Lion spoke as follows:
"I naturally take the first part because I am named the Lion; you will give me the second part as a tribute to my courage; then, since I am the strongest, the third part comes to me anyway; and woe betide any one of you who meddles with the fourth!" And thus he unblushingly appropriated the entire Stag for himself.
Do not expect justice where might is right.
(Phædrus, Fables, Vol. I, No. 5.)
THE FOX AND THE MASK
A FOX had stolen into the house of an actor, and in rummaging among his various properties, laid hold of a highly-finished Mask. "A fine-looking head, indeed!" cried he; "what a pity it is that it wants brains!"
A fair outside is but a poor substitute for inward worth.
(Phædrus, Fables, Vol. I, No. 7; Thomas James' translation.)
THE HARE AND THE SPARROW
A HARE had been seized by an Eagle, and was squeaking pitifully, when a passing Sparrow asked with a sneer, "What has become of your famous speed, friend Hare? what was the matter with your legs?" These words were hardly out of the Sparrow's mouth, when a Hawk snatched him up unaware and quickly silenced his vain outcry. The dying Hare found comfort in this sight. "Ah, friend Sparrow," she said, "you who just now thought that you could safely laugh at my misfortune have fallen victim to the same cruel fate!"
It is foolish to advise others if you cannot take care of yourself.
(Phædrus, Fables, Vol. I, No. 9.)
