The Horse kicks Isegrim the Wolf

The Horse kicks Isegrim the Wolf

an illustration by John Vernon Lord in Reynard the Fox, Abelard-Schuman, 1969.

The Lion's court

The Lion's court,

an illustration by John Vernon Lord in Reynard the Fox, Abelard-Schuman, 1969.

Reynard the Fox (without fur) praised by the animals

Reynard the Fox (without fur) praised by the animals, 

an illustration by John Vernon Lord in Reynard the Fox, Abelard-Schuman, 1969

Chest with keys and jewels (Fóstbroedra Saga)

Chest with keys and jewels,  an illustration by John Vernon Lord 

from 'Fóstbroedra Saga' in Icelandic Sagas, Volume 2, The Folio Society, 2002.

Haukadalur in moonlight with Vésteinn on his horse (Gísli's Saga)

Haukadalur in moonlight with Vésteinn on his horse,  an illustration by John Vernon Lord 

from 'Gísli's Saga' in Icelandic Sagas, Volume 2, The Folio Society, 2002.

Snorri's boat is rowed to Helgafell (Laxdaela Saga)

Snorri's boat is rowed to Helgafell,  an illustration by John Vernon Lord 

from 'Laxdaela Saga' in Icelandic Sagas, Volume 2, The Folio Society, 2002.

Freya's amulet shoots from copse to copse, (Vantnsdaela Saga)

Freya's amulet shoots from copse to copse,  an illustration by John Vernon Lord 

from 'Vantnsdaela Saga' in Icelandic Sagas, Volume 2, The Folio Society, 2002.

Thorgeir's head buried beneath stones and turf ( 'Fóstbroedra Saga')

Thorgeir's head buried beneath stones and turf,  an illustration by John Vernon Lord 

from 'Fóstbroedra Saga' in Icelandic Sagas, Volume 2, The Folio Society, 2002.

A bear throws a shield over the cliff and Bjorn flees (Grettir's Saga)

A bear throws a shield over the cliff and Bjorn flees,  an illustration by John Vernon Lord 

from 'Grettir's Saga' in Icelandic Sagas, Volume 2, The Folio Society, 2002.

The burning of Blund-Kettil's house ( 'The Hen-Thorir Tale')

The burning of Blund-Kettil's house, an illustration by John Vernon Lord 

from 'The Hen-Thorir Tale' in Icelandic Sagas, Volume 2, The Folio Society, 2002.

Grettir's ram on Drang Island butting the hut door

Grettir's ram on Drang Island butting the hut door, an illustration by John Vernon Lord from the 'Grettir's  Saga' in Icelandic Sagas, Volume 2, The Folio Society, 2002.

Grettir's fight with the she-troll (Grettir's Saga )

Grettir's fight with the she-troll, an illustration by John Vernon Lord from the 'Grettir's  Saga' in Icelandic Sagas, Volume 2, The Folio Society, 2002.

Glam sat astride a roof ('Grettir's Saga')

Glam sat astride a roof beating it furiously with his hands, an illustration by John Vernon Lord from the 'Grettir's  Saga' in Icelandic Sagas, Volume 2, The Folio Society, 2002.

Thórólfurs 20 cats were yowling and glaring

Thórólfurs 20 cats were yowling and glaring, an illustration by John Vernon Lord from the 'Vantnsdaela  Saga' in Icelandic Sagas, Volume 2, The Folio Society, 2002.

The flensing of a whale (Fóstbroedra Saga)

The flensing of a whale, an illustration by John Vernon Lord from the Fóstbroedra Saga in Icelandic Sagas, Volume 2, The Folio Society, 2002.

Harri the four-horned ox (Laxdaela Saga)

Harri the four-horned ox, an illustration by John Vernon Lord from the Laxdaela Saga, in Icelandic Sagas, Volume 2, The Folio Society, 2002.

Thorkel's dream of his beard extending over Breidafjord (Laxdaela Saga)

Thorkel's dream of his beard extending over Breidafjord, an illustration by John Vernon Lord from the Laxdaela Saga, in Icelandic Sagas, Volume 2, The Folio Society, 2002.

