Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Aesop Illustrations: Desandre-Freeman

These illustrations are from an edition of La Fontaine with illustrations by Desandre and Freeman hich you can find online at the Internet Archive. Click here for more illustration slideshows.

Here is the Desandre-Freeman slideshow (apologies to iPad users - the Flickr.com slideshows are Flash-based, but you can view the Flickr album directly if the slideshow does not work):

Mille Fabulae et Una PLUS NoDictionaries.com

SharonK over at LatinTeach just asked me a great question: is it possible to use NoDictionaries.com for help in reading the fables? YES: it is. I had not thought the text files of the fables would be useful to others, but they could indeed be cut-and-pasted into NoDictionaries.com.

So, here is the index of all the fables in the book in text file format, good for cutting and pasting: Mille Fabulae et Una Text Files.

You can find the fable you are looking for by its number, or by using Control-F to search the webpage for a word in the title. Click on the link, and you will get a simple text file of the fable. Admittedly, I had to create these files by hand, so if you see a misnumbered fable in there, please let me know and I will get it fixed.

So, for example, just at random I grabbed Fable 17, Leo Epulum Faciens. It did a great job! Here's a screenshot of the results for the opening sentences:


Wonderful! Thanks as always to Lee Butterman for this fantastic online tool, and by using the text file version of the fables, you can enjoy the interactive vocabulary help that NoDictionaries.com provides. I'll add a link to the Text File index to the List of Links sidebar, so that it will be available on every page of the blog!

Monday, August 30, 2010

Illustrated: Ovis, Cervus, et Lupus


M0297 - M0298 - M0299
298. Ovis, Cervus, et Lupus. Cervus modium tritici ovem rogabat, lupo sponsore. At illa, dolum praemetuens, “Lupus semper adsuevit rapere atque abire; tu de conspectu fugere veloci impetu. Ubi vos requiram, cum dies advenerit?”

Ovis, Cervus et Lupus - Osius

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Osius images.
M0298 = Perry477. Source: Phaedrus 1.17 (adapted into prose). This is Perry 477. For the swiftness of the stag, see #5. Read a Fabula Facilis version of this fable.

Illustrated: Asinus et Canis


M0220 - M0221 - M0222
221. Asinus et Canis. Asino, esculenta messoribus in agro portanti, occurrit herilis canis. Cui dixit, “Tu panibus cibisque onustus es quorum mox ego particeps ero; interim dum per viam incedis, tu ipse rubos comedis.” Huic asinus respondebat, “Frustula fortassis et ossa ad te pertinebunt; verum rubi quos ego comedo sunt gratiores mihi et magis meum palatum sapiunt quam omnes in macello carnes aut bellaria in pistorum officinis.”

Asinus et Carduus

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Herrick images. This image does not show the dog, but it does show a donkey happily munching on thistles.

M0221 = Perry360. Source: Barlow’s Aesop 5. This fable is not in Perry’s catalog, although Perry 360 is about a fox who insults a donkey who is eating briars. Compare the story of the dog and the donkey who ran into a wolf, #354.

Illustrated: Mula et Imago Eius


M0255 - M0256 - English - M0257

256. Mula et Imago Eius. Mula, cum in flumine suam imaginem conspexisset, forma et strenuitate equis se cedere negabat. Caput igitur quassans et iubas iactans, incitabat sese ad cursuram. Aderat et asinus illis in locis, qui forte tum rudere coepit. Quo sonitu audito atque agnito, mula “Profecto,” inquit, “pater meam castigat superbiam.”

Mulus Superbus

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Grandville images.

M0256 = Perry315. Source: Camerarius 346. This is Perry 315. Compare the fable of the stag admiring its reflection, #161.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Illustrated: Mulus et Equus


M0252 - M0253 - M0254
253. Mulus et Equus. Mulus, conspiciens equum aureo freno ephippioque insignem et purpureis opertum phaleris, rumpebatur invidia, illum beatum reputans, qui continuo optimis vesceretur cibis et decoro amiciretur ornatu; se autem prae illo infelicem, qui, clitellis male dolatis oppressus, quotidie maxima onera ferre cogeretur. At ubi vidit equum pugna redeuntem, multis affectum vulneribus, prae illius calamitate se felicem appellabat, longe melius esse dicens quotidiano labore durum victum quaeritare et turpiter vestiri quam post optimos et delicatos cibos et tantos ornatus mortis adire discrimina.

Equus Superbus et Asinus

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the colored Steinhowel images. This shows the first stage of the story, when the horse is being boastful!

M0253 = Perry357. Source: Abstemius 47. This is Perry 357. For a horse who has greater success in his military career, #271. Read a Fabula Facilis version of this fable.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Illustrated: Muli et Latrones


M0251 - M0252 - M0253
252. Muli et Latrones. Ibant muli duo sarcinis onusti. Alter fiscos cum pecunia, alter saccos hordei ferebat. Ille, cum onere superbiret, celsam cervicem iactat et clarum tintinnabulum in collo gerit. Comes placido gradu sequitur. Subito latrones ex insidiis advolant et mulum, qui argentum ferebat, ferro vulnerant, homines fugant, nummosque diripiunt. Alterius muli hordeum neglectum est. Cum igitur ille spoliatus et vulneratus casum suum defleret, “Equidem,” inquit alter, “gaudeo, quod contemptus sum. Ego nihil amisi neque vulnere laesus sum.”

Muli Duo

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Grandville images. This is one of Grandville's marvelously anthropomorphic illustrations!

