, on being thrown among them startled the
timorous race by the noise and sudden commotion in the bog. When it had
lain for some time immersed in the mud, one of them by chance
silently lifted his head above the water, and having taken a peep at the
king, called up all the rest. Having got the better of their fears,
vying with each other, they swim towards him, and the insolent mob leap
upon the Log. After defiling it with every kind of insult, they sent to
Jupiter, requesting another king, because the one that had been given
them was useless. Upon this, he sent them a Water Snake,I.3 who with
367
his sharp teeth began to gobble them up one after another. Helpless they
strive in vain to escape death; terror deprives them of voice. By
stealth, therefore, they send through Mercury a request to Jupiter, to
succour them in their distress. Then said the God in reply: ‘Since you
would not be content with your good fortune, continue to endure your bad
fortune.’”

“Do you also, O fellow-citizens,” said Æsop, “submit to the
present evil, lest a greater one befall you.”

Smart

Fable III.
THE VAIN JACKDAW AND THE PEACOCK.

That one ought not to plume oneself on the merits which belong to
another, but ought rather to pass his life in his own proper guise, Æsop
has given us this illustration:—

A Jackdaw, swellingI.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.” 

368
Smart

Fable IV.
THE DOG CARRYING SOME MEAT ACROSS A RIVER.

He who covets what belongs to another, deservedly loses his own.

As a Dog, swimmingI.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.

Smart

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 SheepI.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,I.7 the third
will
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fall to my lot; if anyone touches the fourth, woe betide him.”

Thus did unscrupulousness seize upon the whole prey for itself.

Smart

Fable VI.
THE FROGS’ COMPLAINT AGAINST THE SUN.

Æsop, on seeing the pompous wedding of a thief, who was his
neighbour, immediately began to relate the following story:

Once on a time, when the Sun was thinking of taking a wife,I.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?”

Smart

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.”I.9

370This is meant for those to whom fortune has granted honor and renown,
leaving them void of common sense.

Smart

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.”

Smart

Fable IX.
THE SPARROW AND THE HARE.

Let us show, in a few lines, that it is unwise to be heedlessI.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.”

371
Smart

Fable X.
THE WOLF, THE FOX, AND THE APE.

Whoever has once become notorious by base fraud, even if he speaks
the truth, gains no belief. To this, a short Fable of Æsop bears
witness.

A Wolf indicted a Fox upon a charge of theft; the latter denied that
she was amenable to the charge. Upon this, the Ape sat as judge between
them; and when each of them had pleaded his cause, the Ape is said to
have pronounced this sentence: “You, Wolf, appear not to
have lost what you demand; I believe that you, Fox, have
stolen what you so speciously deny.” 

Smart

Fable XI.
THE ASS AND THE LION HUNTING.

A dastard, who in his talk brags of his prowess, and is devoid of
courage,I.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.I.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.” 

372
Smart

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.”

Smart

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,I.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 storyI.14 it is shown, how much ingenuity avails, and
how wisdom is always an overmatch for strength.

373
Smart

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 antidoteI.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 livesI.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.

Smart

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.

374A 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?”

Smart

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 measureI.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?”I.18

Smart

Fable XVII.
THE SHEEP, THE DOG, AND THE WOLF.

Liars generallyI.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.”

375

Fable XVIII.
THE WOMAN IN LABOUR.

No one returns with good will to the place which has done him a
mischief.

Her months completed,I.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.”

Smart

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,I.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.”

Smart

Fable XX.
THE HUNGRY DOGS.

An ill-judged project is not only without effect, but also lures
mortals to their destruction.

376Some 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.

Smart

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,I.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.”

Smart

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.

377Those persons ought to recognize this as applicable to themselves,
whose object is private advantage, and who boast to the unthinking of an
unreal merit.

Smart

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.” 

Smart

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:I.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.

Smart

Fable XXV.
THE DOG AND THE CROCODILE.

Those who give bad advice to discreet persons, both lose their pains,
and are laughed to scorn.

378It has been related,I.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.”

Smart

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,I.25 full of minced meat:I.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:I.27 “Every one is bound
to bear patiently the results of his own example.”

379
Smart

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,I.28 a Dog met with a Treasure; and,
because he had offended the Gods the Manes,I.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.” 

Smart

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
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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 legsI.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.” 

