(image source: Abraham van Calreat)
M0283 (not in Perry). Source: Desbillons 6.25 (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 two horses, #267.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Image: Boves Duo
283. Boves Duo. Boves duo, validi et opimi, cum scirent perpetuis laboribus se destinari, aegre ferebant. Quorum unus, contumacior, operam recusat et iugum detrectat. Quapropter illum, quando pinguis satis et corpulentus est, et officium debitum praestare negat et alio modo prodesse non potest, herus interficit. Quod alter videns, fata sua secum sic ruminat, “Malum duplex mihi proponitur: labor, aut mors. Mors quidem est finis laborum, at ipsa maximus labor. Minima malorum semper eligenda sunt; ergo,” inquit, “satius laborare, quam mori.”