M0252 = Perry491. Source: Heidelberg 33. This is Perry 491. Compare a similar story about two travelers, #998.

Illustrated: Asinus et Tempora Anni


M0245 - M0246 - M0247
246. Asinus et Tempora Anni. Media hieme asinus, frigoris impatiens, ver tepidum tenerasque herbas desiderabat. Vere tamen redeunte, redibant etiam hominum et iumentorum labores. Deinde asinus, laboris impatiens, veris etiam odium suscepit, et multis precibus aestatis adventum orabat. Aestas autem maiores secum labores attulit. Tunc asinus, “O si autumnus rediret,” quotidie exclamabat. Autumni autem labores omnium gravissimi erant: poma in urbem, messes in horrea erant portanda. Itaque hiberna frigora autumni laboribus potiora videbantur. Non enim tempora anni vitam reddunt beatiorem, sed labores libenter suscipere.

Asinus et Herus

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Medici Aesop images. This is an illustration for a different fable but it works well for the story of the donkey who labors all year long, too!

M0246 (not in Perry). Source: Potts & Darnell p. 6. This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; it is based on Abstemius 66, and Perry omitted most of Abstemius’s fables. Compare the fable of the donkey with different masters, #769.

Illustrated: Asinus et Domini Canis


M0242 - M0243 - M0244
243. Asinus et Domini Canis. Dominus asini habebat etiam catulum. Is a domino saepe laudabatur et permulcebatur, frustaque semper egregia ei dabantur. Hoc cum invidia videbat asinus. Cogitabat secum, “Cur canis ita amatur a domino? Cur ego male tractor? Ille inutilis est; ego maxima semper commoda domino comparavi. At canis callidus est adulator; a me dominus numquam blanditias accepit. Etiam ego amabor, si idem faciam quod ille facere solet.” Forte, hoc tempore dominus intrat in stabulum. Statim asinus accurrit rudens, pedes ponit in domini humeris, et faciem lata sua lingua lambere incipit. Exterritus dominus et iratus, vocat famulos qui fustibus asinum stultum misere mulcant; mulcatus, stultitiam suam deploravit. Quod catulum, non decet asinum.

Asinus et Domini Canis

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Rabier images.
M0243 = Perry091. Source: Gildersleeve 17. This is Perry 91. Compare the fable of the mud-covered dog, #369.

Illustrated: Asinus et Viatores Duo


M0240 - M0241 - M0242
241. Asinus et Viatores Duo. Duo viatores asinum in solitudine errantem conspicati sunt. Accurrunt, laeti, et capiunt. Mox autem oritur contentio uter eum domum abduceret. Uterque asinum sibi vindicavit quia eum prior conspexisset. Dum illi de ea re acriter rixantur, asinus aufugit ac neuter lucrum fecit. Duobus litigantibus, tertius gaudet.

Asinus Controversus

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Harrison Weir images.
M0241 (not in Perry). Source: Gildersleeve 19. This fable is not in Perry’s catalog, but it is included in Erasmus’s Adagia 1.7.31. Compare the quarrel of the two men who found an oyster, #593.

Illustrated: Asinus et Umbra Eius


M0239 - M0240 - M0241

240. Asinus et Umbra Eius. Demosthenes, causam orans, cum iudices parum attentos videret, “Paulisper,” inquit, “aures mihi praebete; rem vobis novam et iucundam narrabo.” Cum aures arrexissent, “Iuvenis,” inquit, “quispiam asinum conduxerat, quo Athenis Megaram profecturus uteretur. In itinere cum sol ureret neque esset umbraculum, deposuit clitellas et sub asino consedit, cuius umbra tegeretur. Id vero agaso vetabat, clamans asinum locatum esse, non umbram asini. Alter cum contra contenderet, tandem in ius ambulant.” Haec locutus, Demosthenes, ubi homines arrectis auribus auscultantes vidit, abiit. Tum revocatus a iudicibus rogatusque ut reliquam fabulam enarraret, “Quid,” inquit, “de asini umbra libet audire? Causam hominis de vita periclitantis non audietis?”




Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Milo Winter images.

M0240 = Perry460. Source: Yenni, Anecdote 6. This is Perry 460. Demosthenes was a famous orator of fourth-century Athens (see also #82). The city of Megara mentioned here was a city on the Saronic Gulf to the west of Athens. Compare the fable about Demades taunting his audience with an Aesop’s fable, #871.

Illustrated: Asinus, Gallus, et Leo


M0234 - M0235 - M0236
235. Asinus, Gallus, et Leo. Gallus aliquando cum asino pascebatur. Leone autem aggresso asinum, gallus exclamavit, et leo (qui galli vocem timet) fugere incipit. Asinus, ratus propter se fugere, aggressus est leonem; ut vero procul a gallicinio persecutus est, conversus leo asinum devoravit, qui moriens clamabat, “Iusta passus sum; ex pugnacibus enim non natus parentibus, quamobrem in aciem irrui?”

Gallus, Asinus et Leo

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Medici Aesop images. You can read the whole story from right to left: first the rooster, then the donkey chasing the lion, then the donkey being eaten by that same lion!

M0235 = Perry082. Source: Barlow’s Aesop 46. This is Perry 82. For another fable about the lion’s fear of the rooster, see #797. For another unwise attack, see the fable of the ram who thought he could attack a bull, #314. Read a Fabula Facilis version of this fable.

