Aesop's Fables · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Aesop's Fables by Aesop.
Chapter 1
Fables
A collection of moral tales featuring anthropomorphic animals and mythical beings, each illustrating lessons about human nature, virtue, and folly.
Chapter 2
The Fox and the Grapes
A hungry Fox tries repeatedly to reach some grapes hanging high on a trellis, but fails. He then walks away dismissively, claiming the grapes were sour anyway.
Chapter 3
The Goose That Laid the Golden Eggs
A Man and his Wife, blessed with a goose that lays a golden egg each day, grow impatient with their gradual wealth and kill the goose hoping to get all the gold at once, only to find the bird ordinary inside, losing both their daily treasure and any chance of sudden riches.
Chapter 4
The Cat and the Mice
A Cat infiltrates a house overrun with Mice, devouring them one by one. The Mice retreat to their holes, so the Cat feigns death by hanging from a peg to lure them out. A Mouse sees through the trick and warns the others not to be deceived by someone once proven dangerous.
Chapter 5
The Mischievous Dog
A dog that bites without provocation is given a bell by his master as a warning to others. The dog mistakes the bell for a mark of honor, but an older dog corrects him, explaining it is a badge of disgrace. The fable warns against confusing notoriety with fame.
Chapter 6
The Charcoal-Burner and the Fuller
A Charcoal-burner invites a Fuller to share his house to reduce expenses and build friendship, but the Fuller declines, explaining that the charcoal dust would ruin his efforts to whiten cloth.
Chapter 7
The Mice in Council
The Mice hold a council to discuss how to protect themselves from the cat. A young Mouse proposes hanging a bell around the cat's neck to warn of its approach. The plan is applauded until an old Mouse asks who will actually perform the dangerous task, highlighting the gap between idea and execution.
Chapter 8
The Bat and the Weasels
A Bat, caught twice by different Weasels, escapes each time by claiming to be what it is not—first a mouse, then a bird—illustrating the value of adaptability and knowing when to change one's story.
Chapter 9
The Dog and the Sow
A Dog and a Sow argue over whose offspring are superior. The Sow claims victory by pointing out that her piglets are born with sight, while puppies are born blind.
Chapter 10
The Fox and the Crow
A Crow, holding a piece of cheese, is flattered by a Fox's praise of her beauty and voice. When she caws to prove her singing, she drops the cheese, which the Fox snatches, remarking that she lacks wits.
Chapter 11
The Horse and the Groom
A Groom spends excessive time grooming a Horse while secretly stealing and selling its oats. The Horse's condition deteriorates, and it finally advises the Groom that proper feeding is more important than excessive grooming.
Chapter 12
The Wolf and the Lamb
A Wolf encounters a stray Lamb and, seeking a pretext to justify killing it, accuses the Lamb of various offenses. The Lamb refutes each accusation with simple logic, but the Wolf ultimately abandons pretense and devours the Lamb anyway.
Chapter 13
The Peacock and the Crane
A Peacock mocks a Crane for its plain feathers, boasting about its own brilliant colors. The Crane acknowledges the Peacock's beauty but points out that its own ability to soar into the clouds far surpasses the Peacock's earthbound existence.
Chapter 14
The Cat and the Birds
A Cat disguises himself as a doctor to gain entry to an aviary of ailing Birds, but the Birds see through his disguise and refuse to let him in, illustrating that a villain may disguise himself but cannot deceive the wise.
Chapter 15
The Spendthrift and the Swallow
A Spendthrift who has squandered his fortune sees a Swallow in early spring and, assuming summer has arrived, sells his coat. A sudden frost kills the Swallow, and the Spendthrift, now without his coat, perishes from the cold, illustrating that one swallow does not make summer.
Chapter 16
The Old Woman and the Doctor
An Old Woman, nearly blind, agrees to pay a Doctor a high fee only if he cures her. The Doctor treats her but steals her possessions during each visit. When her sight is restored, she finds her house empty and refuses to pay. In court, she argues that she is blinder than ever, since she can no longer see her belongings, winning the case.
Chapter 17
The Moon and Her Mother
The Moon asks her Mother for a gown, but her Mother points out that the Moon's constantly changing shape makes it impossible to create a garment that would fit.
Chapter 18
Mercury and the Woodman
A Woodman loses his axe in a river and laments his loss. Mercury appears, retrieves a golden axe and then a silver axe, but the Woodman honestly denies they are his. Mercury finally retrieves the original axe and rewards his honesty with the other two. When a dishonest companion tries the same trick, Mercury exposes his greed and leaves him empty-handed, teaching that honesty is the best policy.
Chapter 19
The Ass, the Fox, and the Lion
An Ass and a Fox form a partnership to forage for food, but when they encounter a Lion, the Fox betrays the Ass by leading him into a hunter's pit in exchange for his own freedom. The Lion, however, turns on the Fox first, killing him before feasting on the Ass, illustrating that betraying a friend often leads to one's own ruin.
Chapter 20
The Lion and the Mouse
A Lion is woken by a Mouse and spares its life after the Mouse promises to repay the kindness. Later, the Lion is trapped in a hunter's net, and the Mouse gnaws through the ropes to free him, proving that even the smallest creature can help the mightiest.
Chapter 21
The Crow and the Pitcher
A thirsty Crow finds a pitcher with a small amount of water at the bottom, too low to reach with her beak. After trying and failing, she devises a clever plan: she drops pebbles into the pitcher, causing the water level to rise until she can drink. The fable illustrates that necessity inspires inventive solutions.
Chapter 22
The Boys and the Frogs
Mischievous boys amuse themselves by throwing stones at frogs in a pond, killing several. One frog pleads with them to stop, explaining that what is sport to the boys is death to the frogs.
Chapter 23
The North Wind and the Sun
The North Wind and the Sun argue over who is stronger and agree to test their powers on a traveler. The North Wind blows fiercely but only makes the traveler cling tighter to his cloak. The Sun gently warms the traveler, who willingly removes his cloak. The fable concludes that persuasion is more effective than force.
Chapter 24
The Mistress and Her Servants
A thrifty widow keeps her two servants hard at work, waking them at cockcrow. The servants, resenting the early hour, kill the rooster to sleep longer. But without the rooster, the mistress wakes them even earlier, making their situation worse.
Chapter 25
The Goods and the Ills
In the youth of the world, Goods and Ills were equally balanced in human affairs, but mankind's foolishness caused Ills to multiply and threaten to banish Goods from earth. The Goods fled to heaven and complained to Jupiter, who decreed that Goods would henceforth visit men singly and rarely, while Ills roam freely and frequently. Thus, the earth is full of Ills, and Goods are seldom seen.
Chapter 26
The Hares and the Frogs
The Hares, despairing of their constant fear of predators, decide to drown themselves in a pool. However, when their approach frightens the Frogs into hiding, a wise Hare points out that there are creatures even more timid than themselves, giving them renewed courage.
Chapter 27
The Fox and the Stork
The Fox invites the Stork to dinner but serves soup in a shallow dish, which the Stork cannot eat. The Stork retaliates by inviting the Fox to dinner and serving food in a narrow-necked pitcher, which the Fox cannot access, teaching him a lesson in fairness.
Chapter 28
The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing
A Wolf disguises himself in a sheepskin to prey on a flock undetected, but is mistakenly killed by the shepherd who mistakes him for a sheep.
Chapter 29
The Stag in the Ox-Stall
A stag, fleeing from hounds, hides in an ox-stall under a pile of hay. The oxen warn him that he is not safe, but he is confident he can escape at night. Although the farmhands do not notice him, the master's keen eye discovers the stag when he comes to check on the cattle, and the stag is captured and killed.
Chapter 30
The Milkmaid and Her Pail
A farmer's daughter, while carrying a pail of milk on her head, daydreams about turning the milk into cream, butter, and eventually money to buy a new gown and attract suitors. In her excitement, she tosses her head, spilling the milk and destroying all her imagined plans. The fable warns against counting one's chickens before they are hatched.
Chapter 31
The Dolphins, the Whales, and the Sprat
The Dolphins and Whales engage in a fierce battle, and a Sprat attempts to mediate peace, but is contemptuously dismissed by a Dolphin who prefers to fight to the death rather than be reconciled by such an insignificant creature.
Chapter 32
The Fox and the Monkey
A Fox and a Monkey argue about their noble lineage while traveling. The Monkey claims that the monuments in a cemetery honor his ancestors, but the Fox quickly exposes the lie, noting that the dead cannot contradict him. The fable warns that boasters brag most when they cannot be detected.
Chapter 33
The Ass and the Lapdog
An Ass, jealous of the Lapdog's pampered life, tries to imitate the dog's playful behavior but only causes chaos and is beaten back to the stable, realizing he should have been content with his own honorable position.
Chapter 34
The Fir-Tree and the Bramble
A Fir-tree boasts to a Bramble about its usefulness in building houses, but the Bramble retorts that the Fir-tree will regret its value when it is cut down by men with axes and saws, while the Bramble remains unbothered. The moral emphasizes that poverty without care is preferable to wealth with burdens.
Chapter 35
The Frogs’ Complaint Against the Sun
The Frogs, fearing the Sun's marriage and the potential for more suns to worsen their plight, cry out to Jupiter in protest.
