Fable XX. The New Fables of Phædrus. 447
Fable XIX. THE RUNAWAY SLAVE AND ÆSOP.
There is no necessity to add evil to evil.
A Slave, when running away from a Master of severe disposition, met Æsop, to whom he was known as a neighbour: "Why are you in such a hurry?" said Æsop. " I'll tell you candidly, father," said the other, " for you are worthy to be called by that name, as our sorrows are safely entrusted to you. Stripes are in superabundance; victuals fail: every now and then I am sent to the farm as a slave to the rustics there: if he dines at home I am kept standing by him all night, or if he is invited out, I remain until daylight in the street. I have fairly earned my liberty; but with grey hairs I am still a slave. If I were conscious to myself of any fault, I should bear this patiently: I never have had a bellyful, and, unhappy that I am, I have to put up with a severe master besides. For these reasons, and for others which it would take too long to recount, I have determined to go wherever my feet may carry me." "Listen then," said Æsop; "When you have committed no fault, you suffer these inconveniences as you say: what if you had offended? What do you suppose you would then have had to suffer?"
By such advice he was prevented from running away.
Fable XX. THE CHARIOT-HORSE SOLD FOR THE MILL.
Whatever happens, we must hear it with equanimity.
A certain Man withdrew from his chariot a Horse, ennobled by many victories, and sold him for the mill. As he was being led out of doors from the mill-stones to water, he saw his fellows going towards the Circus, to celebrate the joyous contests at the games. With tears starting forth, he
