M0136 (not in Perry). Source: Camerarius 269 (shortened). This fable is not included in Perry’s catalog. By contrast, compare the story of the bull who wanted to get rid of his horns, #281.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Image: Ursus Cornua Cupiens
136. Ursus Cornua Cupiens. Quaerebat ex urso lupus quare caput semper demissum gereret. “Quia,” inquit ursus, “debile illud est et infirmum.” “At tu,” inquit lupus, “cornibus armato, quemadmodum armata esse capita taurorum cernis.” “Quis hoc,” inquit ursus “praestare mihi poterit?” “Multa,” inquit lupus, “homines norunt, quos Natura singulari ingenio et industria instruxit. Inter eos igitur huius rei artificem quaeres.” Ursus paruit monitis lupi, et hominem invenit tandem qui cornua se additurum ipsi profiteretur. Tum artifex “Nunc perforabo,” inquit, “eam capitis partem, cui tu potissimum inseri cornua volueris.” “Minime,” inquit ursus; “desiperem enim, si hoc fieri permitterem.” “At ego aliter,” inquit artifex, “cornutum te reddere non potero.” “Carebo igitur,” inquit ursus, “potius cornibus, quorum cupiditas utinam non aures mutilasset meas.”
