Phaedrus

APPENDIX PEROTTINA

PROLOGUE.

PROLOGUE.
To Particulo.

THE PROLOGUE.
To Eutychus

There is no necessity to add evil to evil.

We must first make trial of a Man before we entrust ourselves to him.

A Sow was lying and groaning, her travail coming on; a Wolf came running to her aid, and, offering his assistance, said that he could perform the duties of midwife. She, however, understanding the treachery of the wicked animal, rejected the suspicious services of the evil-doer, and said: “If you keep at a greater distance it is enough.”

But had she entrusted herself to the perfidious Wolf, she would have had just as much pain to cry for, and her death into the bargain.

An extreme feeling of Security often leads Men into Danger.

A Cock had some Cats to carry him in his litter: a Fox on seeing him borne along in this pompous manner, said: “I advise you to be on your guard against treachery, for if you were to examine the countenances of those creatures, you would pronounce that they are carrying a booty, not a burden.” As soon as the savage brotherhood began to be hungry, they tore their Master to pieces, and went shares in the proceeds of their guilt.

How injurious it often is to tell the Truth.

Fortune sometimes favours Men beyond their hopes and expectations.

The great Inconstancy and Lustfulness of Women.