128. Simius et Speculum. Simius, qui nesciebat qualis esset et se putabat bellulum, effigiem suam vidit a speculo fideli redditam. Ratus simulacrum tale nihil ad se attinere, gaudet videndo; subamarus ridet, et iocos acres in bestiam inficetam iacit, et artificis manum industriam laudat. Sed aliquis dixit, “Heus, te ignoras? Tua est ipsa haec imago.” Simius hic asperam vim veritatis porro sentit et iam speculum damnare incipit, quod prius laudaverat.
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M0128 (not in Perry). Source: Desbillons 9.10 (adapted into prose). This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; it appears original to Desbillons, as he cites no source. Compare the fable of the lion and the well, #2. For the story of a woman who is angry at her mirror, see #951.
