Minor Latin poets; with introductions and English translations

THE FABLES OF AVIANUSXXXVThe Monkey's TwinsThe story goes that a monkey gave birth to twinoffspring and assigned her children each to a differentdestiny. One the mother reared in fond affection,and she rankled with superabundant hatred for theother. When a perilous attack began to alarm themother she hurried her young apes off, meting outunequal treatment. The favourite she carried in herpaws or her tender bosom ; the despised one she liftedup and carried on her back. But when she could notstand upright on her wearied feet, in mid-flight shegladly let go the one that burdened her in front.But the other, throwing his arms round his mother'shairy neck, clung to her and shared her escapeagainst her will. Besides, he soon succeeded to thecaresses his favoured brother had enjoyed, andsurvived to be sole heir to his ancient lineage.Thus do many come to like what once they slighted ;and hope, changing the order of things, carries thelowly back into happier fortune.XXXVIThe Calf and the OxA fine calf, skipping to and fro and never yoked asyet, had seen an ox busily ploughing the fields." You there," he said, " are you not ashamed tohave your aged neck fastened, unable to throw offthe yoke and know the leisure that is mine ? For Iam free to range at will over the low-lying pasture,and then again I can make for the shade of the3b737