Chapter 36
The Dog, the Cock, and the Fox
A Dog and a Cock travel together as friends. At night, the Cock roosts in a tree while the Dog sleeps in the hollow trunk. In the morning, the Cock's crowing attracts a Fox, who flatters the Cock to lure him down. The Cock cleverly asks the Fox to wake his 'porter' (the Dog), and when the Fox raps on the trunk, the Dog springs out and kills him.
Chapter 37
The Gnat and the Bull
A gnat lands on a bull's horn and, after resting, asks if it may leave. The bull, indifferent, replies that it neither noticed the gnat's arrival nor its departure, illustrating how we often overestimate our own importance.
Chapter 38
The Bear and the Travellers
Two travellers encounter a bear; one climbs a tree to hide while the other feigns death. After the bear leaves, the hidden traveller asks what the bear whispered, learning that true friendship is tested in times of danger.
Chapter 39
The Slave and the Lion
A cruelly treated slave escapes to the desert, finds a lion's den, and removes a thorn from the lion's paw. The grateful lion befriends him. When the slave returns to town, he is captured and sentenced to be thrown to beasts in the arena. The lion released is his old friend, who spares him, leading to both being freed.
Chapter 40
The Flea and the Man
A man, repeatedly bitten by a flea, finally catches it and, despite the flea's pleas for mercy, kills it on the principle that any harm, however small, must be eradicated.
Chapter 41
The Bee and Jupiter
A Queen Bee from Hymettus presents fresh honey to Jupiter, who is so pleased that he promises to grant any wish. The Bee asks for stings to kill humans who steal honey. Jupiter, though displeased because he loves mankind, keeps his word but makes the stings fatal to the bee itself, illustrating that evil wishes often harm the one who makes them.
Chapter 42
The Oak and the Reeds
An Oak, proud of its strength, is uprooted by a storm and thrown into a river. It asks the Reeds how they survived despite their frailty. The Reeds explain that they survived by bending and yielding to the wind, while the Oak's stubborn resistance led to its downfall.
Chapter 43
The Blind Man and the Cub
A blind man with a keen sense of touch is given a wolf cub to identify. Though he cannot determine whether it is a wolf or a fox cub, he knows it should not be trusted near a sheepfold, illustrating that evil tendencies are evident early.
Chapter 44
The Boy and the Snails
A farmer's boy collects snails to roast over a fire, but when the snails retreat into their shells and hiss from the heat, the boy scolds them for whistling while their homes are burning.
Chapter 45
The Apes and the Two Travellers
Two travellers, one a habitual liar and the other a truth-teller, arrive in the land of Apes. The Ape King, seated in state with his subjects arrayed around him, asks each for their opinion of him and his court. The liar flatters the King with grand praise and receives a rich reward. The truth-teller, expecting an even greater reward for honesty, bluntly calls the King and his subjects 'fine Apes,' which so enrages the King that he orders the truth-teller to be clawed to death.
Chapter 46
The Ass and His Burdens
A Pedlar's Ass learns to lighten his load by falling in a stream, but when his master tricks him with sponges, the Ass ends up with an even heavier burden.
Chapter 47
The Shepherd’s Boy and the Wolf
A shepherd's boy repeatedly tricks villagers by falsely crying 'Wolf!' for amusement. When a real wolf appears, his cries are ignored, and the wolf kills many sheep. The fable warns that liars are not believed even when they tell the truth.
Chapter 48
The Fox and the Goat
A Fox falls into a well and cannot escape. When a thirsty Goat arrives, the Fox tricks him into jumping down by praising the water. After the Goat drinks, the Fox uses the Goat's back and horns to climb out, then abandons him, advising that one should look before leaping.
Chapter 49
The Fisherman and the Sprat
A Fisherman catches a small Sprat, which begs to be released, promising to be of greater use when it grows larger. The Fisherman refuses, preferring to keep what he has rather than risk losing it for an uncertain future gain.
Chapter 50
The Boasting Traveller
A man returns from his travels with boastful tales, claiming to have performed an extraordinary jump in Rhodes. When challenged to prove his claim by jumping on the spot, he is unable to do so, illustrating that actions speak louder than words.
Chapter 51
The Crab and His Mother
An Old Crab criticizes her son for walking sideways, but when she tries to demonstrate walking straight herself, she fails, realizing that setting a good example is more effective than giving advice.
Chapter 52
The Ass and His Shadow
A man hires an ass for a summer journey, but when he tries to rest in the ass's shadow, the owner disputes his right to it. Their argument escalates into a fight, and while they quarrel, the ass escapes.
Chapter 53
The Farmer and His Sons
A dying farmer tells his sons that a treasure is buried in his vineyard. After his death, they dig thoroughly but find no treasure; however, the well-turned soil yields an abundant grape harvest, teaching that hard work itself is the true reward.
Chapter 54
The Dog and the Cook
A dog invites a friend to his master's banquet, but the friend is thrown out by the cook before he can eat. To save face, the friend claims he drank too much and doesn't remember leaving.
Chapter 55
The Monkey as King
The Monkey is elected king by the animals after delighting them with his dancing. The Fox, disgusted by this, tricks the Monkey into a trap by offering him a piece of meat, leading to the Monkey's capture and the Fox's mockery of his foolishness.
Chapter 56
The Thieves and the Cock
Thieves break into a house and steal a Cock. When about to kill it for supper, the Cock pleads for its life by claiming it is useful for waking honest men to work. The Thief, however, argues that the Cock's crowing makes it harder for thieves to earn a living, and kills it anyway.
Chapter 57
The Farmer and Fortune
A farmer discovers a pot of gold while ploughing and, overjoyed, begins making daily offerings to the Goddess of the Earth. Fortune appears and rebukes him for thanking the Earth instead of Fortune, who gave him the gift. Fortune warns that if he loses the gold, he will surely blame her. The fable teaches that gratitude should be given where it is truly due.
Chapter 58
Jupiter and the Monkey
Jupiter offers a prize to the beast with the most beautiful offspring. The Monkey presents her hairless, flat-nosed baby, which the gods laugh at, but she insists her child is the most beautiful.
Chapter 59
Father and Sons
A man with quarreling sons teaches them the value of unity by having them try to break a bundle of sticks together, then individually. The sons learn that united they are strong, but divided they are weak.
Chapter 60
The Lamp
A Lamp, filled with oil, boasts that it shines brighter than the sun, but a puff of wind blows it out. When relit, it is reminded that even the stars do not need to be relit, humbling its pride.
Chapter 61
The Owl and the Birds
The wise Owl warns the Birds three times about future dangers—an oak sprout that will grow mistletoe for birdlime, flax seed that will become nets, and an archer who will use their own feathers for arrows—but they dismiss her as mad. When her predictions come true, they seek her counsel, but she now refuses to advise them, brooding on their folly.
Chapter 62
The Ass in the Lion's Skin
An Ass finds a lion's skin and uses it to frighten others, but his braying reveals his true identity to the Fox.
Chapter 63
The She-Goats and Their Beards
Jupiter grants beards to the She-Goats at their request, causing the he-Goats to protest. Jupiter dismisses their concerns, noting that a tuft of hair does not change the fundamental strength disparity between the sexes.
Chapter 64
The Old Lion
An aging Lion, unable to hunt by force, uses cunning by pretending to be sick in a cave and devouring animals that come to visit. A Fox, suspicious of the situation, notices that all footprints lead into the cave but none come out, and wisely refuses to enter.
Chapter 65
The Boy Bathing
A Boy bathing in a river gets out of his depth and cries for help. A passerby scolds him for his carelessness instead of rescuing him. The Boy pleads for assistance before reproach, illustrating that in a crisis, practical help is more valuable than advice.
Chapter 66
The Quack Frog
A Frog claims to be a learned physician, but a Fox points out his hypocrisy by noting that he cannot even cure his own physical ailments, illustrating the folly of pretending to be what one is not.
Chapter 67
The Swollen Fox
A hungry fox finds food in a hollow tree, eats greedily, and becomes too swollen to escape. Another fox advises him to wait until he shrinks back to his normal size.
Chapter 68
The Mouse, the Frog, and the Hawk
A Mouse and a Frog form an ill-matched friendship, tied together by a thread. The Frog drags the Mouse into the water, where the Mouse drowns. A Hawk then seizes the Mouse, and the Frog, still tied to the Mouse, is carried off and eaten as well.
Chapter 69
The Boy and the Nettles
A boy is stung by a nettle while gathering berries and complains to his mother that he only touched it lightly. She explains that firmness, not timidity, is the proper approach to a nettle.
Chapter 70
The Peasant and the Apple-Tree
A peasant decides to cut down his barren apple tree, but sparrows and grasshoppers beg him to spare it for their shelter and song. He ignores them and begins chopping, only to discover the tree is hollow and filled with bees and honey. Delighted, he spares the tree, revealing that utility is the true measure of worth.
Chapter 71
The Jackdaw and the Pigeons
A jackdaw disguises himself as a pigeon to share their food, but his chatter reveals his true identity, leading to rejection by both the pigeons and his own kind.
Chapter 72
Jupiter and the Tortoise
Jupiter invites all animals to a banquet celebrating his marriage, but the Tortoise declines, claiming he prefers home. Angered by this slight, Jupiter decrees that the Tortoise must carry his house on his back forever, unable to leave home.
