M0168 (not in Perry). Source: Odo, Fable 42. This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; Perry was not systematic in his coverage of medieval sources. Odo says that these are the simpletons of a place called Wilby, the simplices Willbei.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Image: Lepus et Homines Simplices
168. Lepus et Homines Simplices. Quidam simplices fuerunt ad terminum quo debuerunt solvere redditus domino, et non habuerunt nuntium qui ita cito posset negotium peragere. Dixerunt ad invicem, “Quid faciemus, quod terminus adest?” Dixerunt quidam, “Lepus est animal scilicet velox; suspendamus in collo eius bursam cum censu et iniungamus ei quod cito deferat ad curiam domini nostri.” Sic fecerunt, et lepus cum bursa et censu cucurrit ad nemus quantum potuit quod homines nesciebant quo devenerit.
