A Fox is said to have given a Stork the first invitation to a banquet, and to have placed before her some thin broth in a flat dish, of which the hungry Stork could in no way get a taste. Having invited the Fox in return, she set {before him} a narrow-mouthed jar,[25] full of minced meat:[26] and, thrusting her beak into it, satisfied herself, {while} she tormented her guest with hunger; who, after having in vain licked the neck of the jar, as we have heard, thus addressed the foreign bird:[27] “Every one is bound to bear patiently the results of his own example.” [Footnote I.25: _Of minced meat_)--Ver. 7. “Intritus cibus,” is thought here to signify a peculiar dish, consisting of bread soaked in milk, cheese, garlic, and other herbs.] [Footnote I.26: _Narrow-mouthed jar_)--Ver. 8. The “lagena,” or “lagona,” was a long-necked bottle or flagon, made of earth, and much used for keeping wine or fruit.] [Footnote I.27: _The foreign bird_)--Ver. 11. Alluding probably to the migratory habits of the stork, or the fact of her being especially a native of Egypt.] FABLE XXVII. THE DOG, THE TREASURE, AND THE VULTURE. This Fable may be applied to the avaricious, and to those, who, born to a humble lot, affect to be called rich. Grubbing up human bones,[28] a Dog met with a Treasure; and, because he had offended the Gods the Manes,[29] a desire for riches was inspired in him, that so he might pay the penalty {due} to the holy character of the place. Accordingly, while he was watching over the gold, forgetful of food, he was starved to death; on which a Vulture, standing over him, is reported to have said: “O Dog, you justly meet your death, who, begotten at a cross-road, and bred up on a dunghill, have suddenly coveted regal wealth.” [Footnote I.28: _Human bones_)--Ver. 3. This plainly refers to the custom which prevailed among the ancients, of burying golden ornaments, and even money, with the dead; which at length was practised to such an excess, that at Rome the custom was forbidden by law. It was probably practised to a great extent by the people of Etruria; if we may judge from the discoveries of golden ornaments frequently made in their tombs.] [Footnote I.29: _Gods the Manes_)--Ver. 4. Perhaps by “Deos Manes” are meant the good and bad Genii of the deceased.] FABLE XXVIII. THE FOX AND THE EAGLE. Men, however high in station, ought to be on their guard against the lowly; because, to ready address, revenge lies near at hand.