M0965 (not in Perry). Source: Desbillons 14.15 (adapted into prose). This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; it appears original to Desbillons, as he cites no source. For the story of how the nut tree wanted to be fruitful, see #772.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Image: Puer et Nux Castanea
965. Puer et Nux Castanea. Puer quidam nucem castaneam forte repererat; coquendam cineri fervido statim commisit. Illa, ubi aestus non tolerabiles sensit, cruciatus suos stridore querulo indicare coepit. At puer immisericors, nihil motus quin et aspere iocans, dixit, “Ego scio qua ratione naenia ista, sine modo funebris, comprimi possit,” et simul prunarum copiam cineri super addidit. Nux misera, iniquis ardoribus evicta, cortice dissoluto, crepuit. Sed non inulta: sic rupta, magno enim nisu se sustulit, et ipsas prunas expulit in faciem et oculos imprudentis, non sine genarum damno et luminum periculo. Hostis metuendus qui furit, vel dum perit.
Labels:
illustrated
Friday, December 30, 2011
Image: Fur et Sicarius
915. Fur et Sicarius. Consociata opera, rem communiter gerebant facinorosi duo, unus fur, alter sicarius. Quadam nocte venere in aedes agricolae, ut putabatur non pauperis, cuius cum non solum aedes compilandas, sed etiam abigenda animalia fur censeret. “Recte,” inquit sicarius, “illo interfecto, omnia exsequi poterimus.” “Prius tamen,” inquit fur, “bovem unam aut alteram educamus, ut si forte tumultus oriatur et fugiendum sit, aliquid abstulerimus.” “Non placet hoc mihi,” inquit sicarius, “ne paterfamilis strepitu excitatus eripiatur manibus meis. “At hoc,” fur, “melius est,” inquit. “Immo illud,” inquit sicarius. Ita inter rixas, iratus fur, patremfamilias inclamat et vigilare iubet, ne vitam amittat. Qui, excitatus, etiam res suas servavit.
M0915 (not in Perry). Source: Camerarius 441. This fable is not in Perry’s catalog. Compare the quarrel of the lion and the bear, #132.
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M0915 (not in Perry). Source: Camerarius 441. This fable is not in Perry’s catalog. Compare the quarrel of the lion and the bear, #132.
Labels:
illustrated
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Image: Sol, Mons, et Vallis
742. Sol, Mons, et Vallis. Mons, inter nubila caput aridum condens, astris celsitudinem suam iactabat, interea vallis proximae sortem dolens et tanto contemptui obnoxiam miserans. Sol, curru micante diem revehens, audit et superbiam inanem sic reprimit, “Insane, quid habes cur ipse possis tantum tibi placere? Quid de tuo iugo excelso gloriaris? Illud idem est horridum et inhospitale. Contra, haec vallis humilis iacet et in umbra latere amat, densis saltibus clausa; irrigata tamen rivis uberibus et flumine etiam, colonos plurimos habet, quibus almam opum idonearum copiam sufficit et simul felicitatem certam singulatim dividit.” Fabula hos monet qui, cum de gradu supremo ceteros despiciant, nemini prosunt.
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M0742 (not in Perry). Source: Desbillons 14.14 (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 oak and the bush, #707.
Labels:
illustrated
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Image: Puer Viscera Vomens
964. Puer Viscera Vomens. Ingurgitarat se puer visceribus festo die quodam. Quae, cum non posset concoquere alvus, frusta horum ille evomebat. Tum “O mea mater,” territus exclamat, “viscera evomo.” Cui illa “Recte, mi fili,” inquit, “non enim tua, sed aliena ista bubula vomis.”
M0964 = Perry047. Source: Camerarius 151. This is Perry 47. Compare the story of the man who ate too many oysters, #592.
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M0964 = Perry047. Source: Camerarius 151. This is Perry 47. Compare the story of the man who ate too many oysters, #592.
Labels:
illustrated
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Image: Servus et Asinus
957. Servus et Asinus. Servus cuiusdam agricolae asinum domini sui ex alta rupe praecipitem dedit, ne quotidie huc et illuc illum agere cogeretur, mentitusque est domino illum sponte sua se deiecisse. Ob hoc dominus servum compellebat omnia humeris suis ferre quae ante asinus portabat. Quod servus nequam animadvertens, “Male,” inquit, “mihi consului, cum innocentem conservum meum peremi, qui me tanto labore levabat. Iuste nunc plector.”
