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Tuesday, April 23, 2019

Aesop Channel'd 'n' Chopp'd: Array Seven


Commentary

The Perry Index number for this fable is #285. 

The text for the second panel in this array has puzzled many a critic. Why "Shan't be troll'd"? What sort of diety would it be who would consider prayer addressed to it as trolling? Alternate texts are found in various earlier mss of the whole composition -- "Uncajoled," "Remains cold," and "You're on hold" being but a few of the less outre. In any case, on what basis the selection extant was ultimately made remains something of a mystery.  

The Ulyad

Sing to me, O Muse,  but not of Wand'ring Jews, nor Ulysses, late of Troy, nor Anchises and his boy.  Sing of one instead  who never lea...