Illustrated: Asina Aegrota et Lupus


M0229 - M0230 - M0231
230. Asina Aegrota et Lupus. Febri correptam et graviter laborantem asinam, cum morbus saevus esset, invisit lupus et, tangens aestuans corpus illius, ubi doleret potissimum interrogat. “Ibi,” inquit asina, “vel tantum vel maxime dolet, ubi tu me contingis.”

Asinus et Lupus - Osius

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Osius images.
M0230 = Perry392. Source: Camerarius 231. This is Perry 392. Compare the fable of the cat who goes to visit the hens, #395.

Illustrated: Asinus, Lupi, et Canes


M0228 - M0229 - M0230
229. Asinus, Lupi, et Canes. Asinus aegrotabat; famaque exierat eum cito moriturum. Ad eum igitur visendum cum lupi canesque venissent peterentque a filio quomodo pater eius se haberet, ille per ostii rimulam respondit, “Melius quam velletis.”

Lupi et Asinus Aegrotus

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the images from Croxall's Aesop.
M0229 (not in Perry). Source: Abstemius 64. This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; Perry omitted most of Abstemius’s fables. Compare the fable of the wolf offering to be midwife to the sow, #331.

Illustrated: Mus et Montes


M0213 - M0214 - M0215
214. Mus et Montes. Rumor erat parturire montes. Homines undique accurrunt et circumstant, monstri quidpiam non sine pavore exspectantes. Montes tandem parturiunt; exit ridiculus mus. Tum omnes risu emoriebantur. Reprehendit haec fabula iactantiam illorum qui cum magna profitentur, vix parva faciunt. Vetat etiam inanes timores; plerumque etenim periculi metus est ipso periculo gravior et ridiculum est quod tantum formidamus.

Mons Parturiens (2)

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Heighway images. Notice that in the illustration there is a nice modern touch: people have money in hand to pay for the latest newspaper!

M0214 = Perry520. Source: Barlow’s Aesop 73. This is Perry 520. For other ominous births, see the story of the beetle and the thief, #689, or the story of the lambs with human heads, #888, or the man who laid an egg, #944.

