Babrius (6)

Here are some more fables by Babrius, translated into English verse by James Davies: The Fables of Babrius, and you can click here for all the Babrius fables at this blog.

Hercules and Plutus

Bidden to feast at each immortal's side,

The hero once with men, now deified,

Sweet converse with each God held Hercules,

Till he had come to Plutus, last of these.

To speak to him the hero's soul disdain'd,

Nor converse with him, like the rest, maintain'd.

Jove in amazement for an answer press'd,

Why he had ev'ry other God address'd,

But not one syllable to Plutus said.

Then Hercules to Jove this answer made,

"Why, because him, abhorr'd on earth by me,

I never saw but in rogues' company."

illustration from a 1701 Phaedrus

The Ox and the Ass

With a she-ass, best shift his means allow'd,

A tiller yoked his only ox, and plough'd.

When these he was preparing to unyoke,

Their work being over, thus the ass bespoke

The ox, "Who carries home the old man's gear?"

"The beast whose wont it is," said he, "'tis clear."

The Apple-tree, Pomegranate, and Bramble

For beauty's prize once strove the apple-tree

With the pomegranate. Each strove angrily.

The thorn-inflicting bramble, dwelling nigh,

Heard all the strife, and utter'd language high

To both. "Let us from rivalry desist

For beauty's prize, my friends." Bid that man list

This fable, who himself, tho' vastly less,

Would thrust mid nobler men, through foolishness.

illustration by Detmold

The Wolf and the Fox

A hapless fox fell in a wild wolf's way,

And pray'd him her old life to spare, not slay.

"I will, by Pan, I will," the wolf replied,

"If in thy next three words thou hast not lied."

"Well: first then," said she, "would we had not met!

Next, that a blind wolf had my path beset!

And, third and last," she added, "go for ever!

I trust from this day forth to meet thee never!"

The Crow and the Swan

A crow the swans their fair complexion grudged;

He would have been quite as white-skinn'd, he judged,

Did he but float on river, or on lake.

He left the hearths, where he was wont to take

His food, and to the swans' dank dwelling went.

To him no change of hue ablution lent,

But famine kill'd him, when no food he got.

Nature a change of dwelling alters not.

illustration by Winter

Babrius (5)

Here are some more fables by Babrius, translated into English verse by James Davies: The Fables of Babrius, and you can click here for all the Babrius fables at this blog.

The Pine

Some woodmen, bent a forest pine to split,

Into each fissure sundry wedges fit,

To keep the void and render work more light.

Out groan'd the pine, "Why should I vent my spite

Against the axe, which never touch'd my root,

So much as these curst wedges, mine own fruit,

Which rend me through, inserted here and there!"

A fable this, intended to declare,

That not so dreadful is a stranger's blow,

As wrongs which men receive from those they know.

The Dog and the Cook

High feast a town was holding, at the end

Of sacrifice. His house-dog ask'd a friend,

Whom he had met, to come and share his meal.

He came. The cook upraised him by the heel

And toss'd him o'er the wall into the street.

Whom when each dog did with the question greet,

« What cheer?" he said; "What more could be

desired,

"When I scarce know by what way I retired?"

illustration from the Medici Aesop

The Hunter and the Fisherman

A huntsman going laden from the hill,

A fisher too, whose fish his basket fill,

As luck would have it, chanced one day to meet,

And lo! the hunter thought the fish a treat;

The fisherman preferr'd the hunter's game.

So they exchanged their spoil. They did the same,

Each for a time, to suit the other's taste,

With all they took, till some one said, "You'll waste

And mar by use the present charm of these,

And each again will seek what used to please."

The Goatherd and the Goats

'Twas snowy weather, and a goatherd led

Into a cave, he deem'd untenanted,

His goats, all-white with snow descending thick,

But thither, as he found, had come more quick

Some horned wild goats, a far larger stock,

And finer, too, than his accustom'd flock.

Green shoots to them he soon began to fling,

But to his own let tedious famine cling;

Till, when the sky grew clear, he found them dead.

Meanwhile the wild goats hurried off to tread

The trackless thickets of unpastured heights.

Hence ridicule upon the goatherd lights,

Returning goat-less. Seeking prizes new,

He lost the profit of his old one too.

illustration by Milo Winter

Jupiter, Neptune, Minerva, and Momus

Pallas, 'tis said, with Neptune and with Jove,

Which should create a thing most perfect, strove.

Jove makes the choicest of created things,

A man. A dwelling to him Pallas brings;

Neptune a bull. They gave the umpire's post

To Momus; Heaven as yet he had not lost.

And he, as was his nature, hating all,

At blaming the bull's horns to work must fall,

Because they were not set beneath his eyes,

For then he'd see to strike. Man lost the prize,

Because not open was his breast, but closed,

Else each would see his neighbour's plans exposed.

He blamed the house, because no wheels were made

Of iron at its base; that it, convey'd

To other climes might pass with roving lord.

What purports then to us the fable's word?

Prefer not thou to carp, but strive to do.

Momus will nought in pleasant aspect view.

Babrius (4)

Here are some more fables by Babrius, translated into English verse by James Davies: The Fables of Babrius, and you can click here for all the Babrius fables at this blog. I've also linked to the Greek text below.

The Man, the Horse, the Ox, and the Dog

A horse, an ox, a dog, distrest by cold,

To seek the warmth of a man's house made bold.

He let them enter by his open'd door,

And was not slack to give them of his store,

Warming his guests withal beside his hearth;

The horse found corn, of vetch the ox no dearth,

While the dog shared the table of his host.

Then fain would they requite their supper's cost,

And so its life's chief habit each bestows.

The horse gave first; hence each among us glows

With leaping spirit in our early prime.

The ox came next; therefore, at mid-life's time,

Man toils, and dearly loves to hoard and save.

