[Read more…] about The Snail and The ButterflyA Butterfly was seen by a Snail who berated it for its color. Butterfly responded he was colored by nature as are others. The Snail was a foil to this.
Don’t reject the ornamental when given by nature.
The Honest Horse
[Read more…] about The Honest HorsePeople were heaping false praise on Caligula on a horse. The horse threw him and was raised to high position because of being the only honest one.
The honest man carries preference in esteem.
Honour, Prudence, and Pleasure
[Read more…] about Honour, Prudence, and PleasureHonor, Prudence and Pleasure took up together. Pleasure ruined the arrangement and was turned out except for holidays and other events.
Luxury is to property, what a plague is to health.
The Parrot
[Read more…] about The ParrotA Parrot from the Indies was made a favorite. Asked why he was treated well, he said that at home he was common; here he was a rarity.
The rare may be common and the common may be rare.
The Mountebank and His Dog
[Read more…] about The Mountebank and His DogA Mountebank traveled the country showing his Dog doing tricks. Epictetus praised these actions as it showed the excellence of learning.
Good education is of infinite importance.
The Eagle and The Sycophant-Bird
[Read more…] about The Eagle and The Sycophant-BirdEagle attended a concert of birds and screeched in reply. All clapped except a Sycophant who issued false praise the Eagle accepted and others appreciated.
The highest art of flattery conveys praise in an indirect manner.