List of Illustrated Fables

2: Leo Iratus et Puteus

3: Leo Furens et Caprea

4: Leo et Tauri - Leo et Tauri

6: Leo et Equus

8: Leaena et Ursa

11: Leo et Iaculator

12: Leo Amatorius et Silvanus

13: Leo et Homo, Concertantes

15: Leo et Pastor

16: Leo, Vacca, Capra, et Ovis

19: Leo et Acies Eius

20: Leo Rex et Regia Eius

21: Leo Rex et Simius

23: Leo Senex, Vulpes, et Lupus - Leo Senex, Vulpes, et Lupus

24: Leo Senex, Gemens

25: Leo Senex et Vulpes

26: Leo et Vulpes Territa

31: Leo, Vulpes, et Asinus Venantes

37: Vulpes et Uva

39. Vulpes et Statua

40: Vulpecula et Tintinnabulum

41: Vulpes Sine Cauda

46: Vulpes Pacem Annuntians

48: Vulpes Vincta et Gallus

49: Vulpes, Gallus, et Villicus

56: Vulpes et Asinus Pelle Leonis Indutus

57. Vulpes et Vermiculus

58: Vulpes et Pardus

59: Vulpes et Catus

63: Vulpes Aemula et Lupus

64. Vulpes in Puteum Delapsa et Lupus

68: Vulpes, Lupus, et Panarium

69: Vulpes, Lupus, et Puteus

76: Lupus et Puer Mendax

82: Lupi et Pastores

84: Lupus et Pastorum Convivium

85: Lupus et Pastoris Vestimentum

86: Lupus Ovis Pelle Indutus

88. Lupus et Agnus Caprum Comitans

89: Lupus, Ovis, et Leo

90: Lupus, Umbra Eius, et Leo

99: Lupus et Canis Saginatus

105. Lupus Esuriens et Nutrix

106: Lupus et Persona Tragoedi

107: Simia et Catuli Eius

108: Simia et Gemelli Eius

110: Simia et Legumina

112: Simia et Vulpes, Iter Facientes

114: Simius et Vulpis Cauda

116: Simius Rex et Vulpes - Simius Rex et Vulpes

117: Simia, Vulpes, Elephantus, Castor et Pavo

118: Simiae et Viatores

122: Simius et Fabri - Simius et Fabri

123: Simia et Piscatores

128: Simius et Speculum

130: Ursa et Vulpes

132. Ursus, Leo, et Vulpes

133: Ursus et Apes

135: Ursus et Amici Duo

137: Ursus et Homo Solitarius

138: Panthera et Rustici

143. Camelus et Iuppiter

144. Camelus Primo Conspicatus

145: Camelus et Simia - Camelus et Simia

147: Onager Asino Invidens

149: Aper et Vulpes

150: Aper et Asinus Iocans

153: Cervus et Hinnulus Eius

155: Cervus et Amici Eius

156: Cervus et Vitis

157: Cervus ad Stabulum Confugiens

159: Cerva in Speluncam Fugiens

160: Cervus et Leaena Mortua

161: Cervus et Cornua Eius

162: Cervus Oculo Captus

164: Lepores et Ranae

165: Lepores et Aquilae

170: Lepus, Canis, et Caprarius

180: Herinaceus, Vulpes, et Muscae

183. Herinacei et Viperae

188: Talpa, Asinus, et Simia

191: Castor et Venator

193: Mustela et Homo

194: Mustela et Lima

196: Mures Duo

198: Mus et Rana, Decertantes

199: Mus et Bos

203: Mures et Catus

204: Mures Felem Contemplantes

205: Mus, Catus, et Gallus - Mus, Catus, et Gallus

206: Mures, Feles, et Tintinnabulum

208: Mus et Leo

209: Mus et Leonis Gratia

213: Mus et Elephantus

219: Asini Spongiis et Sale Onusti

222: Asini Duo et Vulpes

231: Asinus et Lupus, Ligati

233: Asinus Animalia Fugans et Leo

234: Asinus Leonis Pelle Indutus

238: Asinus et Agaso

239: Asinus et Grammaticus

244: Asinus et Dominus Ingratus

245: Asinus et Tympana

249: Asinus Res Sacras Portans

254: Mulus et Nomen Eius

255: Mula et Crabro

262: Equus, Lupus, et Hordeum

269: Equus et Venator

288: Boves et Trabs

289: Iuvencus et Rusticus

302: Oves et Sus Suculus

305: Ovis et Lupus Saucius

306: Oves Timidae et Pastor

311: Agnus et Lupus, Bibentes

316: Verveces et Lanius

320: Capra et Asinus

326: Hircus et Umbra Eius

330: Haedus Saltans et Lupus

331: Lupus et Sus

340: Verres et Lupus

345: Canis Parturiens Domicilium Quaerens

348: Canis et Umbra

349: Canes et Corium

357: Canis in Praesepi et Bos - Canis in Praesepi et Bos

371: Canis Oves Occidens

373: Canis Custos et Domini Filius

377: Canis Vetulus et Magister

385: Canis et Fur

389: Feles Senior et Mus Parvulus

392: Feles, Vulpes, et Lupus

393: Feles et Passeres Duo

395: Feles et Gallinae

399: Vespertilio Perfidus

400: Vespertilio et Mustelae Duae

414: Aquila et Sagitta

431: Corvus Aquilam Imitans

447: Cornix et Urna

448: Graculus et Avarus

462: Bubo et Aquila

469: Ciconia et Vulpecula

482: Hirundo et Aviculae

496: Pica Loquax et Aquila

523: Columbae et Regina Earum

533: Olor et Anseres

535: Cygnus et Corvus

540: Luscinia et Hirundo

543: Luscinia et Sagittarius

544: Pavo et Iuno

553: Gallus et Ancillae

569: Gallina Scalpens

571: Ova Aurea

580: Pisciculus et Piscator

582: Crocodilus et Canis

586: Cancer et Filius Eius

590: Ostreum et Mus

593: Ostrea et Litigatores

599: Rana et Bos

600: Rana et Leo

601: Rana et Vulpes

605: Ranae et Iuppiter - Ranae et Iuppiter

606: Ranae et Puer

607: Ranae et Sol

611: Ranae Duae et Puteus

620: Serpentis Cauda

629: Draco, Villanus, et Vulpes Iudex

631: Draco in Laci Fundo

640: Testudo Cum Avibus Volans - Testudo Cum Avibus Volans

662: Aranea et Hirundo

670: Apes et Iuppiter

673: Apes, Fuci, et Vespa

684: Musca et Calvus

690: Scarabaeus, Lepus, et Aquila

695: Culex et Leo

719: Platanus et Viatores

722: Abies et Dumus - Abies et Dumus

731: Harundo et Quercus

741: Sol et Ventus

745: Luna et Mater

746: Mare et Agricola

758: Gladius in Via Iacens

762: Lima et Serpens

763: Ollae Duae

779: Iuppiter et Agricola

788: Mercurius et Viator

797: Prometheus, Leo, et Elephantus

804: Hercules et Rusticus

809: Satyrus et Viator

813: Fortuna et Puer

823: Rusticus de Arbore Delapsus

841: Pastor et Canis Molossus

845: Pastor et Mare

860: Macellarius et Canis

864: Tubicen Captus

866: Cantus Sacerdotis

875: Vir Doctus et Princeps

881: Philosophus et Cucurbita

890: Divinator et Latrones

901: Aegrotus a Medico Interrogatus

924: Viatores et Somnia Eorum

930: Pater et Filii Litigantes

931: Pater, Filii, et Agrorum Cultura

933: Pater, Filius, et Leo

935: Pater, Filius, et Asinus

942: Mulier et Vir Pediculosus

968: Adolescens Piger

971: Calvus et Crines Alieni

974: Iactator in Patriam Reversus

981: Avarus et Fur

982: Gallina Obesa

(last updated August 28)

Illustrated: Mures, Feles, et Tintinnabulum


M0205 - M0206 - M0207
206. Mures, Feles, et Tintinnabulum. Mures aliquando consultabant quomodo se a fele tueri possent. Multa proponebantur a singulis muribus, sed nihil placebat. Postremo unus dixit, “Tintinnabulum feli annectendum est; tum statim audiemus cum veniet, facileque effugiemus.” Omnes mures laeti praedicant prudentem consilii auctorem. “Iam tu,” inquiunt, “annecte tintinnabulum.” “Ego vero,” respondet ille, “consilium dedi; alius operam sumat.” Irritum consilium fuit, quoniam qui feli annecteret tintinnabulum non reperiebatur. Dictum citius quam factum.

mures et feles

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Barlow images. Look closely and you can see the bell there where the mice are!

M0206 = Perry613. Source: Gildersleeve 18. This is Perry 613. There is also a fable about a dog who had to wear a bell as a warning, #387. Read a Fabula Facilis version of this fable.