The dog, 'tis said, life's latest features gave,

Whence, Branchus, each, as age steals o'er him, grows

Peevish apace, caressing only those

To whom he looks for food. A stranger's face

Provokes his bark, and never wins his grace.

The Camel

A drinking master would his camel bring

To dance to flutes, and brazen cymbal's ring.

"Would that I could on a plain road advance,

Causing no laughter," said she, "much less dance."

The Dog and the Hare

Chasing a mountain hare, a certain hound

Would one while bite her, if a chance he found,

And one while turn and lick her as a friend;

Said puss at last, "Let double-dealing end.

Be a true brute. If friend, why do you bite?

But if a foe, why fawn, nor be downright?"

Of an uncertain class of minds are those,

Whom, if to trust or distrust, no one knows.

illustration by Rackham

The Unskilful Physician

There lived a quack, and all but he could tell

A sick man not to fear; he'd soon be well:

"Diseases run their time, but then are over,"

The doctor came and said; "You won't recover!

Make all your preparations. You must die!

I scorn to cheat: I'm not the man to lie.

To morrow at the most you'll scarce get o'er!"

He said, nor visited his patient more.

But, lo! the man from his disorder rose,

Pallid, and somewhat shaky on his toes.

Taking his walk, the doctor met him so;

"Good morrow! How goes on the world below?"

"Oh! Deadly lively! Lethe's draught is flat!

But if you'd know what hell's high powers were at,

Doctors just now incurr'd their fiercest threats,

Because each sick man well so quickly gets.

They were proscribing all. Among the first

They talk'd of posting you. But forth I burst,

A little timid from the shadowy crowd,

And suppliant before their sceptres bow'd;

And sware to them the truth I could not hide:

You were no doctor, but had been belied."

The Dogs and the Wolves

A feud between the dogs and wolves arose,

And of their host the dogs as leader chose

One from Achaia, who, like general sage,

Kept holding back. His troops began to rage

At his preferring ambush to fair fight.

"Why I delay," he answered, "hear aright,

And why I'm careful. Prudence can't be wrong.

Our foes I see are one united throng,

But some of us have from Molossia come,

Others from Crete, from Acarnania some,

Some are Dolopian, others Cyprus boast,

Or Thrace their home: in short, a various host.

We differ, unlike these, in colour too,

Being, some black, and some of ashen hue,

While some are bright and mottled in the chest,

Others are white. Discordant bands at best

How can I marshal, with an eye to war,

'Gainst troops that all alike in all things are?"

For aught more good than harmony to seek

Is vain. Disunion slavish is, and weak.

Babrius (3)

Here are some more fables by Babrius, translated into English verse by James Davies: The Fables of Babrius, and you can click here for all the Babrius fables at this blog. 

The Oxen and the Butchers

Some oxen wish'd the butcher tribe to kill,

Who boasted a to them destructive skill.

But when they met, and now for direful fray

Whetted their horns, an ox of ancient day

Among them, who for years had borne the plough,

Said, "These at least have hands experienced, how

To kill and carve us, not to hack and hew:

But if we chance on men to slaughter new,

6 We shall die twice. One will not lack to fell

The ox, but one perhaps to do it well."

A man in haste from present woes to flee

Should see his path from worse disaster free.

illustration by Weir

The Farmer and the Cranes

A farmer's land, fresh sown with wheaten grain,

Was being wasted by the hurtful crane.

Long did the farmer lift an empty sling,

By fear alone their troop discomfiting.

But when they found he only smote the air,

To fly at his approach they did not care:

Till he no longer made a feint to throw,

But laid with stones the greater number low.

Quitting the corn, the rest began to cry,

"Come, to the land of pygmies let us fly.

This man, it seems, content no more with fright,

Is now beginning to put forth his might."

The Sculptor and Mercury

A man had wrought a Mercury for sale

In marble. Would-be buyers did not fail.

One for a pillar (he'd just lost a son)

To buy it wish'd, for a god's statue one.

Night came: yet it the sculptor had not sold,

So he agreed at morn again t' unfold

The statue, if they'd come. In slumber deep

He gazed on Hermes at the gates of sleep,

Who said, "Good measure of my worth you take,

"Since god or corpse of me you mean to make."

illustration by Tenniel

The Aged Horse

Once an old horse was sold to work the mill:

And yok'd each eve a grinder's task to fill.

At last it groan'd and said, "What courses past,

Round what strange millers' turns I wheel at last!"

Be not too much with fortune's hopes elate:

Age ends for many in a troubled state.

The Oak and the Reed

A mountain-wind tore from its roots an oak,

A wondrous old-world plant, with sweeping stroke;

And lodg'd it in a stream, where to and fro

The eddies sway'd it. Close beside there grow

Upon the bank, by rippling water fed,

Unnumber'd reeds. "'Twas strange," the stout oak said,

"That plants so frail and feeble did not fall,

While giant oaks are riven up roots and all."

Sagely the reed made answer. "Marvel not:

Through struggling with the blasts, a fall you got:

If but our slender tops the light breeze fill,

We meekly bend us with a yielding will."

So spake the reed. Our fable, look you, shows

'Tis best to bow to might, and not t' oppose.

illustration from the Medici Aesop

Philip Ayres (7)

Here are some more fables from Mythologia Ethica: or, Three Centuries of Aesopian Fables by Philip Ayres, and you can click here for all the Ayres fables at this blog.

The Boy and the Scorpion.

Inthe Fields as a Boy was at play catching Flyes and Grashoppers; he, wanting Wit to distinguish, was about to lay his hands on a venomous Scorpion, who perceiving his simplicity, and holding up his threatening Tail, Foolish Boy, said he, forbear, and draw back thy hand, if thou wouldst not suffer immediate Death.

The Tempest.

