The Fables of Phædrus Literally translated into English prose with notes

"The Fables of Phædrus" by Phaedrus is a set of ancient stories with animals that act like people, sharing life lessons; the collection, influenced by Aesop, presents Roman-flavored takes on how people behave, highlighting issues of power and fairness. The initial story introduces the reader to talking animals facing difficult choices that demonstrate lessons, such as a wolf unfairly blaming a lamb, showing how the strong can bully the weak for no good reason. The reader can expect to be treated to the author's funny quips of wit. The moral of the fable is meant to be a clear take-away, using entertaining stories to teach us about honesty, desires, and judging others unfairly. At the beginning, readers get a clear understanding that the fables' goal is to teach proper behavior through funny, but true tales.