M0220 (not in Perry). Source: Desbillons 10.17 (adapted into prose). This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; Desbillons cites Richer as his source. Compare the farmer waiting for the river to finish flowing, #827.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Image: Asellus et Rivus
220. Asellus et Rivus. Asellus ad rivum venerat; carduos egregios videt in margine ulteriore satos. Fames sollicita, illecebris dulcibus agens, ieiunum huc porro impellit suadetque rivum statim traiicere, quod et aquae breves sinunt. At pecus inepta timet, scilicet ne rigescant pedes si lympha eos delicatos tingat. “Exspectemus,” ait, “dum aqua omnis defluat.” Exspectat ergo at tamdiu, dum vigor paene consumptus languidos artus deficiat. Tandem vadum tentat, si traiicere queat, sed frustra; limus tenax et lubricus impedit inertem ne ad dulces cibos perveniat. Merito caret bonis quibus maxime eget quisquis rem bene gerendi horam prorogat.
