M0307 (not in Perry). Source: Abstemius 83. This fable is not in Perry’s catalog; Perry omitted most of Abstemius’s fables. Compare the fable of the sheep complaining about the dog, #370, or the debate between the pigeon and the farmer, #518.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Image: Ovis et Pastoris Minae
307. Ovis et Pastoris Minae. Ovis conviciabatur pastori quod non contentus lacte quod in usum suum filiorumque ab ea mulgebat, insuper vellere illam denudaret. Tunc pastor, iratus, filium eius trahebat ad mortem. “Ecquid,” inquit ovis, “peius mihi facere potes?” “Ut te,” inquit pastor, “occidam et lupis canibusque proiiciam devorandam.” Siluit ovis, maiora adhuc mala formidans. Haec fabula indicat non debere homines in Deum excandescere, si divitias, si filios ipsis permittat auferri, cum etiam maiora et viventibus et mortuis possit inferre supplicia.
Labels:
illustrated