Zeus, marvelling at the intelligence and quick wit of the fox, granted her the kingship of the beasts. But he wanted to know whether, in changing her fortune, she had also changed her greedy habits; and so, while the new queen was being carried in her litter, he let a beetle loose before her eyes. Then, unable to control herself at the sight of the beetle flitting about her litter, the fox leapt out and, heedless of all propriety, tried to catch it. Zeus, indignant at her conduct, put her back into her former state.
Worthless people may take on a more brilliant outward show, but they do not change their nature.Moral
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 →
Nº 322Prometheus and MenPrometheus, on Zeus's orders, had modelled men and beasts. But Zeus, having noticed that the beasts were far more numerous, ordered him to do away…Read the fable →One fable, every Sunday, in your inbox.