M0957 (not in Perry). Source: Abstemius 157. This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; Perry omitted most of Abstemius’s fables. Compare the fable of the maids who killed their mistress’s rooster, #553.
M0957 (not in Perry). Source: Abstemius 157. This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; Perry omitted most of Abstemius’s fables. Compare the fable of the maids who killed their mistress’s rooster, #553.
Labels:
illustrated
Monday, December 26, 2011
Image: Fur et Mel
914. Fur et Mel. Puer pravus in tabernam iniit et, dum nemo adest, aliquantum mellis audaci digito ad os afferebat. Quod per rimam mercator vidit, et subito ingressus exclamavit, “Quis hoc mel venenatum in mensa temere reliquit? Id de medio tolle! Quod si quis forte gustaverit, merhercule, peribit!” Quibus dictis, puer sceleris conscius obstupescit. Multis lacrimis furtum confitetur. “Me, precor,” inquit, “a crudeli morte eripe; quodvis remedium potabo.” Homo cum taeterrimam potionem ex variis medicamentis composuisset, austera voce dixit, “Hoc ad faeces quam celerrime exhauri.” Puer acerbo vultu potionem rapuit, exhausit, et excessit. Totum vicum ululatibus complevit. Qua re doctus postea manus ab alienis abstinuit.
M0914 (not in Perry). Source: Thomas 66. This fable is not included in Perry’s catalog. For another story about a boy who learns a lesson, see the story of the boy who cried wolf, #76.
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M0914 (not in Perry). Source: Thomas 66. This fable is not included in Perry’s catalog. For another story about a boy who learns a lesson, see the story of the boy who cried wolf, #76.
Labels:
illustrated
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Image:Mare et Amnis
748. Mare et Amnis. Amnen interrogat mare, quando finem influendi facturus sit. Cui amnis, “Cum tu admittendi.” Liberalitatis sunt perpetua beneficia.
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M0748 (not in Perry). Source: Daumas 280. This fable is not in Perry’s catalog, but it appears to be inspired by the debate between the Danube and the waters in the Speculum Sapientiae, 3.23.
Labels:
illustrated
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Image: Puer Avidus et Bellaria
963. Puer Avidus et Bellaria. Vas vitreum, satis quidem capacis alvi at gutturis paulo arctioris, nuces servabat, saccharo tenaci circumlitas. Quorum corticis albicantis illecebras cum claustra pellucida foras transmitterent, puer tantam bonorum copiam simul adspicit, simul accedit, fruendi cupidus. Manus vacua facile descendit quo properat; evadere autem iam nimis plenam non potest. Ille praedam quam tenet amittere negat. Obstinatus pugnat, et nil proficit; flere ergo coepit. Aliquis pervicaciam stultam miseratus ait, “Si tot simul capessere velis, tibi nullam habere fas erit; sed si singulas sumpseris, omnes habebis.” Cupiditas nimia ipsa sibi semper nocet.
M0963 (not in Perry). Source: Desbillons 10.27 (adapted into prose). This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; Desbillons cites La Motte as his source. Compare the story of the greedy monkey, #110.
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M0963 (not in Perry). Source: Desbillons 10.27 (adapted into prose). This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; Desbillons cites La Motte as his source. Compare the story of the greedy monkey, #110.
Labels:
illustrated
Friday, December 23, 2011
Image: Servus Piger
954. Servus Piger. Servus piger erat qui numquam de lecto suo nolebat de nocte surgere. Sed, cum diceret ei dominus, “Surge et vide si pluat,” ipse de loco suo canem, qui custodiebat domum exterius, vocabat et, si eum complutum sentiebat, dicebat, “Domine, pluit,” simulans se de lecto surrexisse. Cum autem diceret ei dominus, “Surge et vide si habemus ignem,” vocavit catum et, quando sentiebat eum calidum, dicebat “Domine, satis habemus de igne.” Dominus autem eius, mane surgens, inveniebat quod ostium tota nocte fuerat apertum et, cum quaereret cur ostium non firmasset, respondebat, “Quare clauderem de nocte cum in mane oporteret me ipsum aperire?”
