Thursday, September 30, 2010

Aesop Illustrations: Croxall (1814)

These illustrations come an 1814 edition of Croxall's Aesop (online at the International Children's Digital Library). The images are clearly inspired by Francis Barlow. Click here for more illustration slideshows.

Here is the 1814 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):

Aesop Illustrations: Aunt Louisa

These illustrations come Aunt Louisa's Oft Told Tales (online at the International Children's Digital Library), published sometime in the 1870s. Click here for more illustration slideshows.

Here is the Aunt Louisa 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):

Aesop Illustrations: Weir Favorites

These illustrations come from an 1870 edition of Favorite Fables in Prose and Verse (online at the International Children's Digital Library). The illustrations are based on earlier drawings by Harrison Weir. Click here for more illustration slideshows. You can see Harrison Weir's own illustrations in another slideshow.

Here is the Weir Favorites 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):

Aesop Illustrations: Salomon 1554

You can learn more about Bernard Salomon's Aesop illustrations at the Studiolo website. This set of illustrations comes from a 1554 edition of Aesop's fables at the International Children's Digital Library. Click here for more illustration slideshows, including another Salomon slideshow (black and white).

Here is the Salomon 1554 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):

Aesop Illustrations: 1616 Aesop

You can see this 1616 Greek and Latin edition of Aesop at the International Children's Digital Library. Click here for more illustration slideshows.

Here is the 1616 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):

Aesop Illustrations: Bewick's Select Fables

You can see this 1871 edition of Bewick's Select Fables of Aesop, 1871, at the International Children's Digital Library, and you can read about Thomas Bewick's life and his career as an engraver in this Wikipedia article. Click here for more illustration slideshows. You can also see the slideshow for Bewick's Fables of Aesop, too!

Here is the Bewick 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):

Aesop Illustrations: Scudder (1919)

These illustrations are from Horace Scudder's Book of Fables and Folk Stories (1919), which you can find online at the Internet Archive. Although the artist's name is not given, the preface to this edition of the book notes that it contains new illustrations, replacing the illustrations in older editions of the book. Click here for more illustration slideshows.

Here is the Scudder 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).

Illustrated: Vipera et Auceps


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623. Vipera et Auceps. Venator quidam, sumpto visco et harundinibus, venatum exiit. Cum autem turdum procera in arbore considentem vidisset, calamis inter se in longitudinem iunctis, oculos ad eum levabat, ipsum capere exoptans. Interim vero contigit ut viperam, sub pedibus iacentem, nescius premeret. Quae cum exasperata ipsum mormordisset, iamiam ille deficiens, “Me miserum,” inquit, “qui cum alium venari vellem, ab alio ad mortem raptus sum.”

Auceps et Vipera - Osius

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Osius images. The difference here is that this poor birdcatcher is using a snare instead of bird lime and reeds.

M0623 = Perry115. Source: De Furia 225. This is Perry 115. For another example of a birdcatcher’s use of a snare made of extensible reeds coated with viscous birdlime, see #576. Compare also the fable of the kite surprised by an archer, #427. Read a Fabula Facilis version of this fable.

Illustrated: Vitis et Hircus


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735. Vitis et Hircus. Cum vitis pampinos ederet, eos arrodebat hircus. Quod dum faceret, ita eum increpat vitis, “Cur tu mea folia carpis? Nonne satis superque herbarum?” Cum autem vitem depascere pergeret hircus, “Quantum potes,” inquit vitis, “mihi noceto; ego tamen vini tantum tulero, quantum, te mactato, ad libandum diis satis fuerit.”

Hircus et Vitis

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

M0735 = Perry374. Source: Dana 22. This is Perry 374. Compare the fable of the deer and the vine, #156. Read a Fabula Facilis version of this fable.

Illustrated: Viatores Iuxta Maris Litus


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921. Viatores Iuxta Maris Litus. Viatores quidam, iuxta maris litus iter agentes, cum in editum quemdam locum pervenissent ex eoque sarmenta procul natantia vidissent, navem magnam esse arbitrati, restiterunt ut tandem appelleret exspectantes. At sarmenta a vento acta cum propius accederent, haud navem amplius, sed scapham aspicere existimabant. Illa vero ad litus denique delata, ubi sarmenta esse cognovere, “O quam frustra,” alter alteri aiebat, “quod nihil erat, exspectabamus.”

Viatores et Ligna

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

M0921 = Perry177. Source: De Furia 258. This is Perry 177. For a story about being fooled by appearances, see the story of the frog and the lion, #600, or the fox and the bell, #40.

Illustrated: Carbonarius et Fullo


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863. Carbonarius et Fullo. Carbonarius, qui spatiosam habebat domum, invitavit fullonem ut ad se commigraret. Ille respondit, “Quaenam inter nos esse possit societas, cum tu vestes, quas ego nitidas reddidissem, fuligine et maculis inquinaturus esses?”

Fullo et Carbonarius

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Salomon images.

M0863 = Perry029. Source: Jacobs & Doering 18. This is Perry 29. For another fable about incompatibility, see #488.

Illustrated: Auceps et Fringilla


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846. Auceps et Fringilla. Auceps tetenderat volucribus retia largamque illis in area effuderat escam, pascentes tamen aves non capiebat, quia sibi videbantur paucae. Quibus pastis ac avolantibus, aliae pastum adveniunt quas quoque propter paucitatem capere neglexit. Hoc per totum diem ordine servato, ac aliis advenientibus, aliis abeuntibus, illo semper maiorem praedam exspectante, tandem advesperascere coepit. Tunc auceps, amissa spe multas capiendi, cum iam tempus esset quiescendi, attrahens retia, unam tantum fringillam, quae infelix in area remanserat, cepit. Haec fabula indicat qui omnia comprehendere volunt, saepe pauca vix capere posse.

