| Abstrakt: |
The commentary of the adage “Scarabaeus aquilam quaerit” has usually been examined for Erasmus' portrayal of the tyrant in the figure of the eagle. But the whole commentary, a re-telling of Aesop's fable, needs to be read as an allegory, and the figure of the dung beetle and the episode of Jupiter's arbitration must be fitted into a consistent interpretation. This article suggests that the beetle represents a type of revolutionary abhorrent to Erasmus and the arbitration a criticism of the notion of “ius gentium.” It further proposes that this adage, like others, has a place in the system of education Erasmus devises for prince Charles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