Certain Men going to Sea, had not Sailed far from their Port, before they were surprsed by a violent Tempest, which in a short time had so miserebly batter'd their Ship, that they were in great danger of sinking to rights, if the Storm should much longer continue its fury: This induced many of the Seamen and Passengers to invoke the Gods of their several Countries, to assist them in that exigency, promising to make considerable Offerings for their Safety; when on a sudden the Winds ceased, and the Sea became calm. At which happy sight, they fell to Feasting and Revelling, being overjoy'd that they had escaped such imminent Peril, beyond all expectation. But the Prudent Master of the Ship calling to them, My Friends, said he, let us be so moderate in our Rejoycing, as if we foresaw the Tempest were about to rage again as before. 

We should not be too much puft up when Things happen to our desire; but as this Fable advises, we should be mindful of the inconstancy of Fortune.

illustration from an 18th-century Phaedrus

The Dog that Feared the Rain.

There was a Dog that whensoever it rained was afraid of going out of doors. Of which another Dog asking him the reason: I was once, answered he, scalded with hot Water, which falling upon me, fetched off not only the Hair, but the Skin also from my Buttocks: This makes me fear even cold Water ever since.

The Jay Stript.

WIth great Art had a Jay trick'd up herself in Peacocks Feathers, and growing proud of her new dress, thought scorn to be seen amongst those of her own kind; she therefore associated herself with the Peacocks: But so soon as they discovered the Cheat, they stripp'd her of all her stoln Bravery, and beat her out of their company.

illustration by Bewick

The Cat and the Cheese.

To prevent the Mice gnawing his Cheese, a Man put a Cat into his Cupboard, but she not only kill'd the Mice, but also eat up the Poor mans Cheese.

Clarke: English (10)

Here are some more fables from H. Clarke's Latin textbook Fabulae Aesopi selectae, or, Select fables of Aesop, and you can click here for all the fables reposted from this book at the blog.

46. Of the Eagle and the Crow

The eagle flies down from a very high rock on the back of a lamb; the crow seeing that rejoiceth, as an ape, to imitate the eagle. He drops himself upon the fleece of a ram; dropt down, he is entangled; entangled, he is taken; taken, he is thrown to the boys.

Moral. Let every one esteem himself by his own, not by the virtue of others. Attempt that which thou mayest be able to do.

illustration by Tenniel

47. Of the Envious Dog and the Ox

The dog lay down in a rack full of hay: the ox cometh, that he may eat. He raising himself hinders him; the ox says, "May the Gods destroy thee, with that thy envy, who neither art fed with hay, not sufferest me to be fed."

Moral. Many are of that temper that they envy those things to others which are of no use to themselves.

illustration by Bennett

48. Of the Jackdaw and the Sheep

The jackdaw makes a noise on the back of the sheep: the sheep says, "If thou made a noise thus to a dog, thou wouldest bear the damage." But the jackdaw saith, "I know whom I may insult: troublesome to the mild, friendly to the cruel."

Moral. Evil men insult the innocent and mild, but no one irritates the fierce and mischievous.

illustration by Eksergian

49. Of the Peacock and the Nightingale

The peacock complains to Juno, the wife and sister of Jupiter, that the nightingale sung sweetly, that he was laughed at by all for his hoarse squalling. To whom Juno says, "The nightingale by far excels in singing, thou in feathers; everyone has his gift from the Gods. It becometh everyone to be content with his own lot."

Moral. Let us take those things which God bestows with a grateful mind, nor let us seek greater things.

illustration by Crane

50. Of the Old Weasel and the Mice

The weasel, wanting strength through old age, was not able to pursue the mice now so, as he was wont; he began to meditate a trick: he hides himself in a heap of meal, thus hoping that it would be that he may hunt without labour. The mice run to it and, whilst they desire to eat the meal, they all are devoured to one by the weasel.

Moral. When any one shall be destitute of strength, there is need of wit. Lysander the Lacedaemonian used to say often where the lion's skin would not reach that the fox's was to be taken.

illustration from a 17th-century Phaedrus

Clarke: English (9)

Here are some more fables from H. Clarke's Latin textbook Fabulae Aesopi selectae, or, Select fables of Aesop, and you can click here for all the fables reposted from this book at the blog.

41. Of the Husbandman and the Dogs

The husbandman, when he had wintered in the country many days, began at length to labour with the want of necessary things; he killed his sheep, afterwards also his goats, lastly also he slays his oxen that he may have wherewith he may sustain his body, almost exhausted with want. The dogs, seeing that, resolve to seek safety by flight, for that they should not live longer when their master has not spared his oxen indeed, whose labour he used in doing his country work.

Moral. If thou art willing to be safe, withdraw from him soon whom thou seest reduced to those straits that he consumes the instruments necessary for his works whereby he may be supplied for the present want.

illustration from the Medici Aesop

42. Of the Fox and the Lion

The fox, who was not wont to see the fierceness of the lion, having viewed that beast once and again, trembled and fled. When now a third time the lion had offered himself in his way, the fox feared not anything, but confidently goes up to and salutes him.

Moral. Custom makes us all bolder, even among those whom scarce before we have dared to look upon.

illustration by Conde

43. Of the Fox and the Eagle

The young of the fox ran abroad; caught by the eagle, she implores the help of her dam. She runs up, asks the eagle that she would dismiss her captive young. The eagle, having got her prey, flies away to her young. The fox, a fire-brand being snatched up, as if she was about to destroy her fortress with fire, when now she had gotten upon the tree, says, "Now defend thyself and thine, if thou canst." The eagle, trembling, while she fears the fire, says, "Spare me; I will restore whatsoever I have of thine.

