Reading Help Aesop's Fables
The Two Bags `
` `
` EVERY MAN, according to an ancient legend, is born into the world `
` with two bags suspended from his neck all bag in front full of `
` his neighbors' faults, and a large bag behind filled with his own `
` faults. Hence it is that men are quick to see the faults of `
` others, and yet are often blind to their own failings. `
` `
` `
` The Stag at the Pool `
` `
` A STAG overpowered by heat came to a spring to drink. Seeing his `
` own shadow reflected in the water, he greatly admired the size `
` and variety of his horns, but felt angry with himself for having `
` such slender and weak feet. While he was thus contemplating `
` himself, a Lion appeared at the pool and crouched to spring upon `
` him. The Stag immediately took to flight, and exerting his `
` utmost speed, as long as the plain was smooth and open kept `
` himself easily at a safe distance from the Lion. But entering a `
` wood he became entangled by his horns, and the Lion quickly came `
` up to him and caught him. When too late, he thus reproached `
` himself: "Woe is me! How I have deceived myself! These feet which `
` would have saved me I despised, and I gloried in these antlers `
` which have proved my destruction." `
` `
` What is most truly valuable is often underrated. `
` `
` `
` The Jackdaw and the Fox `
` `
` A HALF-FAMISHED JACKDAW seated himself on a fig-tree, which had `
` produced some fruit entirely out of season, and waited in the `
` hope that the figs would ripen. A Fox seeing him sitting so long `
` and learning the reason of his doing so, said to him, "You are `
` indeed, sir, sadly deceiving yourself; you are indulging a hope `
` strong enough to cheat you, but which will never reward you with `
` enjoyment." `
` `
` `
` The Lark Burying Her Father `
` `
` THE LARK (according to an ancient legend) was created before the `
` earth itself, and when her father died, as there was no earth, `
` she could find no place of burial for him. She let him lie `
` uninterred for five days, and on the sixth day, not knowing what `
` else to do, she buried him in her own head. Hence she obtained `
` her crest, which is popularly said to be her father's `
` grave-hillock. `
` `
` Youth's first duty is reverence to parents. `
` `
` `
` The Gnat and the Bull `
` `
` A GNAT settled on the horn of a Bull, and sat there a long time. `
` Just as he was about to fly off, he made a buzzing noise, and `
` inquired of the Bull if he would like him to go. The Bull `
` replied, "I did not know you had come, and I shall not miss you `
` when you go away." `
` `
` Some men are of more consequence in their own eyes than in the `
` eyes of their neighbors. `
` `
` `
` The Bitch and Her Whelps `
` `
` A BITCH, ready to whelp, earnestly begged a shepherd for a place `
` where she might litter. When her request was granted, she `
` besought permission to rear her puppies in the same spot. The `
` shepherd again consented. But at last the Bitch, protected by `
` the bodyguard of her Whelps, who had now grown up and were able `
` to defend themselves, asserted her exclusive right to the place `
` and would not permit the shepherd to approach. `
` `
` `
` The Dogs and the Hides `
` `
` SOME DOGS famished with hunger saw a number of cowhides steeping `
` in a river. Not being able to reach them, they agreed to drink `
` up the river, but it happened that they burst themselves with `
` drinking long before they reached the hides. `
` `
` Attempt not impossibilities. `
` `
` `
` The Shepherd and the Sheep `
` `
` A SHEPHERD driving his Sheep to a wood, saw an oak of unusual `
` size full of acorns, and spreading his cloak under the branches, `
` he climbed up into the tree and shook them down. The Sheep `
` eating the acorns inadvertently frayed and tore the cloak. When `
` the Shepherd came down and saw what was done, he said, "O you `
` most ungrateful creatures! You provide wool to make garments for `
` all other men, but you destroy the clothes of him who feeds you." `
` `
` `
` `
` The Grasshopper and the Owl `
` `
` AN OWL, accustomed to feed at night and to sleep during the day, `
` was greatly disturbed by the noise of a Grasshopper and earnestly `
` besought her to stop chirping. The Grasshopper refused to `
` desist, and chirped louder and louder the more the Owl entreated. `
` When she saw that she could get no redress and that her words `
` were despised, the Owl attacked the chatterer by a stratagem. `
` "Since I cannot sleep," she said, "on account of your song which, `