M0954 (not in Perry). Source: De Vitry 204. This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; Perry was not systematic in his coverage of medieval sources. Compare the story of a lazy boy in bed, #968.
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M0954 (not in Perry). Source: De Vitry 204. This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; Perry was not systematic in his coverage of medieval sources. Compare the story of a lazy boy in bed, #968.
Labels:
illustrated
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Image: Fur et Carnifex
912. Fur et Carnifex. Damnatus quidam furti ad supplicium ducebatur, qui suam infelicitatem deplorans, “Me miserum,” inquit, “cui moriendum, superstite magistro meo a quo hanc artem didici, quem scilicet plecti oportebat prius.” Huic carnifex “Immo te,” inquit, “qui tam male didiceris, inertiae poenas dare aequissimum est.” Cui fur “At,” inquit, “non fuisse me imperitum furandi confessio mea indicat.” “Debueras igitur,” inquit carnifex, “te exercendi finem facere.” Docet fabula optimum esse a malis facinoribus celeriter desistere, nam quis non peccat in vita et delictis nullis tenetur? Sed optimus ille est qui quod fieri non oportet, id facere cito desinit.
M0912 (not in Perry). Source: Camerarius 423. This fable is not in Perry’s catalog. Compare the fable of the thief and his mother, #911.
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M0912 (not in Perry). Source: Camerarius 423. This fable is not in Perry’s catalog. Compare the fable of the thief and his mother, #911.
Labels:
illustrated
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Image: Mulier et Speculum
951. Mulier et Speculum. Mulier quae pulchra fuerat, cum senesceret, turpicula esse incepit. Amabat tamen, ut prius, in speculi sui laevitate se inspicere, at iam nulla imago inde remittitur quae eius animo non suggerat augurium triste de omnibus Venerum et leporum reliquiis, iam ruinae proximis. Illa ingemiscit, lacrimat, mox irascitur, et, stultissimo vindictae amore furens, speculum nimis fidele effringit. Quo tamen, quo denique res ipsi redit? Speculi quidem fragmenta innumera per pavimentum iacent, sed ipsa totidem specula sunt, quae singula turpitudinem suam dominae obiiciunt. Homines, dum vitia quaedam abscondere volunt, saepe faciunt ut ea clarius appareant.
M0951 (not in Perry). Source: Desbillons 12.13 (adapted into prose). This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; Desbillons cites Alberti, Launay and D’Ardene as his sources. For the story of a monkey who is angry at a mirror, see #128.
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M0951 (not in Perry). Source: Desbillons 12.13 (adapted into prose). This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; Desbillons cites Alberti, Launay and D’Ardene as his sources. For the story of a monkey who is angry at a mirror, see #128.
Labels:
illustrated
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Image: Virgo et Iuvenes Duo
948. Virgo et Iuvenes Duo. Virginem unam exspectebant iuvenes duo, sed locuples tandem formam pauperis vicit. Ut nuptiarum dies advenit, turba concurrit frequens et Hymenaeus coniugalem facem praefert. Pauperi autem asellus erat, qui solebat domino suo quaestum deferre, et puellae parentes casu illum conducunt ut eam vehat. Repente, Veneris misericordia, caelum ventis movetur, intonat fragor, et lux rapitur oculis; grandinis vis trepidos comites dissipat, quemque cogens sibi praesidium petere fuga. Asellus tectum notum subit et voce magna sese venisse indicat. Procurrunt pueri, pulchram virginem aspiciunt et admirantur; deinde domino nuntiant. Ubi nuntiatum est, pauper, gaudio recreatus, Baccho hortante et Venere, dulces perficit nuptias. Filiam quaerunt parentes per praeconem; locuples coniuge amissa dolet. Postquam populo innotuit quid actum esset, omnes caelitum favorem comprobarunt.
M0948 = Perry544. Source: Phaedrus, Perotti’s Appendix 6.16 (adapted into prose; shortened). This is Perry 544. For another story, far more pessimistic, about a donkey and a poor man’s wedding plans, see #1000. Venus (Greek Aphrodite) was the goddess of love, and Bacchus (Greek Dionysus) was the god of wine and rejoicing. Hymenaeus was the Greek god of weddings.
