A cat fell in love with a handsome young man, begged Aphrodite to change her into a woman. The goddess, taking pity on her passion, turned her into a graceful young girl; and then the young man, seeing her, fell in love with her and took her home. As they were resting in the bridal chamber, Aphrodite, wishing to know whether the cat, by changing her body, had also changed her character, let a mouse loose in the middle of the room. The cat, forgetting her present condition, leapt from the bed and chased the mouse to eat it. Then the goddess, indignant with her, put her back into her first state.
Those who are wicked by nature may change their condition, but they do not change their character.
Nº 11The Man and the EthiopianA man had bought an enslaved Ethiopian, imagining that the colour of his skin was only dirt left by a careless former owner. He took him home and…Read the fable →
Nº 49The Husband and the Ill-Tempered WifeA man had a wife who was excessively harsh towards everyone in the household. He wanted to know whether she had the same temper towards her father's…Read the fable →
Nº 54The Blind Man and the CubA blind man was used to recognising by touch any animal put into his hands, and to telling what kind it was. One day a wolf cub was held out to him;…Read the fable →