E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Parturiunt Montes.
“Parturient montes, nasctur ridiculus mus.” The Egyptian king Tachos sustained a long war against Artaxerxes Ochus, and sent to the Lacedemonians for aid. King Agesilaos went with a contingent, but when the Egyptians saw a little, illdressed lame man, they said: “Parturiebat mons; formidabat Jupiter; ille vero murem peperit.” (“The mountain laboured, Jupiter stood aghast, and a mouse ran out.”) Agesilaos replied, “You call me a mouse, but I will soon show you I am a lion.”
tur ridiculus mus.” The Egyptian king Tachos sustained a long war against Artaxerxes Ochus, and sent to the Lacedemonians for aid. King Agesilaos went with a contingent, but when the Egyptians saw a little, illdressed lame man, they said: “Parturiebat mons; formidabat Jupiter; ille vero murem peperit.” (“The mountain laboured, Jupiter stood aghast, and a mouse ran out.”) Agesilaos replied, “You call me a mouse, but I will soon show you I am a lion.”