Moral. Understand by the eagle, the potent and bold; by the fox, the poor, whom the rich oftentimes oppress by force. But the hurt sometimes soundly revenge the injury received.

illustration by Barlow

44. Of the Husbandman and the Stork

The cranes and the geese feeding on the corn, the countryman sets a gin. The cranes are taken, the geese are taken, and the stork is taken. She entreats, crying, that she was innocent and was neither a crane, nor a goose, but the best of all birds, as who always used to serve her father diligently and to nourish him worn out with old age. The husbandman says, "Well know I all these things, but since we have taken thee with the offending, thou shalt die also with them."

Moral. He that committeth a crime, and he who joins himself a companion to the wicked, are punished with equal punishment.

illustration from a 19th-century Aesop

45. Of the Shepherd and the Countrymen

A boy fed his sheep upon a higher ground, and crying both thrice and four times in jest that the wolf was there, he raised the countrymen on all sides; they, being deluded too often, whilst they do not come to him imploring help, the sheep become a prey to the wolf.

Moral. If any one has been used to lie, faith will not be had easily in him when he shall have begun to tell the truth.

illustration from Steinhowel's Aesop

Roger L'Estrange (7)

Here are some more fables from Roger L'Estrange's Fables of Aesop and Other Eminent Mythologists, and you can click here for all the L'Estrange fables at this blog.

A Tree and a Wedge

A Workman was cutting down a Tree to make Wedges of it. Well! says the Tree, I cannot but be extreamly troubled at the Thought of what I am now a doing; and I do not so much complain neither, of the Ax that does the Execution, as of the Man that guides it; but it is Misery that I am to be destroy’d by the Fruit of my own Body.

Nothing goes nearer a Man in his Misfortunes, than to find himself undone by his own folly, or but any way accessary to his own Ruin.

A Dog in a Manger

A churlish envious Cur was gotten into a manger, and there lay growling and snarling to keep the Provender. The Dog eat none himself, and yet rather ventur’d the starving his own Carcase than he would suffer any Thing to be the better for’t.

Envy pretends to no other Happiness than what it derives from the Misery of other People, and will rather eat nothing itself than not to starve those that would.

illustration from a 19th-century children's Aesop

A Fox and a Weazle

A slim thin-gutted Fox made a hard shift to wriggle his Body into a Hen-roost, and when he had stuff’d his Guts well, he squeez’d hard to get out again, but the Hole was too little for him. There was a Weazle a pretty way off, that stood leering at him all this while. Brother Reynard (says he) your Belly was empty when you went in, and you must e’en stay till your Belly be empty again, before you come out.

Temperance keeps the whole Man in order, and in a good Disposition, either for Thought or Action, but the indulging of the Appetite brings a Clog both upon the Body and Mind.

A Stag and a Horse

Upon a Dispute betwixt a Stag and a Horse about a Piece of Pasture, the Stag got the better on’t, and beat the other out of the Field. The Horse, upon this Affront, advis’d with a Man what Course to take; who told him, that if he would submit to be bridled and saddled, and take a Man upon his Back with a Lance in his Hand, he would undertake to give him the Satisfaction of a Revenge. The Horse came to his Terms and for the gratifying of a present Passion, made himself a Slave all the Days of his Life. Stesichorus made use of this Fable to divert the Himerenses from chusing Phalaris the Tyrant for their General. This horse’s Case, says he, will be yours, if you go on with your Proposals. ‘Tis true, you’ll have your Revenge, but you’ll lose your Liberties: Upon which Words the Motion fell.

Let every Man make a true Measure of himself, what he is able to do, and what not, before he comes to any peremptory Resolution how to proceed. He is a Madman, that to avoid a present and less Evil, runs blindfold into a greater; and for the gratifying of a froward Humour, makes himself a Slave all the Days of his Life.

illustration from Steinhowel's Aesop

A Thrush and a Swallow

Ah my dear Mother! Says the Thrush, never had any Creature such a Friend as I have, of this same Swallow. No, says she, nor ever any Mother such a Fool to her Son as I have, of this same Thrush: To talk of a Friendship betwixt People that cannot so much as live together in the same Climate and Season. One is for Summer, t’other for Winter; and that which keeps you alive, kills your Companion.

‘Tis a necessary Rule in Alliances, Matches, Societies, Fraternities, Friendships, Partnerships, Commerce, and all manner of civil dealings and Contracts, to have a strict Regard to Humour, the Nature, and the Disposition of those we have to do withal.

Roger L'Estrange (6)

Here are some more fables from Roger L'Estrange's Fables of Aesop and Other Eminent Mythologists, and you can click here for all the L'Estrange fables at this blog.

A Boar and a Horse

A Boar happened to be wallowing in the Water where a Horse was going to drink, and there grew a Quarrel upon’t. The Horse went presently to a Man, to assist him in his Revenge. They agreed upon the Conditions, and the Man immediately arm’d himself, and mounted the Horse, who carried him to the Boar, and had the Satisfaction of seeing his Enemy kill’d before his Face. The Horse thank’d the Cavalier for his Kindness, but as he was just about to take leave, the Man said he should have further occasion for him, and so order’d him to be ty’d up in the Stable. The Horse came by this time to understand, that his Liberty was gone, and no help for’t, and that he had paid dear for his Revenge.

Let every Man make a truer Measure of himself, what he is able to do, and what not, before he comes to any peremtory Resolution how to proceed. He is a Madman, that to avoid a present and less Evil, runs blindfold into a greater; and for the gratifying of a froward Humour, makes himself a Slave all the Days of his Life.

illustration from an early 18th-century Phaedrus

A Collier and a Fuller

A Fuller had a very kind Invitation from a Collier to come and live in the House with him. He gave him a thousand Thanks for his Civility; but told him that it would not stand with his Conveneince; for (says he) as fast as I make any Thing clean, you’ll be smutting it again.

