Reading Help Aesop's Fables
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` `
` The Mules and the Robbers `
` `
` TWO MULES well-laden with packs were trudging along. One carried `
` panniers filled with money, the other sacks weighted with grain. `
` The Mule carrying the treasure walked with head erect, as if `
` conscious of the value of his burden, and tossed up and down the `
` clear-toned bells fastened to his neck. His companion followed `
` with quiet and easy step. All of a sudden Robbers rushed upon `
` them from their hiding-places, and in the scuffle with their `
` owners, wounded with a sword the Mule carrying the treasure, `
` which they greedily seized while taking no notice of the grain. `
` The Mule which had been robbed and wounded bewailed his `
` misfortunes. The other replied, "I am indeed glad that I was `
` thought so little of, for I have lost nothing, nor am I hurt with `
` any wound." `
` `
` `
` The Viper and the File `
` `
` A LION, entering the workshop of a smith, sought from the tools `
` the means of satisfying his hunger. He more particularly `
` addressed himself to a File, and asked of him the favor of a `
` meal. The File replied, "You must indeed be a simple-minded `
` fellow if you expect to get anything from me, who am accustomed `
` to take from everyone, and never to give anything in return." `
` `
` `
` The Lion and the Shepherd `
` `
` A LION, roaming through a forest, trod upon a thorn. Soon `
` afterward he came up to a Shepherd and fawned upon him, wagging `
` his tail as if to say, "I am a suppliant, and seek your aid." The `
` Shepherd boldly examined the beast, discovered the thorn, and `
` placing his paw upon his lap, pulled it out; thus relieved of his `
` pain, the Lion returned into the forest. Some time after, the `
` Shepherd, being imprisoned on a false accusation, was condemned `
` "to be cast to the Lions" as the punishment for his imputed `
` crime. But when the Lion was released from his cage, he `
` recognized the Shepherd as the man who healed him, and instead of `
` attacking him, approached and placed his foot upon his lap. The `
` King, as soon as he heard the tale, ordered the Lion to be set `
` free again in the forest, and the Shepherd to be pardoned and `
` restored to his friends. `
` `
` `
` The Camel and Jupiter `
` `
` THE CAMEL, when he saw the Bull adorned with horns, envied him `
` and wished that he himself could obtain the same honors. He went `
` to Jupiter, and besought him to give him horns. Jupiter, vexed `
` at his request because he was not satisfied with his size and `
` strength of body, and desired yet more, not only refused to give `
` him horns, but even deprived him of a portion of his ears. `
` `
` `
` The Panther and the Shepherds `
` `
` A PANTHER, by some mischance, fell into a pit. The Shepherds `
` discovered him, and some threw sticks at him and pelted him with `
` stones, while others, moved with compassion towards one about to `
` die even though no one should hurt him, threw in some food to `
` prolong his life. At night they returned home, not dreaming of `
` any danger, but supposing that on the morrow they would find him `
` dead. The Panther, however, when he had recruited his feeble `
` strength, freed himself with a sudden bound from the pit, and `
` hastened to his den with rapid steps. After a few days he came `
` forth and slaughtered the cattle, and, killing the Shepherds who `
` had attacked him, raged with angry fury. Then they who had `
` spared his life, fearing for their safety, surrendered to him `
` their flocks and begged only for their lives. To them the `
` Panther made this reply: "I remember alike those who sought my `
` life with stones, and those who gave me food `
` aside, therefore, your fears. I return as an enemy only to those `
` who injured me." `
` `
` `
` The Ass and the Charger `
` `
` AN ASS congratulated a Horse on being so ungrudgingly and `
` carefully provided for, while he himself had scarcely enough to `
` eat and not even that without hard work. But when war broke out, `
` a heavily armed soldier mounted the Horse, and riding him to the `
` charge, rushed into the very midst of the enemy. The Horse was `
` wounded and fell dead on the battlefield. Then the Ass, seeing `
` all these things, changed his mind, and commiserated the Horse. `
` `
` `
` The Eagle and His Captor `
` `
` AN EAGLE was once captured by a man, who immediately clipped his `