Smart

Fable XXX.
THE FROGS FRIGHTENED AT THE BATTLE OF THE BULLS.

When the powerfulI.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
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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.”

Smart

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.”

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Footnotes to Book I

382

BOOK II.

Smart

THE PROLOGUE.

The plan of Æsop is confined to
instruction by examples; nor by Fables is anything elseII.1 aimed at
than that the errors of mortals may be corrected, and persevering
industryII.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;II.3 but if I should think fit to insert somethingII.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.

383
Smart

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.II.5

Smart

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,II.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
384
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.

Smart

Fable III.
THE MAN AND THE DOG.

A Man, torn by the bite of a savage Dog, threw a piece of bread, dipt
in his blood, to the offender; a thing that he had heard was a
remedy for the wound. Then said Æsop: “Don’t do this before many dogs,
lest they devour us alive, when they know that such is the reward of
guilt.”

The success of the wicked is a temptation to many.

Smart

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?
385
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.

Smart

Fable V.
CÆSAR TO THE CHAMBERLAIN.

There is a certain set of busybodies at Rome, hurriedly running to
and fro, busily engaged in idleness, out of breath about nothing at all,
with much ado doing nothing, a trouble to themselves, and most
annoying to others. It is my object, by a true story, to reform this
race, if indeed I can: it is worth your while to attend.

Tiberius Cæsar, when on his way to Naples, came to his country-seat
at Misenum,II.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,II.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
sprinkleII.9 the parched ground with a wooden watering-pot; but
only got laughed at. Thence, by short cuts to him
386
well known, he runs before into another walk,II.10 laying the
dust. Cæsar takes notice of the fellow, and discerns his object. Just as
he is supposing that there is some extraordinary good fortune in store
for him: “Come hither,” says his master; on which he skips up to him,
quickened by the joyous hope of a sure reward. Then, in a jesting tone,
thus spoke the mighty majesty of the prince: “You have not profited
much; your labour is all in vain; manumission stands at a much higher
price with me.”II.11

Smart

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.II.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.

387Thus she who had been protected by the bounty of nature, being an
unequal match for the two, perished by an unhappy fate.

Smart

Fable VII.
THE MULES AND THE ROBBERS.

Laden with burdens, two Mules were travelling along; the one was
carrying basketsII.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:II.14 his companion follows, with quiet and easy
step. Suddenly some Robbers rush from ambush upon them, and amid the
slaughterII.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.

Smart

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
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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?”II.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.

Smart

THE EPILOGUE.

The Athenians erected a statue to the genius of Æsop, and placed him,
though a slave, upon an everlasting pedestal, that all might know that
the way to fame is open to all, and that glory is not awarded to birth
but to merit. Since anotherII.17 has prevented me from being the
first, I have
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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 destinyII.18 with strength of mind, until Fortune is
ashamed of her own injustice.

---

Footnotes to
Book II

390

BOOK III.

Smart

THE PROLOGUE.
To Eutychus.III.1

If you have a desire, Eutychus, to read the little books of Phædrus,
you must keep yourself disengaged from business, that your mind, at
liberty, may relish the meaning of the lines. “But,” you say, “my genius
is not of such great value, that a moment of time should be lost for
it to my own pursuits.” There is no reason then why that should be
touched by your hands which is not suited for ears so engaged. Perhaps
you will say, “some holidays will come,III.2 which
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will invite me to study with mind unbent.” Will you rather,
I ask you, read worthless ditties,III.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,III.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 saidIII.5 when he
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was brought before the King of Dardania), I will trace a third book
with the pen of Æsop, and dedicate it to you, in acknowledgment of your
honor and your goodness.III.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,III.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.III.8 But if any other than SejanusIII.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
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weighty task. If Æsop of Phrygia, if Anacharsis of ScythiaIII.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 opinionIII.11 of them with your
well-known candour.

Smart

Fable I.
THE OLD WOMAN AND THE CASK.

An Old Woman espied a Cask,III.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.III.13 After she had greedily snuffed it up her
nostrils with all her might; “O delicious fragrance,III.14” said
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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.III.15

Smart

Fable II.
THE PANTHER AND THE SHEPHERD.

Repayment in kind is generally made by those who are despised.

A PantherIII.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,
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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.”

Fable III.
ÆSOP AND THE FARMER.

