This Fable may be applied to the avaricious, and to those, who, born to a humble lot, affect to be called rich.
Grubbing up human bones,[I.28] a Dog met with a Treasure; and, because he had offended the Gods the Manes,[I.29] a desire for riches was inspired in him, that so he might pay the penalty due to the holy character of the place. Accordingly, while he was watching over the gold, forgetful of food, he was starved to death; on which a Vulture, standing over him, is reported to have said: “O Dog, you justly meet your death, who, begotten at a cross-road, and bred up on a dunghill, have suddenly coveted regal wealth.”
[ Fable XXVIII.]
THE FOX AND THE EAGLE.
Men, however high in station, ought to be on their guard against the lowly; because, to ready address, revenge lies near at hand.
An Eagle one day carried off the whelps of a Fox, and placed them in her nest before her young ones, for them to tear in pieces as food. The mother, following her, began to entreat that she would not cause such sorrow to her miserable suppliant. The other despised her, as being safe in the very situation of the spot. The Fox snatched from an altar a burning torch, and surrounded the whole tree with flames, intending to mingle anguish to her foe with the loss of her offspring. The Eagle, that she might rescue her young ones from the peril of death, in a suppliant manner restored to the Fox her whelps in safety.
[ Fable XXIX.]
THE ASS DERIDING THE BOAR.
Fools often, while trying to raise a silly laugh, provoke others by gross affronts, and cause serious danger to themselves.
An Ass meeting a Boar: “Good morrow to you, brother,” says he. The other indignantly rejects the salutation, and enquires why he thinks proper to utter such an untruth. The Ass, with legs[I.30] crouching down, replies: “If you deny that you are like me, at all events I have something very like your snout.” The Boar, just on the point of making a fierce attack, suppressed his rage, and said: “Revenge were easy for me, but I decline to be defiled with such dastardly blood.”
[ Fable XXX.]
THE FROGS FRIGHTENED AT THE BATTLE OF THE BULLS.
When the powerful[I.31] are at variance, the lowly are the sufferers.