Reading Help Aesop's Fables
a word of salutation to his host, who had not given him any cause `
` for offense. "I have reasons enough," said the Bull. "I see no `
` indication whatever of your having slaughtered a sheep, while I `
` do see very plainly every preparation for your dining on a bull." `
` `
` `
` `
` The Goat and the Ass `
` `
` A MAN once kept a Goat and an Ass. The Goat, envying the Ass on `
` account of his greater abundance of food, said, "How shamefully `
` you are treated: at one time grinding in the mill, and at another `
` carrying heavy burdens"; and he further advised him to pretend to `
` be epileptic and fall into a ditch and so obtain rest. The Ass `
` listened to his words, and falling into a ditch, was very much `
` bruised. His master, sending for a leech, asked his advice. He `
` bade him pour upon the wounds the lungs of a Goat. They at once `
` killed the Goat, and so healed the Ass. `
` `
` `
` The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse `
` `
` A COUNTRY MOUSE invited a Town Mouse, an intimate friend, to pay `
` him a visit and partake of his country fare. As they were on the `
` bare plowlands, eating there wheat-stocks and roots pulled up `
` from the hedgerow, the Town Mouse said to his friend, "You live `
` here the life of the ants, while in my house is the horn of `
` plenty. I am surrounded by every luxury, and if you will come `
` with me, as I wish you would, you shall have an ample share of my `
` dainties." The Country Mouse was easily persuaded, and returned `
` to town with his friend. On his arrival, the Town Mouse placed `
` before him bread, barley, beans, dried figs, honey, raisins, and, `
` last of all, brought a dainty piece of cheese from a basket. The `
` Country Mouse, being much delighted at the sight of such good `
` cheer, expressed his satisfaction in warm terms and lamented his `
` own hard fate. Just as they were beginning to eat, someone `
` opened the door, and they both ran off squeaking, as fast as they `
` could, to a hole so narrow that two could only find room in it by `
` squeezing. They had scarcely begun their repast again when `
` someone else entered to take something out of a cupboard, `
` whereupon the two Mice, more frightened than before, ran away and `
` hid themselves. At last the Country Mouse, almost famished, said `
` to his friend: "Although you have prepared for me so dainty a `
` feast, I must leave you to enjoy it by yourself. It is `
` surrounded by too many dangers to please me. I prefer my bare `
` plowlands and roots from the hedgerow, where I can live in `
` safety, and without fear." `
` `
` `
` The Wolf, the Fox, and the Ape `
` `
` A WOLF accused a Fox of theft, but the Fox entirely denied the `
` charge. An Ape undertook to adjudge the matter between them. `
` When each had fully stated his case the Ape announced this `
` sentence: "I do not think you, Wolf, ever lost what you claim; `
` and I do believe you, Fox, to have stolen what you so stoutly `
` deny." `
` `
` The dishonest, if they act honestly, get no credit. `
` `
` `
` The Fly and the Draught-Mule `
` `
` A FLY sat on the axle-tree of a chariot, and addressing the `
` Draught-Mule said, "How slow you are! Why do you not go faster? `
` See if I do not prick your neck with my sting." The Draught-Mule `
` replied, "I do not heed your threats; I only care for him who `
` sits above you, and who quickens my pace with his whip, or holds `
` me back with the reins. Away, therefore, with your insolence, `
` for I know well when to go fast, and when to go slow." `
` `
` `
` The Fishermen `
` `
` SOME FISHERMEN were out trawling their nets. Perceiving them to `
` be very heavy, they danced about for joy and supposed that they `
` had taken a large catch. When they had dragged the nets to the `
` shore they found but few fish: the nets were full of sand and `
` stones, and the men were beyond measure cast downso much at the `
` disappointment which had befallen them, but because they had `
` formed such very different expectations. One of their company, `
` an old man, said, "Let us cease lamenting, my mates, for, as it `
` seems to me, sorrow is always the twin sister of joy; and it was `
` only to be looked for that we, who just now were over-rejoiced, `
` should next have something to make us sad." `
` `
` `
` The Lion and the Three Bulls `
` `
` THREE BULLS for a long time pastured together. A Lion lay in `
` ambush in the hope of making them his prey, but was afraid to `
` attack them while they kept together. Having at last by guileful `
