Note 1 — Footnotes to Book V
Henry T. (Henry Thomas) Riley translation
Æsopian Fables)—These Æsopian Fables appear much more worthy of the genius of Phædrus than the preceding ones, which have been attributed to him by the Italian Editors. The name of the author or authors of these is unknown; but from the internal evidence, it is not improbable that some may have been composed by Phædrus.
2. Planning for another)—Ver. 10. The nature of the reason assigned by the Hawk is not very clear. Perhaps the writer did not care that he should give even so much as a specious reason.
3. A Lion)—Ver. 1. This story is also told by Seneca—De Beneficiis, B. II. c. 19, and by Aulus Gellius, B. III. c. 14.
4. The Beasts, on being let out)—Ver. 10. The beasts were sent forth from “caveæ,” or “cages,” into the area of the Circus or Amphitheatre.
5. Extending his reed)—Ver. 13. From this it would appear, that fowlers stood behind trees, and used reeds tipped with birdlime, for the purpose of taking birds.
6. The Sheep and the Wolves)—Ver. 1. Demosthenes is said to have related this Fable to the Athenians, when dissuading them from surrendering the Orators to Alexander.
7. Your ministers)—Ver. 13. “Comites” here seems to mean “ministers,” in the sense in which the word was used in the times of the later Roman emperors.
8. Some games)—Ver. 9. “Spectaculum,” or “venatio.” These were exhibited by the wealthy Romans in the amphitheatre or circus, and on some occasions many hundred beasts were slain in one day. Of course, as here mentioned, their assailants would sometimes meet with an untimely end.