` believe me, is sweet as the lyre of Apollo, I shall indulge `
` myself in drinking some nectar which Pallas lately gave me. If `
` you do not dislike it, come to me and we will drink it together." `
` The Grasshopper, who was thirsty, and pleased with the praise of `
` her voice, eagerly flew up. The Owl came forth from her hollow, `
` seized her, and put her to death. `
` `
` `
` The Monkey and the Camel `
` `
` THE BEASTS of the forest gave a splendid entertainment at which `
` the Monkey stood up and danced. Having vastly delighted the `
` assembly, he sat down amidst universal applause. The Camel, `
` envious of the praises bestowed on the Monkey and desiring to `
` divert to himself the favor of the guests, proposed to stand up `
` in his turn and dance for their amusement. He moved about in so `
` utterly ridiculous a manner that the Beasts, in a fit of `
` indignation, set upon him with clubs and drove him out of the `
` assembly. `
` `
` It is absurd to ape our betters. `
` `
` `
` The Peasant and the Apple-Tree `
` `
` A PEASANT had in his garden an Apple-Tree which bore no fruit but `
` only served as a harbor for the sparrows and grasshoppers. He `
` resolved to cut it down, and taking his axe in his hand, made a `
` bold stroke at its roots. The grasshoppers and sparrows `
` entreated him not to cut down the tree that sheltered them, but `
` to spare it, and they would sing to him and lighten his labors. `
` He paid no attention to their request, but gave the tree a second `
` and a third blow with his axe. When he reached the hollow of the `
` tree, he found a hive full of honey. Having tasted the `
` honeycomb, he threw down his axe, and looking on the tree as `
` sacred, took great care of it. `
` `
` Self-interest alone moves some men. `
` `
` `
` The Two Soldiers and the Robber `
` `
` TWO SOLDIERS traveling together were set upon by a Robber. The `
` one fled away; the other stood his ground and defended himself `
` with his stout right hand. The Robber being slain, the timid `
` companion ran up and drew his sword, and then, throwing back his `
` traveling cloak said, "I'll at him, and I'll take care he shall `
` learn whom he has attacked." On this, he who had fought with the `
` Robber made answer, "I only wish that you had helped me just now, `
` even if it had been only with those words, for I should have been `
` the more encouraged, believing them to be true; but now put up `
` your sword in its sheath and hold your equally useless tongue, `
` till you can deceive others who do not know you. I, indeed, who `
` have experienced with what speed you run away, know right well `
` that no dependence can be placed on your valor." `
` `
` `
` The Trees Under the Protection of the Gods `
` `
` THE GODS, according to an ancient legend, made choice of certain `
` trees to be under their special protection. Jupiter chose the `
` oak, Venus the myrtle, Apollo the laurel, Cybele the pine, and `
` Hercules the poplar. Minerva, wondering why they had preferred `
` trees not yielding fruit, inquired the reason for their choice. `
` Jupiter replied, "It is lest we should seem to covet the honor `
` for the fruit." But said Minerva, "Let anyone say what he will `
` the olive is more dear to me on account of its fruit." Then said `
` Jupiter, "My daughter, you are rightly called wise; for unless `
` what we do is useful, the glory of it is vain." `
` `
` `
` The Mother and the Wolf `
` `
` A FAMISHED WOLF was prowling about in the morning in search of `
` food. As he passed the door of a cottage built in the forest, he `
` heard a Mother say to her child, "Be quiet, or I will throw you `
` out of the window, and the Wolf shall eat you." The Wolf sat all `
` day waiting at the door. In the evening he heard the same woman `
` fondling her child and saying: "You are quiet now, and if the `
` Wolf should come, we will kill him." The Wolf, hearing these `
` words, went home, gasping with cold and hunger. When he reached `
` his den, Mistress Wolf inquired of him why he returned wearied `
` and supperless, so contrary to his wont. He replied: "Why, `
` forsooth! `
` use I gave credence to the words of a woman!" `
` `
` `
` The Ass and the Horse `
` `
` AN ASS besought a Horse to spare him a small portion of his feed. `
` "Yes," said the Horse; "if any remains out of what I am now `
` eating I will give it you for the sake of my own superior `
` dignity, and if you will come when I reach my own stall in the `
` evening, I will give you a little sack full of barley." The Ass `
` replied, "Thank you. But I can't think that you, who refuse me a `