Chapter 73
The Dog in the Manger
A dog selfishly prevents cattle from eating hay in a manger, even though he himself cannot eat it, leading one of the cattle to condemn his behavior.
Chapter 74
The Two Bags
Every man carries two bags: one in front filled with his neighbors' faults, and one behind filled with his own. This explains why people are quick to see the faults of others but remain blind to their own.
Chapter 75
The Oxen and the Axletrees
A pair of oxen, while pulling a heavy wagon, are annoyed by the loud creaking of the axletrees. They rebuke the axletrees for complaining loudly despite doing none of the work, illustrating that those who suffer least often complain the most.
Chapter 76
The Boy and the Filberts
A boy greedily grabs a handful of filberts from a jar but cannot pull his hand out because the neck is too narrow. Unwilling to let go, he cries until a bystander advises him to be content with half the amount, teaching that trying to take too much at once leads to trouble.
Chapter 77
The Frogs Asking for a King
The Frogs, discontented with having no ruler, ask Jupiter for a king. Jupiter sends a log, which they soon despise, so they request a better king. Annoyed, Jupiter sends a Stork that devours them.
Chapter 78
The Olive-Tree and the Fig-Tree
An Olive-tree mocks a Fig-tree for losing its leaves each autumn while she remains evergreen. However, when a heavy snowfall comes, the Olive's leaves catch the snow, causing her to bend and break under the weight, while the Fig's bare branches let the snow fall through harmlessly, allowing it to survive and bear fruit again.
Chapter 79
The Lion and the Boar
A Lion and a Boar, both thirsty, arrive at a spring simultaneously and begin to quarrel over who should drink first. Their argument escalates into a fierce fight until they pause and notice vultures waiting to feast on the loser. This realization prompts them to reconcile, concluding that friendship is preferable to becoming prey.
Chapter 80
The Walnut-Tree
A walnut tree growing by the roadside produces abundant nuts each year, but passersby throw sticks and stones at its branches to knock down the fruit, causing the tree great suffering. The tree laments that those who enjoy its fruit repay it with insults and blows.
Chapter 81
The Man and the Lion
A Man and a Lion argue about which species is superior, with the Man pointing to a statue of a Man strangling a Lion as proof. The Lion counters that if Lions made statues, the roles would be reversed, illustrating that perspective shapes truth.
Chapter 82
The Tortoise and the Eagle
A discontented Tortoise, envious of birds, begs an Eagle to teach him to fly. Despite the Eagle's warnings that nature did not give him wings, the Tortoise insists with promises of treasure. The Eagle eventually carries him high into the sky and releases him, causing the Tortoise to fall and be dashed to pieces on a rock.
Chapter 83
The Kid on the Housetop
A Kid climbs onto a roof to graze and mocks a passing Wolf, who responds that the Kid's bravery comes from his safe position, not from his own courage.
Chapter 84
The Fox Without a Tail
A fox loses its tail in a trap and, ashamed of its appearance, tries to convince the other foxes to cut off their tails as well. Another fox sees through the deception, pointing out that the advice is only given because of the fox's own loss.
Chapter 85
The Vain Jackdaw
Jupiter announces a contest to choose the most beautiful bird as king. The Jackdaw, ashamed of his own plumage, collects discarded feathers from other birds and adorns himself, appearing the most beautiful. On the day of judgment, the other birds expose him by stripping away his borrowed feathers, revealing his true nature.
Chapter 86
The Traveller and His Dog
A Traveller, eager to depart, chides his Dog for yawning and urges him to prepare for the journey. The Dog calmly responds that he is already ready and has been waiting for his master.
Chapter 87
The Shipwrecked Man and the Sea
A shipwrecked man, after being cast ashore, wakes and reproaches the Sea for its deceptive calm that leads sailors to destruction. The Sea, personified as a woman, defends herself by blaming the Winds for stirring her into a fury against her natural disposition.
Chapter 88
The Wild Boar and the Fox
A Wild Boar prepares for danger by sharpening his tusks in advance, explaining to a Fox that when danger comes, there will be no time to prepare.
Chapter 89
Mercury and the Sculptor
Mercury, disguised as a man, visits a sculptor's studio to learn how he is valued by mankind. He asks the prices of statues of Jupiter and Juno, then points to a statue of himself, only to be told it will be thrown in for free if he buys the other two.
Chapter 90
The Fawn and His Mother
A Hind chides her grown Fawn for cowardice despite his strength and horns, but when hounds are heard in the distance, she herself flees, revealing her own fear.
Chapter 91
The Fox and the Lion
A Fox, initially terrified at the sight of a Lion, gradually becomes accustomed to him through repeated encounters, eventually losing all fear and approaching him familiarly.
Chapter 92
The Eagle and His Captor
A man catches an eagle, clips its wings, and keeps it in his henhouse. The eagle is sold to a neighbor who lets its wings grow back. The eagle then hunts a hare and gives it to the neighbor. A fox advises the eagle to instead give gifts to the original captor to avoid being caught again.
Chapter 93
The Blacksmith and His Dog
A Blacksmith criticizes his dog for sleeping during work but waking up eagerly at mealtime, concluding that those who refuse to work do not deserve to eat.
Chapter 94
The Stag at the Pool
A thirsty Stag admires his antlers but despises his legs, only to be caught and killed by a Lion when his antlers become entangled in branches, realizing too late that his legs could have saved him.
Chapter 95
The Dog and the Shadow
A Dog carrying a piece of meat across a plank bridge sees his own reflection in the water and mistakes it for another dog with a larger piece. Greedily, he drops his own meat to attack the reflection, only to lose both: the real meat is swept away by the current, and the shadow vanishes.
Chapter 96
Mercury and the Tradesmen
Jupiter instructs Mercury to infuse lies into the tradesmen during their creation. Mercury distributes the infusion equally among all tradesmen, but when he reaches the horse-dealer last, he pours all the remaining lies into him, explaining why all tradesmen lie, but horse-dealers lie the most.
Chapter 97
The Mice and the Weasels
The Mice, constantly losing battles to the Weasels, decide to appoint generals to lead them. The newly chosen leaders wear plumed helmets to distinguish themselves, but when defeat comes, the plumes prevent them from escaping into their holes, leading to their capture. The fable illustrates that greatness carries its own penalties.
Chapter 98
The Peacock and Juno
The Peacock, discontented with his voice, complains to Juno that he lacks the nightingale's song. Juno reminds him of his exceptional beauty and the gifts allotted by Fate, but the Peacock remains unsatisfied. Juno sternly warns him to cease his complaints, as granting his wish would only lead to further discontent.
Chapter 99
The Bear and the Fox
A Bear boasts of his refined and generous nature, claiming he would never touch a dead body. A Fox wryly suggests that the Bear's true character is revealed when he is hungry and preys on the living, exposing the Bear's hypocrisy.
Chapter 100
The Ass and the Old Peasant
An old Peasant spots armed men approaching and urges his Ass to flee with him to avoid capture. The Ass, however, is indifferent, reasoning that a new master would not make him carry heavier loads, so he sees no benefit in escaping.
Chapter 101
The Ox and the Frog
A mother frog, after learning that her son was crushed by an ox, tries to inflate herself to match the ox's size in a misguided attempt to comprehend the threat, ultimately bursting from her own pride and folly.
Chapter 102
The Man and the Image
A poor man prays daily to a wooden god for riches but remains poor. In frustration, he throws the image against the wall, breaking it open to reveal gold coins inside. He then mocks the god for rewarding him only when treated with violence.
Chapter 103
Hercules and the Wagoner
A wagoner whose wagon is stuck in the mud calls on Hercules for help. Hercules appears and tells him that he must first help himself by putting his shoulder to the wheel and urging his horses on before expecting divine aid. The moral is that heaven helps those who help themselves.
Chapter 104
The Pomegranate, the Apple-Tree, and the Bramble
A Pomegranate and an Apple-tree argue over which bears the better fruit, each boasting of its own quality. Their quarrel escalates until a Bramble interrupts from a nearby hedge, presumptuously telling them to stop. The fable illustrates the folly of pride and the absurdity of an inferior party meddling in a dispute between superiors.
Chapter 105
The Lion, the Bear, and the Fox
A Lion and a Bear fight fiercely over a kid, both becoming exhausted and wounded. A Fox, who has been watching, seizes the opportunity to steal the kid while they are helpless, leaving the combatants to realize their struggle benefited only the Fox.
Chapter 106
The Blackamoor
A man buys an Ethiopian slave and, believing his black skin is due to neglect, tries to scrub it off with soap and hot water. Despite his efforts, the skin remains black, and the slave nearly dies from a cold.
Chapter 107
The Two Soldiers and the Robber
Two soldiers encounter a robber; one fights him off while the other flees. After the robber is gone, the coward returns boasting, but the brave soldier rebukes him for his hypocrisy and cowardice.
Chapter 108
The Lion and the Wild Ass
A Lion and a Wild Ass hunt together, with the Ass using speed to run down prey and the Lion finishing it. After a successful hunt, the Lion divides the spoil into three portions, claiming the first as king, the second as partner, and threatening the Ass to forfeit the third or face dire consequences, illustrating that might makes right.