One taught by experience is proverbially said to be more
quick-witted than a wizard, but the reason is not told; which,
now for the first time, shall be made known by my Fable.

The ewes of a certain Man who reared flocks, brought forth lambs with
human heads. Dreadfully alarmed at the prodigy, he runs full of concern
to the soothsayers. One answers that it bears reference to the life of
the owner, and that the danger must be averted with a victim. Another,
no wiser, affirms that it is meant that his wife is an adultress, and
his children are spurious; but that it can be atoned for by a victim of
greater age.III.17 Why enlarge? They all differ in opinions, and
greatly aggravate the anxiety of the Man. Æsop being at hand,
a sage of nice discernment, whom nature could never deceive by
appearances, remarked:— “If you wish, Farmer, to take due
precautions against this portent, find wives for your
shepherds.”III.18

Smart

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;III.19 on
which the Butcher, joking, replied: “Just as the head is, such,
I warrant, is the taste.”

396This 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.

Smart

Fable V.
ÆSOP AND THE INSOLENT MAN.

Success leads many astray to their ruin.

An Insolent Fellow threw a stone at Æsop. “Well done,” said he, and
then gave him a penny, thus continuing: “Upon my faith I have got no
more, but I will show you where you can get some; see, yonder comes a
rich and influential man; throw a stone at him in the same way, and you
will receive a due reward.” The other, being persuaded, did as he was
advised. His daring impudence, however, was disappointed of its hope,
for, being seized, he paid the penalty on the cross.III.20

Smart

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 yokeIII.21 with his pliant whip, and governs my mouth
with the foam-covered
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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.

Smart

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.III.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.”

398
Smart

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.III.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.”

Smart

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
acquittedIII.24 when ashes); one of the people, no
399
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.”

Smart

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,III.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 togaIII.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,
400
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,III.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.III.28 Innocent as she was, dark
suspicion weighed heavily against her, because she had become possessor
of his property: her patrons standIII.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 truthIII.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
401
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.

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.”III.31

Smart

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
402
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.III.32

Smart

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.III.33

Smart

Fable XIV.
ÆSOP AT PLAY.

An Athenian seeing Æsop in a crowd of boys at play with nuts,III.34 stopped and laughed at him for a madman. As
403
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.

Smart

Fable XV.
THE DOG TO THE LAMB.

A Dog said to a LambIII.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?III.36 However,
404
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.

Smart

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;III.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.

405
Smart

Fable XVII.
THE TREES UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE GODS.

The Gods in days of yore made choice of such Trees as they wished to
be under their protection. The Oak pleased Jupiter, the Myrtle Venus,
the Laurel Phœbus, the Pine Cybele, the lofty Poplar Hercules. Minerva,
wondering why they had chosen the barren ones, enquired the reason.
Jupiter answered: “That we may not seem to sell the honor for the
fruit.” “Now, so heaven help me,”III.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.”III.39

This little Fable admonishes us to do nothing that is not
profitable.

Smart

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
406
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.

Smart

Fable XIX.
ÆSOP’S ANSWER TO THE INQUISITIVE MAN.

When Æsop was the only servant of his master, he was ordered to
prepare dinner earlier than usual. Accordingly, he went round to several
houses, seeking for fire,III.40 and at last found a place at
which to light his lantern. Then as he had made a rather long circuit,
he shortened the way back, for he went home straight through the Forum.
There a certain Busybody in the crowd said to him: “Æsop, why
with a light at mid-day?” “I’m in search of a man,”III.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.

407

EPILOGUE.
III.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,III.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
provinceIII.44 now to judge of my cause; it will fall
408
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.III.45”

---

Footnotes to
Book III

409

BOOK IV.

Smart

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,IV.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,IV.2 as you are amused by Fables (which I will style
“Æsopian,” not “those of Æsop;” for whereas he published but few,
I have brought out a great many, employing the old style, but with
modern subjects), now at your leisure you shall peruse a Fourth Book. If
envy shall choose to carp at it, so long as it cannot imitate,IV.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?

410
Smart

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,IV.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 tambourinesIV.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.”

Smart

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:
411
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,IV.6” said he, “you that are lying there, as you
are flour.”

Smart

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.

Smart

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,IV.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.

412
Smart

Fable V.
ÆSOP INTERPRETING A WILL.

I will show to posterity, by a short story, that there is often more
merit in one man than in a multitude.