(image: Aphrodite, Dionysus and bride)
M0948 = Perry544. Source: Phaedrus, Perotti’s Appendix 6.16 (adapted into prose; shortened). This is Perry 544. For another story, far more pessimistic, about a donkey and a poor man’s wedding plans, see #1000. Venus (Greek Aphrodite) was the goddess of love, and Bacchus (Greek Dionysus) was the god of wine and rejoicing. Hymenaeus was the Greek god of weddings.
Labels:
illustrated
Monday, December 19, 2011
Image: Pater Senex Domo Eiectus
937. Pater Senex Domo Eiectus. Vir quidam, decrepitae senectutis, domo eiectus a filia, in xenodochio degebat. Conspicatus autem filium illac iter habentem, eum rogavit ut saltem duo lintea ex rebus suis, quas tanto sudore paraverat, sibi mitteret. Qui tandem paternis precibus motus, imperat filio suo puerulo ut expedita ad avum lintea ferret. Puer sagax, et tali dignus patre, unum tantum tulit. Increpatus autem a parente quod non duo, ut iussus erat, attulisset, “Servo,” inquit, “alterum tibi, ut cum decrepitus in xenodochio deges, illud tibi mittam.” Fabula innuit, qua mente in parentes sumus, eadem liberos nostros in nos futuros.
M0937 (not in Perry). Source: Abstemius 174. This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; Perry omitted most of Abstemius’s fables. A xenodochium was a medieval guest-house for pilgrims.
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M0937 (not in Perry). Source: Abstemius 174. This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; Perry omitted most of Abstemius’s fables. A xenodochium was a medieval guest-house for pilgrims.
Labels:
illustrated
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Image: Fur Avarus
909. Fur Avarus. Valde exercitatus fur egregiam et quaestuosam operam quadam nocte dederat, compilatis aliquot divitum arculis. Itaque auro argentoque refertum sacculum portans, etiam in pauperis aedes devenit. Quas scrutans, cum nihil inveniret rerum pretiosarum, in farinarium tandem vasculum incidit. Ne vacuus autem, contra disciplinam suam, discederet, ponit sacculum, in illum congesturus farinam. At paterfamilias, strepitu excitatus de somno et timens victui suo, in furem, telo arrepto, cum clamoribus irruit. Ille territus ex aedibus, sacculo relicto, fuga evadit. At paterfamilias, excusso igne et lumine illato, magnas praeter spem opes reperit; ille, qui farinam relinquere noluisset, auro et argento caruit.
M0909 (not in Perry). Source: Camerarius 372. This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; it is a story found in the Panchatantra tradition. Compare the fable of the greedy monkey, #110.
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M0909 (not in Perry). Source: Camerarius 372. This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; it is a story found in the Panchatantra tradition. Compare the fable of the greedy monkey, #110.
Labels:
illustrated
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Image: Vidua et Asinus Viridis
947. Vidua et Asinus Viridis. Vidua quaedam, coelibatum exosa, nubere cupiebat sed non audebat, verita vulgi irrisiones, qui maledictis eas solet incessere quae ad secundas transeunt nuptias. Sed commater eius quam contemnendae essent populi voces hac arte monstravit. Iussit enim asinum album, quem vidua habebat, viridi colore depingi et per omnes urbis vicos circumduci. Quod cum fieret, tanta admiratio ab initio omnes invaserat ut non solum pueri, verum etiam senes hac re insolita moti, asinum animi gratia concomitarentur. Deinde, cum huiusmodi animal quotidie per urbem duceretur, desierunt admirari. “Itidem,” inquit ad viduam commater, “eveniet tibi. Si enim virum acceperis, per aliquot dies eris fabula vulgi. Deinde hic sermo conticescet.”
M0947 (not in Perry). Source: Abstemius 80. This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; Perry omitted most of Abstemius’s fables. For another story about novelty and familiarity, see the story of the lion, #26, or the camel, #144.
M0947 (not in Perry). Source: Abstemius 80. This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; Perry omitted most of Abstemius’s fables. For another story about novelty and familiarity, see the story of the lion, #26, or the camel, #144.