Auceps et Alauda

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Bewick images. Although this illustration was not intended to accompany this particular fable, I think it makes a good match!

M0846 (not in Perry). Source: Abstemius 39. This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; Perry omitted most of Abstemius’s fables. For a human variation on this story, see La Fontaine’s fable of the proud young woman, #950, or the story of the man looking for wood, #832.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Illustrated: Rubus et Arbores


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730. Rubus et Arbores. Punica et malus arbores, de pulchritudine contendentes, in graves inimicitias et simultates inciderant, continuis sese conviciis mutuo exagitantes. Audiebat dissidentes rubus et, praeclaras arbores mutua sese lacerare ac proscindere maledicentia deplangens, accessit ad eas, modum reconciliationis si posset, positurus. “Nunquid satis,” inquit, “et plusquam satis decertatum est inter vos? Si vos, frugiferae et humano generi tam utiles, vos ipsas proscinditis, quid facient inimici vestri?” His et aliis in concordiam redeuntes, rubo gratias egerunt, inter se agnoscentes opem consiliumque vel ex humillimis et nullius momenti personis exspectari posse ac recipi, quia amicus nullus aestimandus est parvus.


Rubus et Arbores

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

M0730 = Perry213. Source: Irenaeus 185. This is Perry 213. Compare the fable of the sheep trying to make peace between the dogs, #297.

Illustrated:Rusticus et Coluber


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829. Rusticus et Coluber. Rusticus repertum in altiori nive colubrum, frigore prope enectum, domum tulit et ad focum adiecit. Coluber, ab igni vires virusque recipiens et non amplius flammam ferens, totum tugurium sibilando infecit. Accurrit rusticus et, correpta sude, verbis verberibusque cum eo iniuriam expostulat, “Num haec est quam retulit gratia, eripiendo vitam illi cui vitam debuit?”
rusticus et coluber

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Barlow images.

M0829 = Perry176. Source: Barlow’s Aesop 50. This is Perry 176. For another fable about unwise kindness shown to a snake, see #622. For unwelcome houseguests, see the vipers and the hedgehogs, #183.

Illustrated: Fortuna et Agricola


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814. Fortuna et Agricola. Qui terram colebat, cum agrum foderet, aurum forte reperit. Memor igitur beneficii, ut a Terra in se collati, et gratus, hanc quotidie sertis redimire solebat. Ergo Fortuna aliquando accedens ad illum, “Cur acceptum refers,” inquit, “Terrae, quod tibi ego tribui, cum statuissem te divitiis augere? Nam sorte, si ita cadat, mutata et auro delato ad alios, satis scio te non Terram, sed Fortunam accusaturum esse.”

Rusticus et Fortuna

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

M0814 = Perry061. Source: Camerarius 81. This is Perry 61. For another fable about the goddess Fortune and her gifts, see the story of the fishermen, #852.

Illustrated: Fur et Puer


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910. Fur et Puer. Puer sedebat, flens, apud puteum. Fur causam flendi rogat; puer dicit, fune rupto, urnam auri incidisse in aquas. Homo se exuit, insilit in puteum, quaerit. Vase non invento, conscendit atque ibi nec invenit puerum, nec suam tunicam, quippe puer, tunica sublata, fugerat. Interdum falluntur, qui solent fallere.

puer flens et fur

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

M0910 = Perry581. Source: Clarke 74 (word order adapted). This is Perry 581. Compare the story of the “boy who cried wolf,” #76.

Illustrated: Pulex et Homo


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702. Pulex et Homo. Pulex hominem momordit at extemplo comprensus fuit. “Oro,” ait, “ut me mittere velis, bestiolam tam minutam, tam levis punctus ream.” At ille renuit et, hostem enecans, “Doceantur,” inquit, “ceteri tui similes quam periculosum sit illos pungere quorum digitulis facile opprimi possunt.”
Pulex et Homo

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

M0702 = Perry272. Source: Desbillons 11.8 (adapted into prose). This is Perry 272; Desbillons also cites Le Noble as a source. See the story of the man who killed a hawk to set an example for the other birds, #418.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Illustrated: Saga Damnata


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889. Saga Damnata. Quaedam mulier, non modicum ex suis divinationibus et mendaciis quaestum captans apud imperitam plebem, promittebat deorum iras in se infensorum suis artibus placaturam. Contigit ut ipsa impietatis apud iudices postularetur eorumque iudicio damnata, ad patibulum duceretur. Cui plebs, “O insanam mendacemque creaturam! Tu, quae nuper caelestium iram a plebe avertere profitebaris, humanam in te mutare nec lenire potuisti?”

Saga

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Medici Aesop images. This artist imagines she is a real witch; you can see her making a pact with the devil off to the left.

M0889 = Perry056. Source: Irenaeus 63. This is Perry 56. Compare the fable of the one-eyed crow, #441.

Illustrated: Cocleae et Puer


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645. Cocleae et Puer. Torrebat puer rusticus cocleas quibus, ad prunas stridentibus, “Sceleratae,” inquit, “animantes, potestis canere, cum urantur domus vestrae?”

Cocleae

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Medici Aesop images.
M0645 = Perry054. Source: Camerarius 77. This is Perry 54. Compare the story of the fisherman who pipes to the fish, #849.

Illustrated: Fur et Mater Eius


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911. Fur et Mater Eius. Quidam puer in schola, libellum furatus, suae attulit matri. A qua non castigatus, quotidie furabatur magis atque magis; progressu autem temporis, maiora furari coepit. Tandem a magistratu deprehensus, ducebatur ad supplicium. Matre vero sequente ac vociferante, ille rogavit ut sibi liceret paulisper cum ea loqui ad aurem. Illo permisso et matre properante et aurem admovente ad filii os, dentibus suis matris auriculam evulsit. Cum mater et ceteri qui adstabant eum increparent, non modo ut furem, sed etiam ut impium in parentem suam, inquit, “Haec causa fuit exitii mei. Etenim si me castigasset prius ob libellum quem furatus sum, nil fecissem ulterius; nunc ducor ad supplicium.”