A Person, at his death, left three Daughters; one handsome, and
hunting for the men with her eyes; the second, an industrious spinner of
wool,IV.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.IV.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,IV.10 well stocked with casks of old
413
wine, a finely finished house,IV.11 and delightful gardens. When
she was intending to distribute what was thus set apart for each, and
the public approved, who knew them well; Æsop suddenly stood up in the
midst of the multitude, and exclaimed: “O! if consciousness
remained to their buried father, how would he grieve that the people of
Athens are unable to interpret his will!”

On this, being questioned, he explained the error of them all: “The
house and the furniture, with the fine gardens, and the old wines, give
to the Worker in wool, so fond of a country life. The clothes, the
pearls, the attendants, and other things, make over to her who spends
her life in luxury. The fields, the vines, and the flocks, with the
shepherds, present to the Wanton. Not one will be able to retain
possession of what is alien to her taste. The Ungainly one will sell her
wardrobe to procure wine; the Wanton will part with the lands to procure
fine clothes; and she who delights in cattle, and attends to her
spinning, will get rid of her luxurious abode at any price. Thus, no one
will possess what was given, and they will pay to their Mother the sum
named from the price of the things, which each of them has sold.”

Thus did the sagacity of one man find out what had baffled the
superficial enquiries of many.

Smart

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 tavernsIV.12), took to flight, and crowded
in trepidation about their narrow lurking-holes, with difficulty getting
in, they managed, however, to escape death.
414
Their 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.

Smart

Fable VII.
THE POET’S DEFENCE AGAINST THE CENSURERS OF HIS FABLES.

You, fastidious critic, who carp at my writings, and disdain
to read trifles of this kind, endure with some small patience this
little book, while I smooth down the severity of your brow, and Æsop
comes forward in a new and more lofty style.IV.13

Would that the pine had never fallen on the summits of PelionIV.14
under the Thessalian axe! and that Argus had never, with the aid of
Pallas, invented a way boldly to meet certain death, in the ship
which, to the destruction of Greeks and Barbarians, first laid open the
bays of the inhospitable Euxine. For both had the house of the proud
Æetes to lament it, and the realms of PeliasIV.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 limbsIV.16 of
415
her brother, and here embrued the hands of the daughters of
Pelias in their father’s blood.

What think you of this? “This, too, is mere folly,” say you, “and is
an untrue story; for long before this, Minos, of more ancient date,
subjected the Ægæan seas with his fleet, and by seasonable correction,
punished piratical attacks.” What then can I possibly do for you,
my Cato of a Reader, if neither FablesIV.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.

Smart

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 cameIV.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?”

Smart

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.

416A Fox, through inadvertence, having fallen into a well,IV.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.

Smart

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.

Smart

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.IV.20

417No 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.

Smart

Fable XII.
THE EVILS OF WEALTH.
Hercules and Plutus.

Riches are deservedly despised by a man of worth,IV.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.”

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
418
with a moderate supply of food, distributed hallowed justice with
incorruptible fidelity. But after second thoughts began to prevailIV.22*****

(The rest is lost).

Fable XIV.
PROMETHEUS.

*****

*****

Smart

Fable XV.
THE SHE-GOATS AND THEIR BEARDS.

The She-GoatsIV.23 having obtained of Jupiter the favour of a
419
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.

Smart

Fable XVI.
THE PILOT AND THE MARINERS.

On a certain man complaining of his adverse fortune, Æsop, for
the purpose of consoling him, invented this Fable.

A ship which had been tossed by a fierce tempest (while the
passengers were all in tears, and filled with apprehensions of death) on
the day suddenly changing to a serene aspect, began to be borne along in
safety upon the buoyant waves, and to inspire the mariners with an
excess of gladness. On this, the Pilot, who had been rendered wise by
experience, remarked: “We ought to be moderate in our joy, and to
complain with caution; for the whole of life is a mixture of grief and
joy.”

Fable XVII.
THE EMBASSY OF THE DOGS TO JUPITER.

The Dogs once sentIV.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
420
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,IV.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.

Smart

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
421
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.”IV.26

Smart

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,IV.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,IV.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;
422
from whom the price of provisions extorts a groan;IV.29 who, while
adding some farthings to your estate, offend heaven by your sordid
perjuries; who are for cutting downIV.30 every expense at your
funeral, for fear LibitinaIV.31 should be at all a gainer at
the expense of your property.

