M0669 (not in Perry). Source: Desbillons 8.2 (adapted into prose). This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; it appears original to Desbillons, as he cites no source. For the fable of a lazy bee, see #674.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Image: Papilio et Apis
669. Papilio et Apes. Papilio volucer, florum amator frivolus, dum alis levibus ad cunctas redolentis horti opes visere properat, et violae modo, calthae modo osculum inane libat et fugit, apem vidit, mollibus rosae foliis insidentem et succos dulces naviter exprimentem. Accedens aliquantulum substitit, ut tam pertinacem illius diligentiam irrideret. At ea, nihilo segnius opus exsecuta, “Futiles,” inquit, “iocos verbis refellere neque lubet neque expedit; illud monebo tantum: qui dulce utili miscuit, is dignus est omni suffragio.”