'The Porcupine and the Snakes'

'The Porcupine and the Snakes', an illustration by John Vernon Lord 

in Aesop's Fables, Jonathan Cape, 1989, page 584.

'The Crab and her Daughter'

'The Crab and her Daughter', an illustration by John Vernon Lord 

in Aesop's Fables, Jonathan Cape, 1989, page 50.

The text:

The Crab and her Daughter

Two Crabs, the mother and daughter, having been left by the receding tide, were creeping again towards the water, when the former observing the awkward gait of her daughter, got into a great passion, and desired her to move straight forward, in a more becoming and sprightly manner, and not crawl sideling along in a way so contrary to all the rest of the world. Indeed mother, says the young Crab, I walk as properly as I can, and to the best of my knowledge; but if you would have me to go otherwise, I beg you would be so good as to practise it first, and shew me by your own example how you would have me to conduct myself.

Moral: Look at the example you set yourself before finding fault in others.

Text: Thomas Bewick (p1, 1818)

Selected Parallels: Babrius 109. Avianus 3. Caxton, Avianus 3. La Fontaine 12/10. L’Estrange 221. Chambry 151. Perry 322. TMI J1063.1 and U121.1.

'The Fox and the Stork'

'The Fox and the Stork', an illustration by John Vernon Lord 

in Aesop's Fables, Jonathan Cape, 1989, page 132.

The text:

The Fox and the Stork Who Invited Each Other For Dinner

THE FOX, though in general more inclined to roguery than wit, had once a strong inclination to lay the wag with his neighbour the Stork. He accordingly invited her to dinner in great form; but when it came upon the table, the Stork found it consisted entirely of different soups, served up in broad shallow dishes, so that he could only dip in the end of her bill, but could not possibly satisfy her hunger, The Fox lapped it up very readily, and every now and then, addressing himself to his guest, desired to know how she liked her entertainment; hoped everything was seasoned to her mind; and protested he was very sorry to see her eat so sparingly. The Stork, perceiving she was played upon, took no notice of it, but pretended to like each dish extremely; and at parting pressed the Fox so earnestly to return her visit that he could not in civility refuse. The day arrived, and he repaired to his appointment; but to his great mortification, when dinner appeared, he found it composed of minced meat, served up in long narrow-necked glasses; so that he was only tantalised with the sight of what it was impossible for him to taste. The Stork thrust in her long bill, and helped herself very plentifully; then turning to Reynard, who was eagerly licking the outside of a jar where some sauce had been spilled: I am very glad, said she, smiling, that you seem to have so good an appetite; I hope you will make as hearty a dinner at my table, as I did the other day at yours. Reynard hung down his head, and looked very much displeased. - Nay, nay, said the Stork, do not pretend to be out of humour about the matter; they that cannot take a jest, should never make one.

Moral: Before we tease someone else we should always be prepared to take a joke against ourselves.

Text: Robert Dodsley (1/7, 1761 [1824])

Selected Parallels: Phaedrus 1/26. Plutarch Quaestiones Convivales 1/5. Caxton Romulus 2/13. La Fontaine 1/18. L’Estrange 1/31. Perry 426. Daly 426. TMI J1565.1.

'The Goat and the Goatherd'

'The Goat and the Goatherd', an illustration by John Vernon Lord 

in Aesop's Fables; 1989, page 128.

The Text:

The Goatherd who threw a Stone at the She-Goat

A BOY, whose business it was to look after some Goats, as night began to fall, gathered them together to lead them home. One of the number, a She-Goat, alone refused to obey his call, and stood on a ledge of a rock, nibbling the herbage that grew there. The boy lost all patience, and taking up a great stone, threw it at the Goat with all his force The stone struck one of the horns of the Goat, and broke it off at the middle. The Boy, terrified at what he had done and fearing his master’s anger, threw himself upon his knees before the Goat, and begged her to say nothing about the mishap, alleging that it was far from his intention to throw the stone so well. “Tush!” replied the Goat. “Let my tongue be ever so silent, my horn is sure to tell the tale.”

Moral:  It is difficult to conceal the truth when it is already staring you in the face.

Text: Joseph Benjamin Rundell (p91, 1869).

Selected Parallels: Babrius 3. Chambry 15. Perry 280. TMI J1082.1.