Fur et Mater Eius

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Medici Aesop images.I like the way this shows both stages of the story - the young boy on the left, and the grown-up thief on the right.

M0911 = Perry200. Source: Clarke 174 (word order adapted). This is Perry 200. In other versions of this fable, the thief bites off her nose. Compare the modern fable by the satirist Ambrose Bierce, where the mother gets the last word (from Fantastic Fables, 1899): “A Boy who had been taught by his Mother to steal grew to be a man and was a professional public official. One day he was taken in the act and condemned to die. While going to the place of execution, he passed his Mother and said to her: ‘Behold your work! If you had not taught me to steal, I should not have come to this.’ ‘Indeed!’ said the Mother. ‘And who, pray, taught you to be detected?’”

Illustrated: Vetula Lac ad Forum Portans

859. Vetula Lac ad Forum Portans. Vetula, dum in urceo ad forum lac portaret, coepit cogitare quomodo posset fieri dives. Attendens autem quod de suo lacte tres obolos habere posset, coepit cogitare quod emeret pullum gallinae et nutriret, ex cuius ovis multos pullos acquireret; quibus venditis, emeret porcum; quo nutrito et impinguato, venderet illum ut inde emeret pullum equinum, et tam diu nutriret ipsum quod aptus esset ad equitandum, et coepit intra se dicere, “Equitabo equum illum, et ducam ad pascua et dicam, ei, io, io.” Cum autem haec cogitaret, coepit movere pedes et, quasi calcaria in pedibus haberet, coepit talos movere et prae gaudio manibus plaudere; ita quod motu pedum et plausu manuum urceum fregit et, lacte in terra effuso, in manibus suis nihil invenit.

Lac Portans

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Grandville images. Admittedly, she does not look very old in this picture, even though this version of the Latin fable describes her as being a little old woman!

M0859 (not in Perry)

Illustrated: Citharoedus Imperitus


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865. Citharoedus Imperitus. Citharoedus quidam, non satis eruditus, in cubiculo ut solebat canens, sua inibi voce resonante, valde se canorum esse putabat. Quapropter animo elatus, theatro iam se committere voluit. Sed ubi in conspectum prodiit, cum pessime cantasset, eum spectatores lapidibus iactis e scena abegerunt. Fabula ostendit ita quoque nonnullos rhetorum, qui in scholis aliquid esse videntur, cum ad res publicas agendas se conferunt, nullius pretii esse.

Citharoedus

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Medici Aesop images. You need to read this image from right to left, as often in the Medici panels.

M0865 = Perry121. Source: De Furia 248. This is Perry 121. Compare the fable of the singing cricket and the angry owl, #656.

Monday, September 27, 2010

Illustrated: Aegrotus et Uxor Eius


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902. Aegrotus et Uxor Eius. Aegrotabat pauper et in morbi gravissimo periculo, cum a medicis desperasset, ad opem Deorum confugit, quibus se, si convaluisset, centum tauros immolaturum esse promisit. Haec uxor illius, ut prope astabat, cum audisset, “Unde, mi vir, tantum,” inquit, “numerum taurorum parare possis, si voti convictus sis?” At ille, “Quid tu, censesne,” inquit, “stulta, caelo descensurum qui illud sacrificium fieri postulet, si ego sanitatem recuperavero?”

Aegrotus et Vota Eius

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

M0902 = Perry034. Source: Camerarius 15. This is Perry 34. Compare the desperate hopes of the dying kite, #425.

Illustrated: Venator Meticulosus


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847. Venator Meticulosus. Leonis indagans vestigia, venator lignatorem rogavit an leonis vestigia et latibula nosset. Respondit ille, “Et ipsum quoque leonem, si lubet, indicabo.” Sed venator, metu pallescens, dentibus crepitans, “Vestigia tantum,” ait, “non leonem quaero.” Audaces una et timidos carpit haec fabula, audaces nempe verbis, sed non factis.

Leo et Venator Meticulosus

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Grandville images.

M0847 = Perry326. Source: De Furia 267. This is Perry 326. Compare the story of the dog chasing a lion, #361, or the cowherd looking for his missing calf, #777.

Illustrated: Muscae et Mel


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681. Muscae et Mel. Ad mel, profusum in cella quadam, advolantes, muscae illius dulcissimo succo iucundissime pascebantur. Sed iam saturae, cum avolare vellent, pedibus nitentibus, etiam alis in tenace liquore haerentibus, moriturae, “O miserae,” inquiunt, “quantillus nobis cibus interitum attulit.”

Muscae

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Medici Aesop images.
M0681 = Perry080. Source: Dana 28. This is Perry 80. For more about the flies and honey, see #672. See also the fable of the mouse in the soup pot, #201.

Illustrated: Piscatores et Piscis Insperatus


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852. Piscatores et Piscis Insperatus. Piscatores, iactis in mari retibus, diu multumque fatigati, nil ceperant. Et iam taedio, labore, ac desperatione victi, abire decreverant, Fortunam incusantes, cum, insperato, piscis immanis, ab alio actus, in ipsam piscatorum tristium scapham insilit, quem hi, supra modum laetantes, comprehendunt et Fortunae Deae acceptum referunt, quod ars diu tentata negaverat.

Piscatores et Fortuna

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

M0852 = Perry021. Source: Irenaeus 67. This is Perry 21. For another fable about the goddess Fortune and her gifts, see the story of the farmer, #814.