Labels:
illustrated
Friday, December 16, 2011
Image: Vidua et Arator
946. Vidua et Arator. Mulier quaedam, cum recenter suum virum sepelivisset, quotidie ad tumulum profecta, plorabat. Arans autem quidam, non procul a sepulcro, amore captus est mulieris et, derelictis bobus, ivit et ipse ad tumulum ac sedens una cum muliere plorabat. Cum illa rogaret curnam et ipse sic lugeret, “Quoniam et ego,” inquit, “decentem mulierem sepelivi. Si igitur in eadem incidimus mala, curnam invicem non coniungimur? Ego etenim amabo te ut illam, et tu me rursus ut tuum virum.” His persuasit mulieri, et convenerunt. Interim autem fur profectus et boves solvens abegit. Ille autem reversus, non inventis bobus, plangere vehementer instituit. Profecta igitur et mulier et lamentantem inveniens inquit, “Iterum ploras?” Et ille “Nunc,” ait, “vere ploro.”
M0946 = Perry388. Source: Life of Aesop (translated into Latin; shortened). This is Perry 388. Compare the story of the widow and the soldier, #945.
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M0946 = Perry388. Source: Life of Aesop (translated into Latin; shortened). This is Perry 388. Compare the story of the widow and the soldier, #945.
Labels:
illustrated
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Image: Uxor et Vir, Mercatum Facientes
938. Uxor et Vir, Mercatum Facientes. Vir erat et uxor eius qui Deo voverunt quod non nisi in magnis sollemnitatibus vinum biberent, vel forte cum mercatum facerent. Cum paucis diebus aquam bibissent, coepit homo uxori dicere, “Non possumus hodie omnino abstinere; faciamus mercatum ut possimus bibere vinum.” Et vendidit uxori asinum suum. Sequenti autem die dixit uxor marito, “Eme asinum tuum et bibemus vinum.” Et ita omni die faciebant mercatum ut vinum bibere possent.
M0938 (not in Perry). Source: De Vitry 277. This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; Perry was not systematic in his coverage of medieval sources. For another story about trying to cheat on a vow, see #903.
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M0938 (not in Perry). Source: De Vitry 277. This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; Perry was not systematic in his coverage of medieval sources. For another story about trying to cheat on a vow, see #903.
Labels:
illustrated
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Image: Pater, Filius, et Sclavina
936. Pater, Filius, et Sclavina. Quidam impius homo patrem suum senem faciebat iacere in stabulo et unam vilem sclavinam dederat ei ad induendum. Filius autem illius iniqui hominis valde dolebat de avo suo qui male tractabatur a patre et, accedens ad patrem, ait, “Pater, eme mihi sclavinam.” Cui pater, “Nonne bonas habes vestes? Quid inde vis facere?” “Ego,” inquit, “illam reservabo ut, cum senueris, induam te illa, et tibi faciam sicut facis avo meo, patri scilicet tuo, qui te genuit et nutrivit et quidquid habebat tibi dedit.”
M0936 = Perry624. Source: De Vitry 288. This is Perry 624. The sclavina was a type of rough, shaggy garment worn by pilgrims. In the bestiary tradition, the stork was famous for being pious towards its parents; see #470.
(image: a painting by Gaspare Traversi)
M0936 = Perry624. Source: De Vitry 288. This is Perry 624. The sclavina was a type of rough, shaggy garment worn by pilgrims. In the bestiary tradition, the stork was famous for being pious towards its parents; see #470.
Labels:
illustrated
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Image: Fur et Paterfamilias
908. Fur et Paterfamilias. Quidam paterfamilias, cum iaceret nocte in sua domo, percepit quod fur intendebat intrare domum; et sciens paterfamilias ea quae fur intendebat, dixit intra se, “Silebo huic furi, donec videbo quid agat; et dimittam ipsum, donec congreget omnia quae voluerit. Postmodum vero exsurgam adversus eum et, ablatis omnibus de manu eius, percutiam eum fortiter.” Fecit itaque paterfamilias, et siluit illi furi, donec congregavit omnia quae voluit. Ultimo vero rapuit sopor patremfamilias, et fuit hoc in bonum furis; et abiit fur in viam suam illaesus. Post haec vero excitatus paterfamilias et videns cuncta quae acta fuerant a fure et quia recesserat, cepit conqueri adversus seipsum, et sibi tribuit culpam, sciens sibi non valuisse scientiam, postquam non exercuit illam.
M0908 (not in Perry). Source: Directorium Humanae Vitae 3. This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; it is a story found in the Panchatantra tradition. Compare the fable of the coward who found a golden lion, #979.