` speeches succeeded in separating them, he attacked them without `
` fear as they fed alone, and feasted on them one by one at his own `
` leisure. `
` `
` Union is strength. `
` `
` `
` The Fowler and the Viper `
` `
` A FOWLER, taking his bird-lime and his twigs, went out to catch `
` birds. Seeing a thrush sitting upon a tree, he wished to take `
` it, and fitting his twigs to a proper length, watched intently, `
` having his whole thoughts directed towards the sky. While thus `
` looking upwards, he unknowingly trod upon a Viper asleep just `
` before his feet. The Viper, turning about, stung him, and `
` falling into a swoon, the man said to himself, "Woe is me! that `
` while I purposed to hunt another, I am myself fallen unawares `
` into the snares of death." `
` `
` `
` The Horse and the Ass `
` `
` A HORSE, proud of his fine trappings, met an Ass on the highway. `
` The Ass, being heavily laden, moved slowly out of the way. `
` "Hardly," said the Horse, "can I resist kicking you with my `
` heels." The Ass held his peace, and made only a silent appeal to `
` the justice of the gods. Not long afterwards the Horse, having `
` become broken-winded, was sent by his owner to the farm. The `
` Ass, seeing him drawing a dungcart, thus derided him: "Where, O `
` boaster, are now all thy gay trappings, thou who are thyself `
` reduced to the condition you so lately treated with contempt?' `
` `
` `
` The Fox and the Mask `
` `
` A FOX entered the house of an actor and, rummaging through all `
` his properties, came upon a Mask, an admirable imitation of a `
` human head. He placed his paws on it and said, "What a beautiful `
` head! Yet it is of no value, as it entirely lacks brains." `
` `
` `
` The Geese and the Cranes `
` `
` THE GEESE and the Cranes were feeding in the same meadow, when a `
` birdcatcher came to ensnare them in his nets. The Cranes, being `
` light of wing, fled away at his approach; while the Geese, being `
` slower of flight and heavier in their bodies, were captured. `
` `
` `
` The Blind Man and the Whelp `
` `
` A BLIND MAN was accustomed to distinguishing different animals by `
` touching them with his hands. The whelp of a Wolf was brought `
` him, with a request that he would feel it, and say what it was. `
` He felt it, and being in doubt, said: "I do not quite know `
` whether it is the cub of a Fox, or the whelp of a Wolf, but this `
` I know full well. It would not be safe to admit him to the `
` sheepfold." `
` `
` Evil tendencies are shown in early life. `
` `
` `
` The Dogs and the Fox `
` `
` SOME DOGS, finding the skin of a lion, began to tear it in pieces `
` with their teeth. A Fox, seeing them, said, "If this lion were `
` alive, you would soon find out that his claws were stronger than `
` your teeth." `
` `
` It is easy to kick a man that is down. `
` `
` `
` The Cobbler Turned Doctor `
` `
` A COBBLER unable to make a living by his trade and made desperate `
` by poverty, began to practice medicine in a town in which he was `
` not known. He sold a drug, pretending that it was an antidote to `
` all poisons, and obtained a great name for himself by long-winded `
` puffs and advertisements. When the Cobbler happened to fall sick `
` himself of a serious illness, the Governor of the town determined `
` to test his skill. For this purpose he called for a cup, and `
` while filling it with water, pretended to mix poison with the `
` Cobbler's antidote, commanding him to drink it on the promise of `
` a reward. The Cobbler, under the fear of death, confessed that `
` he had no knowledge of medicine, and was only made famous by the `
` stupid clamors of the crowd. The Governor then called a public `
` assembly and addressed the citizens: "Of what folly have you been `
` guilty? You have not hesitated to entrust your heads to a man, `
` whom no one could employ to make even the shoes for their feet." `
` `
` `
` The Wolf and the Horse `
` `
` A WOLF coming out of a field of oats met a Horse and thus `
` addressed him: "I would advise you to go into that field. It is `
` full of fine oats, which I have left untouched for you, as you `
` are a friend whom I would love to hear enjoying good eating." The `
` Horse replied, "If oats had been the food of wolves, you would `
` never have indulged your ears at the cost of your belly." `
` `
` Men of evil reputation, when they perform a good deed, fail to `
` get credit for it. `
` `
` `
` The Brother and the Sister `
` `
` A FATHER had one son and one daughter, the former remarkable for `
` his good looks, the latter for her extraordinary ugliness. While `