Illustrated: Mus, Catus, et Gallus

205. Mus, Catus, et Gallus. Mus instruxit filiam suam ne exiret cavernam. Quae tamen exiit et vidit gallum paleas cum pedibus removentem et clamantem plurimum. Timuit. Vidit etiam catum iuxta caminum, ei lento gradu suaviter appropinquantem et, non exspectans, intravit cavernam, tremens. Quoniam trementem mater invenit et filia narravit quod viderat gallum quasi diabolum, et catum quasi heremitam. Quae ait, “Ne timeas illum qui videtur ita malus, sed cave ab illo qui videtur sanctus.”

Feles, Gallus et Mus

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Grandville images.

M0205 Perry716

Illustrated: Mures Felem Contemplantes


M0203 - M0204 - M0205

204. Mures Felem Contemplantes. Mures complures, in cavo parietis commorantes, contemplabantur felem, quae in tabulato, capite demisso et tristi vultu, recumbebat. Tunc unus ex eis “Hoc animal,” inquit, “benignum admodum et mite videtur. Vultu enim ipso sanctimoniam quandam praefert; volo ipsum alloqui et cum eo indissolubilem nectere amicitiam.” Quae cum dixisset et propius accessisset, a fele captus et dilaceratus est. Tunc ceteri, haec videntes, secum dicebant, “Non est profecto, non est vultui temere credendum.”

Feles Senex et Mus

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Grandville images.

M0204 (not in Perry). Source: Abstemius 67. This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; Perry omitted most of Abstemius’s fables. Compare the fable of the pious-looking fox, #45. Read a Fabula Facilis version of this fable.

Illustrated: Mures et Catus


M0202 - M0203 - English - M0204

203. Mures et Catus Mortem Simulans. Catus, cum pistoris domum ingressus est, quam plurimos invenit mures et, nunc unum nunc alterum devorando, tam caute patrifamilias providebat ut paucos relinqueret. Mures interim, cum ante oculos habuissent diuturnam illorum caedem, consilium ceperunt quo pacto catum vorabundum evitarent. Post varias disceptationes, concludebant tandem ut in locis occultis altissimisque remanerent, ne descendendo in praedam cato venirent. Catus, hoc consilio intellecto, se mortuum fingebat, cum unus ex murium senioribus ab alto exclamavit, “Euge, amice! Non cato credendum est, ne mortuo quidem.”

Feles et Mures

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Herrick images. This illustration is for a version where the cat pretends not just to be dead but rather to be a sack hanging from a peg.

M0203 = Perry079. Source: Barlow’s Aesop 21. This is Perry 79. For a story about the fox playing dead, see #439.

Illustrated: Mus et Bos


M0198 - M0199 - English - M0200

199. Mus et Bos. Opimum bovem resupinatum in stramento arrodere mus coepit et dentibus multa carne densum femur lacerare. At bos primum caput quassabat, et movebat cornua, mox etiam exsiliebat, et circumspicebat, ac vestigabat hostem. Cui mus, de cavernula sua caput exerens, “Quantilla,” inquit, “ego bestiola quantum animal excitare potui.”

taurus et mus

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the colored Steinhowel images. There is even a bit of blood where the mouse is gnawing on that ox!

M0199 = Perry353. Source: Camerarius 280. This is Perry 353. Compare the story of the bull and the gnat, #696.

Illustrated: Mus et Rana, Decertantes


M0197 - M0198 - English - M0199

198. Mus et Rana, Decertantes. Post longe exercita odia, mus et rana in bellum ruebant. Causa certaminis erat de paludis imperio. Anceps pugna fuit. Mus insidias sub herbis struebat et, improviso Marte, ranam adoritur. Rana, viribus melior et pectore insultuque valens, hostem aggreditur. Hasta utrique erat iuncea et paribus formosa nodis. Sed, certamine procul viso, milvus adproperat, dumque prae pugnae studio neuter sibi cavebat, bellatores ambos egregie pugnantes milvus secum attollit laniatque.

mus et rana

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Barlow images. Notice how the mouse is riding a weasel as his steed, and the frog is riding a lobster. Quite a battle!

M0198 = Perry384. Source: Barlow’s Aesop 35. This is Perry 384. Mars, the Roman god of war, stands here as a synonym for war itself. For a quite different version of the story of the frog and the mouse, see #602. Read a Fabula Facilis version of this fable.

Illustrated: Mures Duo


M0195 - M0196 - English - M0197

196. Mures Duo. Mus rusticus, videns urbanum murem rus deambulantem, invitat ad cenam depromitque omne penum ut tanti hospitis expleat lautitiam. Urbanus ruris damnat inopiam urbisque copiam laudat, secumque in urbem ducit rusticum. Qui, inter epulandum attonitus insolitis clamoribus, cum intellexerat periculum quotidianum esse, dixit urbano muri, “Tuae dapes plus fellis quam mellis habent. Malo securus esse cum mea inopia quam dives esse cum tua anxietate.”

Mures Duo

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all J. M. Conde's color Aesop illustrations.

M0196 Perry352. Source: Barlow’s Aesop 17. This is Perry 352. Compare the story of Diogenes and the mouse, #876, or the fable of the shepherd and the king, #840. For a different perspective, see the story of the mouse in the box, #200.

Illustrated: Mustela et Lima


M0193 - M0194 - English - M0195

194. Mustela et Lima. Mustela, in officinam aerariam ingressa, limam ibi iacentem circumlambebat. Contigit autem ut, dilacerante se lingua, multus sanguis efflueret. Illa tamen oblectabatur, aliquid ex ferro se avellere putans, donec tandem omnino linguam amisit. Haec fabula de iis narratur qui, contentionum cupidi, sibimetipsis nocent.

