Prevod

(Many authors praise only their own works and those of their friends or fellow pupils.) Before an assembly of various animals, the Monkey declared in all seriousness that, following the custom established among rational men, it was a disgrace to have no history 5 that, by recounting their origins and deeds, might instruct them and bring them glory. All being pleased with the proposed idea, the Monkey undertook the task, 10 and King Lion, before the assembled council, decreed that he be duly supported with a suitable allowance, besides the cost of writing supplies. The new author asks the Goose for a quill, 15 sets to work, and makes his literary debut with a historical compendium containing nothing but the annals of himself and his fellow monkeys; 20 but though whole years passed afterward, he said nothing of the other animals, who waited in vain to see another word from his pen. One day the Elephant, being wise, 25 took him to task for so grave an omission, and the Monkey answered him: "Do not be astonished; in this too I copy many men. I promise the public works of great importance, and in the end write only of myself." 30