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M0908 (not in Perry). Source: Directorium Humanae Vitae 3. This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; it is a story found in the Panchatantra tradition. Compare the fable of the coward who found a golden lion, #979.
Labels:
illustrated
Monday, December 12, 2011
Image: Pueruli Duo Fratres
967. Pueruli Duo Fratres. Natura et communis vitae usus fratres duos puerulos amore mutuo coniunxerat. Unus amborum forte tentatus est levi brevique morbo; venam tamen secari oportuit, sic medico iubente. Quod videns, alter protinus adflere coepit. Secum reputans, aeger ait, “At iste motus pius misericordiae mihi placet; nunc intellego me ab eo amari, magis etiam quam credidi.” Postridie, cum salus prima rediisset, germanum adspexit crustulorum copia instructum; rogat ut partem sibi dare velit. Ille vero negat. “Quid? Mihi lacrimas pias heri dedisti,” ait, “et nunc crustulum negas?” “Nego vere,” alter ait; “Natura dat lacrimas, non crustula.” Nota speciosa sanctam amicitiam saepe testatur, at raro res ipsa fidem facit.
M0967 (not in Perry). Source: Desbillons 1.7 (adapted into prose; shortened). This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; it appears original to Desbillons, as he cites no source. Compare the story of the wolf who is generous when it comes to barley, #262.
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M0967 (not in Perry). Source: Desbillons 1.7 (adapted into prose; shortened). This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; it appears original to Desbillons, as he cites no source. Compare the story of the wolf who is generous when it comes to barley, #262.
Labels:
illustrated
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Image: Arbores Duae
713. Arbores Duae. Quidam habebat arbores duas frugiferi generis. Unam vase ligneo clausit ut ab ingruentis hiemis molestia sub tepenti fornice defenderetur. At alteram posuit in solo patente ut ferret, una cum aliis compluribus, vices quascumque pluviae, frigoris, et aestus. Quid autem accidit? Illa fructus praecoces et malos protulit; haec seros et bonos.
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M0713 (not in Perry). Source: Desbillons 10.6 (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 monkey’s two children, #108.
Labels:
illustrated
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Image: Rosa et Amarantus
738. Rosa et Amarantus. Iuxta rosam enatus fuerat amarantus. Hanc ergo ille admiratur et beatam praedicat, quae aspectu adeo pulchra esset, hominibusque pariter ac diis honorata, non minus ob odorem quam formam. Cui illa, “Ego quidem, O amarante, ad breve tempus floreo vivoque, et licet me nemo decerpet, mea tamen species decora cito interit; tuae vero venustatis elegantia perennis semperque eadem.”
M0738 = Perry369. Source: Dana 11. This is Perry 369. The Greek word “amaranth” means “un-withering,” (compare the English “evergreen”), although it is not clear which plant this Greek word referred to. As a modern botanical term, amaranth refers to a genus of flowering herbs.
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illustrated
Friday, December 9, 2011
Image: Olea et Malus
714. Olea et Malus. Malus arbor oleam irridebat quod exiguas procreasset baccas, cum ipsa et ingentia et quae vix sui rami ferrent mala produxisset. Sed vehementi extorto vento, cum pomorum onere, tum vi turbinis, et poma fere cuncta ceciderunt et rami confracti sunt; olea autem illaesa permansit. Tunc secum malus “Quanto,” inquit, “melius mihi fuisset minores fetus edidisse.”
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M0714 (not in Perry). Source: Abstemius 181. This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; Perry omitted most of Abstemius’s fables. Compare the fable of the partridges and their broods, #529.
Labels:
illustrated
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Image: Phoebus et Terra
743. Phoebus et Terra. Sol Deus, scilicet qui dicitur Phoebus, accepta uxore, genuit alium Solem. Cum autem multi gauderent eo quod duos Soles haberent, Terra lugebat, et mirabantur alii, quaerentes a Terra cur non gauderet. Quibus Terra respondit, “Unus Sol solus iam aliquando siccabat me quod fructificare non poteram; quanto magis duo Soles me siccabunt et sterilem reddent!” Quam fatui qui exsultant dum filii nascuntur dominis suis! Non enim gaudendum est de dominorum pluralitate.
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M0743 (not in Perry). Source: De Vitry 142. This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; Perry was not systematic in his coverage of medieval sources. For a story about the frogs and the sun, see #607. For another fable about having many masters, see the story of the birds and their kings, #434.