‘Tis a necessary Rule in Alliances, Matches, Societies, Fraternities, Friendships, Partnerships, Commerce, and all manner of civil dealings and Contracts, to have a strict Regard to Humour, the Nature, and the Disposition of those we have to do withal.

illustration by Tenniel

A Farmer and his Dogs

A certain Farmer was put to such a pinch in a hard Winter for Provisions, that he was forc’d to feed himself and his Family upon the main Stock. The Sheep went first to pot; the Goats next; and after them the Oxen, and all little enough to keep Life and Soul together. The Dogs call’d a Council upon’t, and resolv’d to shew their Master a fair pair of Heels for’t, before it came to be their turn; for, (said they) after he has cut the Throats of our Fellow-Servants, that are so necessary for his Business, it cannot be expected that he will ever spare us.

There’s no contending with Necessity, and we should be very tender how to censure those that submit to’t. ‘Tis one thing to be at liberty to do what we would do, and another thing to be ty’d up to do what we must.

illustration from a 17th-century Aesop

An Estrich, Birds, and Beasts

The Estrich is a Creature that passes in common Reputation, for Half-Bird, Half-Beast. This amphibious Wretch happen’d to be taken twice in the same Day in a Battle betwixt the Birds and Beasts, and as an Enemy to both Parties. The Birds would have him to be a Beast, and the Beasts concluded him to be a Bird; but upon shewing his Feet to prove that he was no Bird, and upon shewing his Wings, and his Beak, to prove that he was no Beast, they were satisfy’d both upon the whole Matter, that though he seem’d to be both, he was yet in Truth neither the one nor the other.

Trimming, in some, Cases, is foul and dishonest; in others laudable, and in some again not only honest but necessary. The Nicety lies in the Skill of distinguishing upon Cases, Times, and Degrees.

illustration from the Medici Aesop

An Ant and a Fly

There happen’d a warm Dispute betwixt an Ant and a Fly. Why, where’s the Honour, or the Pleasure in the World,says the Fly, that I have not my Part in? Are not all Temples and Places open to me? Am I not the Taster to Gods and Princes in all their Sacrifices and Entertainments? Am I not serv’d in Gold and Silver? And is not my Meat and Drink still of the best? And all this, without either Money or Pains? I trample upon Crowns, and kiss what Ladies Lips I please. And what have you now to pretend to all this while? Why, says the Ant, you value your self upon the Access you have to the Altars of the Gods, the Cabinets of Princes, and to all publick Feasts and Collations: And what’s all this but the Access of the Intruder, not of a Guest; for People are so far from liking your Company, that they kill ye as fast as they can catch ye. You are a Plague to ‘em where-ever you come. Your very Breath has Maggots in’t, and for the Kiss you brag of, what is it but the Perfume of the last Dunghill you touch’d upon, once remov’d? For my Part, I live upon what’s my own, and work honestly in the Summer to maintain my self in the Winter; whereas the whole Course of your scandalous Life is only cheating or sharping, one half of the Year, and starving the other.

Here’s an Emblem of Industry, and Luxury, set forth at large; with the sober Advantages, and the scandalous Excesses of the one and of the other.

illustration by Grandville

Clarke: English (8)

Here are some more fables from H. Clarke's Latin textbook Fabulae Aesopi selectae, or, Select fables of Aesop, and you can click here for all the fables reposted from this book at the blog.

36. Of the Dog and the Butcher

When a dog had taken away flesh from the butcher in the shambles, immediately he betook himself to his heels as much as he could. The butcher, struck with the loss of the thing, at first held his peace, afterwards, taking courage, thus he cried to him afar off, "O most thieving cur, run safe; it is lawful for thee to run unpunished, for now thou art safe for thy swiftness, but hereafter thou shalt be observed more cautiously."

Moral. This fable signifies that most men then at length become more cautious when they have received damage.

illustration from a 17th-century Aesop

37. Of the Lamb and the Wolf

The wolf meets the lamb accompanying the goat; he asks why, his mother being left, he rather follows a stinking goat, and advises that he would  return to the dugs of his mother, stretched with milk, hoping that it would be so that he may butcher him drawn away; but he says, "O wolf, my mother hath committed me to him. To him the chief care of keeping is given; I shall obey a parent rather than thee, who requirest to seduce me with those sayings, and by and by to tear me in pieces drawn away.

Moral. Be unwilling to have faith in all men, for many, whilst they seem to be willing to profit others, in the meantime consult for themselves.

38. Of the Husbandman and his Sons

A husbandman had many sons, and they were disagreeing among themselves; whom the father labouring to draw to mutual love, a little faggot being put, commands each of them to break it bound about with a short cord; their weak youth endeavoureth in vain. The father looses it and gives to each a twig, which, when with his strength every one easily broke, he saith, "O children, thus nobody will be able to conquer you agreeing, but if ye shall be willing to rage with mutual wounds and to drive on intestine war, ye shall be at length for a prey to your enemies."

Moral. This fable teaches that small things increase by concord; great things fall away by discord.

illustration by Tenniel

39. Of the Collier and the Fuller.

The collier invited the fuller that he would dwell with him in the same house. The fuller saith, "My man, that is not to me either to my heart or profitable, for I fear greatly lest what things I wash clean, thou mayest make as black as a coal is."

Moral. We are admonished by this apologue to walk with the unblamed; we are admonished to avoid the company of wicked men as a certain plague, for every one cometh out such as they are with whom he is conversant.

illustration from the Medici Aesop

40. Of the Fowler and the Ring-Dove

The fowler sees the ringdove afar off, making a nest in a very high tree; he hastens to him; finally he contrives snares; by chance, he presses a snake with his heels; he bites him. He, terrified at the sudden evil, says, "Wretched me! Whilst I lay snares for another, I myself perish."

