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Page 32
This Scythian philosopher resembles the indiscriminating Stoic who cuts
away from the soul all passions and desires, good as well as bad, even
to the most innocent wishes. For my own part, I protest against such
people strongly. They take from the heart its greatest impulses and we
cease to live before we are dead.
[Illustration]
XLVI
THE ELEPHANT AND JUPITER'S APE
(BOOK XII.--No. 21)
Once in the olden times the elephant and the rhinoceros disputed as to
which was the more important, and which should, therefore, have empire
over the other animals. They decided to settle the point by battle in an
enclosed field.
The day was fixed, and all in readiness, when somebody came and informed
them that Jupiter's ape, bearing a caduceus, had been seen in the air.
The fact of his holding a caduceus[20] proved him to be acting as
official messenger from Olympus, and the elephant immediately took it
for granted that the ape came as ambassador with greetings to his
highness. Elated with this idea he waited for Gille, for that was the
name of the ape, and thought him rather tardy in presenting his
credentials. But at length Master Gille did salute his excellency as he
passed, and the elephant prepared himself for the message. But not a
word was forthcoming.
It was evident that the gods were not giving so much attention to these
matters as the elephant supposed.
What does it matter to those in high places whether one is an elephant
or a fly?
The would-be monarch was reduced to the necessity of opening the
conversation himself. "My cousin Jupiter," he began, "will soon be able
to watch a rather fine combat from his supreme throne, and his court
will see some splendid sport."
"What combat?" asked the ape rather severely.
"What! Do you not know that the rhinoceros denies me precedence: that
the Elephantid� are at war with the Rhinocerotid�? You surely know these
families: they have some reputation."
"I am charmed to learn their names," replied Master Gille. "We are
little concerned about such matters in our vast halls."
This shamed and surprised the elephant. "Eh! What, then, is the reason
of your visit amongst us?"
"Oh, it was to divide a blade of grass between two ants. We care for
all. As for your affair, nothing has been said about it in the council
of the gods. The little and the great are equal in their eyes."
FOOTNOTES:
[Footnote 20: The wand or official staff of Hermes.]
XLVII
THE LEAGUE OF RATS
(BOOK XII.--No. 26)
There was once a mouse who lived in terrible fear of a cat that had lain
in wait watching for her. She was in great anxiety to know what she
could do to escape the threatening danger.
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