Opowieść o koniu, który ani piękny, ani duży, ale wytrzymały był (HA., Prob., 8)
A tale of a horse which, though not handsome or especially large, was reputed to run one hundred miles in a day

Summary/Abstract: In the following paper I am going to discuss an interesting passage from „Historia Augusta” (v. Probi 8). It is generally believed by scholars to be nothing else than a literary topos. As such, however, this fable may presents a key factor for the proper understanding of Probus’ image in “Historia Augusta”. Thus, on one level of understanding, this fable should be taken for an idealised image of the emperor; on a second level, as an omen imperii.

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