Moral. This fable signifies that they sometimes are circumvented with their own arts, who meditate evil things.

illustration by Barlow

Roger L'Estrange (5)

Here are some more fables from Roger L'Estrange's Fables of Aesop and Other Eminent Mythologists, and you can click here for all the L'Estrange fables at this blog.

A Dog, A Sheep and a Wolf

A Dog brought an Action of the Case against a Sheep, for some certain Measures of Wheat, that he had lent him. The Plaintiff prov'd the Debt by three positive Witnesses, the Wolf, the Kite, and the Vulture. (Testes probi & legales.) The Defendant was cast in Costs and Damages, and forc'd to sell the Wool off his Back to satisfy the Creditor.

'Tis not a Straw matter whether the main Cause be right or wrong, or the Charge true or false; where the Bench, Jury and Witnesses are in a Conspiracy against the Prisoner.

illustration from Steinhowel's Aesop

An Ass, an Ape and a Mole

An Ass and an Ape were conferring Grievances. The Ass complain’d mightily for want of a Horns, and the Ape was as much troubled for want of a Tail. Hold your Tongues both of ye, says the Mole, and be thankful for what you have, for the poor Moles are stark blind, and in a worse Condition than either of ye.

There’s no Contending with the Orders and Decrees of Providence. He that made us knows what’s fittest for us; and every Man’s own Lot (well understood and managed) is undoubtedly the best.

illustration by Bewick

A Dog and a Butcher

As a Butcher was busy about his Meat, a Dog runs away with a Sheep's-Heart. The Butcher saw him upon the Gallop with a piece of Flesh in's Mouth, and call'd out after him, hark ye Friend (says he) you may e'en make the best of your Purchase, so long as y'ave made me the wiser for't.

It may serve as a Comfort to us in all our Calamaties and Afflictions, that he that loses any Thing and gets Wisdom by it, is a Gainer by the Loss.

illustration from the Medici Aesop

A Lark and her Young Ones

There was once a Brood of young Larks in the Corn, and the Dam, when she went abroad to forage for them, laid a strict Charge upon her little ones, to pick up what News they could get against she came back again. They told her at her Return, that the Owner of the Field had been there, and order’d his Neighbors to come and reap the Corn. Well, says the Old One, there’s no Danger yet then. They told her the next Day that he had been there again, and desir’d his Friends to do’t. Well, well, says she, there’s no hurt in that neither: and so she went out progging for Provisions as before. But upon the third Day, when they told their Mother, that the Master and his Son appointed to come next Morning, and do’t themselves. Nay then, says she, ‘tis time to look about us: As for Neighbors and Friends, I fear ‘em not; but the Master I’m sure will be as good as his Word, for ‘tis his own Business.

He that would be sure to have his Business well done, must either do it himself, or see the doing of it; beside that many a good Servant is spoil’d by a careless Master.

illustration by Tenniel

A Horse and an Ass

In the Days of old, when Horses spoke Greek and Latin, and Asses made Syllogisms, there happen’d an Encounter upon the Road, betwixt a proud pamper’d Jade in the full Course of his Carriere, and a poor creeping Ass, under a heavy Burden, that had chopt into the same Track with him. Why, how now Sirrah, says he, d’ye not see by these Arms and Trappings, to what Master I belong? And, d’ye not understand that when I have that Master of mine upon my Back, the whole Weight of the State rests upon my Shoulders? Out of the Way thou slavish insolent Animal, or I’ll tread thee to dirt. The wretched Ass immediately slunk aside, with this envious Reflection betwixt his Teeth, What would I give to change Conditions with that happy Creature there. This Fancy would not out of the Head of him, ‘till it was his hap some few Days after to see this very Horse doing Drudgery in a common dung Cart. Why how now Friend (says the Ass) how comes this about? Only the Chance of the War, says the other: I was a Soldier’s Horse, you must know; and my Master carried me into a Battle, where I was shot, hack’d and maim’d; and now you have here before your Eyes the Catastrophe of my Fortune.

The Folly, and the Fate of Pride and Arrogance. The Mistake of placing Happiness in any Thing that may be taken away, and the Blessing of Freedom in a mean Estate.

illustration by Barlow

Roger L'Estrange (4)

Here are some more fables from Roger L'Estrange's Fables of Aesop and Other Eminent Mythologists, and you can click here for all the L'Estrange fables at this blog.

An Old Dog and a Master

An old Dog, that in his Youth had led his Master many a merry Chase, and done him all the Offices of a trusty Servant, came at last, upon falling from his Speed and Vigor to be loaden at every turn with Blows and Reproaches for it. Why Sir, says the Dog, my Will is as good as ever it was, but my Strength and my Teeth are gone; and you might with as good a Grace, and every Jot as much Justice, hang me up because I’m old, as beat me because I’m impotent.

The Reward of Affection and Fidelity must be the Work of another World: Not but that the Conscience of well-doing is a Comfort that may pass for a Recompence even in this; in despite of Ingratitude and Injustice.

illustration by from Steinhowel's Aesop

An Ass and an Ungrateful Master

A Poor Ass, that what with Age, Labour, and hard Burdens, was now worn out to the Stumps in the Service of an unmerciful Master, had the ill Hap one day to make a false Step, and fall down under his Load; his Driver runs up to him immediately, and beats him almost to death for’t. This (says the Ass to himself) is according to the Course of the ungrateful World. One casual Slip is enough to weigh down the faithful and affectionate Service of a long Life.

The Reward of Affection and Fidelity must be the Work of another World: Not but that the Conscience of well-doing is a Comfort that may pass for a Recompence even in this; in despite of Ingratitude and Injustice.