Smart

Fable XX.
PHÆDRUS.

Although malice may dissemble for the present, I am still
perfectly aware what judgment it will think proper to arrive at.
Whatever it shall here deem worthy to be transmitted to
posterity, it will say belongs to Æsop; if it shall be not so well
pleased with any portion, it will, for any wager, contend that the same
was composed by me. One who thus thinks, I would refute once for
all by this my answer: whether this work is silly, or whether it
is worthy of praise, he was the inventor: my hand has brought it to
perfection. But let us pursue our purpose in the order we proposed.

Smart

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
423
native land by sea; (for he was born, it is said, in the island of
CeosIV.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,IV.33 others their
precious effects, which formed the support of their existence.
One who was over inquisitive, remarked: “Are you going to save
none of your property, Simonides?” He made reply: “All my
possessions are about me.” A few only made their
escape by swimming, for the majority, being weighed down by their
burdens, perished. Some thieves make their appearance, and seize what
each person has saved, leaving them naked. Clazomenæ, an ancient city,
chanced to be near; to which the shipwrecked persons repaired. Here a
person devoted to the pursuits of literature, who had often read the
lines of Simonides, and was a very great admirer of him though he had
never seen him, knowing from his very language who he was,
received him with the greatest pleasure into his house, and furnished
him with clothes, money, and attendants. The others meanwhile
were carrying about their pictures,IV.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.”

Smart

Fable XXII.
THE MOUNTAIN IN LABOUR.

A MountainIV.35 was in labour, sending forth dreadful groans,
424
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.

Smart

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.

425
Smart

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,IV.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,IV.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.

426When 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.

Smart

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.IV.38

---

Footnotes to
Book IV

427

BOOK V.

Smart

PROLOGUE.

If I shall anywhere insert the name of Æsop, to whom I have already
rendered every honor that was his due, know that it is for the
sake of his authority, just as some statuaries do in our day, who
obtain a much greater price for their productions, if they inscribe the
name of Praxiteles on their marbles, and MyronV.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.

Smart

Fable I.
DEMETRIUS AND MENANDER.

Demetrius,V.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
428
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, famousV.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.”

Smart

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,V.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.

429
Smart

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.

Smart

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.

Smart

Fable V.
THE BUFFOON AND THE COUNTRYMAN.

Men are in the habit of erring through prejudice; and
430
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.”

431
Smart

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.

Smart

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 BathyllusV.5 with his music on the stage. It chanced that,
at a representation, I don’t well remember what it was, while the
flying-machineV.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.V.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
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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,V.8 the thunders rolled,V.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.V.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,V.11 while pluming himself on the honors really paid to
the Deified House,V.12 was thrust out headlong by common consent.

433
Smart

Fable VIII.
THE EMBLEM OF OPPORTUNITY.

A Bald Man, balancing on a razor’s edge, fleet of foot, his forehead
covered with hair,V.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.

Smart

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.

Smart

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
434
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 BarkerV.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,V.15 may easily perceive why I have written this.

---

Footnotes to Book V

435

THE NEW FABLES,
BY SOME ATTRIBUTED TO PHÆDRUS.NF.1

---

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.”

436

Fable II.
THE AUTHOR.

We must not require what is unreasonable.

If Nature hadNF.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.

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
437
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.NF.3

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,NF.4 because they say, she has no
feet,—an assertion with which I readily agree.

438

Fable V.NF.5
THE AUTHOR.

Nothing is long concealed.

***Pretended vices are sometimes
profitable to men, but still the truth appears in time.

Fable VI.
THE SIGNIFICATION OF THE PUNISHMENTS OF TARTARUS.

The meaning is to be considered, not the mere words.

The story of Ixion, whirling round upon the wheel, teaches us
what a rolling thing is fortune. Sisyphus, with immense labour, pushing
the stone up the lofty hill, which ever, his labour lost, rolls back
from the top, shows that men’s miseries are endless. When Tantalus is
athirst, standing in the midst of the river, the greedy are described,
whom a sufficiency of blessings surrounds, but none can they enjoy. The
wicked Danaïds carry water in urns, and cannot fill their pierced
vessels; just so, whatever you bestow on luxury, will flow out beneath.
Wretched Tityus is stretched over nine acres,NF.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.

