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