A certain Man was yoking an old Ox along with a Calf; and when the Ox shunning {to bear} the yoke with a neck so unfit for it, alleged the failing strength of his years: “You have no reason to fear,” said the Countryman, “I don’t do this that you may labour, but that you may tame him, who with his heels and horns has made many lame.” Just so, unless you always keep your son by you, and by your management restrain his temper, take care that the broils in your house don’t increase to a still greater degree. Gentleness is the remedy for a bad temper.[12] [Footnote NF.12: _Remedy for a bad temper_)--Ver. 15. This doctrine is stated in far too general terms.] FABLE XII. THE PHILOSOPHER AND THE VICTOR IN THE GYMNASTIC GAMES. _How Boastfulness may sometimes be checked._ A Philosopher chancing to find the Victor in a gymnastic contest too fond of boasting, asked him whether his adversary had been the stronger man. {To this} the other {replied}: “Don’t mention it; my strength was far greater.” “Then, you simpleton,” retorted {the Philosopher}, “what praise do you deserve, if you, being the stronger, have conquered one who was not so powerful? You might perhaps have been tolerated if you had told us that you had conquered one who was your superior in strength.” FABLE XIII. THE ASS AND THE LYRE. _How Genius is often wasted through Misfortune._ An Ass espied a Lyre lying in a meadow: he approached and tried the strings with his hoof; they sounded at his touch. “By my faith, a pretty thing,” said he; “it happens unfortunately that I am not skilled in the art. If any person of greater skill had found it, he might have charmed my ears with divine notes.” So Genius is often wasted through Misfortune.[13] [Footnote NF.13: _Genius often wasted._)--Ver. 7. It seems to border upon the absurd to speak of an ass losing the opportunity of cultivating his “ingenium.” He can hardly with propriety be quoted under any circumstances as a specimen of a “mute inglorious Milton.”] FABLE XIV. THE WIDOW AND THE SOLDIER. _The great Inconstancy and Lustfulness of Women._