Mustela et Lima

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Medici Aesop images. I wish there were larger scans available of these Medici images - but the weasel is indeed licking the file there!

M0194 = Perry059. Source: De Furia 49. This is Perry 59. Compare the fable of the snake and the file, #762.

Illustrated: Mustela et Homo


M0192 - M0193 - M0194
193. Mustela et Homo. Mustela, dum apprehenderet mures, ab homine capitur. Illa vero cum fugere vellet, “Rogo,” inquit, “O homo, ut parcas mihi, quia ex molestis sueta sum domum tuam expurgare.” At ille “Non causa,” inquit, “mea haec facis; nam gratam te haberem, si pro me fecisses, veniamque promeruisses; sed ideo mures necas ut comedas reliquias nostras quas illi fuerant rosuri, et tu totum devores omniaque tecum deportes. Nolo mihi deputes beneficium.” Dixit, sicque morti tradidit. Qui simulatorie famulatur, male remuneratur.

mustela et homo


Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the colored Steinhowel images.

M0193 = Perry293. Source: Vienna Romulus 37. This is Perry 293. In both Greece and Rome, weasels were used as mousers. Over time, many of the ancient Aesop’s fables about weasels were retold with cats replacing the weasels. Compare the fable of the mole and the gardener, #186. Read a Fabula Facilis version of this fable.

Friday, August 27, 2010

Illustrated: Talpa, Asinus, et Simia


M0187 - M0188 - M0189
188. Talpa, Asinus, et Simia. Asinus et simia, simul aliquando confabulantes, coeperunt de Natura, omnium parente, conqueri: ille quod erga se, illiberalis, cornua non dedisset, suae defensioni necessaria; haec vicissim quod caudam non esset largita, nudis natibus operiendis oportunam. Audiebat talpa colloquentes, ad quos “Tacete,” inquit, “ambo, et cessate murmurare, cum me oculis captam patienter sustinere videtis.”

Asinus, Simius et Talpa

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the 1590 Aesop images.

M0188 (not in Perry). Source: Irenaeus 81. This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; it is based on Abstemius 18, and Perry omitted most of Abstemius’s fables. For a fable about the monkey seeking a tail, see #114.

Illustrated: Herinacei et Viperae


M0182 - M0183 - M0184
183. Herinacei et Viperae. Herinacei, hiemem adventare praesentientes, blande viperas rogaverunt ut in propria illarum caverna adversus vim frigoris locum sibi concederent. Quod cum illae fecissent, herinacei, huc atque illuc se provolventes, spinarum acumine viperas pungebant et vehementi dolore torquebant. Illae, male secum actum videntes, blandis verbis orabant herinaceos ut exirent, quandoquidem tam multis locus esset angustus nimis. Cui herinacei “Exeant,” inquiunt, “qui hic manere non possunt.” Quare viperae, sentientes ibi locum non esse, cesserunt hospitio. Fabula innuit eos in consortia non admittendos quos non eiicere possumus.

Herinaceus et Vipera

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Herrick images. The image shows a porcupine, rather than a hedgehog - the porcupine definitely looks even more dangerously prickly!

M0183 (not in Perry). Source: Barlow’s Aesop 40. This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; it is based on Abstemius 72, and Perry omitted most of Abstemius’s fables. Compare the fable of the pregnant dog and her litter, #345.

Illustrated: Herinaceus, Vulpes, et Muscae


M0179 - M0180 - M0181
180. Herinaceus, Vulpes, et Muscae. Vulpes, cum flumen traiiceret, in voraginem decidit. Ex qua cum minime posset exire, diu male affecta fuit ipsique multae caninae muscae adhaeserunt. At herinaceus, qui per inde forte vagabatur, ut eam vidit, misericordia captus, interrogavit num ab ipsa caninas muscas abigeret. At illa omnino vetavit. Cuius rei causam cum ille quaereret, ei vulpes respondit, “Quoniam istae quidem plenae mei iam sunt, et parum sanguinis sugunt; si vero has abegeris, aliae venientes famelicae exhaurient mihi reliquum sanguinis.”

Vulpes et Herinaceus

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Grandville images. I like the way Grandville shows the hungry new flies ready and waiting.

M0180 = Perry427. Source: De Furia 384. This is Perry 427. Compare the fable of the flies and the horse, #683.

Illustrated: Lepus, Canis, et Caprarius


M0169 - M0170 - English - M0171

170. Lepus, Canis, et Caprarius. Ex fruticeto leporem villosipedem quem excitaverat, insequebatur canis, venandi non imperitus. Cursu tamen fuit impar, et caprarius quidam dixit per iocum, “Quantula bestia reperta fuit te velocior?” Cui canis, “Currit aliquis aliter alium rapere qui cupit, et aliter alium qui ex malo servat.”

Lepus, Canis et Caprarius

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Harrison Weir images.You can see the rabbit off in the distance.

M0170 = Perry331. Source: Babrius 69 (translated into Latin prose). This is Perry 331. For a less swift-footed rabbit, see the race with the turtle, #637.

Illustrated: Lepores et Aquilae


M0164 - M0165 - English - M0166

165. Lepores et Aquilae. Lepores olim cum aquilis bellum gerentes in auxilium vulpes vocarunt. Hae vero hoc illis responsum dedere, “Vobis quidem suppetias ferremus, nisi qui vos et cum quibus sit decertandum nosceremus.”