Illustrated: Momus Iudex


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802. Momus Iudex. Iovem Neptunumque et tertiam insuper Minervam contendisse ferunt inter se quis pulchram aliquam rem faceret. Facit Iuppiter animal pulcherrimum, hominem; Pallas hominibus domum; Neptunus taurum. Iudicem sibi Momum elegerunt (adhuc enim inter Deos habitabat) qui, prae nativa indole cunctos odio prosequens, principio statim taurum culpavit quod oculis inferiora non gestaret cornua - ita enim recte cernens iceret; hominem, quod pectus illi non esset valvis instructum et adapertile ut proximum inspiceret quid agat consilii; domum, quod ferreae fundamentis non subiicerentur rotae, aliis idoneae locis permutandis, cum domini abirent peregre. Tenta facere aliquid, nec iudex sedeat invidia; Momo nil omnino placitum est.

Momus

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

M0802 = Perry100. Source: Babrius 59 (translated into Latin prose). This is Perry 100. Momus was the Greek god of satire and mockery. Eventually the other gods got tired of his carping criticism and banished him from Mount Olympus. Compare the human critic, Zoilus, #978.

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Illustrated:. Vir et Vas Melle Plenum


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858. Vir et Vas Melle Plenum. Quidam vas melle plenum supra suum lectum suspendit. Tum ille, uno die accubans, supraque se appensum vasculum intuens, rationem computabat quanti venire posset vasculum posuitque tanti quanti oves duae emerentur. “Et illae,” inquit, “oves binae binas alias parient, tum deinde quarternas quattuor et mox octonas octo.” Pergensque hoc modo ad magnum pervenit gregem et ait, “De pretio illarum domum agrosque mihi comparabo; ita tandem uxorem ducam et suscipiam filium. Verum si filius non obtemperarit monitis meis tum ego illum sic,” inquit, arrepto scipione, “sic illum ego verberabo.” Et inter has cogitationes diversas suas, elatum altius scipionem impegit in vasculum, eoque pertuso, effusum defluxit in stragula mel, hicque consiliorum tam splendidorum fuit exitus: carere ut homo melle, et eluere stragula cogeretur.

Homo et Mellis Vas

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the images from the 1484 Directorium Humanae Vitae.

M0858 (not in Perry). Source: Camerarius 408 (shortened). This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; it is a story found in the Panchatantra tradition. In some versions of this story, it is a pot of oil, not honey, that prompts the man’s wishful thinking. For the famous story of the milkmaid counting her chickens before they are hatched, see #859.

Illustrated: Mercator et Mures Aes Erodentes


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855. Mercator et Mures Aes Erodentes. Deposuerat mercator apud hospitem suum magnum pondus aeris. Venit aliquando et repetit. Ille mures erosisse dicit. “Dii boni,” mercator dicit, “quid narras? Sed bene habet, quod evasisti voracitatem ipsorum.” Dum discedit mercator, filium hospitis sui, ante aedes discurrentem absque custode, abducit. Postero die, offert se conspectui hospitis, qui apud illum conquerebatur et deplorabat amissionem filii sui. Tum mercator “Ego heri,” inquit, “non procul ab aedibus tuis puerum vidi raptum a corvo auferri.” “A corvo,” exclamat ille, “puerum auferri? Quis tam validus corvus esse potuit?” Ibi mercator “Qua in terra,” inquit, “mures aes erodunt, in ea verisimile est reperiri corvos qui pueros rapiant.” At hospes, se suis artibus petitum sentiens, pollicetur se pretium aeris persoluturum rogatque mercatorem puerum sibi ut restituat.

Mures Ferrum Edentes

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Grandville images.

M0855 = (not in Perry). Source: Camerarius 384 (shortened). This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; it is a story found in the Panchatantra tradition. In a collection of wonder legends, De mirabilibus auscultationibus, spuriously attributed to Aristotle, it is said that the mice on the Greek island of Gyarus were able to eat iron. For a fable about mice who eat their way through walls, see #212.

Illustrated: Viatores Duo et Latro


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918. Viatores Duo et Latro. Cum viatores duo simul iter faciunt, unus marsupium reperit, aureis plenum. “Eia,” inquit alter, “in commune!” Sed ille negat se ullam lucri partem posse dare, et contendit iure totum uni sibi reservandum, cum ipse unus sit qui invenerit. Interea latro armatus utrique occurrit. Tunc nummorum possessor “Eia,” ait, “dexteram confer vimque vi repellamus; unus duos non vincet.” At comes pauper retulit, “Non tanti est; quid enim hic mihi vacuo abripere possit? Sed tu, qui solus bonum habere volueris, iure solus malum nunc feres.”

Viatores et Sacculus

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

M0918 (not in Perry). Source: Desbillons 9.21 (adapted into prose). This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; it appears original to Desbillons, as he cites no source. Compare the story of the two travelers who found a donkey, #241, or the two travelers who found an axe, #922. Read a Fabula Facilis version of this fable.

Illustrated: Fures et Coquus


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904. Fures et Coquus. Duo adolescentes apud coquum aliquid sese simulant esse empturos. Coquo alias res agente, carnem alter surripit; dat socio ut sub veste occultet. Coquus, surreptam sibi carnis partem ut novit, furti utrumque coepit accusare. Qui carnem sustulerat, per Iovem iurabat se non habere; qui vero habebat, iurabat se non abstulisse. “Me quidem,” inquit coquus, “fur latet; non autem eum latebit per quem iuravistis.”

Adolescentes et Coquus

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

M0904 = Perry066. Source: Stoddart p. 114. This is Perry 66. Compare the story of the man trying to trick the god Apollo, #798.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Aesop Illustrations: Baby's Book of Fables

These illustrations are from an anonymous book entitled Baby's Book of Fables, published in 1880, which you can find online at the Internet Children's Digital Library. Click here for more illustration slideshows.