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illustrated
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Image: Phoebus et Iris
744. Phoebus et Iris. Tot variis coloribus refulgens species Irim superbam fecerat, sed postmodum, cum ex superba insolens facta fuisset, illa prae se Phoebum contemnere coeperat cui, quamlibet nitido, color inesset unicus. Phoebus sentit et illam respicere desinit, ut superbiam inanem reprimat; simul et color eius et decor omnis vanescit. Hac fabula monentur qui eos vituperant quorum beneficio honores suos debent.
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M0744 (not in Perry). Source: Desbillons 10.18 (adapted into prose). This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; Desbillons cites Richer as his source. Phoebus Apollo was the god of the sun; Iris was the messenger goddess who took the form of a rainbow. Compare the fable of the stream and the spring, #749.
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illustrated
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Image: Amnis et Fons
749. Amnis et Fons. Amnis quidam suum conviciis fontem lacessebat ut inertem, quod immobilis staret nec ullos haberet pisces. Se autem plurimum commendabat, quod optimos crearet pisces et per valles blando murmure serperet. Indignatus fons in amnem velut ingratum undas repressit. Tunc amnis, et piscibus et dulci sono privatus, evanuit. Haec fabula eos notat, qui bona quae agunt sibi arrogant, non Deo attribuunt, a quo ceu largo fonte nostra bona procedunt.
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M0749 (not in Perry). Source: Abstemius 57. This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; Perry omitted most of Abstemius’s fables. Compare the fable of the rainbow and the sun, #744.
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illustrated
Monday, December 5, 2011
Image: Remi et Clavus
765. Remi et Clavus. Remi quondam clavum increpare coeperant; dictitabant hanc inertiam eius esse quod, verberandis fluctibus, abstineret et staret semper fixus. Dum sic tumultuantes obstrepunt, ratis appropinquavit ad saxa quaedam occulta. Remi damnum sentiunt; unus et mox alter, et mox tertius illiditur. At clavus, motu levi reflexus, ratem omni periculo liberat, et “Discite,” inquit, “quam non sint inutiles qui providentes rem publicam gubernant.”
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M0765 (not in Perry). Source: Desbillons 11.11 (adapted into prose). This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; Desbillons cites Alberti as his source. For other fables about storms and the sea, see #845 or #928.
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illustrated
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Image: Iuppiter, Terra, et Mare
776. Iuppiter, Terra, et Mare. Olim Aesopus fabulator, otium agens, in navale ingressus est. Quem cum navium fabricatores vidissent et provocassent ut fabellam narraret, sic ille exorsus est: “Erat olim Chaos et Aqua. Iuppiter autem, cum Terram quoque, quae Mari obruta erat, expromere vellet, eam admonebat ut uno atque altero haustu Mare absorberet. Terra itaque, id opus aggrediens, primo quidem haustu montes emisit, secundo vero planitiem patefecit; quod si tertium quoque haustum addidisset et aquam absorbuisset, ars vestra inutilis esset.”
(Iuppiter)
M0776 = Perry008. Source: De Furia 375. This is Perry 8. This fable is also found in Aristotle, Meteorologica 2.3, with these two differences: in Aristotle, Aesop tells the story in anger to a ferryman, and it is the monstrous whirlpool Charybdis who imbibes the waters.
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illustrated
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Illustrated: Mus et Leo
208. Mus et Leo. Circum leonem dormientem lascive discurrebant musculi, quorum unus in dorsum eius insiluit. Captus autem a leone experrecto excusavit imprudentiam gratiasque se ei habiturum esse pollicitus est, si vitae parceret. Leo, etsi erat ira commotus, ignovit tamen musculo precanti, et tam contemptam bestiolam dimisit incolumem. Paulo post, incautius praedam vestigans leo in laqueos incidit, quibus adstrictus rugitum maximum edidit. Accurrit musculus, cernensque vinculis detentum qui sibi dudum vitam petenti concesserat, arrepsit ad laqueos eosque corrosit. Hoc modo cum leonem periculo liberasset, “Tibi,” inquit, “ludibrio eram, quasi nullum vicissim beneficium praestare possem; nunc scias etiam murem gratias referre posse.”
Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Crane images. I really like the way that Crane has combined here the traditional Aesopic fable of the lion and the mouse along with the variation (found first in Abstemius, I believe) where the mouse wants to marry the lioness!
Click here for a SLIDESHOW of all the Crane images. I really like the way that Crane has combined here the traditional Aesopic fable of the lion and the mouse along with the variation (found first in Abstemius, I believe) where the mouse wants to marry the lioness!
M0208 = Perry150. Source: Yenni 19. This is Perry 150. To find out what the mouse asked for after freeing the lion from the net, see #209. For a completely different kind of ending, see what happened when the mouse helped an eagle, #412. For another story about animal gratitude, see the fable of the ant and the dove, #646.
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illustrated
Image: Heros in Somnio
807. Heros in Somnio. Quidam, herois simulacrum domi habens, ei splendidissime sacrificabat. Cum vero multa continuo in sacrificiis instruendis insumeret impenderetque, noctu ei heros in somnis adstans, “Desine,” inquit, “amice, rem tuam familiarem absumere! Nam si, absumptis omnibus, in paupertatem incideris, me protinus accusabis.”
M0807 = Perry110. Source: De Furia 80. This is Perry 110. The spirits of dead heroes were worshipped in ancient Greece. In the Republic 427b, Plato divides divine worship into three categories: gods, daemons, and heroes, in that order. Compare the story of Fortune and the boy asleep by the well, #813.
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illustrated
Friday, December 2, 2011
Image: Rusticus, Canis, et Iurisconsultus
820. Rusticus, Canis, et Iurisconsultus. Praeclarus iurisconsultus publicos ludos quondam spectabat. Subito vir rusticus occurrit. “Da mihi,” inquit, “responsum, o vir praeclare; canis divitis vicini meum agrum intravit, necavitque tres pullos. Quantam tu mulctam domino canis imponis?” “Quattuor asses,” respondit iurisconsultus. “Da mihi igitur asses,” inquit rusticus; “tuus enim canis erat reus.” “Res aequa est,” iterum respondit iurisconsultus, “et libenter tibi quattuor asses dabo. At tu primum numera mihi quinque asses, numquam enim iurisconsulti sine mercede dant responsa.”
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M0820 (not in Perry). Source: Gradatim 21, where the story is attributed to a certain lawyer named “Roscius.” This fable is not included in Perry’s catalog. For another joking story about a lawyer, see the farmer and his goat, #821.
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illustrated
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Image: Servus Nihil Faciens
955. Servus Nihil Faciens. Vir quidam verberibus castigabat servum maxime ob pigritiam. Hic clamare coepit, “Cur me verberas? Nihil enim feci.” At “Propter id ipsum,” respondit herus, “te verbero, quod nihil fecisti.”
M0955 (not in Perry). Source: Heidelberg 27. This fable is not in Perry’s catalog. Compare the excuses made by a lazy young man, #968.
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M0955 (not in Perry). Source: Heidelberg 27. This fable is not in Perry’s catalog. Compare the excuses made by a lazy young man, #968.
Labels:
illustrated
Image: Simonides Naufragus
868. Simonides Naufragus. Simonides melos egregium scripsit, quo paupertatem facilius sustineret, laudem victorum canens, mercede accepta. Postquam locuples factus est, redire in patriam voluit; navem ascendit, quam tempestas medio mari dissolvit. Hi zonas, illi res pretiosas colligunt. Quidam curiosior “Simonide,” inquit, “ex opibus tuis nil sumis?” “Mecum,” respondet, “mea sunt cuncta.” Tunc pauci enatant, quia plures onere degravati perierant. Praedones adsunt, rapiunt quod quisque extulit, et nudos relinquunt. Forte prope fuit urbs quam naufragi petierunt. Hic quidam, litterarum studio deditus, qui saepe Simonidis versus legerat, ad se recepit; veste, nummis, familia eum exornavit. Ceteri tabulam suam portant, victum rogantes. Quos casu obvios Simonides ut vidit, “Dixi,” inquit, “mea mecum esse cuncta; quod vos rapuistis, perit.” Homo doctus in se semper divitias habet.
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M0868 = Perry519. Source: Phaedrus 4.22 (adapted into prose; shortened). This is Perry 519. The shipwreck survivors of ancient Greece would carry around tabulae, placards that described, or depicted, the cause of their misfortune.
Labels:
illustrated
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