Chapter 109
The Man and the Satyr
A man and a satyr become friends and decide to live together. During winter, the man blows on his hands to warm them, and later blows on his hot porridge to cool it. The satyr, disturbed by the man's ability to blow both hot and cold with the same breath, ends their friendship.
Chapter 110
The Image-Seller
A man carves a wooden image of Mercury and tries to sell it in the market by boasting of its power to bring luck and gain. When a bystander questions why he would sell such a valuable god, the man admits that while the god brings profit, it does so slowly, and he needs money immediately.
Chapter 111
The Eagle and the Arrow
An eagle perched on a rock is shot by a huntsman with an arrow fletched with an eagle's own feathers, leading the dying eagle to lament the cruel irony of being killed by its own kind.
Chapter 112
The Rich Man and the Tanner
A Rich Man, disturbed by the smell from his neighbor the Tanner's yard, repeatedly asks him to move. The Tanner keeps delaying, and eventually the Rich Man becomes accustomed to the odor and stops complaining.
Chapter 113
The Wolf, the Mother, and Her Child
A hungry Wolf overhears a Mother threaten to throw her crying child to him, but when he waits for the promised meal, he hears her later reassure the child that the Wolf will be killed. Disgusted, the Wolf leaves, concluding that the people in the house cannot be trusted.
Chapter 114
The Old Woman and the Wine-Jar
An old woman finds an empty wine-jar that once held a rare and costly wine. She repeatedly inhales its lingering fragrance and marvels at how delicious the wine must have been to leave behind such a delightful scent.
Chapter 115
The Lioness and the Vixen
A Lioness and a Vixen discuss their offspring, with the Vixen boasting about her many cubs while the Lioness retorts that her single cub is a lion, emphasizing quality over quantity.
Chapter 116
The Viper and the File
A Viper enters a carpenter's shop and begs for food from the tools, but the File rebukes him, explaining that it takes from everyone and gives nothing in return, illustrating that the covetous are poor givers.
Chapter 117
The Cat and the Cock
A Cat captures a Cock and seeks a pretext to eat him, accusing him of disturbing people's sleep. The Cock defends himself by explaining his crowing helps people wake for work. The Cat dismisses the defense and eats him anyway, illustrating that a villain will not be deterred by a lack of excuse.
Chapter 118
The Hare and the Tortoise
A hare mocks a tortoise for his slowness, and the tortoise challenges him to a race. The hare, overconfident, takes a nap during the race, while the tortoise steadily continues and wins.
Chapter 119
The Soldier and His Horse
A soldier treats his horse well during war, feeding it oats and caring for it, but neglects and starves it during peacetime. When war returns, the horse is too weak to carry him, reminding the soldier that neglect cannot be undone instantly.
Chapter 120
The Oxen and the Butchers
The Oxen plot to kill the Butchers for their slaughter, but an old Ox advises against it, warning that inexperienced replacements would cause greater suffering.
Chapter 121
The Wolf and the Lion
A wolf steals a lamb from a flock but is confronted by a lion who takes the lamb for himself. The wolf protests the injustice, but the lion mocks him, implying that the wolf's own theft was no more rightful.
Chapter 122
The Sheep, the Wolf, and the Stag
A Stag asks a Sheep to lend him wheat with the Wolf as his surety, but the Sheep refuses, fearing that both would evade repayment due to their speed and the Wolf's habit of taking without paying.
Chapter 123
The Lion and the Three Bulls
Three Bulls grazing together are safe from a Lion, but the Lion uses false whispers and malicious hints to sow jealousy and distrust among them. The Bulls grow cold and separate, allowing the Lion to attack and kill them one by one. The fable illustrates that quarrels among friends create opportunities for foes.
Chapter 124
The Horse and His Rider
A young man who considers himself a skilled horseman mounts a poorly trained horse that immediately bolts out of control. When a friend asks where he is going in such haste, the rider admits he has no idea and directs the question to the horse.
Chapter 125
The Goat and the Vine
A Goat grazes on the tender shoots of a Vine in a vineyard. The Vine reproaches the Goat for harming it despite the abundance of grass, and warns that even if stripped bare, it will produce wine to be poured over the Goat when it is sacrificed.
Chapter 126
The Two Pots
Two pots, one made of earthenware and the other of brass, are swept away by a flood. The brass pot offers to protect the earthenware pot, but the earthenware pot declines, fearing that any contact with the stronger brass pot would shatter it. The fable illustrates that equals make the best friends.
Chapter 127
The Old Hound
An aging hound, once a faithful and skilled hunter, fails to hold a wild boar due to his lost strength and teeth. When his master scolds him, the hound reminds him to honor past service rather than condemn present weakness.
Chapter 128
The Clown and the Countryman
A Clown wins acclaim by imitating a pig's squeak so convincingly that the audience demands to see the animal. A Countryman challenges him, hides a real pig under his smock, and performs the trick the next day. When the crowd still prefers the Clown's imitation, the Countryman reveals the real pig, mocking their judgment.
Chapter 129
The Lark and the Farmer
A lark nesting in a cornfield reassures her young not to flee when the farmer first seeks help from neighbors to reap the field, but when the farmer decides to take action himself, she recognizes the urgency and leads her brood away, illustrating that self-help is the best help.
Chapter 130
The Lion and the Ass
A Lion and an Ass form a hunting partnership. The Ass enters a cave to frighten wild goats out by braying, while the Lion waits at the entrance to strike them down. Afterward, the Ass boasts about his contribution, but the Lion dryly remarks that only knowledge of the Ass's true nature prevented him from fleeing as well.
Chapter 131
The Prophet
A prophet who claims to foresee the fortunes of others fails to anticipate the theft of his own belongings, prompting onlookers to mock his lack of self-awareness.
Chapter 132
The Hound and the Hare
A young Hound chases a Hare but alternates between biting and playing, leaving the Hare confused about the Hound's true intentions. The Hare demands consistency, highlighting the folly of duplicity.
Chapter 133
The Lion, the Mouse, and the Fox
A Lion is awakened by a Mouse running over his back. A Fox observes and mocks the Lion for being afraid of a Mouse, but the Lion retorts that it is not fear but the Mouse's bad manners that disturb him.
Chapter 134
The Trumpeter Taken Prisoner
A trumpeter, who inspires courage in his comrades during battle through his music, is captured by the enemy. He pleads for his life, claiming he is harmless as he carries no weapons, only his trumpet. However, his captors argue that this very fact makes him more dangerous, as he incites others to fight, and they put him to death.
Chapter 135
The Wolf and the Crane
A Wolf with a bone stuck in his throat persuades a Crane to extract it by promising a reward. After the Crane successfully removes the bone, the Wolf reneges on the payment, claiming that the Crane should be satisfied merely with having escaped unharmed from a Wolf's mouth.
Chapter 136
The Eagle, the Cat, and the Wild Sow
An Eagle nests at the top of a tree, a Cat lives in a hollow in the trunk, and a Wild Sow resides at the foot. The Cat, using cunning and deception, convinces the Eagle that the Sow plans to uproot the tree, and then tells the Sow that the Eagle intends to steal her piglets. Both become too terrified to leave their homes, and they and their families starve, providing food for the Cat and her kittens.
Chapter 137
The Wolf and the Sheep
A wolf, injured by dogs and feigning helplessness, asks a passing sheep for water, claiming he can manage meat if only he had a drink. The sheep, however, sees through the wolf's ruse and refuses, recognizing that providing water would only enable the wolf to eat him.
Chapter 138
The Tunny-Fish and the Dolphin
A Tunny-fish, chased by a Dolphin, flees at great speed but both end up stranded on a sandbank. As they lie gasping, the Tunny finds solace in knowing that his pursuer will share his fate.
Chapter 139
The Three Tradesmen
Citizens debate the best material for town fortifications; a carpenter recommends wood, a stonemason advocates stone, and a tanner insists on leather, each promoting their own trade.
Chapter 140
The Mouse and the Bull
A Bull is tormented by a Mouse that bites him and escapes into a hole. Despite the Bull's fury and repeated charges, he cannot catch the Mouse, who ultimately taunts him, illustrating that size and strength do not guarantee victory.
Chapter 141
The Hare and the Hound
A Hound chases a Hare but gives up when the Hare outruns him. A rustic taunts the Hound for losing to a smaller creature, but the Hound explains that the Hare was running for its life while he was only running for his dinner.
Chapter 142
The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse
A Country Mouse invites his Town Mouse friend to a simple meal of barleycorns and roots, which the Town Mouse scorns. The Town Mouse then invites the Country Mouse to a lavish larder in town, but their feast is repeatedly interrupted by humans, forcing them to hide. The Country Mouse, valuing peace over luxury, returns home.
Chapter 143
The Lion and the Bull
A Lion attempts to lure a Bull to his den by pretending to sacrifice a sheep, but the Bull sees through the deception when he notices the cooking utensils and no sheep, realizing he is the intended victim.
Chapter 144
The Wolf, the Fox, and the Ape
A Wolf accuses a Fox of theft, but the Ape judge rules that the Wolf never lost what he claims, yet still finds the Fox guilty, illustrating that the dishonest are not trusted even when they act honestly.