Here is the Baby's Book 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):

Illustrated: Mors et Senex

818. Mors et Senex. Senex quidam Mortem, quae eum e vita raptura advenerat, rogabat, ut paululum differret, dum testamentum conderet et cetera ad tantum iter necessaria praepararet. Cui Mors “Cur non,” inquit, “hactenus praeparasti, toties a me admonitus?” Et, cum ille eam numquam a se visam amplius diceret, “Cum,” inquit, “non aequales tuos modo quorum nulli fere iam restant, verum etiam iuvenes, pueros, infantes quotidie rapiebam, non te admonebam mortalitatis tuae? Cum oculos hebescere, auditum minui, ceterosque sensus in dies deficere, corpus ingravescere sentiebas, nonne tibi me propinquam esse dicebam? Et te admonitum negas? Quare ulterius differendum non est.”

Mors et Moriens

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M0818 (not in Perry)

Illustrated: Iuppiter et Olitoris Asinus


M0768 - M0769 - English - M0770

769. Iuppiter et Olitoris Asinus. Asinus olitoris, aegre sustinens laborem quo herus eum premebat, conqueritur de eo apud Iovem; supplicat alium sibi dari. Exaudit Iuppiter; iubet figulo veneat. Mutatur herus, sed non minuitur labor; immo augescit; semper lutum, tegulae, lateres, imbrices, dorso portandae. Iterum ad Iovem; Iuppiter, oratoris importunitate victus, dat coriarium. Statim expertus eum, omnibus quos unquam habuerat longe crudeliorem, apud se lamentans dicebat, “Heu me miserum, ut omnia mihi in deterius cedunt. Nam in eum incidi dominum, qui vivo non parcit, nec mortuo; ipse enim ubi corpus meum flagris exhauserit, in fine excoriabit.”

Asinus et Iuppiter

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M0769 = Perry179. Source: Irenaeus 94. This is Perry 179. Compare the fable of the donkey suffering at different times of the year, #246.

Illustrated: Piscator Aquam Verberans


M0849 - M0850 - M0851

850. Piscator Aquam Verberans. Piscator in fluvio quodam piscabatur. Extensis autem retibus et fluxu comprehenso utrinque, funi alligato lapide, aquam verberabat ut pisces, fugientes incaute, in retia inciderent. Cum quidam vero ex iis qui circa locum habitabant id eum facere videret, increpabat utpote fluvium turbantem et claram aquam non sinentem bibere. Et is respondit, “Sed nisi sic fluvius perturbetur, me oportebit esurientem mori.”

Piscator Aquam Turbans

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M0850 = Perry026. Source: Eton Aesop 85. This is Perry 26. Compare the paradoxical problem of the father and his two daughters, #932.

Illustrated: Membra et Venter


M0750 - M0751 - M0752

751. Membra et Venter. Membra quondam dicebant ventri, “Nosne te semper ministerio nostro alemus, dum tu summo otio frueris? Hoc non diutius faciemus.” Dum igitur ventri cibum subducunt, corpus debilitatum est, et membra sero invidiae suae paenituit.

Membra et Venter

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M0751 = Perry130. Source: Morris 46. This is Perry 130. For English speakers, this fable is best known from the version found in the opening scene of Shakespeare’s Coriolanus. Compare the fable of the snake’s tail, #620.

Illustrated: Arbores et Homo


M0724 - M0725 - M0726

725. Arbores et Homo. Securis cum facta esset, homo postulabat ab arboribus ut illi manubrium darent de ligno quod firmum esset. Quo facto, homo manubrium sumpsit, et, aptata securi, ramos ac robora magna et omnia quae voluit incidit. Tunc fraxino quercus ait, “Digne et bene patimur, qui roganti hosti nostro, ut caeci, manubria dedimus.” Ideo quis ante cogitet, ne hosti aliqua arma praestet.

Arbores et Securis

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M0725 = Perry302. Source: Vincent of Beauvais 20. This is Perry 302. Compare the story of the oak trees and Jupiter, #705. For a story about arming your own enemy, see the eagle and the arrow, #414, or the story of the lion and the unicorn, #7.  Read a Fabula Facilis version of this fable.

Illustrated: Apollo et Vir Facinorosus


M0797 - M0798 - M0799

798. Apollo et Vir Facinorosus. Quidam vir facinorosus se contulit Delphos, tentaturus Apollinem, sub pallio habens passerculum quem pugno suo tenebat. Et accedens ad tripodas, eum interrogabat, dicens, “Quod in mea dextra habeo, vivitne, an est mortuum?” (prolaturus passcerculum vivum, si ille respondisset mortuum; rursus prolaturus mortuum, si respondisset vivum, etenim statim eum occidisset clam sub pallio priusquam proferret). At Deus, hominis calliditatem subdolam intellegens, dixit, “O consultor, utrum mavis facere facito - etenim est penes te - et proferto sive vivum, sive mortuum, quod habes in tuis manibus.” Haec fabula innuit nihil latere neque fallere mentem divinam.

Vir Malignus et Apollo

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M0798 = Perry036. Source: Clarke 169 (word order adapted). This is Perry 36. Delphi, on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, was the site of the great oracle of Apollo.

Friday, September 24, 2010

70. Vulpes, Lupus, et Caseus

70. Vulpes, Lupus, et Caseus. Dum putei liquor placidus lunae plenae simulacra speculo suo redderet, vulpes ieiuna illuc forte accessit, victum quaeritans; fames malesuada eam perpulit ut caseum pinguem super summis aquis innatare crederet. Vulpes ergo, cum itus facilis esset situlis duobus qui vices alternabant, in situlum ad marginem elatum sese iniicit. Sed sic delapsa, mox errorem suum luget et se perituram deputat. Iam biduum consumptum erat cum lupus tandem advenit. Quem vulpes conspicata, “In situlum,” ait, “te cito immitte; caseus opimus hic mihi repertus est. Comedi quantum cupiditas mea voluit; nunc satura, cogor hunc caseum deserere, sic abrasum, ut vides,” luna scilicet decreverat, et simul lunae imago. Lupus credulus obsequitur; sursum propellit vulpem et, parum anxia quid lupo fieret, vado haerentem liquit.

