Minor Latin poets; with introductions and English translations

THE FABLES OF AVIANUSIVThe Wind and the SuxSavage Boreas and gentle Phoebus joined strifein the presence of the stars with great Jupiter, todecide which should first achieve his task ; and overthe midst of the plain it happened a traveller wasplying his wonted way. They agree to prefacetheir dispute with this case for trial—to get theman stripped by tearing off his cloak." Straightwaywith the onset of the wind the sky thundersaround, and the chill rain-storm pours down torrentsof water. The traveller folds his cloak double anddraws it round his sides all the more, because thetempestuous blast pushes the folds aside and tugs atthem. But Phoebus had bidden his penetrating raysgrow stronger little by little, so that his splendourmight emerge in excessive heat,—until the traveller,anxious to rest his weary limbs, threw down hiscloak and sat on the ground exhausted. Then in histriumph the Titan taught the assembled gods ^that no one can win victory by an advance guard ofthreats.The Donkey inVthe Lion's Skin[Everyone should take his true measure and becontent with his own merits, and not claim for himselfhis neighbour's goods, lest the stripping of the finerylead to painful ridicule as soon as he is left in possessionof his usual defects.]" nudato is proleptic. * i.e. the stars and Jupiter.Y Y689