` they were playing one day as children, they happened by chance to `
`
` for offense. "I have reasons enough," said the Bull. "I see no `
` indication whatever of your having slaughtered a sheep, while I `
` do see very plainly every preparation for your dining on a bull." `
` `
` `
` `
` The Goat and the Ass `
` `
` A MAN once kept a Goat and an Ass. The Goat, envying the Ass on `
` account of his greater abundance of food, said, "How shamefully `
` you are treated: at one time grinding in the mill, and at another `
` carrying heavy burdens"; and he further advised him to pretend to `
` be epileptic and fall into a ditch and so obtain rest. The Ass `
` listened to his words, and falling into a ditch, was very much `
` bruised. His master, sending for a leech, asked his advice. He `
` bade him pour upon the wounds the lungs of a Goat. They at once `
` killed the Goat, and so healed the Ass. `
` `
` `
` The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse `
` `
` A COUNTRY MOUSE invited a Town Mouse, an intimate friend, to pay `
` him a visit and partake of his country fare. As they were on the `
` bare plowlands, eating there wheat-stocks and roots pulled up `
` from the hedgerow, the Town Mouse said to his friend, "You live `
` here the life of the ants, while in my house is the horn of `
` plenty. I am surrounded by every luxury, and if you will come `
` with me, as I wish you would, you shall have an ample share of my `
` dainties." The Country Mouse was easily persuaded, and returned `
` to town with his friend. On his arrival, the Town Mouse placed `
` before him bread, barley, beans, dried figs, honey, raisins, and, `
` last of all, brought a dainty piece of cheese from a basket. The `
` Country Mouse, being much delighted at the sight of such good `
` cheer, expressed his satisfaction in warm terms and lamented his `
` own hard fate. Just as they were beginning to eat, someone `
` opened the door, and they both ran off squeaking, as fast as they `
` could, to a hole so narrow that two could only find room in it by `
` squeezing. They had scarcely begun their repast again when `
` someone else entered to take something out of a cupboard, `
` whereupon the two Mice, more frightened than before, ran away and `
` hid themselves. At last the Country Mouse, almost famished, said `
` to his friend: "Although you have prepared for me so dainty a `
` feast, I must leave you to enjoy it by yourself. It is `
` surrounded by too many dangers to please me. I prefer my bare `
` plowlands and roots from the hedgerow, where I can live in `
` safety, and without fear." `
` `
` `
` The Wolf, the Fox, and the Ape `
` `
` A WOLF accused a Fox of theft, but the Fox entirely denied the `
` charge. An Ape undertook to adjudge the matter between them. `
` When each had fully stated his case the Ape announced this `
` sentence: "I do not think you, Wolf, ever lost what you claim; `
` and I do believe you, Fox, to have stolen what you so stoutly `
` deny." `
` `
` The dishonest, if they act honestly, get no credit. `
` `
` `
` The Fly and the Draught-Mule `
` `
` A FLY sat on the axle-tree of a chariot, and addressing the `
` Draught-Mule said, "How slow you are! Why do you not go faster? `
` See if I do not prick your neck with my sting." The Draught-Mule `
` replied, "I do not heed your threats; I only care for him who `
` sits above you, and who quickens my pace with his whip, or holds `
` me back with the reins. Away, therefore, with your insolence, `
` for I know well when to go fast, and when to go slow." `
` `
` `
` The Fishermen `
` `
` SOME FISHERMEN were out trawling their nets. Perceiving them to `
` be very heavy, they danced about for joy and supposed that they `
` had taken a large catch. When they had dragged the nets to the `
` shore they found but few fish: the nets were full of sand and `
` stones, and the men were beyond measure cast downso much at the `
` disappointment which had befallen them, but because they had `
` formed such very different expectations. One of their company, `
` an old man, said, "Let us cease lamenting, my mates, for, as it `
` seems to me, sorrow is always the twin sister of joy; and it was `
` only to be looked for that we, who just now were over-rejoiced, `
` should next have something to make us sad." `
` `
` `
` The Lion and the Three Bulls `
` `
` THREE BULLS for a long time pastured together. A Lion lay in `
` ambush in the hope of making them his prey, but was afraid to `
` attack them while they kept together. Having at last by guileful `
` speeches succeeded in separating them, he attacked them without `