1106 Vulpes et Lupus

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M0070 (not in Perry)

Illustrated: Cancer et Serpens


M0586 - M0587 - M0588
587. Cancer et Serpens. Serpens una cum cancro societate iuncta vivebat. Porro cancer, cum simplex moribus esset, serpentem ut is quoque astutiam suam exueret admonebat. At ille minime obsequebatur. Cancer itaque, cum dormientem vidisset, quanta vi poterat compressum chelis occidit. Serpens ita necatus, cum humi porrectus iaceret, “Hoc modo,” cancer ait, “et rectum et simplicem antea te esse oportebat; non enim hanc poenam dedisses.”

Serpens et Cancer

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M0587 = Perry196. Source: De Furia 231. This is Perry 196. While the crab is a straightforward character in this fable, in another fable the crab is notoriously crooked, #586.

Illustrated: Pulex, Homo, et Hercules


M0702 - M0703 - M0704

703. Pulex, Homo, et Hercules. Cum insiluisset pulex in pedem cuiusdam, ille ad opprimendum hunc Herculem invocavit. Sed cum pulex se illinc mox saltu subduxisset, cum gemitu ille “Hercules,” inquit, “quid ego abs te opis in magnis periculis exspectem, qui contra pulicem adesse mihi noluisti?”


Pulex

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M0703 = Perry231. Source: Camerarius 61. This is Perry 231. For another story about invoking the god Hercules, see the story of the wagon in the mud, #804.

Illustrated: Mercurius et Tiresias


M0786 - M0787 - M0788

787. Mercurius et Tiresias. Mercurius, scire volens an Tiresiae vaticinandi ars vera esset, ruri boves eius furatus, et urbem, formam hominis gerens, ingressus, apud illum hospitii causa divertit. Cum interim amissos fuisse boves Tiresiae nuntiatum esset, ipse statim, aliquod de fure augurium capturus, Mercurio comite, domo egreditur eumque simul rogat ut, si quam avem praetervolantem videret, admoneat. Mercurius igitur aquilam primum a sinistra ad dexteram devolantem observasse se ait, sed Tiresias nihil eam sua interesse respondit. Deinde Mercurius cornicem in arbore insidentem adspexit quae oculos modo in caelum elevabat, modo humi vertebat; idque simul vati indicavit. Qui, statim respondens, “Mehercle, ista cornix,” ait, “per caelum terramque iurans, affirmat quod, si tu velis, amissos boves recepero.”

Mercurius et Tiresias

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M0787 = Perry089. Source: De Furia 244. This is Perry 89. Tiresias, although blind, was famed as one of the great seers of antiquity. He was famous in life and even in death, as he gave guidance to Odysseus in the land of the dead.

Illustrated: Musca et Quadrigae


M0679 - M0680 - M0681
680. Musca et Quadrigae. Quadrigae in stadio currebant, quibus musca insidebat. Maximo autem pulvere, tum equorum pedum pulsu, tum rotarum volutatione, exorto, dicebat musca, “Quam magnam vim pulveris excitavi!”

Musca et Quadrigae

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M0680 = Perry724. Source: Abstemius 16. This is Perry 724 (Perry included only a few fables of Abstemius in his catalog). Compare the story of the gnat and the bull, #292. Read a Fabula Facilis version of this fable.

Illustrated: Medicus et Vetula


M0897 - M0898 - English - M0899

898. Medicus et Vetula. Vetula mulier, oculorum morbo laborans, medicum quemdam, ut eam curaret, accersivit et ingentem mercedem se daturam promisit si oculorum vitio sanaret; contra vero, si nil efficeret, nec minimum quid praebituram. Hoc itaque pacto, quoties medicus ad eius oculos medendos veniebat, semper aliquid ei furabatur. Cum illam egregie sanasset, pactam sibi mercedem postulavit. Sed vetula continuo differt, et medicus in ius denique ante magistratus eam rapit. Quorum in conspectu stans ait, “Fateor me ei mercedem, si bene visum recuperassem, promisisse; sin minus, me nihil omnino daturam. Ac iste iactat me esse curatam; ego vero adfirmo contrarium me pati. Nam quando oculis laborabam, meas tunc opes omnemque supellectilem domi esse videbam; sed nunc, me videre ipso dicente, nil prorsus domi cernere possum.”
Anus et Medicus

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M0898 = Perry057. Source: De Furia 46 (shortened). This is Perry 57. Compare the story of the crow who doctors the eagle’s eyes, #432.

Illustrated: Pastor et Rex


M0839 - M0840 - M0841

840. Pastor et Rex. Pastor beatus magnum ovium gregem regebat, cuius cum prudentiam cognovisset, rex hunc regni administrum fecit. Ille laudes domini simul populique tulit, at livor malignus principes impulit ut insusurrarent pastorem furtis ditari et pecuniam publicam corradere; arcam visam fuisse in eius cubiculi, clausam sedulo; illic scilicet opes raptas recondi. Rex arcam recludi iubet. Ille “Magne rex,” inquit, “crede innocenti; ultra ne inquire.” Sed cum nihil proficeret, ipse arcam recludit simulque proferens singula: cucullum scilicet pastorium, sagumque rusticum, et panarium et pedum et fistulam. “Thesaurus en,” inquit, “meus. Hunc olim amare solitus, hoc uno frui deinde volo; forsan malevoli invidere desinent.” Rex gemit et “Amice,” ait, “ne me amicum miserum desere.” At ille durus fugit, et ad oves suas redit.


Image Source: Gustave Dore.

M0840 (not in Perry). Source: Desbillons 9.5 (adapted into prose; shortened). This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; Desbillons is retelling La Fontaine 10.10, who knew the story from Bidpai. Compare the fable of the city mouse and the country mouse, #196, or the story of the rich man and his neighbor, #997.

