M0378 (not in Perry). Source: Desbillons 6.1 (adapted into prose). This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; it appears original to Desbillons, as he cites no source. Compare the excuses invented by the cat, #394, and by the wolf, #311.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Image: Canis Villicus et Herus Ingratus
378. Canis Villicus et Herus Ingratus. Villicus canem habebat vetulum et minus idoneum factum gregi custodiendo vel domui a furibus nocturnis tuendae. Herus ingratus hunc, senio gravem et tardum, cuius operam diu utilem sibi fuisse meminit, sustinet morti devovere. Ergo apprehendit, nec reluctantem; pedes simul in fasciculum coactos connectit et denique lapidem magnum collo subigat. Sic exornatum protrahit, sub proximae paludis undam detrusurus. At canis senex, “Nam quid facinoris feci,” dixit, “ego miser, ut tam acerbe tamque inhumane agas, here, et meam servitutem tam longam sic remuneres?” Herus vim veritatis sentit; hanc opprimit et calumniam comparat fraudulentam. “Tene ultra vivere patiar,” inquit, “quem rabies occulta tenet?” Moxque demersum necat. Qui aliquem invisum sibi perdere statuit, si ratio nulla iusta sit, falsam invenit.