A Bat and a Weazle

A Weazle had seiz’d upon a Bat, and the Bat begg’d for Life. No, no, says the Weazle, I give no Quarter to Birds. Ah, (says the Bat) but I am a Mouse you see; look on my Body else: And so she got off for that Bout. The same Bat had the Fortune to be taken a-while by another Weazle; and there the poor Bat was forc’d to beg for Mercy once again. No, says the Weazle, no Mercy to a Mouse. Well (says t’other) but you may see by my Wings that I’m a Bird; and so the Bat scap’d in both Capacities, by playing the Trimmer.

Trimming, in some, Cases, is foul and dishonest; in others laudable, and in some again not only honest but necessary. The Nicety lies in the Skill of distinguishing upon Cases, Times, and Degrees.

illustration by C.L. Bull

A Thrush Taken with Birdlime

It was the Fortune of a poor Thrush, among other Birds, to be taken with a Bush of Lime-Twigs, and the miserable Creature reflecting upon it, that the chief Ingredient in the Birdlime came out of her own Guts: I am not half so much troubled, says the Thrush, at the Thought of dying, as at the Fatality of contributing to my own Ruin.

Nothing goes nearer a Man in his Misfortunes, than to find himself undone by his own folly, or but any way accessary to his own Ruin.

A Horse and a Lion

There was an old hungry Lion would fain have been dealing with a Piece of good Horse-Flesh that he had in his Eye: but the Nag he thought would be too fleet for him, unless he could supply the want of a Heel, by Artifice, and Address. He puts himself into the Garb, and Habit of a Professor of Physick, and according to the Humour of the World, sets up for a doctor of the College. Under this Pretext, he lets fall a Word or two by way of Discourse, upon the Subject of his Trade; but the Horse smelt him out, and presently a Crochet came in his Head how he might countermine him. I got a Thorn in my Foot t’other Day, says the Horse, as I was crossing a Thicket, and I am e’en quite Lamer on’t. Oh, says the new Physician, do but hold up your Leg a little, and I’ll cure ye immediately. The Lion presently puts himself in Posture for the Office; but the Patient was too nimble for his Doctor, and so soon as ever he had him fair for his Purpose, gave him a terrible Rebuke upon the Forehead with his Heel, that he laid him at his Length, and so got off with a whole Skin, before the other could execute his Design.

Harm watch, Harm catch, is but according to the common Rule of Equity and Retaliation, and a very warrantable Way of deceiving the Deceiver.

illustration by Barlow

Clarke: English (7)

Here are some more fables from H. Clarke's Latin textbook Fabulae Aesopi selectae, or, Select fables of Aesop, and you can click here for all the fables reposted from this book at the blog. 

31. Of the Members and the Belly

Formerly the feet and hands accused the belly that the gains of them were devoured by him being idle. They command either let him labour or not think to be maintained. He entreats once and again, yet the hands deny sustenance; the belly being exhausted with want, when all the limbs began to fail, then at last the hands were willing to be officious, but that too late: for the belly, weak by disuse, refused meat. Thus all the limbs, whilst they envy the belly, perish with the perishing belly.

Moral. The society of the members does not differ from human society. A member wants a member, a friend a friend; wherefore let us use mutual offices, mutual works; for neither riches, nor dignities defend a man enough. The only and chief safeguard is the friendship of many.

illustration by Tenniel

32. Of the Ape and the Fox

The ape prays the fox that she would give part of her tail to her to cover her buttocks, for that was a burden to her, which would be an use and honour to her. She answers that it was nothing too much, and that she had rather that the ground should be brushed with her tail than that the buttocks of the ape be covered.

Moral. There are who want; there are to whom there is over much; yet that is of a custom to no one of the rich that he bless the needy with his superfluous store.

illustration from a 15th-century Aesop

33. Of the Fox and the Weasel

The fox, slender by long want, by chance crept through a narrow chink into a heap of corn, in which, when she was well fed, then her belly, being stretched, hindered her trying to go out again. A weasel afar off having seen her striving, at length advises, if she desires to go out, she would return to the hole lean, at which she had entered lean.

Moral. You may see many merry and cheerful in mediocrity, void of cares, free from troubles of mind. But if they shall be made rich, you shall see them go sad; never to smooth their forehead, full of cares, overwhelmed with troubles of mind.

34. Of the Horse and the Stag

The horse carried on war with the stag; at length, being driven out of the pastures, he implored human help. He returns with a man, he descends into the field, he, conquered before, now becomes conqueror; but yet the enemy being conquered and sent under the yoke, it is necessary that the victor himself serve the man. He bears the horseman on his back, the bridle in his mouth.

Moral. Many fight against poverty which, being overcome by industry and fortune, the liberty of the victor often perisheth; for the lords and conquerors of poverty begin to serve riches; they are tormented with the whips of avarice, they are restrained with the bridles of parsimony; nor do they hold a mean of getting, nor do they dare to use the things got, a just punishment indeed of covetousness.

illustration from Steinhowel's Aesop

35. Of Two Young Men

Two young men pretend that they would buy flesh at a cook's: the cook doing other things, one snatches flesh out of a basket, gives it to his companion that he may hide it under his garment. The cook, as soon as he saw part of the flesh stolen from him, began to accuse each of theft. He that had taken it away swears by Jove that he has nothing, but he who had it swears again and again that he had taken away nothing. To whom the cook says, "Indeed now the thief lies hid, but he, by whom you have sworn, looked on, he knows.

Moral. When we have sinned, men do not know it presently, but God sees all things, who sitteth upon the heavens and looks into the deeps.

illustration from the Medici Aesop

Clarke: English (6)

Here are some more fables from H. Clarke's Latin textbook Fabulae Aesopi selectae, or, Select fables of Aesop, and you can click here for all the fables reposted from this book at the blog. I plan to do a LibriVox recording of this book, so I will be transcribing all the fables here, and later I will be able to embed the LibriVox audio.