Chapter 145
The Eagle and the Cocks
Two cocks fight for dominance in a farmyard. The victor proudly crows from the rooftop, only to be snatched by an eagle. The defeated cock then emerges to rule unchallenged, illustrating that pride precedes a downfall.
Chapter 146
The Escaped Jackdaw
A man catches a jackdaw and gives it to his children as a pet, tying a string to its leg. The jackdaw, disliking captivity, escapes when it seems tame but becomes entangled in a tree by the string and dies, lamenting that in gaining freedom it lost its life.
Chapter 147
The Farmer and the Fox
A farmer, seeking revenge on a fox that steals his fowls, catches it and sets its tail on fire. The fox runs into the farmer's ripe cornfield, burning the entire harvest and teaching that revenge can backfire.
Chapter 148
Venus and the Cat
A cat falls in love with a young man and asks Venus to transform her into a woman. Venus grants the wish, and the cat becomes a beautiful maiden who marries the man. To test if the cat's nature has changed, Venus releases a mouse; the woman immediately chases it, revealing her true instincts. Disgusted, Venus turns her back into a cat.
Chapter 149
The Crow and the Swan
A Crow, envious of the Swan's white plumage, believes it is due to the water the Swan bathes in. He leaves his source of food to live by the water, but despite constant bathing, his feathers remain black and he dies of hunger. The moral is that one may change habits but not nature.
Chapter 150
The Stag with One Eye
A one-eyed Stag grazes by the seashore, watching the land for danger but ignoring the sea. Sailors shoot him from the sea, and he dies lamenting that he was ruined from the direction he least expected.
Chapter 151
The Fly and the Draught-Mule
A Fly perched on a cart's shaft taunts the Mule pulling it, threatening to sting it if it doesn't go faster. The Mule calmly replies that it obeys its master, who holds the reins and whip, and dismisses the Fly's impertinence, asserting it knows when to work and when to rest.
Chapter 152
The Cock and the Jewel
A Cock, while scratching for food, discovers a Jewel but dismisses its value, preferring a single grain of corn over all the jewels in the world.
Chapter 153
The Wolf and the Shepherd
A shepherd grows complacent after a wolf lingers near his flock without attacking, eventually trusting the wolf to guard the sheep while he is away. The wolf seizes the opportunity to slaughter most of the flock, and the shepherd realizes his folly in trusting a natural predator.
Chapter 154
The Farmer and the Stork
A farmer sets traps to catch cranes that are eating his newly sown corn. He catches several cranes along with a stork, which pleads for its release by claiming it is harmless and honest. The farmer refuses, stating that since it was found with the cranes, it must share their fate. The moral warns that associating with bad company makes one presumed guilty by association.
Chapter 155
The Charger and the Miller
A warhorse, now old and working in a mill, laments his lost glory and the hardships of his current life. The Miller rebukes him, advising that fortune's changes must be accepted as they come.
Chapter 156
The Grasshopper and the Owl
An Owl, disturbed by a Grasshopper's incessant chirping, uses flattery and deceit to lure the Grasshopper into her home, where she eats him.
Chapter 157
The Grasshopper and the Ants
In winter, the Ants dry their corn after a rainy spell. A starving Grasshopper begs for food, but the Ants rebuke her for not storing provisions during summer, instead spending her time singing. They refuse her request, telling her to dance through winter as she sang through summer.
Chapter 158
The Farmer and the Viper
A farmer finds a frozen viper and, out of pity, warms it in his bosom. Revived, the viper bites him fatally. The dying farmer acknowledges he deserved his fate for showing kindness to a villainous creature. The moral warns that kindness is wasted on the evil.
Chapter 159
The Two Frogs
Two frogs, one living in a marsh and the other in a lane, are contrasted. The marsh frog warns his friend of the dangers of his dry home and invites him to the safety of the marsh, but the lane frog refuses to leave his accustomed place and is soon crushed by a wagon.
Chapter 160
The Cobbler Turned Doctor
A cobbler, unable to succeed in his trade, pretends to be a doctor with a universal antidote. When the King tests him by pretending to poison him, the cobbler confesses his fraud, and the King rebukes the people for trusting their lives to someone unskilled even in his original craft.
Chapter 161
The Ass, the Cock, and the Lion
An Ass and a Cock are together in a cattle-pen when a starving Lion approaches. The Cock's crow frightens the Lion away, but the Ass, emboldened by this, pursues the Lion. Once out of the Cock's sight and hearing, the Lion turns and devours the Ass, illustrating that false confidence leads to disaster.
Chapter 162
The Belly and the Members
The members of the body rebel against the belly, refusing to work for it, only to discover that the entire body suffers when the belly starves, teaching the lesson that all parts must cooperate for the whole to thrive.
Chapter 163
The Bald Man and the Fly
A fly bites a bald man's head, and in trying to kill it, the man slaps himself. The fly mocks him for the self-inflicted blow, but the man replies that he bears no grudge against himself, only against the fly, which he would gladly suffer more to destroy.
Chapter 164
The Ass and the Wolf
An Ass feigns lameness to trick a Wolf into examining his hoof, then kicks the Wolf in the mouth and escapes. The Wolf realizes he should have stuck to his predatory nature rather than playing the healer.
Chapter 165
The Monkey and the Camel
At a gathering of all the beasts, the Monkey's dancing earns great applause, stirring envy in the Camel, who attempts to imitate him. The Camel's clumsy performance is met with ridicule, and he is driven away by the other beasts.
Chapter 166
The Sick Man and the Doctor
A sick man receives repeated visits from his doctor, who interprets each new symptom—sweating, shivering, fever—as a 'good sign.' Eventually, the man tells a friend that he is dying of good signs, highlighting the folly of blind optimism and the danger of ignoring reality.
Chapter 167
The Travellers and the Plane-Tree
Two travellers rest under a Plane-tree on a hot day and criticize it for being fruitless and useless, only to be rebuked by the tree for its shade they are enjoying, illustrating how services are often met with ingratitude.
Chapter 168
The Flea and the Ox
A Flea questions an Ox about why he serves mankind so willingly, while the Flea lives off humans without working. The Ox explains that humans treat him kindly, feeding and housing him, and showing affection. The Flea retorts that he would not allow such patting, as it would crush him.
Chapter 169
The Birds, the Beasts, and the Bat
During a war between the Birds and the Beasts, the Bat switches sides depending on which faction is winning. After the war ends, both sides reject him for his duplicity, leaving him a permanent outcast.
Chapter 170
The Man and His Two Sweethearts
A middle-aged man with greying hair has two sweethearts: an older woman and a younger one. The older woman pulls out his dark hairs to make him look older, while the younger one pulls out his grey hairs to make him look younger. Between them, they leave him completely bald.
Chapter 171
The Eagle, the Jackdaw, and the Shepherd
A Jackdaw, seeing an Eagle carry off a lamb, attempts to imitate the feat but gets caught in a ram's wool. The Shepherd captures it, clips its wings, and shows it to his children, explaining that it is merely a Jackdaw pretending to be an Eagle. The fable warns against attempting what is beyond one's power, leading to wasted effort, misfortune, and ridicule.
Chapter 172
The Wolf and the Boy
A Wolf, after a good meal and in a playful mood, discovers a Boy hiding in fear. The Wolf offers to spare the Boy's life if he can state three indisputable truths. The Boy courageously says it is a pity the Wolf saw him, that he was foolish to be seen, and that wolves are hated for unprovoked attacks on flocks. The Wolf acknowledges the truths from the Boy's perspective and lets him go.
Chapter 173
The Miller, His Son, and Their Ass
A Miller and his son try to please everyone they meet while taking their donkey to market, but their constant changes lead to the donkey's death and they end up pleasing no one.
Chapter 174
The Stag and the Vine
A Stag hides from hunters under a thick Vine, but after the hunters pass, he begins to eat the Vine's leaves. The movement reveals his location, and a hunter shoots him. As he dies, the Stag acknowledges his ingratitude and accepts his fate.
Chapter 175
The Lamb Chased by a Wolf
A Wolf chases a Lamb, which takes refuge in a temple. The Wolf warns that the priest will sacrifice it, but the Lamb prefers sacrifice to being eaten by the Wolf.
Chapter 176
The Archer and the Lion
An Archer frightens all animals except the Lion, who challenges him. The Archer shoots the Lion with an arrow, causing the Lion to flee. A Fox mocks the Lion for cowardice, but the Lion explains that the Archer's ability to harm from a distance makes him too dangerous to face.
Chapter 177
The Wolf and the Goat
A Wolf tries to trick a Goat into coming down from a high rock by pretending to offer better food, but the Goat sees through his deception and refuses.
Chapter 178
The Sick Stag
A Stag falls ill and lies helpless in a forest clearing. Other beasts visit him and, in their thoughtlessness, eat all the grass within his reach. Though he begins to recover, he is too weak to seek food elsewhere and ultimately dies of starvation due to the carelessness of his friends.
Chapter 179
The Ass and the Mule
A man loads his Ass and Mule for a journey. On rough terrain, the exhausted Ass begs the Mule for help, but the Mule refuses. The Ass collapses and dies, and the driver adds the Ass's load and skin to the Mule's burden. The Mule regrets his refusal, realizing he now carries even more.