439

Fable VII.
THE AUTHOR.

On the Oracle of Apollo.

Phœbus! who dost inhabit Delphi and the beauteous Parnassus, say what
is most useful to us. Why do the locks of the holy prophetess stand
erect; the tripods shake; the holy shrines resound; the laurels, too,NF.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.

Fable VIII.
ÆSOP AND THE AUTHOR.

On a bad Author who praised himself.

A Person had recitedNF.8 some worthless composition to Æsop, in which
he had inordinately bragged about himself. Desirous, therefore, to know
what the Sage thought thereof: “Does it appear to you,” said he,
“that I have been too
440
conceited? I have no empty confidence in my own capacity.” Worried
to death with the execrable volume, Æsop replied: “I greatly
approve of your bestowing praise on yourself, for it will never be your
lot to receive it from another.”

Fable IX.
POMPEIUS MAGNUS AND HIS SOLDIER.

How difficult it is to understand a man.

A Soldier of Pompeius Magnus, a man of huge bulk, by talking
mincingly and walking with an affected gait, had acquired the character
of an effeminate wretch, and that most fully established. Lying
in wait by night for the beasts of burden of his General, he drives away
the mules laden with garments and gold, and a vast weight of
silver. A rumour of what has been done gets abroad; the soldier is
accused, and carried off to the Prætorium. On this, Magnus
says to him: “How say you? Have you dared to rob me, comrade?”
The soldier forthwith spits into his left hand, and scatters about the
spittle with his fingers. “Even thus, General,” says he, “may my eyes
drip out, if I have seen or touched your property.” Then Magnus,
a man of easy disposition, orders the false accusers to be sent
about their business,NF.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?”NF.10 But Magnus, getting angry,
441
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.”

Fable X.
JUNO, VENUS, AND THE HEN.

On the Lustfulness of Women.

When JunoNF.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.

442

Fable XI.
THE FATHER OF A FAMILY AND ÆSOP.

How a bad-tempered Son may be tamed.

A Father of a family had a passionate Son, who, as soon as he had got
out of his fathers sight, inflicted many a blow upon the servants, and
gave loose to the impetuous temper of youth. Æsop consequently told this
short story to the old man.

A certain Man was yoking an old Ox along with a Calf; and when the Ox
shunning to bear the yoke with a neck so unfit for it, alleged
the failing strength of his years: “You have no reason to fear,” said
the Countryman, “I don’t do this that you may labour, but that you
may tame him, who with his heels and horns has made many lame.” Just so,
unless you always keep your son by you, and by your management restrain
his temper, take care that the broils in your house don’t increase to a
still greater degree. Gentleness is the remedy for a bad temper.NF.12

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.”

443

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.NF.13

Fable XIV.
THE WIDOW AND THE SOLDIER.

The great Inconstancy and Lustfulness of Women.

A certain WomanNF.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
444
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.

Fable XV.
THE RICH SUITOR AND THE POOR ONE.

Fortune sometimes favours Men beyond their hopes and expectations.

Two Youths were courting a Maiden at the same time; the Rich man got
the better of the birth and good looks of the Poor one. When the
appointed day for the nuptials had arrived, the woe-begone Lover,
because he could not endure his grief, betook himself to some gardens
near at hand; a little beyond which, the splendid villa of the Rich
man was about to receive the Maiden from her mother’s bosom, as his
house in the city seemed not to be roomy enough. The marriage procession
is arranged, a great crowd flocks to the scene, and Hymenæus gives
the marriage torch. Now an Ass, which used to gain a living for the Poor
man, was standing at the threshold of a gate; and it so happens the
maidens lead him along, that the fatigues of the way may not hurt the
tender feet of the Bride. On a sudden, by the pity of Venus, the
heavens are swept by winds, the crash of thunder resounds through the
firmament, and brings on a rough night with heavy rain; light is
withdrawn from their eyes, and at the same moment a storm of hail,
spreading in all directions, beats upon them, frightening and
445
scattering them on all sides, compelling each to seek safety for himself
in flight. The Ass runs under the well-known roof close at hand, and
with a loud voice gives notice of his presence. The servants run out of
doors, behold with admiration the beautiful Maiden, and then go and tell
their master. He, seated at table with a few companions, was consoling
his passion with repeated draughts. When the news was brought him,
exulting with delight, both Bacchus and Venus exhorting him, he
celebrated his joyous nuptials amid the applauses of his comrades. The
bride’s parents sought their daughter through the crier, while
the intended Husband grieved at the loss of his Wife. After what had
taken place became known to the public, all agreed in approving of the
favour shown by the Gods of heaven.

