iv. prol. 10,
‘fabulis
quas Aesopias, non Aesopi, nomino.’
We have the Greek originals for about a third of the fables; but Phaedrus speaks of his additions to Aesop; ii. prol. 8,
‘Equidem omni cura morem servabo senis;
sed si libuerit aliquid interponere,
dictorum sensus ut delectet varietas,
bonas in partes, lector, accipias velim.’
Stories from contemporary or recent history are given in ii. 6, 7; iii. 10; v. 7.
Books i. and ii. were published under Tiberius; Book iii. was published after Tiberius’ death (cf. iii. prol. 33), and is dedicated to Eutychus, who has been identified with a favourite slave of Caligula. Book iv. followed, addressed to Particulo (iv. prol. 10). Book v., addressed to Philetes, was written in the poet’s old age; v. 10, 7,
‘Cui senex contra Lacon:
“Non te destituit animus, sed vires meae.
Quod fuimus, lauda, si iam damnas, quod sumus.”
Hoc cur, Philete, scripserim, pulchre vides.’
Martial is the only classical writer who refers to Phaedrus; iii. 20, 5,
‘An aemulatur improbi iocos Phaedri?’