Lepores et Vulpes

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Medici Aesop images. You can see the rabbit ambassador to the foxes on the left, and the other rabbits facing off against the eagles to the right.

M0165 = Perry256. Source: De Furia 108. This is Perry 256. Compare the foxes and the rabbits fighting against the dogs, #173.

Illustrated: Lepores et Ranae


M0163 - M0164 - English - M0165

164. Lepores et Ranae. Olim lepus quidam socios in hunc modum allocutus est: “Vita nostra miserrima est, assiduo enim metu terremur. Melius mihi videtur vitam finire.” Hoc audito, succlamant omnes se mori velle. Venerunt igitur ad lacum seque in aquam praecipitare parant. Vident autem subitum aquarum tumultum; ranae enim, leporum adventu territae, in algas ruebant. Tum lepus quidam “Heu,” inquit, “et alios, ecce, vexat timor malorum. Feramus vitae incommoda ut ceteri; mala enim levat patientia.”

Lepores et Ranae

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Tenniel-Wolf images.

M0164 = Perry138. Source: Potts & Darnell p. 10. This is Perry 138. For the proverbially timid rabbits, see #173 or #178.

Illustrated: Cervus et Leaena Mortua


M0159 - M0160 - English - M0161

160. Cervus et Leaena Mortua. Leo omnes quadrupedes ad defunctae uxoris exsequias honestandas invitarat. Cunctis igitur aliis mortem reginae ineffabili dolore prosequentibus, solus cervus, cui illa filios eripuerat, expers doloris, nullas lacrimas emittebat. Quod leo percipiens, accersitum ad se cervum ut illum perimeret, interrogat cur non cum aliis reginae mortem fleat. Cui ille “Fecissem,” inquit, “nisi me hoc facere prohibuisset: advenienti enim mihi felix eius anima, ad Elysias sedes proficiscens, apparuit, dicens eius discessum non lugendum, cum ad amoena vireta fortunatorum nemorum sedesque beatas proficisceretur.” Haec leo audiens laetatus est, cervoque veniam dedit. Fabula indicat viri prudentis officium esse interdum fingere, et sese a potentium furore honesta excusatione tutari.

Cervus et Leaena Mortua

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Grandville images.

M0160 = (not in Perry). Source: Abstemius 148. This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; Perry omitted most of Abstemius’s fables. In Greek mythology, the Elysian Fields were a region in the underworld reserved for the souls of the virtuous and powerful dead.

Illustrated: Cerva in Speluncam Fugiens


M0158 - M0159 - English - M0160

159. Cerva in Speluncam Fugiens. Cerva, venatores fugiens, in speluncam quamdam, ubi leo degebat, pervenit ut in ea nimirum ingressa lateret. Sed illico ab eo comprehensa necique parata, “Ah me infelicem,” exclamavit, “quae fugiens homines, ferae me tradidi!” Ita nonnulli hominum, minoribus periculis territi, maiora se in mala coniiciunt.

Cervus Venatores Fugiens et Leo

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the images from Croxall's Aesop.

M0159 = Perry076. Source: De Furia 64. This is Perry 76. Compare the fable of the fish and the frying pan, #579.

Illustrated: Cervus et Amici Eius


M0154 - M0155 - English - M0156

155. Cervus et Amici Eius. Cervus, morbo correptus, in loco campestri procubuerat. Ferae autem, quae illum visitatum venerant, pabula quae strata fuerant cervo, devorarunt. Ut vero postea paululum convaluit cervus, inopia oppressus, vitam cum pabulo perdidit. Haec fabula carpit eos qui nimios et stultos habent amicos, ex eis plus damni quam emolumenti capiunt.

Cervus et Amici Eius

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Harrison Weir images.

M0155 = Perry305. Source: Syntipas 20 (translated into Latin). This is Perry 305. Compare the fate of the animals who visit the sick lion, #25.

Illustrated: Cervus et Hinnulus Eius


M0152 - M0153 - M0154
153. Cervus et Hinnulus Eius. Cervus, praegrandi corpore et qui cornua habuit ingentia, per silvas grassabatur. Cui hinnulus accedens inquit, “Mi pater, pro miraculo mihi est quod, cum sis tam praegrandi corpore et cornua habeas tam praeclara, te latratus canum exhorrescere.” Cui cervus, “Mi fili, magnum habeo, fateor, corpus et cornua comparia, sed sane cor pusillum.” Fabula indicat magno camino parvulum non suffecturum ignem.

Cervus et Hinnulus

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Patousas images.

M0153 = Perry351. Source: Barlow’s Aesop 63. This is Perry 351. Compare the story of the kite who lacks courage, #429, or the deer who lacks courage, #153.

Illustrated: Aper et Asinus Iocans


M0149 - M0150 - M0151
150. Aper et Asinus Iocans. Asinus, occurrens apro, cachinnis illum iocose excepit, percontatus de moribus eius et parentibus et liberali educatione, inquiens praeterea se servulum sibi futurum et si quid foret quod illi in mandatis praeciperet. Cui torvus et iracundus aper ait, “Abi, insulsum animal! Nolo os contaminare colloquio tam vecordis beluae.”

asinus et aper

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Barlow images. I like the way the donkey is all dressed up in this illustration!

M0150 = Perry484. Source: Barlow’s Aesop 102. This is Perry 484. Compare the story of the old man and the donkeys, #237.

