Book I

The prologue.

The matter which Æsop, the inventor of Fables, has provided, I have polished in Iambic verse.
The advantages of this little work are twofold—that it excites laughter, and by counsel guides the life of man. But if any one shall think fit to cavil, because not only wild beasts, but even trees speak, let him remember that we are disporting in fables.