Part 12 (1/2)

PROLOGUE.

If I shall anywhere insert the name of aesop, to whom I have already rendered every {honor} that was his due, know that it is for the sake of {his} authority, just as some statuaries do in our day, who obtain a much greater price for their productions, if they inscribe the name of Praxiteles on their marbles, and Myron[1] on their polished silver.

{Therefore} let {these} Fables obtain a hearing. Carping envy more readily favours the works of antiquity than those of the present day.

But now I turn to a Fable, with a moral to the purpose.

[Footnote V.1: _And Myron_)--Ver. 7. Myron was a famous sculptor, statuary, and engraver, of Greece. He was a native of Eleutherae, in Botia, and according to Petronius Arbiter, died in extreme poverty.]

FABLE I.

DEMETRIUS AND MENANDER.

Demetrius,[2] who was called Phalereus, unjustly took possession of the sovereignty of Athens. The mob, according to their usual practice, rush from all quarters vying with each other, and cheer him, and wish him joy. Even the chief men kiss the hand by which they are oppressed, while they silently lament the sad vicissitudes of fortune. Moreover, those who live in retirement, and take their ease, come creeping in last of all, that their absence may not injure them. Among these Menander, famous[3] for his Comedies (which Demetrius, who did not know him, had read, and had admired the genius of the man), perfumed with unguents, and clad in a flowing robe, came with a mincing and languid step. As soon as the Tyrant caught sight of him at the end of the train: ”What effeminate wretch,” said he, ”is this, who presumes to come into my presence?” Those near him made answer: ”This is Menander the Poet.”

Changed in an instant, he exclaimed: ”A more agreeable looking man could not possibly exist.”

[Footnote V.2: _Called Phalereus_)--Ver. 1. Demetrius Phalereus, the statesman, philosopher, and ruler of Athens, was so called from the Attic demus, or borough of Phalerus, where he was born. He died in exile in Egypt, according to some accounts, of the bite of a serpent. There seems no good reason for giving to his rule over the Athenians the epithet of ”improb.u.m,” found in the next line, although in the latter years of his government he gave himself up in a great measure to sensual pursuits.]

[Footnote V.3: _Menander, famous_)--Ver. 9. Menander, the inventor of the New Comedy. Some of the Comedies of Terence are Translations from his works.]

FABLE II.

THE TRAVELLERS AND THE ROBBER.

Two Soldiers having fallen in with a Robber, one fled, while the other stood his ground, and defended himself with a stout right-hand. The Robber slain, his cowardly companion comes running up, and draws his sword; then throwing back his travelling cloak,[4] says: ”Let's have him;” ”I'll take care he shall soon know whom he attacks.” On this, he who had vanquished {the robber made answer}: ”I wish you had seconded me just now at least with those words; I should have been still more emboldened, believing them true; now keep your sword quiet, as well as your silly tongue, that you may be able to deceive others who don't know you. I, who have experienced with what speed you take to your heels, know full well that no dependence is to be placed upon your valour.”

This story may be applied to him who is courageous in prosperity, in times of danger takes to flight.

[Footnote V.4: _His travelling cloak_)--Ver. 5. The ”paenula”

was a travelling-cloak made of leather or wool, with a hood attached to it, to cover the head.]

FABLE III.

THE BALD MAN AND THE FLY.

A Fly bit the bare pate of a Bald Man; who, endeavouring to crush it, gave himself a heavy blow. Then said the Fly jeeringly: ”You wanted to revenge the sting of a tiny insect with death; what will you do to yourself, who have added insult to injury?” {The Man} made answer: ”I am easily reconciled to myself, because I know that there was no intention of doing harm. But you, worthless insect, and one of a contemptible race, who take a delight in drinking human blood, I could wish to destroy you, even at a heavier penalty.”

This Fable teaches that pardon is to be granted to him who errs through mistake. But him who is designedly mischievous, I deem to be deserving of {any} punishment.

FABLE IV.

THE MAN AND THE a.s.s.

A Man having sacrificed a young boar to the G.o.d Hercules, to whom he owed performance of a vow {made} for the preservation of his health, ordered the remains of the barley to be set for the a.s.s. But he refused {to touch it}, and said: ”I would most willingly accept your food, if he who had been fed upon it had not had his throat cut.”

Warned by the significance of this Fable, I have always been careful to avoid the gain that exposed to hazard. ”But,” say you, ”those who have got riches by rapine, are {still} in possession of them.” Come, then, let us enumerate those, who, being detected, have come to a bad end; you will find that those {so} punished const.i.tute a great majority.

Rashness brings luck to a few, misfortune to most.