`
` `
` EVERY MAN, according to an ancient legend, is born into the world `
` with two bags suspended from his neck all bag in front full of `
` his neighbors' faults, and a large bag behind filled with his own `
` faults. Hence it is that men are quick to see the faults of `
` others, and yet are often blind to their own failings. `
` `
` `
` The Stag at the Pool `
` `
` A STAG overpowered by heat came to a spring to drink. Seeing his `
` own shadow reflected in the water, he greatly admired the size `
` and variety of his horns, but felt angry with himself for having `
` such slender and weak feet. While he was thus contemplating `
` himself, a Lion appeared at the pool and crouched to spring upon `
` him. The Stag immediately took to flight, and exerting his `
` utmost speed, as long as the plain was smooth and open kept `
` himself easily at a safe distance from the Lion. But entering a `
` wood he became entangled by his horns, and the Lion quickly came `
` up to him and caught him. When too late, he thus reproached `
` himself: "Woe is me! How I have deceived myself! These feet which `
` would have saved me I despised, and I gloried in these antlers `
` which have proved my destruction." `
` `
` What is most truly valuable is often underrated. `
` `
` `
` The Jackdaw and the Fox `
` `
` A HALF-FAMISHED JACKDAW seated himself on a fig-tree, which had `
` produced some fruit entirely out of season, and waited in the `
` hope that the figs would ripen. A Fox seeing him sitting so long `
` and learning the reason of his doing so, said to him, "You are `
` indeed, sir, sadly deceiving yourself; you are indulging a hope `
` strong enough to cheat you, but which will never reward you with `
` enjoyment." `
` `
` `
` The Lark Burying Her Father `
` `
` THE LARK (according to an ancient legend) was created before the `
` earth itself, and when her father died, as there was no earth, `
` she could find no place of burial for him. She let him lie `
` uninterred for five days, and on the sixth day, not knowing what `
` else to do, she buried him in her own head. Hence she obtained `
` her crest, which is popularly said to be her father's `
` grave-hillock. `
` `
` Youth's first duty is reverence to parents. `
` `
` `
` The Gnat and the Bull `
` `
` A GNAT settled on the horn of a Bull, and sat there a long time. `
` Just as he was about to fly off, he made a buzzing noise, and `
` inquired of the Bull if he would like him to go. The Bull `
` replied, "I did not know you had come, and I shall not miss you `
` when you go away." `
` `
` Some men are of more consequence in their own eyes than in the `
` eyes of their neighbors. `
` `
` `
` The Bitch and Her Whelps `
` `
` A BITCH, ready to whelp, earnestly begged a shepherd for a place `
` where she might litter. When her request was granted, she `
` besought permission to rear her puppies in the same spot. The `
` shepherd again consented. But at last the Bitch, protected by `
` the bodyguard of her Whelps, who had now grown up and were able `
` to defend themselves, asserted her exclusive right to the place `
` and would not permit the shepherd to approach. `
` `
` `
` The Dogs and the Hides `
` `
` SOME DOGS famished with hunger saw a number of cowhides steeping `
` in a river. Not being able to reach them, they agreed to drink `
` up the river, but it happened that they burst themselves with `
` drinking long before they reached the hides. `
` `
` Attempt not impossibilities. `
` `
` `
` The Shepherd and the Sheep `
` `
` A SHEPHERD driving his Sheep to a wood, saw an oak of unusual `
` size full of acorns, and spreading his cloak under the branches, `
` he climbed up into the tree and shook them down. The Sheep `
` eating the acorns inadvertently frayed and tore the cloak. When `
` the Shepherd came down and saw what was done, he said, "O you `
` most ungrateful creatures! You provide wool to make garments for `
` all other men, but you destroy the clothes of him who feeds you." `
` `
` `
` `
` The Grasshopper and the Owl `
` `
` AN OWL, accustomed to feed at night and to sleep during the day, `
` was greatly disturbed by the noise of a Grasshopper and earnestly `
` besought her to stop chirping. The Grasshopper refused to `
` desist, and chirped louder and louder the more the Owl entreated. `
` When she saw that she could get no redress and that her words `
` were despised, the Owl attacked the chatterer by a stratagem. `
` "Since I cannot sleep," she said, "on account of your song which, `
` believe me, is sweet as the lyre of Apollo, I shall indulge `