Illustrated: Aper et Vulpes


M0148 - M0149 - M0150
149. Aper et Vulpes. Stabat olim aper iuxta arborem dentesque acuebat. Quem cum vulpes vidisset, “Quidnam dentes acuis,” inquit, “dum nulla necessitas adest, neque venator neque periculum imminet ullum?” Cui aper “Haud frustra id ago,” respondit, “nam si periculum aliquando contigerit, non tunc in acuendis dentibus tempus teram, sed utar promptis et bene paratis.”

Vulpes et Aper

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Medici Aesop images. I like the way that the boar in the illustration has access to his own whetstone!

M0149 = Perry224. Source: De Furia 185. This is Perry 224. Compare the story of the wolf and the porcupine, #97.

Illustrated: Onager Asino Invidens


M0146 - M0147 - English - M0148

147. Onager Asino Invidens. Onager, prostratum in sole mansuetum asinum cernens, beatum illum iudicabat animo suo, qui et cute nitida et bene habito corpore esset. Mox videns eundem et onera ferre et ab agitatore fustibus caedi, “Non ego te,” inquit, “magis beatum esse duco; intellego enim cum quanta calamitate tua bona confusa sint.”

Asinus et Onager

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Medici Aesop images.The manuscript is damaged here, but you can see most of the onager off to the left watching the donkey grazing; then, on the right, the donkey is being beaten.

M0147 = Perry183. Source: Camerarius 110. This is Perry 183. The word onager, meaning “wild donkey,” is Greek in origin; it is a compound of the Greek word for donkey, onos, and the word for field, agros.

Illustrated: Camelus et Simia


M0144 - M0145 - English - M0146

145. Camelus et Simia. Simia olim in brutorum congressu saltabat, quae, cum plausus ab omnibus summasque laudes reportaret, camelus, invidia excitatus, in medium et ipse processit atque saltare coepit. Id ille cum valde incomposite atque inepte faceret, bruta animalia indignata fustibus abegerunt. Eos omnino haec fabula carpit qui, invidia ducti, cum praestantioribus contendunt atque spe plurimum decipiuntur.

Simius et Camelus, Saltantes

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Harrison Weir images.

M0145 = Perry083. Source: De Furia 71. This is Perry 83. For another story about a dancing monkey, see #116, #125, or #242.

Illustrated: Camelus Primo Conspicatus


M0143 - M0144 - English - M0145

144. Camelus Primo Conspicatus. Qui camelum primus conspicatus est, effugit; qui secundus, appropinquavit; qui tertius, frenum fecit, quo eum duceret. Nam quod primo novum ac terribile videtur, mox usu cotidiano solita res fit ac mansueta.

Camelus (de familiaritate)

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Medici Aesop images.

M0144 = Perry195. Source: La Fontaine 4.10 (translated into Latin prose by Moore). This is Perry 195. Compare the story of the lion and the fox, #26.

Illustrated: Camelus et Iuppiter


M0142 - M0143 - English - M0144

143. Camelus et Iuppiter. Camelus, se despiciens, querebatur tauros ire geminis cornibus insignes, se inermem obiectum esse ceteris animalibus; orat Iovem cornua sibi donare. Iuppiter cameli stultitiam ridet; nec modo negat votum, verum et decurtat bestiae auriculas. Quisque sit contentus sua Fortuna; etenim multi, meliorem secuti, peiorem incurrere.

Camelus et Iuppiter - Osius

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Osius images.

M0143 = Perry117. Source: Clarke 68 (word order adapted). This is Perry 117. Compare the fable of the bull asking for horns, #282.

Illustrated: Ursus et Apes


M0132 - M0133 - English - M0134

133. Ursus et Apes. Ursus, ab ape ictus, tanta ira incensus est ut alvaria unguibus discerperet. Tunc autem apes universae ursum aggressae sunt aculeis et paene necaverunt. Cum vix effugisset, secum “Sane,” inquit, “melius erat unius apis tolerare aculeum quam tot in me hostes excitare iracundia mea.”

Ursus et Apes

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Griset images.

M0133 (not in Perry). Source: Heidelberg 17. This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; it is based on Abstemius 38, and Perry omitted most of Abstemius’s fables. See the fable of how the bee got its sting, #670.

Illustrated: Ursus, Leo, et Vulpes


M0131 - M0132 - English - M0133

132. Ursus, Leo, et Vulpes. Leo et ursus, simul magnum adepti hinnulum, de eo concertabant. Graviter autem a se ipsis affecti, ut ex multa pugna etiam vertigine corriperentur, defatigati iacebant. Vulpes interea, circumcirca eundo, ubi prostratos eos vidit et hinnulum in medio iacentem, hunc, per utrosque percurrendo, rapuit fugiensque abivit. At illi videbant quidem furacem vulpem sed, quia non potuerunt surgere, “Eheu nos miseros,” dicebant, “qui vulpi laboravimus.”

Leo, Ursus et Vulpes

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Aesop 1660 images.

M0132 = Perry147. Source: Barlow’s Aesop 38. This is Perry 147. Compare the story of the two dogs, #350, or the lion and the boar, #459.

Illustrated: Ursa et Vulpes


M0129 - M0130 - English - M0131

130. Ursa et Vulpes. Ursa olim se magnifice iactabat quod prae ceteris animalibus amica hominis esset; eam enim ferunt humanis cadaveribus vesci non solere. Risit vulpes, his auditis, atque ad eam dixit, “O utinam mortuos, non vivos devorares!”

Ursus Superbus et Vulpes

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Arthur Rackham images.

M0130 = Perry288. Source: De Furia 25. This is Perry 288. Compare the bear rebuking the hypocrisy of the lioness, #8. See also the debate between the crow and the eagle, #433.