26. Of the Wood and the Countryman

At what time there was speech even to trees, a countryman came into a wood, asks that it may be lawful to take a handle to his axe. The wood consents. The countryman, the axe being fitted, began to cut down the trees. Then, and indeed too late, it repented the wood of her easiness; it grieved her to be herself the cause of her own destruction.

Moral. See of whom thou mayest deserve well: there have been many who have abused a benefit received to the destruction of the author.

illustration by Barlow

27. Of the Wolf and the Fox

The wolf, when there was enough of prey, lived in idlenes. The fox comes to him, demands the cause of his idleness. The wolf perceived there were treacheries, pretends a disease to be the cause, prays the fox to go to pray the Gods. She, grieving that the trick did not succeed, goes to the shepherd, advises him that the den of the wolf lay open, and the enemy being secure could be destroyed unawares. The shepherd rises upon the wolf, slays him. The fox obtains the den and the prey, but short was the joy of her villainy to her; for a little after, the same shepherd takes her.

Moral. Envy is a foul thing, and sometimes pernicious also to the author himself.

illustration from Croxall's Aesop

28. Of the Viper and the File

A viper, finding a file in a smith's shop, began to gnaw it; the file smiled, saying, "Fool, what dost thou do? Thou wilt have worn out thy teeth before thou wearest out me, who am wont to gnaw off the hardness of brass."

Moral. See again and again with whom thou hast an affair; if thou whettest thy tooth against a stronger man, thou wilt not hurt him, but thyself.

illustration from a 17th-century Phaedrus

29. Of the Stag

A stag, having beheld himself in a clear fountain, approves his lofty and branched horns but condemns the smallness of his legs. By chance, whilst he looks, whilst he judges, the huntsman passes by: the stag flies away. The dogs pursue him flying, but when he had entered a thick wood, his horns were entangled in the boughs. Then at last he praised his legs and condemned his horns, which made that he was a prey to the dogs.

Moral. We desire things to be shunned, we fly things to be desired. What hurt, please; what profit, displease. We desire happiness, before that we understandmwhere it is; we seek the excellency of riches, and the loftiness of honours; we think happiness placed in these, in which there is so much of labour and pain.

illustration from Steinhowel's Aesop

30. Of the Wolves and the Lambs

On a time there was a league between the wolves and the lambs, to whom there is a discord by nature. Hostages being given on both sides, the wolves gave their whelps, the sheep their troop of dogs. The sheep being quiet and feeding, the little wolves through desire of their dams send forth howlings: Then the wolves rushing on them cry out that their faith and league was broken, and butcher the sheep destitute of their guard of dogs.

Moral. It is folly if in a league thou deliverest thy guards to an enemy; for he who has been an enemy, perhaps not yet has ceased to be an enemy; and perhaps will take occasion why he may rise upon thee stript of thy guard.

illustration from a 15th-century Aesop

Clarke: English (5)

Here are some more fables from H. Clarke's Latin textbook Fabulae Aesopi selectae, or, Select fables of Aesop, and you can click here for all the fables reposted from this book at the blog. I plan to do a LibriVox recording of this book, so I will be transcribing all the fables here, and later I will be able to embed the LibriVox audio.

21. Of the Wolf and the Painted Head

The wolf turns about and admires a human head found in the shop of a carver: perceiving it to have nothing of sense, he says, "O fair head, there is in thee much of art, but nothing of sense."

Moral. Outward beauty, if the inward be present, is pleasing; but if we must want either, it is better to want the outward than the inward; for that without this sometimes incurs hatred, as a fool is by so much the more odious by how much the more handsome.

illustration from a 15th-century Aesop

22. Of the Jackdaw

The jackdaw adorned himself with the feathers of the peacock: then seeming pretty to himself, he betook himself to the race of the peacocks, his own race being despised. They at length understanding the cheat, stripped the foolish bird of his colors, and belavored him with blows.

Moral. This fable denotes those who carry themselves more loftily than is fit; who live with those who are both more rich and more noble; wherefore often they become poor, and are for a laughing-stock.

illustration by Weir

23. Of the Frog and the Ox

A frog desirous of equalling an ox stretched herself. The son advised the mother to desist from the undertaking, saying that a frog was nothing to an ox. She swelled a second time. The son cries out, "Mother, although you burst, never will you exceed the ox." But, when she had swelled a third time, she burst.

Moral. Every one has his gift. This man excels in beauty, that in stremgth. This is powerful in riches, that in friends. It becometh every one to be content with his own. He is strong in body; thou in wit: Wherefore let every one consult himself, nor envy a superior, which is a miserable thing; nor wish to contend, which is the part of folly.

illustration by Bennett

24. Of the Horse and the Lion

The lion cometh to eat the horse, but wanting strength thro' old age, he began to meditate art: he professes himself a physician: he stays the horse with a circuit of words. He opposes deceit to deceit: he feigns that he lately had pricked his foot in a thorny place; he prays that the physician looking into it would draw out the thorn. The lion obeys. But the horse, with how great force he could, strikes his heel upon the lion, and immediately betakes himself to his heels. The lion scarce at length returning to himself, for he had been almost dead with the blow, says, "I bear a reward for my folly, and he deservedly has fled away; for he has revenged deceit with deceit."

Moral. Dissimulation is worthy of hatred, and to be taken with dissimulation. An open enemy is not to be feared, but he who pretends benevolence, when he is an enemy, he indeed is to be feared and is most worthy of hatred.

illustration from Steinhowel's Aesop

25. Of the Birds and the Four-Footed Beasts

There was a battle to the birds with the four-footed beasts. There was on both sides hope, on both sides fear, on both sides danger: but the bat, leaving his companions, revolts to the enemies. The birds overcome, the eagle being captain and leader, but they condemn the runaway bat that he never return to the birds, that he never fly in the light. This is a reason for the bat that he flies not, unless in the night.

illustration by Francis Barlow