The Fables of Phædrus / Literally translated into English prose with notes Papyras Classics

← The Fables of Phædrus / Literally translated into English prose with notes

Chapter 66

V. The Heifer, Goat, Sheep, and Lion

A partnership with men in power

We cannot build upon an hour.

This Fable proves the fact too true:

An Heifer, Goat, and harmless Ewe,

Were with the Lion as allies,

To raise in desert woods supplies.

There, when they jointly had the luck

To take a most enormous buck,

The Lion first the parts disposed,

And then his royal will disclosed.

“The first, as Lion hight, I crave;

The next you yield to me, as brave;

The third is my peculiar due,

As being stronger far than you;

The fourth you likewise will renounce,

For him that touches, I shall trounce.”

Thus rank unrighteousness and force

Seized all the prey without remorse.

Riley