Fable XVI.
ÆSOP AND HIS MISTRESS.

How injurious it often is to tell the Truth.

Æsop being in the service of an Ugly Woman, who wasted the whole day
in painting herself up, and used fine clothes, pearls, gold, and
silver, yet found no one who would touch her with a finger: “May I
say a few words?” said he. “Say on,” she replied.
“Then I think,” said he, “that you will effect anything
you wish, if you lay aside your ornaments.” “Do I then seem to you so
much preferable by myself?” said she. “Why, no; if you don’t make
presents, your bed will enjoy its repose.” “But your sides,” she
replied, “shan’t enjoy their repose;”NF.15 and ordered the talkative
Slave to be flogged. Shortly after a thief took away a silver bracelet.
When the Woman was told that it could not be found, full of fury she
summoned all her slaves, and threatened them with a severe
flogging if they did not tell the truth. “Threaten others,” said
Æsop, “indeed you won’t trick me, mistress; I was lately
beaten with the whip because I told the truth.”

446

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 brotherhoodNF.16 began to be hungry, they tore their Master to
pieces, and went shares in the proceeds of their guilt.

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.

447

Fable XIX.
THE RUNAWAY SLAVE AND ÆSOP.

There is no necessity to add evil to evil.

A Slave, when running away from a Master of severe disposition, met
Æsop, to whom he was known as a neighbour: “Why are you in such a
hurry?” said Æsop. “I’ll tell you candidly, father,” said the
other, “for you are worthy to be called by that name, as our sorrows
are safely entrusted to you. Stripes are in superabundance; victuals
fail: every now and then I am sent to the farm as a slave to the rustics
there: if he dines at home I am kept standing by him all night,
or if he is invited out, I remain until daylight in the street.
I have fairly earned my liberty; but with grey hairs I am
still a slave. If I were conscious to myself of any fault,
I should bear this patiently: I never have had a bellyful,
and, unhappy that I am, I have to put up with a severe master
besides. For these reasons, and for others which it would take
too long to recount, I have determined to go wherever my feet may
carry me.” “Listen then,” said Æsop; “When you have committed no fault,
you suffer these inconveniences as you say: what if you had offended?
What do you suppose you would then have had to suffer?”

By such advice he was prevented from running away.

Fable XX.
THE CHARIOT-HORSE SOLD FOR THE MILL.

Whatever happens, we must bear it with equanimity.

A certain Man withdrew from his chariot a Horse, ennobled by many
victories, and sold him for the mill. As he was being led out of doors
from the mill-stones to water, he saw his fellows going towards the
Circus, to celebrate the joyous contests at the games. With tears
starting forth, he
448
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 timeNF.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.

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.”

449

Fable XXIII.
THE SHEPHERD AND THE SHE-GOAT.

Nothing is secret which shall not be made manifest.NF.18

A Shepherd had brokenNF.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.”

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
450
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 guiltyNF.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.”

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.”NF.21
“Don’t be afraid,”
451
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.”

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 GodNF.22—they who boast of the abundance of their
epithets)
452
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.

Fable XXX.
THE BUTTERFLY AND THE WASP.

Not past but present Fortune must be regarded.

A ButterflyNF.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.NF.24 You, who were a MuleNF.25
with panniers, hurt whomsoever you
453
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.”

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.NF.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.

---

Footnotes to New Fables

454

ÆSOPIAN FABLES.AF.1
THE AUTHORS OF WHICH ARE NOT
KNOWN

---

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
455
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
456
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.
457
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.”AF.2

He who often cogitates upon the death of others, little knows what
sad Fate he may be preparing for himself.

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,
458
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.

459This 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
460
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.

461

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,AF.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,AF.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.

462

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.

463

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,AF.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.

464

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 WolvesAF.6 engaged in battle, the former,
safe under the protection of the dogs, were victorious. The Wolves sent
ambassadors, and demanded a peace,
465
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.

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.”

466“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,AF.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
467
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.

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,AF.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.

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
468
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.

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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
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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.”

471He 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.

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Footnotes to Æsopian Fables

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