Zenobius 5.38

You seek wool from an ass

Image pending

English

Proverb

You seek wool from an ass

Explanation

of those seeking insubstantial things; inasmuch as one cannot comb or shear an ass. Also "You shear an ass," of those undertaking impossible things.

Greek

Proverb

Ὄνου πόκους ζητεῖς

Explanation

ἐπὶ τῶν ἀνυπόστατα ζητούντων. Παρόσον τὴν ὄνον οὔτε πέξαι τὶς δύναται οὔτε κεῖραι. Λέγεται δὲ καὶ Ὄνον κείρεις, ἐπὶ τῶν ἀνηνύτοις ἐπιχειρούντων.

urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0098.tlg001.1st1K-grc1:5.38