` fear as they fed alone, and feasted on them one by one at his own `
` leisure. `
` `
` Union is strength. `
` `
` `
` The Fowler and the Viper `
` `
` A FOWLER, taking his bird-lime and his twigs, went out to catch `
` birds. Seeing a thrush sitting upon a tree, he wished to take `
` it, and fitting his twigs to a proper length, watched intently, `
` having his whole thoughts directed towards the sky. While thus `
` looking upwards, he unknowingly trod upon a Viper asleep just `
` before his feet. The Viper, turning about, stung him, and `
` falling into a swoon, the man said to himself, "Woe is me! that `
` while I purposed to hunt another, I am myself fallen unawares `
` into the snares of death." `
` `
` `
` The Horse and the Ass `
` `
` A HORSE, proud of his fine trappings, met an Ass on the highway. `
` The Ass, being heavily laden, moved slowly out of the way. `
` "Hardly," said the Horse, "can I resist kicking you with my `
` heels." The Ass held his peace, and made only a silent appeal to `
` the justice of the gods. Not long afterwards the Horse, having `
` become broken-winded, was sent by his owner to the farm. The `
` Ass, seeing him drawing a dungcart, thus derided him: "Where, O `
` boaster, are now all thy gay trappings, thou who are thyself `
` reduced to the condition you so lately treated with contempt?' `
` `
` `
` The Fox and the Mask `
` `
` A FOX entered the house of an actor and, rummaging through all `
` his properties, came upon a Mask, an admirable imitation of a `
` human head. He placed his paws on it and said, "What a beautiful `
` head! Yet it is of no value, as it entirely lacks brains." `
` `
` `
` The Geese and the Cranes `
` `
` THE GEESE and the Cranes were feeding in the same meadow, when a `
` birdcatcher came to ensnare them in his nets. The Cranes, being `
` light of wing, fled away at his approach; while the Geese, being `
` slower of flight and heavier in their bodies, were captured. `
` `
` `
` The Blind Man and the Whelp `
` `
` A BLIND MAN was accustomed to distinguishing different animals by `
` touching them with his hands. The whelp of a Wolf was brought `
` him, with a request that he would feel it, and say what it was. `
` He felt it, and being in doubt, said: "I do not quite know `
` whether it is the cub of a Fox, or the whelp of a Wolf, but this `
` I know full well. It would not be safe to admit him to the `
` sheepfold." `
` `
` Evil tendencies are shown in early life. `
` `
` `
` The Dogs and the Fox `
` `
` SOME DOGS, finding the skin of a lion, began to tear it in pieces `
` with their teeth. A Fox, seeing them, said, "If this lion were `
` alive, you would soon find out that his claws were stronger than `
` your teeth." `
` `
` It is easy to kick a man that is down. `
` `
` `
` The Cobbler Turned Doctor `
` `
` A COBBLER unable to make a living by his trade and made desperate `
` by poverty, began to practice medicine in a town in which he was `
` not known. He sold a drug, pretending that it was an antidote to `
` all poisons, and obtained a great name for himself by long-winded `
` puffs and advertisements. When the Cobbler happened to fall sick `
` himself of a serious illness, the Governor of the town determined `
` to test his skill. For this purpose he called for a cup, and `
` while filling it with water, pretended to mix poison with the `
` Cobbler's antidote, commanding him to drink it on the promise of `
` a reward. The Cobbler, under the fear of death, confessed that `
` he had no knowledge of medicine, and was only made famous by the `
` stupid clamors of the crowd. The Governor then called a public `
` assembly and addressed the citizens: "Of what folly have you been `
` guilty? You have not hesitated to entrust your heads to a man, `
` whom no one could employ to make even the shoes for their feet." `
` `
` `
` The Wolf and the Horse `
` `
` A WOLF coming out of a field of oats met a Horse and thus `
` addressed him: "I would advise you to go into that field. It is `
` full of fine oats, which I have left untouched for you, as you `
` are a friend whom I would love to hear enjoying good eating." The `
` Horse replied, "If oats had been the food of wolves, you would `
` never have indulged your ears at the cost of your belly." `
` `
` Men of evil reputation, when they perform a good deed, fail to `
` get credit for it. `
` `
` `
` The Brother and the Sister `
` `
` A FATHER had one son and one daughter, the former remarkable for `
` his good looks, the latter for her extraordinary ugliness. While `
` they were playing one day as children, they happened by chance to `
`