Dix-Neuf Fables du Méchant Loup

Abstract

The nineteen prose fables here are enjoyable. The print is larger than usual. The collection includes Aesop, LaFontaine, Renard, Kalila and Dimna, and international sources. The first is disarmingly simple. A wolf swallows a bird. The bird declares from inside the wolf that he is small, but that his meat is delicate. When the wolf opens his mouth to say I know, the bird flies out. A countryman captured by a wolf offers a gift of the wolf's choice if he is released, and the wolf agrees and asks for a suit of clothes. The next day the countryman shows up late in a carriage. Stuttering and stammering, he finally admits that he has not brought the promised suit, but explains that he did not know the wolf's size. So he has brought two tailers in the coach. The wolf finally opens the coach door, only to find that the two tailors are large dogs who promptly pursue him. In the third story (19), the picture helps us to recognize how the snail outraced the wolf--namely by riding on his tail. Story #17, labelled as from the USA, is new to me. The wolf reneges on a hunting partnership with the rabbit, and the rabbit turns to the dog to help him get even with the wolf. The dog gets close enough that the wolf can see him the next day as the wolf divides the spoils with his partner. The wolf is much more generous this time!