Social Commentaries

IV.2 The Fox and the Grapes

by Phaedrus c. 15 BC - c. AD 50

Translated by Christopher Smart (1887 printing) · From Fables, Book IV

Social Commentaries

An hungry Fox with fierce attack
Sprang on a Vine, but tumbled back,
Nor could attain the point in view,
So near the sky the bunches grew.
As he went off, "They're scurvy stuff,"
Says he, "and not half ripe enough--
And I've more rev'rence for my tripes
Than to torment them with the gripes."
For those this tale is very pat
Who lessen what they can't come at.

MLA

Phaedrus. “IV.2 The Fox and the Grapes.” Translated by Christopher Smart. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/phaedrus/61/.

Chicago

Phaedrus. “IV.2 The Fox and the Grapes.” Translated by Christopher Smart. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/phaedrus/61/.

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