Image Ursae Catuli et Leaena

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M0130 - M0131 - English - M0132

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131. Ursae Catuli et Leaena. Cum quaedam ursa laboriose et anxie lamberet ut catulos suos figuraret, leaena vidit et “Lambe,” ait, “quantum voles; non fiet ut ursos non educaveris.” Cura elegantem raro reddit hunc librum, quem semel partus infelix informem dedit.

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Image Source: A medieval bear licking her cub.

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M0131 (not in Perry). Source: Desbillons 10.42 (adapted into prose). This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; it appears original to Desbillons, as he cites no source. The motif of the bear licking its cubs into shape was already reported in Pliny’s Natural History. For another fable about the lioness and her pride in her own offspring, see #9.