M0651 (not in Perry). Source: Desbillons 8.28 (adapted into prose). This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; it appears original to Desbillons, as he cites no source. Compare the fable of the fish with wings, #770.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Image: Formica Alata
651. Formica Alata. Formica sortem suam conquerebatur: se aevum trahere malis innumeris obnoxium, et semper timere ne plebis rusticae planta gravi conteratur vel perdicibus esca iucunda fiat. “O Iuppiter, mihi concede pennas,” inquit, “ut possim caput incolume periculis tantis eripere.” Iuppiter, querela pervicaci motus, pennas concessit bestiae imprudenti. Ergo illa munere novo gaudet et levis per auras se tollit. At simul ab hirundine adspicitur, avis famelica in eam devolans rapido impetu nec opinantem vorat. Deus, dum annuit, stulte appetentes plectit.
