[ Footnotes to New Fables]
[1.] Attributed to Phædrus)—Cassito and Jannelli, with several other critics, are strongly of opinion that these Fables were written by Phædrus. On a critical examination, however, they will be found to be so dissimilar in style and language from those acknowledged to be by Phædrus, that it is very difficult not to come to the conclusion that they are the work of some more recent writer, of inferior genius, and less pure latinity. They were first published in 1809, at Naples, by Cassito, from a MS. which had belonged to Nicholas Perotti, Archbishop of Sipontum or Manfredonia, at the end of the fifteenth century, and who, notwithstanding his assertions to the contrary, was perhaps either the author of them or altered them very materially. They appear in the MSS. in a mutilated condition; and the lacunæ have been filled up according to the fancy of the successive Editors of the Fables. Those inserted in Gail’s edition have in general been here adopted.
[2.] If nature had)—Ver. 1. This can hardly be styled a Fable; it is merely an Epilogue or moral lesson.
[3.] For laughter)—Ver. 17. This story savours more of the false wit of the middle ages than of the genius of Phædrus.
[4.] Was called Mendacity)—Ver. 21. There is a sort of pun intended upon the word “menda,” a blemish. Because Falsehood was blemished in having no feet, she was called “mendacium” or “mendacity.” Here the author’s etymology is at fault, as the word “mendacity” comes from “mentior,” to lie; which is not likely to have been derived from “menda.” Besides, Falsehood, whether she has feet or not, generally travels more speedily than Truth.
[5.] Fable V.)—This seems to be only a fragment; probably the moral of a Fable now lost.
[6.] Nine acres)—Ver. 13. “Jugera.” The “jugerum” was a piece of land 240 feet long by 120 wide.
[7.] The laurels, too)—Ver. 5. The “cortina” or oracular shrine was surrounded with laurels; which were said to quiver while the oracles were being pronounced. This is probably the most beautiful portion of these newly-discovered poems. Still, it cannot with propriety be called a Fable.
[8.] A person had recited)—Ver. 1. Adry remarks that this is not a Fable, but only an Epigram.
[9.] About their business)—Ver. 13. The words suggested in Orellius, “Indicii falsi auctores propelli jubet,” are used here to fill up the lacuna.