Illustrated: Lupus et Pastorum Convivium


M0083 - M0084 - M0085
84. Lupus et Pastorum Convivium. Pastores, caesa ove, convivium celebrabant. Quod cum lupus cerneret, “Ego,” inquit, “si agnum rapuissem, quantus tumultus fieret, at isti impune ovem comedunt!” Tum unus illorum “Nos enim,” inquit, “nostra, non aliena, ove epulamur.”

1006 Lupus et Pastores

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M0084 = Perry453. Source: Jacobs & Doering 17. This is Perry 453. Compare the fable of the fox and the women, #54. Read a Fabula Facilis version of this fable.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Illustrated: Dives et Thesaurus Eius


M0989 - M0990 - M0991

990. Dives et Thesaurus Eius. Vir quidam admodum dives, thesaurum in silva infoderat, nemine praeter compatrem cui plurimum fidebat conscio. Sed cum paucis post diebus ad eum visendum accessisset, reperit effossum atque ablatum. Suspicatus igitur id quod erat a compatre sublatum, eum conveniens, “Volo,” inquit, “compater mi, mille aureos, ubi thesaurum abdidi, adhuc infodere.” Compater, cupiens plura lucrari, retulit reposuitque thesaurum. Quem cum verus dominus paulo post accedens reperisset, secum domum tulit, conveniensque compatrem, inquit, “Fidefrage, ne sumas inanem laborem, ut ad thesaurum accedas; amplius enim non invenies.” Fabula indicat quam facile sit virum avarum spe pecunia decipere.

1005 Thesaurus Secretus

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M0990 (not in Perry). Source: Abstemius 169. This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; Perry omitted most of Abstemius’s fables. For a different story about tricks and treasure, see the fable of the mice that eat iron, #855.

Illustrated: Pisces, Magni et Minuti


M0580 - M0581 - M0582
581. Pisces, Magni et Minuti. Piscator sagenam, quam recens iecerat, extraxit. Obsonii autem erat varii referta. Ast piscium minutus quisque effugit in altum, e rete clam elapsus multiforo, dum captivus quicumque magnus in navicula iacuit extentus. Salus fit quodammodo et malorum effugium parvitas; qui autem magnus est opinione vulgi, eum raro videbis periculum effugere.

Pisces Magni et Minuti

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M0581 = Perry282. Source: Babrius 4 (translated into Latin prose). This is Perry 282. Compare the story of the stunted tree, #721. Read a Fabula Facilis version of this fable.

Illustrated: Nux Secundum Viam Sata


M0716 - M0717 - M0718

717. Nux Secundum Viam Sata. Nux, secundum viam sata, plurimum ferebat fructus. Cum autem a populo praetereunte saxis et fustibus impeteretur, ut iuglandes decidentes carperent, “Me infelicem,” exclamabat, “cui gratias tam acerbas referunt ob fructus iucundos quos ex me percipiunt.”


Nux (1550)

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M0717 = Perry250. Source: Dana 5. This is Perry 250. For the story of how the nut tree brought this trouble on herself, see #772. Read a Fabula Facilis version of this fable.

Illustrated: Gallus, Canis, et Vulpes


M0559 - M0560 - M0561
560. Gallus, Canis, et Vulpes. Canis et gallus, iuncta simul amicitia, una iter faciebant. Nocte autem adventante, cum in locum quemdam arboribus consitum pervenissent, gallus, arbore adscensa, in illius ramis consedit; canis vero, in cavo eiusdem ingressus, inferius recubuit. Nocte interim ad occasum vergente, ubi dies albescere coepit, gallus de more cantare incipit. Quem cum vulpes audisset, illuc protinus, eum vorare cupiens, accessit, stansque sub arbore, ita ipsum est adlocuta, “O avis optime, quam perutilis es hominibus! Descende, quaeso, ut simul carmina nocturna canamus, nosque ad invicem oblectemur.” Cui gallus respondens, “Amica,” inquit, “ad radices arboris propius accede, pulsa truncum, ac ianitorem voca.” Persuasa vulpes ad eum vocandum, accessit. Sed canis, repente prosiliens, eam protinus correptam dilaceravit.

Vulpes, Gallus, et Canis

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M0560 = Perry252. Source: De Furia 88. This is Perry 252. For another fable where the rooster is able to see through the fox’s tricks, see #46.

Illustrated: Pastor et Lupus Familiaris


M0842 - M0843 - English - M0844

843. Pastor et Lupus Familiaris. Lupus, ovium gregem sequens, nullum iis damnum inferebat. Pastor itaque primo quidem ab eo, tamquam ab hoste, sibi cavebat metuensque illum attente observabat. Deinde vero, licet continuo sequeretur, cum nihil umquam rapere aggressus esset, tunc pastor, eum custodem potius quam insidiatorem esse ratus, postquam necessitate quadam se in urbem conferre adactus est, relictis ei ovibus discessit. Tum lupus, occasione arrepta, maiorem gregis partem devoravit. Reversus inde pastor, gregisque cladem cernens, “Ego quidem digna patior,” inquit; “quid enim lupo oves credidi?”

Lupus Familiaris et Pastor (1)

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M0843 = Perry234. Source: De Furia 105. This is Perry 234. Compare the fable of the shepherd who treated the wolf as his “compadre” and left the flock in his care, #81.

Illustrated: Formicae et Cicada


M0651 - M0652 - M0653
652. Formicae et Cicada. Formicae fruges per hiemem humectatas siccabant. Has adit cicada, esuriens, et rogat paululum cibi ut sibi impertiant. Cui illae, “Aestate,” inquiunt, “quaerere te oportuit.” “Non vacabat,” inquit cicada. “Quid faciebas igitur?” “Cantationibus operam dabam,” inquit. Tum illae, “Si cecinisti,” inquiunt, “aestate, hieme saltato.”

