The Fables of Ph?drus Literally translated into English prose with notes
    No one returns with good will to the place which has done him a mischief.

    Her months completed,

     I.20

    a Woman in labour lay upon the ground, uttering woful moans. Her Husband entreated her to lay her body on the bed, where she might with more ease deposit her ripe burden. “I feel far from confident,” said she, “that my pains can end in the place where they originated.”

    The fair words of a wicked man are fraught with treachery, and the subjoined lines warn us to shun them.

    A Bitch, ready to whelp,

     I.21

    having entreated another that she might give birth to her offspring in her kennel, easily obtained the favour. Afterwards, on the other asking for her place back again, she renewed her entreaties, earnestly begging for a short time, until she might be enabled to lead forth her whelps when they had gained sufficient strength. This time being also expired,

     the other

    began more urgently to press for her abode: “If” said

     the tenant

    , “you can be a match for me and my litter, I will depart from the place.”

    An ill-judged project is not only without effect, but also lures mortals to their destruction.

    Some Dogs espied a raw hide sunk in a river. In order that they might more easily get it out and devour it, they fell to drinking up the water; they burst, however, and perished before they could reach what they sought.

    Whoever has fallen from a previous high estate, is in his calamity the butt even of cowards.

    As a Lion, worn out with years, and deserted by his strength, lay drawing his last breath, a Wild Boar came up to him, with flashing tusks,

     I.22

    and with a blow revenged an old affront. Next, with hostile horns, a Bull pierced the body of his foe. An Ass, on seeing the wild beast maltreated with impunity, tore up his forehead with his heels. On this, expiring, he

     said


 Prev. P 20/250 next 
Back Top
Privacy Statement Terms of Service Contact