One Cannot Hide His or Her True Nature

Throughout the fables, one sees that the nature of a being cannot be changed through outward appearances. One also sees that the nature of some beings is evident through their appearance. In fable 76, a house-ferret begs the goddess Aphrodite to turn her into a girl so that she can marry a man. Aphrodite complies, and the girl marries her lover. Aphrodite then sets a test by releasing a mouse in the wedding chamber. The girl reverts to her house-ferret nature and chases the mouse. Zeus, in fable 119, makes a fox king of all animals. Zeus, like Aphrodite, tests the being he has elevated. He releases a cockchafer beetle in front of the fox, and the fox begins to chase it, showing his true nature. Whether one is dressed as a king or a beautiful gracious young maid, one cannot change or...