Chapter 180
Brother and Sister
A brother and sister discover a mirror and see their own features for the first time. The handsome boy boasts, while the plain girl is upset. Their father advises them to use the mirror as a lesson: the boy should strive to be as good as he is handsome, and the girl should compensate for her plainness with a sweet disposition.
Chapter 181
The Heifer and the Ox
A Heifer patronizes an Ox for his hard work at the plough, but later the Ox is set free for a festival while the Heifer is sacrificed, revealing that her idle life was meant for the altar.
Chapter 182
The Kingdom of the Lion
The Lion, as a just and gentle king, establishes a code of laws for all beasts to live in perfect equality and harmony, prompting the hare to express joy that the weak can now stand beside the strong without fear.
Chapter 183
The Ass and His Driver
An Ass being driven down a mountain road suddenly rushes toward a precipice. The Driver tries to pull him back by the tail but fails, and finally gives up, warning the Ass that it is the way to sudden death.
Chapter 184
The Lion and the Hare
A Lion finds a Hare sleeping and prepares to eat it, but abandons the Hare to chase a passing stag. After failing to catch the stag, he returns for the Hare only to find it gone, and he learns a lesson about contentment.
Chapter 185
The Wolves and the Dogs
The Wolves persuade the Dogs to abandon their servitude to mankind and join them in a life of freedom, but once the Dogs enter the Wolves' den, they are attacked and destroyed. The fable warns that traitors deserve their fate.
Chapter 186
The Bull and the Calf
A full-grown Bull struggles to pass through a narrow entrance, and a young Calf offers to show him the way. The Bull humorously rebuffs the Calf, indicating he knew the way long before the Calf was born.
Chapter 187
The Trees and the Axe
A Woodman asks the Trees for a small favor—a handle for his axe—which they grant. Once he has the handle, he uses the axe to cut down the noblest Trees, leading them to regret their misplaced generosity.
Chapter 188
The Astronomer
An astronomer, so absorbed in studying the stars, falls into a dry well and is rebuked by a passerby for neglecting his immediate surroundings.
Chapter 189
The Labourer and the Snake
A labourer's son is killed by a snake. In his grief and rage, the labourer tries to kill the snake but only cuts off its tail. When he later feigns reconciliation, the snake refuses, pointing out that the injuries each has caused make friendship impossible.
Chapter 190
The Cage-Bird and the Bat
A singing-bird, confined to a cage, explains to a Bat that she now sings only at night because she was once caught by a fowler while singing during the day. The Bat points out that such caution is useless now that she is already a prisoner, emphasizing that precautions are meaningless after the event.
Chapter 191
The Ass and His Purchaser
A man buys an ass on trial and tests its character by observing which companion it chooses in the stable. The ass selects the laziest and greediest beast, so the man returns it immediately, concluding that a creature is known by the company it keeps.
Chapter 192
The Kid and the Wolf
A Kid, separated from the flock and pursued by a Wolf, cleverly asks the Wolf to play a tune so he can dance before being eaten. The Wolf agrees, but the music attracts the flock's guardians, who chase the Wolf away. The Wolf realizes he deserves his fate for abandoning his predatory role to indulge his prey.
Chapter 193
The Debtor and His Sow
A man of Athens, unable to pay his debt, tries to sell his only sow at market, claiming it produces piglets according to Athenian festivals. His creditor exposes the lie by sarcastically adding that the sow also produces kids at the Dionysia, revealing the debtor's deception.
Chapter 194
The Bald Huntsman
A bald man wearing a wig goes hunting, but a gust of wind blows away both his hat and wig, amusing the other hunters. He laughs along, remarking that hair that didn't stick to its original owner's head is unlikely to stick to his.
Chapter 195
The Herdsman and the Lost Bull
A Herdsman loses a young Bull and vows to sacrifice a calf to Jupiter if he finds the thief. Upon discovering a lion devouring the Bull, he panics and instead promises a full-grown Bull for his own safety.
Chapter 196
The Mule
A mule, after eating too much and doing too little, boasts that his father was a high-spirited horse. However, after being forced to work hard all day carrying a heavy load, he becomes exhausted and dejectedly concludes that his father must have been an ass.
Chapter 197
The Hound and the Fox
A Hound chases a Lion but flees when the Lion roars, leading a Fox to mock him for his cowardice.
Chapter 198
The Father and His Daughters
A man visits his two daughters, one married to a gardener and the other to a potter. The gardener's wife wishes for rain to help the garden, while the potter's wife wishes for dry weather to dry the pottery. The father realizes he cannot pray for both wishes to be granted, as they are contradictory.
Chapter 199
The Thief and the Innkeeper
A thief rents a room at an inn, waiting for an opportunity to steal. When the innkeeper wears a fine new coat, the thief feigns a condition that turns him into a wolf after three yawns. Terrified, the innkeeper flees, leaving his coat behind, which the thief then steals.
Chapter 200
The Pack-Ass and the Wild Ass
A Wild Ass envies a well-fed Pack-Ass, but later sees him laboring under a heavy load and being beaten, realizing that comforts often come at a great cost.
Chapter 201
The Ass and His Masters
An Ass, discontented with his hard life under a Gardener, begs Jupiter for a new master. Jupiter grants his wish, selling him to a Potter, but the Ass finds the work even harder. He begs again and is sold to a Tanner, whereupon he realizes his fate will be even worse, lamenting that he should have been content with his earlier masters. The fable teaches that servants often do not appreciate a good master until they have experienced a worse one.
Chapter 202
The Pack-Ass, the Wild Ass, and the Lion
A Wild Ass mocks a Pack-Ass for its servitude, boasting of its own freedom. However, when a Lion appears, it attacks and devours the unprotected Wild Ass, while the Pack-Ass is saved by its driver. The fable illustrates that freedom is worthless without the ability to defend oneself.
Chapter 203
The Ant
Ants were originally men who farmed but stole from their neighbors out of covetousness. Jupiter punished them by transforming them into ants, yet their thieving nature persisted, as they continue to gather others' crops. The moral is that punishment does not change a thief's inherent disposition.
Chapter 204
The Frogs and the Well
Two frogs living in a marsh are forced to leave when it dries up. They find a deep well, and one frog wants to jump in, but the wiser frog advises caution, warning that if the well also dries up, they would have no way to escape. The fable teaches the lesson of thinking twice before acting.
Chapter 205
The Crab and the Fox
A Crab leaves the seashore for an inland meadow, only to be caught by a hungry Fox. The Crab reflects that it deserves its fate for abandoning its natural home, teaching the lesson to be content with one's lot.
Chapter 206
The Fox and the Grasshopper
A Fox tries to trick a Grasshopper into coming down from a tree by flattering her song, but the Grasshopper sees through the deception, recalling evidence of past grasshoppers eaten by foxes.
Chapter 207
The Farmer, His Boy, and the Rooks
A farmer, having sown a field of wheat, tries to protect his crop from rooks and starlings. When the birds learn to flee at the word 'sling,' the farmer tricks them by using the code word 'humph' to call for the sling, allowing him to strike several birds. The surviving rooks warn other birds that men say one thing but mean another.
Chapter 208
The Ass and the Dog
An Ass and a Dog find a sealed packet. The Ass reads it aloud, finding it contains only information about fodder that interests him. The Dog, hoping for news of meat and bones, becomes impatient and dismisses the packet as worthless when it contains nothing for him.
Chapter 209
The Ass Carrying the Image
A man places an image on his ass to transport it to a temple. The ass mistakes the reverence shown to the image as respect for himself, becomes conceited, and refuses to move. His driver beats him and reminds him that the worship is not for him, illustrating the folly of taking credit due to others.
Chapter 210
The Athenian and the Theban
An Athenian and a Theban debate the greatness of their respective heroes, Theseus and Hercules, with the Athenian's glibness prevailing until the Theban retorts with a wish that each city face the anger of its own hero.
Chapter 211
The Goatherd and the Goat
A goatherd tries to coax a stray goat back to the flock, but when persuasion fails, he throws a stone and breaks her horn. He begs her not to tell the master, but she points out that the broken horn itself will reveal the truth. The moral is that it is useless to try to hide what cannot be hidden.
Chapter 212
The Sheep and the Dog
The Sheep complain to the shepherd that the Dog receives better treatment despite contributing nothing tangible, but the Dog argues that his protection from thieves and wolves is invaluable, and the Sheep acknowledge their debt to him.
Chapter 213
The Shepherd and the Wolf
A Shepherd raises a Wolf cub with his dogs, but the Wolf's innate nature eventually leads him to betray the Shepherd by stealing sheep, resulting in his execution.
Chapter 214
The Lion, Jupiter, and the Elephant
The Lion complains to Jupiter about his fear of a cock's crow, but Jupiter dismisses his complaint. Later, the Lion meets the Elephant, who confesses his fear of a gnat. The Lion takes comfort in realizing that even the mighty Elephant has a weakness, making his own fear less shameful.
Chapter 215
The Pig and the Sheep
A Pig wanders into a meadow and is caught by the shepherd. As he is carried off to the butcher, he squeals loudly. The Sheep rebuke him for making a fuss, noting that they are regularly taken without protest. The Pig retorts that the shepherd only wants the Sheep for their wool, but he wants the Pig for his bacon, making their situations entirely different.