` myself in drinking some nectar which Pallas lately gave me. If `
` you do not dislike it, come to me and we will drink it together." `
` The Grasshopper, who was thirsty, and pleased with the praise of `
` her voice, eagerly flew up. The Owl came forth from her hollow, `
` seized her, and put her to death. `
` `
` `
` The Monkey and the Camel `
` `
` THE BEASTS of the forest gave a splendid entertainment at which `
` the Monkey stood up and danced. Having vastly delighted the `
` assembly, he sat down amidst universal applause. The Camel, `
` envious of the praises bestowed on the Monkey and desiring to `
` divert to himself the favor of the guests, proposed to stand up `
` in his turn and dance for their amusement. He moved about in so `
` utterly ridiculous a manner that the Beasts, in a fit of `
` indignation, set upon him with clubs and drove him out of the `
` assembly. `
` `
` It is absurd to ape our betters. `
` `
` `
` The Peasant and the Apple-Tree `
` `
` A PEASANT had in his garden an Apple-Tree which bore no fruit but `
` only served as a harbor for the sparrows and grasshoppers. He `
` resolved to cut it down, and taking his axe in his hand, made a `
` bold stroke at its roots. The grasshoppers and sparrows `
` entreated him not to cut down the tree that sheltered them, but `
` to spare it, and they would sing to him and lighten his labors. `
` He paid no attention to their request, but gave the tree a second `
` and a third blow with his axe. When he reached the hollow of the `
` tree, he found a hive full of honey. Having tasted the `
` honeycomb, he threw down his axe, and looking on the tree as `
` sacred, took great care of it. `
` `
` Self-interest alone moves some men. `
` `
` `
` The Two Soldiers and the Robber `
` `
` TWO SOLDIERS traveling together were set upon by a Robber. The `
` one fled away; the other stood his ground and defended himself `
` with his stout right hand. The Robber being slain, the timid `
` companion ran up and drew his sword, and then, throwing back his `
` traveling cloak said, "I'll at him, and I'll take care he shall `
` learn whom he has attacked." On this, he who had fought with the `
` Robber made answer, "I only wish that you had helped me just now, `
` even if it had been only with those words, for I should have been `
` the more encouraged, believing them to be true; but now put up `
` your sword in its sheath and hold your equally useless tongue, `
` till you can deceive others who do not know you. I, indeed, who `
` have experienced with what speed you run away, know right well `
` that no dependence can be placed on your valor." `
` `
` `
` The Trees Under the Protection of the Gods `
` `
` THE GODS, according to an ancient legend, made choice of certain `
` trees to be under their special protection. Jupiter chose the `
` oak, Venus the myrtle, Apollo the laurel, Cybele the pine, and `
` Hercules the poplar. Minerva, wondering why they had preferred `
` trees not yielding fruit, inquired the reason for their choice. `
` Jupiter replied, "It is lest we should seem to covet the honor `
` for the fruit." But said Minerva, "Let anyone say what he will `
` the olive is more dear to me on account of its fruit." Then said `
` Jupiter, "My daughter, you are rightly called wise; for unless `
` what we do is useful, the glory of it is vain." `
` `
` `
` The Mother and the Wolf `
` `
` A FAMISHED WOLF was prowling about in the morning in search of `
` food. As he passed the door of a cottage built in the forest, he `
` heard a Mother say to her child, "Be quiet, or I will throw you `
` out of the window, and the Wolf shall eat you." The Wolf sat all `
` day waiting at the door. In the evening he heard the same woman `
` fondling her child and saying: "You are quiet now, and if the `
` Wolf should come, we will kill him." The Wolf, hearing these `
` words, went home, gasping with cold and hunger. When he reached `
` his den, Mistress Wolf inquired of him why he returned wearied `
` and supperless, so contrary to his wont. He replied: "Why, `
` forsooth! `
` use I gave credence to the words of a woman!" `
` `
` `
` The Ass and the Horse `
` `
` AN ASS besought a Horse to spare him a small portion of his feed. `
` "Yes," said the Horse; "if any remains out of what I am now `
` eating I will give it you for the sake of my own superior `
` dignity, and if you will come when I reach my own stall in the `
` evening, I will give you a little sack full of barley." The Ass `
` replied, "Thank you. But I can't think that you, who refuse me a `
`