` wings and put him into his poultry-yard with the other birds, at `
` which treatment the Eagle was weighed down with grief. Later, `
` another neighbor purchased him and allowed his feathers to grow `
` again. The Eagle took flight, and pouncing upon a hare, brought `
` it at once as an offering to his benefactor. A Fox, seeing this, `
` exclaimed, "Do not cultivate the favor of this man, but of your `
` former owner, lest he should again hunt for you and deprive you a `
` second time of your wings." `
` `
` `
` The Bald Man and the Fly `
` `
` A FLY bit the bare head of a Bald Man who, endeavoring to destroy `
` it, gave himself a heavy slap. Escaping, the Fly said mockingly, `
` "You who have wished to revenge, even with death, the Prick of a `
` tiny insect, see what you have done to yourself to add insult to `
` injury?' The Bald Man replied, "I can easily make peace with `
` myself, because I know there was no intention to hurt. But you, `
` an ill-favored and contemptible insect who delights in sucking `
` human blood, I wish that I could have killed you even if I had `
` incurred a heavier penalty." `
` `
` `
` The Olive-Tree and the Fig-Tree `
` `
` THE OLIVE-TREE ridiculed the Fig-Tree because, while she was `
` green all the year round, the Fig-Tree changed its leaves with `
` the seasons. A shower of snow fell upon them, and, finding the `
` Olive full of foliage, it settled upon its branches and broke `
` them down with its weight, at once despoiling it of its beauty `
` and killing the tree. But finding the Fig-Tree denuded of `
` leaves, the snow fell through to the ground, and did not injure `
` it at all. `
` `
` `
` The Eagle and the Kite `
` `
` AN EAGLE, overwhelmed with sorrow, sat upon the branches of a `
` tree in company with a Kite. "Why," said the Kite, "do I see you `
` with such a rueful look?' "I seek," she replied, "a mate suitable `
` for me, and am not able to find one." "Take me," returned the `
` Kite, "I am much stronger than you are." "Why, are you able to `
` secure the means of living by your plunder?' "Well, I have often `
` caught and carried away an ostrich in my talons." The Eagle, `
` persuaded by these words, accepted him as her mate. Shortly `
` after the nuptials, the Eagle said, "Fly off and bring me back `
` the ostrich you promised me." The Kite, soaring aloft into the `
` air, brought back the shabbiest possible mouse, stinking from the `
` length of time it had lain about the fields. "Is this," said the `
` Eagle, "the faithful fulfillment of your promise to me?' The Kite `
` replied, "That I might attain your royal hand, there is nothing `
` that I would not have promised, however much I knew that I must `
` fail in the performance." `
` `
` `
` The Ass and His Driver `
` `
` AN ASS, being driven along a high road, suddenly started off and `
` bolted to the brink of a deep precipice. While he was in the act `
` of throwing himself over, his owner seized him by the tail, `
` endeavoring to pull him back. When the Ass persisted in his `
` effort, the man let him go and said, "Conquer, but conquer to `
` your cost." `
` `
` `
` The Thrush and the Fowler `
` `
` A THRUSH was feeding on a myrtle-tree and did not move from it `
` because its berries were so delicious. A Fowler observed her `
` staying so long in one spot, and having well bird-limed his `
` reeds, caught her. The Thrush, being at the point of death, `
` exclaimed, "O foolish creature that I am! For the sake of a `
` little pleasant food I have deprived myself of my life." `
` `
` `
` The Rose and the Amaranth `
` `
` AN AMARANTH planted in a garden near a Rose-Tree, thus addressed `
` it: "What a lovely flower is the Rose, a favorite alike with Gods `
` and with men. I envy you your beauty and your perfume." The Rose `
` replied, "I indeed, dear Amaranth, flourish but for a brief `
` season! If no cruel hand pluck me from my stem, yet I must perish `
` by an early doom. But thou art immortal and dost never fade, but `
` bloomest for ever in renewed youth." `
` `
` `
` The Frogs' Complaint Against the Sun `
` `
` ONCE UPON A TIME, when the Sun announced his intention to take a `
` wife, the Frogs lifted up their voices in clamor to the sky. `
` Jupiter, disturbed by the noise of their croaking, inquired the `
` cause of their complaint. One of them said, "The Sun, now while `
` he is single, parches up the marsh, and compels us to die `
` miserably in our arid homes. What will be our future condition `