Chapter 216
The Gardener and His Dog
A Gardener's Dog falls into a deep well. When the Gardener descends to rescue him, the Dog bites his master, believing he intends to drown him. The Gardener abandons the Dog, concluding that it serves him right for trying to save a determined suicide.
Chapter 217
The Rivers and the Sea
The Rivers complain to the Sea that their fresh waters become salty upon mingling, but the Sea retorts that they can avoid this by staying away.
Chapter 218
The Lion in Love
A Lion falls in love with a cottager's daughter and agrees to have his teeth drawn and nails pared to win her hand, only to be disarmed and driven away by the father once he is no longer fearsome.
Chapter 219
The Beekeeper
A thief steals honey from an apiary while the Beekeeper is away. When the Beekeeper returns and discovers the theft, the bees, mistaking him for the culprit, sting him. The Beekeeper angrily rebukes the bees for attacking him instead of the actual thief, highlighting the folly of misdirected retaliation.
Chapter 220
The Wolf and the Horse
A Wolf, unable to eat oats, pretends to have saved a field for a Horse, but the Horse sees through the deception, recognizing that the Wolf only offers what he cannot use himself.
Chapter 221
The Bat, the Bramble, and the Seagull
A Bat, a Bramble, and a Seagull form a partnership for a trading voyage, but a storm sinks their boat and all their cargo. After escaping, each behaves according to their loss: the Seagull dives for lead, the Bat hides from creditors by night, and the Bramble snatches at passersby hoping to recover clothes. The fable illustrates that people are more focused on recovering what they have lost than on acquiring what they lack.
Chapter 222
The Dog and the Wolf
A Dog, threatened by a Wolf, convinces him to wait for a feast to fatten him up. When the Wolf returns, the Dog is safely out of reach and refuses to be tricked again, teaching the lesson 'once bitten, twice shy.'
Chapter 223
The Wasp and the Snake
A Wasp repeatedly stings a Snake and refuses to let go. Driven mad by pain, the Snake, in desperation, places its head under a wagon wheel, killing both itself and the Wasp.
Chapter 224
The Eagle and the Beetle
An Eagle hunts a hare that seeks protection from a Beetle. The Eagle ignores the Beetle's warning and eats the hare. In revenge, the Beetle repeatedly destroys the Eagle's eggs, even after Jupiter attempts to safeguard them. The fable illustrates that even the weak can find ways to avenge an insult upon the strong.
Chapter 225
The Fowler and the Lark
A Fowler sets nets for birds and deceives a curious Lark by claiming he is founding a city. The Lark, enticed by bait, becomes trapped, and the Fowler captures her. The Lark laments her folly, remarking that such a city would be slow to fill with fools.
Chapter 226
The Fisherman Piping
A fisherman who can play the flute tries to lure fish out of the sea with his music, but fails. He then uses his net to catch a large number of fish, and scolds them for not dancing when he piped, yet now they dance on the shore after being caught.
Chapter 227
The Weasel and the Man
A man captures a weasel that has been sneaking around his house. The weasel pleads for its life by reminding the man of its usefulness in catching mice and lizards. The man acknowledges this but counters that the weasel also killed fowls and stole meat, concluding that it does more harm than good, and therefore must die.
Chapter 228
The Ploughman, the Ass, and the Ox
A Ploughman yokes his Ox and Ass together to plough his field, and at the end of the day the Ass asks which of them will carry the master home, to which the Ox replies that it is the Ass's usual duty.
Chapter 229
Demades and His Fable
Demades the orator, frustrated by the inattentive Athenian Assembly, captures their attention by offering to tell a fable. He begins a story about Demeter, a Swallow, and an Eel crossing a river, but stops before finishing, rebuking the audience for prioritizing fables over public affairs.
Chapter 230
The Monkey and the Dolphin
A pet monkey, traveling by ship, is thrown into the sea during a storm. A dolphin mistakes him for a man and carries him to shore. When questioned, the monkey lies about his identity and knowledge of the Piraeus, revealing his deceit. The dolphin, disgusted by the hypocrisy, dives and drowns the monkey.
Chapter 231
The Crow and the Snake
A hungry Crow finds a sleeping Snake and attempts to carry it off for a meal, but the Snake wakes and bites the Crow with a fatal poison. The Crow laments that what seemed like a lucky find has cost him his life.
Chapter 232
The Dogs and the Fox
Some Dogs find a lion's skin and begin to tear at it, believing themselves brave. A Fox passes by and points out that their courage would falter if the lion were alive, highlighting the difference between false bravery and true danger.
Chapter 233
The Nightingale and the Hawk
A Nightingale, singing on an oak bough, is caught by a hungry Hawk. She pleads for her life by arguing she is too small a meal and suggests he seek larger prey. The Hawk dismisses her plea, refusing to trade a certain prize for an uncertain better one.
Chapter 234
The Rose and the Amaranth
A Rose and an Amaranth grow side by side in a garden. The Amaranth envies the Rose's beauty and scent, but the Rose explains that its beauty is fleeting, while the Amaranth's flowers are everlasting.
Chapter 235
The Man, the Horse, the Ox, and the Dog
A Man shelters a Horse, Ox, and Dog during a storm, feeding each according to their nature. In gratitude, they divide human life among themselves: the Horse gives youth its spirited impatience, the Ox gives middle age its steady diligence, and the Dog gives old age its peevishness and attachment to comfort.
Chapter 236
The Wolves, the Sheep, and the Ram
The Wolves propose peace to the Sheep on condition that the Sheep surrender their sheepdogs for execution. The Sheep foolishly agree, but a wise old Ram intervenes, pointing out that without the dogs' protection, the Sheep will never be safe from the Wolves' attacks.
Chapter 237
The Swan
A man buys a Swan expecting it to sing on command, but it only sings when it knows it is about to die. The owner regrets not killing it sooner, revealing a misunderstanding of the Swan's nature.
Chapter 238
The Snake and Jupiter
A Snake, weary of being trodden upon by men and beasts, complains to Jupiter about his vulnerability. Jupiter rebukes him, suggesting that if he had bitten the first offender, others would have been more cautious.
Chapter 239
The Wolf and His Shadow
A wolf, impressed by the size of his shadow at sunset, deludes himself into believing he is larger and more powerful than he truly is, leading him to boast that he should be king of the beasts. His arrogance and loss of perspective cause him to be caught and devoured by a lion, teaching a harsh lesson about the dangers of self-deception.
Chapter 240
The Ploughman and the Wolf
A Ploughman leaves his oxen to drink, and a starving Wolf attempts to chew the leather straps of the plough. The Wolf becomes entangled in the harness, and when the Ploughman returns, he scolds the Wolf, wishing it would abandon thievery for honest labor.
Chapter 241
Mercury and the Man Bitten by an Ant
A man criticizes the gods for allowing the good and bad to perish together in a shipwreck, but when he is bitten by an ant, he angrily crushes many innocent ants. Mercury appears and rebukes him for his hypocrisy, questioning his sense of justice.
Chapter 242
The Wily Lion
A hungry Lion, afraid of a Bull's sharp horns, uses flattery to persuade the Bull to cut off his horns. The foolish Bull complies, losing his only defense, and is then easily killed and eaten by the Lion.
Chapter 243
The Parrot and the Cat
A man buys a parrot and gives it freedom in his house. The parrot's loud noise wakes a sleeping cat, who questions the parrot's audacity. The cat complains that despite being born in the house, she is punished for mewing, while the parrot boasts that its voice is welcomed and the cat's is despised.
Chapter 244
The Stag and the Lion
A Stag, fleeing from hounds, seeks refuge in a cave only to discover it is the den of a Lion, who promptly makes him his prey. The Stag laments that in escaping one danger, he has fallen into an even greater one, illustrating the proverb 'Out of the frying-pan into the fire.'
Chapter 245
The Impostor
A man who falsely promises a grand sacrifice to the gods is tricked into being sold into slavery for exactly the amount he pretended to offer.
Chapter 246
The Dogs and the Hides
A group of starving dogs, unable to reach hides steeping in a deep river, decide to drink the river dry. They drink until they burst, illustrating the folly of attempting the impossible.
Chapter 247
The Lion, the Fox, and the Ass
A Lion, Fox, and Ass hunt together and capture a large booty. The Lion asks the Ass to divide the spoils, but when the Ass divides it into three equal parts, the Lion kills him in fury. The Lion then orders the Fox to divide, and the Fox gives almost everything to the Lion, keeping only a tiny morsel for himself. When asked how he learned to divide so well, the Fox replies that he learned from the Ass's misfortune.
Chapter 248
The Fowler, the Partridge, and the Cock
A Fowler, faced with an unexpected guest and an empty larder, first spares a tame Partridge that argues its usefulness as a decoy, but then kills a Cock despite its plea that it serves as a reliable timekeeper, prioritizing immediate hospitality over future utility.
Chapter 249
The Gnat and the Lion
A gnat challenges a lion to a fight, claiming superiority. The gnat bites the lion's nose, causing the lion to injure itself while trying to crush the gnat. The gnat triumphs but later becomes entangled in a spider's web and is eaten, falling prey to a much smaller creature after defeating the king of beasts.
Chapter 250
The Farmer and His Dogs
A farmer, trapped by a severe storm, kills his livestock one by one for food. His Dogs, observing the pattern, decide to flee before they become the next victims.