Formica et Cicada

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M0652 = Perry373. Source: Morris 67. This is Perry 373. For an amusing variation on this story, see the fable of the ant and the swallow, #484. Meanwhile, to find out what happens to the ant’s storehouse in winter, see the fable of the pig and the ant, #653. Read a Fabula Facilis version of this fable.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Illustrated: Pastor et Lupi Catuli


M0841 - M0842 - English - M0843

842. Pastor et Lupi Catuli. Pastor repertos lupi catulos cura magna educavit, arbitratus, cum adolevissent, non solum oves custodituros suas, sed insuper alias rapientes sibi delaturos. At illi citissime adulti, occasionem nacti, primum ipsius gregem devoravere. Quapropter ingemens, pastor ait, “Merito equidem plector. Quid enim eos iuvenculos adhuc servavi, quos vel adultos necare oportebat?”

Lupus Familiaris et Pastor (2)

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Harrison Weir images. Although this was not an illustration intended for this particular fable, I think it fits it very well!

M0842 = Perry209. Source: De Furia 319. This is Perry 209. For another fable about raising a wolf cub, see #77.

Illustrated: Minerva et Olea


M0791 - M0792 - M0793

792. Minerva et Olea. Divi olim legebant sibi quisque arborem. Quercum sibi legit Iuppiter; myrtus Veneri placuit; laurus Phoebo; Herculi populus. Minerva, rem admirata, “Cur,” inquit, “steriles arbores in tutelam sumitis?” Causam Iuppiter dixit, “Scilicet indignum deo est tutelam suam fructu vendere.” “Mihi quidem,” respondit Minerva, “olea gratior est propter fructum.” Tum Pater deorum atque hominum “O nata,” inquit, “merito sapiens esse diceris. Stulta enim est gloria, nisi id, quo gloriamur, utile est.”

Arbores Deorum

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M0792 =  Perry508. Source: Potts & Darnell p. 21. This is Perry 508. In a contest with the god Neptune (Greek Poseidon), Minerva (Athena) gave the olive tree as a gift to the people of Athens, hence her special association with the tree.

Illustrated: Cera Lateri Invidens


M0752 - M0753 - M0754

753. Cera Lateri Invidens. Cera, videns se mollem et tractabilem, nimis dolebat conditionis suae vicem cupiebatque lateris cocti soliditate donari. Quod ut consequeretur, iecit se in fornacem ardentem. Sed, momento liquefacta et igne consumpta, documento fuit quemque in suo statu manere debere nec appetere quod sibi a Natura fuit negatum.

Cera

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M0753 = (not in Perry). Source: Irenaeus 86. This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; it is based on Abstemius 54, and Perry omitted most of Abstemius’s fables. Compare the fable of the gnat who met his end in the fire, #699.

Illustrated: Testudo et Iuppiter


M0632 - M0633 - M0634
633. Testudo et Iuppiter. Iuppiter, nuptias celebrans, animalia omnia convivio excipiebat. Cum vero sola testudo nimis sero adventasset, Iuppiter, tarditatis causam ignorans, testudinem rogavit quam ob rem cum ceteris ad epulum tempestive non convenisset. Illa autem respondit, “Dilecta domus, optima domus.” Deus, ira percitus, eam ad domum continuo suis humeris circumferendam damnavit.

Iuppiter et Testudo

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M0633 = Perry106. Source: De Furia 79. This is Perry 106. For the story of how the eagle breaks the turtle’s shell, see #636. See also the fable about the snail and her shell, #641.

Illustrated: Piscator et Calamus


M0848 - M0849 - M0850

849. Piscator et Calamus. Piscator quidam iuxta maris litus sedit et coepit calamum inflare, putans cantu se pisces facile esse capturum. Cantu verum nil proficiente, calamum deposuit, rete in mare demisit, ac plurimos cepit pisces. Sed cum ex reti pisces extraheret atque eos saltantes videret, ait, “O improba animalia! Dum canebam, saltare noluistis; nunc autem, calamo cessante, saltus datis assiduos.”

piscator et tibiae

Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the colored Steinhowel images. The coloring actually makes this image a bit harder to read: stage one of the story is in the background, and stage two of the story is in the foreground - but it is the same fisherman, so the person who colored the image probably should not have made the hats two different colors!

M0849 = Perry011. Source: Stoddart p. 115. This is Perry 11. Compare the story of the snails in the fire, #645.

Illustrated: Puella Superba


M0949 - M0950 - M0951

950. Puella Superba. Puella superba sperabat sponsum iuvenem, scitum, venustum, elegantem, nec frigidum; insuper divitem, nobilem, et ingeniosum. Accedunt proci insignes; hos minoris facit puella. “Mene,” inquit, “hoc vile genus! Delirant! Me pudet!” Huius ingenio deerant gratiae; illi nasus turpis. Modo hoc, modo illud arguitur. Exactis divitibus, prodeunt mediocris fortunae viri. Illa deridet. “Benigna sum,” inquit, “quae aequo animo excipio tales. Existimant me angi multum ut nubam; verum caelibem hilaremque vitam dego.” Dum puella his dictis sibi indulget, forma deteritur annis; amatores abeunt. Unus et alter effluit annus; advolat aegritudo animi. Quotidie elapsos sensit risus, iocos, deinde amores. Muta voce quoties aiebat speculum: “Viro nubere propera.” Praeter omnium exspectationem, haec nupsit tandem ignobili imbecillique viro, quem vix captare potuit suis artibus.

0705 Mulier Fastidiosa

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M0950 (not in Perry). Source: La Fontaine 7.5 (translated into Latin prose by Fenelon; shortened). This fable is not in Perry’s catalog. Compare the fable of the birdcatcher who waits too long to catch the birds, #846.