` if he should beget other suns?' `
` `
` `
` `
`
` `
` The Mules and the Robbers `
` `
` TWO MULES well-laden with packs were trudging along. One carried `
` panniers filled with money, the other sacks weighted with grain. `
` The Mule carrying the treasure walked with head erect, as if `
` conscious of the value of his burden, and tossed up and down the `
` clear-toned bells fastened to his neck. His companion followed `
` with quiet and easy step. All of a sudden Robbers rushed upon `
` them from their hiding-places, and in the scuffle with their `
` owners, wounded with a sword the Mule carrying the treasure, `
` which they greedily seized while taking no notice of the grain. `
` The Mule which had been robbed and wounded bewailed his `
` misfortunes. The other replied, "I am indeed glad that I was `
` thought so little of, for I have lost nothing, nor am I hurt with `
` any wound." `
` `
` `
` The Viper and the File `
` `
` A LION, entering the workshop of a smith, sought from the tools `
` the means of satisfying his hunger. He more particularly `
` addressed himself to a File, and asked of him the favor of a `
` meal. The File replied, "You must indeed be a simple-minded `
` fellow if you expect to get anything from me, who am accustomed `
` to take from everyone, and never to give anything in return." `
` `
` `
` The Lion and the Shepherd `
` `
` A LION, roaming through a forest, trod upon a thorn. Soon `
` afterward he came up to a Shepherd and fawned upon him, wagging `
` his tail as if to say, "I am a suppliant, and seek your aid." The `
` Shepherd boldly examined the beast, discovered the thorn, and `
` placing his paw upon his lap, pulled it out; thus relieved of his `
` pain, the Lion returned into the forest. Some time after, the `
` Shepherd, being imprisoned on a false accusation, was condemned `
` "to be cast to the Lions" as the punishment for his imputed `
` crime. But when the Lion was released from his cage, he `
` recognized the Shepherd as the man who healed him, and instead of `
` attacking him, approached and placed his foot upon his lap. The `
` King, as soon as he heard the tale, ordered the Lion to be set `
` free again in the forest, and the Shepherd to be pardoned and `
` restored to his friends. `
` `
` `
` The Camel and Jupiter `
` `
` THE CAMEL, when he saw the Bull adorned with horns, envied him `
` and wished that he himself could obtain the same honors. He went `
` to Jupiter, and besought him to give him horns. Jupiter, vexed `
` at his request because he was not satisfied with his size and `
` strength of body, and desired yet more, not only refused to give `
` him horns, but even deprived him of a portion of his ears. `
` `
` `
` The Panther and the Shepherds `
` `
` A PANTHER, by some mischance, fell into a pit. The Shepherds `
` discovered him, and some threw sticks at him and pelted him with `
` stones, while others, moved with compassion towards one about to `
` die even though no one should hurt him, threw in some food to `
` prolong his life. At night they returned home, not dreaming of `
` any danger, but supposing that on the morrow they would find him `
` dead. The Panther, however, when he had recruited his feeble `
` strength, freed himself with a sudden bound from the pit, and `
` hastened to his den with rapid steps. After a few days he came `
` forth and slaughtered the cattle, and, killing the Shepherds who `
` had attacked him, raged with angry fury. Then they who had `
` spared his life, fearing for their safety, surrendered to him `
` their flocks and begged only for their lives. To them the `
` Panther made this reply: "I remember alike those who sought my `
` life with stones, and those who gave me food `
` aside, therefore, your fears. I return as an enemy only to those `
` who injured me." `
` `
` `
` The Ass and the Charger `
` `
` AN ASS congratulated a Horse on being so ungrudgingly and `
` carefully provided for, while he himself had scarcely enough to `
` eat and not even that without hard work. But when war broke out, `
` a heavily armed soldier mounted the Horse, and riding him to the `
` charge, rushed into the very midst of the enemy. The Horse was `
` wounded and fell dead on the battlefield. Then the Ass, seeing `
` all these things, changed his mind, and commiserated the Horse. `
` `
` `
` The Eagle and His Captor `
` `
` AN EAGLE was once captured by a man, who immediately clipped his `
` wings and put him into his poultry-yard with the other birds, at `