Chapter 251
The Eagle and the Fox
An Eagle and a Fox become friends and live near each other, but the Eagle betrays the Fox by stealing and eating her cubs. The Fox, unable to retaliate directly, curses the Eagle. Soon after, the Eagle steals burning flesh from a sacrifice, which ignites her nest, causing her fledglings to fall and be devoured by the Fox. The story illustrates that false faith may escape human punishment but not divine justice.
Chapter 252
The Butcher and His Customers
Two men conspire to steal meat from a butcher; one snatches a joint and hides it under the other's cloak. When confronted, each denies involvement, but the butcher warns that while they may deceive him, they cannot deceive the gods. The fable illustrates that prevarication is akin to perjury.
Chapter 253
Hercules and Minerva
Hercules encounters a small apple on the road that grows larger each time he strikes it. Minerva appears and explains it is the apple of discord, which only swells when attacked with violence.
Chapter 254
The Fox Who Served a Lion
A Fox, serving a Lion, grows discontent with his small share of the hunt and decides to hunt alone. He attempts to steal a lamb but is caught and killed by the shepherd's dogs, illustrating the danger of seeking freedom over safe servitude.
Chapter 255
The Quack Doctor
A sick man consults several doctors, all but one of whom predict a long but non-fatal illness. The last doctor falsely claims the man will die within twenty-four hours. When the man recovers and meets the doctor again, he jokingly describes a fictional afterlife where doctors are prosecuted for prolonging life, and he exempts the quack by insisting he is no real doctor.
Chapter 256
The Lion, the Wolf, and the Fox
A sick Lion receives visits from all the beasts except the Fox. The Wolf seizes the chance to accuse the Fox of neglect, but the Fox arrives and claims he was seeking a cure. He prescribes flaying a wolf and wearing its warm skin, prompting the Lion to kill the Wolf. The Fox reflects that stirring up ill-will leads to one's own downfall.
Chapter 257
Hercules and Plutus
Hercules, upon being received among the gods and dining with Jupiter, snubs Plutus, the god of wealth, by turning away and pretending not to see him. When Jupiter asks why, Hercules explains that on earth he always found Plutus in the company of scoundrels.
Chapter 258
The Fox and the Leopard
A Fox and a Leopard argue over who is more handsome. The Leopard boasts about its beautiful spotted coat, but the Fox counters that its own intelligence and wit are far superior to mere external appearance.
Chapter 259
The Fox and the Hedgehog
A Fox, exhausted after being swept away by a river, lies helpless as horseflies feed on him. A Hedgehog offers to drive the flies away, but the Fox refuses, explaining that the satiated flies take little blood now, whereas new hungry ones would drain him completely.
Chapter 260
The Crow and the Raven
A Crow, jealous of the Raven's revered status as a bird of omen, tries to imitate its ominous calls to gain respect from travelers. However, the travelers quickly recognize the Crow and dismiss its cawing as meaningless, highlighting the folly of pretending to be something one is not.
Chapter 261
The Witch
A Witch who claims to have the power to avert the anger of the gods through secret charms profits greatly from her trade. However, she is accused of black magic and brought before the judges, who condemn her to death. As she leaves the dock, a judge points out the irony that she cannot avert the enmity of men despite her claimed power over the gods.
Chapter 262
The Old Man and Death
An old man, weary from carrying a heavy bundle of faggots, calls upon Death to end his suffering. When Death appears ready to oblige, the man, frightened, asks instead for help lifting his burden.
Chapter 263
The Miser
A Miser melts his gold into a lump, buries it, and visits it daily until a servant steals it. A neighbor advises him to replace the gold with a brick, as the gold was never used.
Chapter 264
The Foxes and the River
A group of foxes gather by a dangerous river, too afraid to drink. One fox boasts of his bravery and steps into the water, only to be swept away by the current. As he is carried downstream, the others call for him to return and show them a safe way, but he pretends he is on a journey to the sea, promising to return later.
Chapter 265
The Horse and the Stag
A Horse, enjoying a meadow alone, is challenged by a Stag who claims equal right to graze and takes the best spots. Seeking revenge, the Horse asks a man for help, agreeing to be bridled and ridden. Together they drive the Stag away, but the Horse gains a permanent master.
Chapter 266
The Fox and the Bramble
A Fox, trying to save himself from a fall, grabs onto a Bramble and is badly scratched. When he complains, the Bramble retorts that the Fox was foolish to seek help from one who is known for catching at others.
Chapter 267
The Fox and the Snake
A Snake, swept away by a river current, clings to a bundle of thorns and is carried downstream. A Fox observes this and remarks that the passenger suits the vessel.
Chapter 268
The Lion, the Fox, and the Stag
A sick Lion, unable to hunt, enlists the Fox to trick a Stag into coming to his den. The Fox flatters the Stag with news of his supposed succession to the throne, luring him to the Lion's den. The Stag narrowly escapes after the Lion's failed attack, but the Fox persuades him to return, claiming the Lion meant no harm. The Stag is killed and devoured, and the Fox steals the brains, remarking that a creature foolish enough to enter a lion's den twice cannot have any.
Chapter 269
The Man Who Lost His Spade
A man loses his spade and suspects his laborers of theft. He insists they go to the town temple to swear an oath, believing the town gods are shrewder than country deities. Upon hearing a town crier announce a reward for a thief who stole from the city temple, the man doubts the gods' ability to detect his own thief and decides to return home.
Chapter 270
The Partridge and the Fowler
A Fowler catches a Partridge and is about to kill it. The Partridge pleads for its life, offering to betray other partridges in exchange for mercy. The Fowler refuses, condemning the Partridge for its treachery and proceeding with the killing.
Chapter 271
The Runaway Slave
A discontented slave runs away from his master, who pursues him on horseback. The slave tries to hide in a treadmill, but his master finds him and remarks that the treadmill is the perfect place for him.
Chapter 272
The Hunter and the Woodman
A hunter seeks the tracks of a lion in the forest, but when a woodman offers to show him the lion itself, the hunter becomes terrified and admits he only wants the tracks, not the actual lion.
Chapter 273
The Serpent and the Eagle
An Eagle captures a Serpent, but the Serpent coils around the Eagle in a struggle for life. A countryman helps free the Eagle, allowing it to escape. In revenge, the Serpent poisons the man's drinking horn. As the man is about to drink, the Eagle knocks the horn away, spilling the poison, thus repaying the man's kindness.
Chapter 274
The Rogue and the Oracle
A rogue attempts to discredit the Oracle at Delphi by asking a trick question about a bird hidden in his cloak, but the Oracle outwits him by pointing out that the answer depends on the rogue's own intention.
Chapter 275
The Horse and the Ass
A proud Horse mocks an Ass burdened with a heavy load, but later falls from grace and is humiliated by the same Ass when he is reduced to menial labor.
Chapter 276
The Dog Chasing a Wolf
A Dog chases a Wolf, boasting of his own strength and speed, but the Wolf reveals that he is not fleeing from the Dog but from the Dog's master.
Chapter 277
Grief and His Due
When Jupiter assigns privileges to the gods, Grief arrives late and receives the tears shed for the dead as his due. The fable warns that excessive mourning invites further sorrow, as Grief delights in such tribute and will send more cause for tears.
Chapter 278
The Hawk, the Kite, and the Pigeons
Pigeons, persecuted by a Kite, invite a Hawk to protect them, only to find the Hawk kills more of them than the Kite ever did, illustrating the folly of trusting a dangerous ally.
Chapter 279
The Woman and the Farmer
A widow mourning at her husband's grave is approached by a farmer who feigns grief over his own supposed loss to win her hand. They agree to marry, but when the farmer discovers his oxen have been stolen, he genuinely weeps—prompting the woman to question his tears.
Chapter 280
Prometheus and the Making of Man
At Jupiter's command, Prometheus creates Man and the animals. To balance the numbers of rational and irrational beings, Jupiter orders Prometheus to transform some animals into men, explaining why some humans possess beastly souls.
Chapter 281
The Swallow and the Crow
A Swallow boasts to a Crow about her noble birth and tragic transformation from a princess into a bird by Juno, but the Crow dismisses her, noting that she still chatters excessively despite losing her tongue.
Chapter 282
The Hunter and the Horseman
A Hunter catches a hare but is tricked by a Horseman who pretends to buy it, then rides off without paying. The Hunter, unable to catch him, pretends the hare was a gift to save face.
Chapter 283
The Goatherd and the Wild Goats
A Goatherd tends his flock and welcomes a group of Wild Goats, feeding them generously while starving his own goats in hopes of keeping the newcomers. When the Wild Goats escape at the first opportunity, they explain that his preferential treatment warned them he would likely abandon them for any future arrivals.
Chapter 284
The Nightingale and the Swallow
A Swallow advises a Nightingale to leave the woods and live among humans, but the Nightingale refuses, recalling past cruelties suffered at human hands and declaring that the memory of those wrongs makes human dwellings hateful forever.
Chapter 285
The Traveller and Fortune
A weary traveller falls asleep at the edge of a deep well, narrowly avoiding disaster when Dame Fortune appears to warn him. She points out that if he had fallen, he would have blamed Fortune rather than his own foolishness.
