Friday, September 2, 2011

Image: Quercus et Arbuscula


M0706 - M0707 - M0708

707. Quercus et Arbuscula. Arbuscula, sub quercus umbra geminans, eius arduae praestantiam laudabat. Quercus “Meum quidem,” inquit, “cacumen altum in aethera surgit; in totum nemus dominor. At quo magis praecello arboribus ceteris, tanto facilius iniuriae venti, grandinis, nivis, et fulminis atroces me petunt.” Homines infimi hac fabula commonentur, ne summis invidere velint sortem suam.


M0707 (not in Perry). Source: Desbillons 9.28 (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 mule who envied the horse, #253.