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Link to an image of this page  Link to an image of this page  [D5v p58]

A minimis quoque timendum.[1]

Beware of even the weakest foe

Scarab beetle fighting an eagle
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Bella gerit Scarabaeus, & hostem provocat ultro,
Robore & inferior consilio superat.
Nam plumis Aquilae clam se neque cognitus abdit,
Hostilem ut nidum summa per astra petat.
Ovaque confodiens prohibet spem crescere prolis,
Hocque modo illatum dedecus ultus abit.[2]

The scarab beetle is waging war and takes the challenge to its foe. Though inferior in physical strength, it is superior in strategy. It hides itself secretly in the eagle’s feathers without being felt, in order to attack its enemy’s nest across the lofty skies. It bores into the eggs and prevents the hoped-for offspring from developing. And then it departs, having thus avenged the insult inflicted on it.

Notes:

1.  From the 1536 Wechel edition onwards, the woodcut is revised so that the beetle looks like the scarab of the text.

2.  For the feud between the eagle and the beetle, see Aesop, Fables 4; Erasmus, Adagia 2601, Scarabaeus aquilam quaerit.

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Link to an image of this page  Link to an image of this page  [C7v]

PAREM DELINQUENTIS ET
suasoris culpam esse.

The one who urges wrongdoing is as guilty as the one who does the wrong

Group of men outside a castle, one with a trumpet
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Link to an image of this page  Link to an image of this page  [C8r]

Praeconem lituo perflantem classica victrix,
Captivum in tetro carcere turma tenet.
Quîs ille excusat, quod nec sit strenuus armis,
Ullius aut saevo leserit ense latus.
Hinc[1] illi quin ipse magis timidissime peccas,
Qui clangore alios aeris in arma cies.[2]

The victorious troop holds captive in a foul dungeon a herald, who sounds military commands on his trumpet. To them he makes his excuses - he is no strong fighting man and has wounded no one’s side with a cruel sword. They reply: You abject coward, you are in fact more guilty, for you with the sound of your trumpet stir up others to fight.

Notes:

1.  Later editions have Huic.

2.  This is a version of Aesop, Fables 325.

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