CHAP. IX.
A Comparison of the Fable of the Iliad, with that of Æsop.
The better to make it appear that an Epopéa is a true Fable; and that this Term we give it is not Metaphorical or Figurative, but Proper and Natural; and that the Sense is the same, as when we give the Name of Fables to the Fictions of Æsop: I shall here draw a Parallel between the Fable of the Iliad, and that of Æsop, which I have already mention'd.
First then I say, that the Moral Truth and Instruction is apparently the same in both. Æsop and Homer would have us learn, that a misunderstanding between those of the same Party, exposes them to the Insults of their Enemies, and their own Ruin: and that Concord preserves and renders them Victorious.
The Fiction is likewise the same. Both have feign'd a Confederacy of several Persons together, for the Maintenance and Defence of their Interest against the Common Enemy. Again, both have feign'd some disturbance that happen'd at first in this Union; and that those who quarrell'd met with an equal share of misfortune. Lastly, both have restor'd to the Party of these United Persons, the Concord and Victory which was the consequence of their Re-union.
There's nothing remains now but to give Names to those feign'd Persons. As for the Nature of the Fable, it matters little whether the Names of Beasts or of Men be made use of. Homer has made choice of these last; and has given the Quality of Kings to his Personages. He has call'd them Achilles, Agamemnon, Hector, Patroclus, and has expressed by the name of Grecians, that Interest which the Confederates were obliged to maintain. Æsop in his way, has given the Names of Beasts to all his Personages: The Dogs are the Confederates, the Wolf is their Enemy, and he has called the Sheep, what the Poet has term'd the Grecians.
One says, "That whilst the [1]Confederate Kings quarrell'd, Hector their Enemy makes havock of the poor Grecians, who pay dearly for the Folly of their Princes; and when the Allies, mov'd with their Loss, were Reunited, they put Hector to flight and kill him."
The other says the very same, That whilst the Dogs did bite and tear one another, the Wolf broke in upon the Sheep: and when the Dogs, seeing the ravage of this Enemy, were good Friends again, they made him fly for it, and killed him.
The
- ↑ Delirant reges plectuntur achivi. Hor. Ep. 2. ad Loll.