` which treatment the Eagle was weighed down with grief. Later, `
` another neighbor purchased him and allowed his feathers to grow `
` again. The Eagle took flight, and pouncing upon a hare, brought `
` it at once as an offering to his benefactor. A Fox, seeing this, `
` exclaimed, "Do not cultivate the favor of this man, but of your `
` former owner, lest he should again hunt for you and deprive you a `
` second time of your wings." `
` `
` `
` The Bald Man and the Fly `
` `
` A FLY bit the bare head of a Bald Man who, endeavoring to destroy `
` it, gave himself a heavy slap. Escaping, the Fly said mockingly, `
` "You who have wished to revenge, even with death, the Prick of a `
` tiny insect, see what you have done to yourself to add insult to `
` injury?' The Bald Man replied, "I can easily make peace with `
` myself, because I know there was no intention to hurt. But you, `
` an ill-favored and contemptible insect who delights in sucking `
` human blood, I wish that I could have killed you even if I had `
` incurred a heavier penalty." `
` `
` `
` The Olive-Tree and the Fig-Tree `
` `
` THE OLIVE-TREE ridiculed the Fig-Tree because, while she was `
` green all the year round, the Fig-Tree changed its leaves with `
` the seasons. A shower of snow fell upon them, and, finding the `
` Olive full of foliage, it settled upon its branches and broke `
` them down with its weight, at once despoiling it of its beauty `
` and killing the tree. But finding the Fig-Tree denuded of `
` leaves, the snow fell through to the ground, and did not injure `
` it at all. `
` `
` `
` The Eagle and the Kite `
` `
` AN EAGLE, overwhelmed with sorrow, sat upon the branches of a `
` tree in company with a Kite. "Why," said the Kite, "do I see you `
` with such a rueful look?' "I seek," she replied, "a mate suitable `
` for me, and am not able to find one." "Take me," returned the `
` Kite, "I am much stronger than you are." "Why, are you able to `
` secure the means of living by your plunder?' "Well, I have often `
` caught and carried away an ostrich in my talons." The Eagle, `
` persuaded by these words, accepted him as her mate. Shortly `
` after the nuptials, the Eagle said, "Fly off and bring me back `
` the ostrich you promised me." The Kite, soaring aloft into the `
` air, brought back the shabbiest possible mouse, stinking from the `
` length of time it had lain about the fields. "Is this," said the `
` Eagle, "the faithful fulfillment of your promise to me?' The Kite `
` replied, "That I might attain your royal hand, there is nothing `
` that I would not have promised, however much I knew that I must `
` fail in the performance." `
` `
` `
` The Ass and His Driver `
` `
` AN ASS, being driven along a high road, suddenly started off and `
` bolted to the brink of a deep precipice. While he was in the act `
` of throwing himself over, his owner seized him by the tail, `
` endeavoring to pull him back. When the Ass persisted in his `
` effort, the man let him go and said, "Conquer, but conquer to `
` your cost." `
` `
` `
` The Thrush and the Fowler `
` `
` A THRUSH was feeding on a myrtle-tree and did not move from it `
` because its berries were so delicious. A Fowler observed her `
` staying so long in one spot, and having well bird-limed his `
` reeds, caught her. The Thrush, being at the point of death, `
` exclaimed, "O foolish creature that I am! For the sake of a `
` little pleasant food I have deprived myself of my life." `
` `
` `
` The Rose and the Amaranth `
` `
` AN AMARANTH planted in a garden near a Rose-Tree, thus addressed `
` it: "What a lovely flower is the Rose, a favorite alike with Gods `
` and with men. I envy you your beauty and your perfume." The Rose `
` replied, "I indeed, dear Amaranth, flourish but for a brief `
` season! If no cruel hand pluck me from my stem, yet I must perish `
` by an early doom. But thou art immortal and dost never fade, but `
` bloomest for ever in renewed youth." `
` `
` `
` The Frogs' Complaint Against the Sun `
` `
` ONCE UPON A TIME, when the Sun announced his intention to take a `
` wife, the Frogs lifted up their voices in clamor to the sky. `
` Jupiter, disturbed by the noise of their croaking, inquired the `
` cause of their complaint. One of them said, "The Sun, now while `
` he is single, parches up the marsh, and compels us to die `
` miserably in our arid homes. What will be our future condition `
` if he should beget other suns?' `
` `
` `
` `
`