M0271 (not in Perry). Source: Desbillons 15.23 (adapted into prose). This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; it appears original to Desbillons, as he cites no source. For a horse who enjoys far less success in his military career, #253. For a debate between the pig and the horse, see #337.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Image: Equus et Sus
271. Equus et Sus Sus, deliciis infamibus satur, in volutabro acquiescebat et segniter incubabat, totus luto immundo conspersus, cum forte vidit equum sonipedem procedere, ad Martis pericula rite apparatum. Contempsit ac gloria inani tumentem derisit, ut qui necem certam quaereret tanto apparatu. Equus ferox nihilo secius properat et mox in media arma se infert et animos sui ductoris aequat, vel etiam superat. Vulneribus quidem aliquot afficitur, at quae facile sanari queant. Et demum, cum redit clarus herilis certaminis gloria et sua laude propria, suem hunc eumdem videt, qui se ab omni periculo remotum putarat, occisum a villico, et eius membra pinguia iam fixa verubus ferreis ad convivium geniale. Mors saepe, omissis fortibus, inertes petit.