[Footnote IV.20: _From a lamp_)--Ver. 13. The ancients were compelled to light sacrifices to the Gods from torches, and not with fire from a lamp. More usually a fire was kept constantly burning in the temple for the purpose.] No other than he who invented this Fable, could explain how many useful lessons it affords. In the first place, it teaches that those whom you yourself have brought up, may often be found the most hostile to you: then again, it shows that crimes are punished not through the wrath of the Gods, but at the time appointed by the Fates: lastly, it warns the good to use nothing in common with the wicked. FABLE XII. THE EVILS OF WEALTH. HERCULES and PLUTUS. Riches are deservedly despised by a man of worth,[21] because a well-stored chest intercepts praise from its true objects. When Hercules was received into heaven as the reward of his virtues, and saluted in turn the Gods who were congratulating him, on Plutus approaching, who is the child of Fortune, he turned away his eyes. {His} father, {Jupiter}, enquired the reason: “I hate him,” says he, “because he is the friend of the wicked, and at the same time corrupts all by presenting the temptation of gain.” [Footnote IV.21: _A man of worth_)--Ver. 1. It has been suggested that by “forti viro,” Phædrus means a military man. The word “fortis” seems rather here to mean “of real worth,” or “of strong mind.” Some of ancient authors make Plutus to be the son of Ceres and Jasius.] FABLE XIII. THE LION REIGNING. Nothing is more advantageous to a man than to speak the truth; a maxim that ought indeed to be approved of by all; but still sincerity is frequently impelled to its own destruction. The Lion having made himself king of the wild beasts, and wishing to acquire the reputation of equity, abandoned his former course {of rapine}, and, content among them with a moderate supply of food, distributed hallowed justice with incorruptible fidelity. But after second thoughts began to prevail[22] *** *** *** _(The rest is lost)._ FABLE XIV. PROMETHEUS. *** *** *** *** *** *** A fictione veretri linguam mulieris, Affinitatem traxit inde obscœnitas. Rogavit alter, tribadas et molles mares Quæ ratio procreasset? Exposuit senex. Idem Prometheus auctor vulgi fictilis (Qui simul offendit ad fortunam, frangitur,) Naturæ partes, veste quas celat pudor, Quum separatim toto finxisset die, Aptare mox ut posset corporibus suis, Ad cœnam est invitatus subito a Libero; Ubi irrigatus multo venas nectare Sero domum est reversus titubanti pede. Tum semisomno corde et errore ebrio, Applicuit virginale generi masculo, Et masculina membra applicuit fæminis; Ita nunc libido pravo fruitur gaudio. FABLE XV. THE SHE-GOATS AND THEIR BEARDS.