Each of Henryson's moralitates contains its own interest, and a reader must reflect on how the author perceived and adapted each of the individual tales in the context of ethical behavior. Whether the goal is to shape the reader's future conduct remains debatable. Finally, Henryson's style and rhetorical talent have also recently received attention. The fables illustrate his mastery of a number of poetic voices. His word choice seems effortless yet completely appropriate.
C expresses the frustration of the poor.
The fables exist in a number of complete or partial versions in early manuscripts and printed texts. The text which is the basis for this edition is the Bassandyne print, with selected emendations. All emendations of the Bassandyne text are noted, often without comment since the reason for the change is usually self-evident in the meter or sense of the line. In some instances, however, a more detailed explanation has been provided, especially for emendations that are more controversial or complicated. The Morall Fabillis of Esope the Phrygian .