The Pomegranate, Apple-Tree, and Bramble
The Pomegranate and Apple-Tree disputed as to which was the most beautiful. When their strife was at its height, a Bramble from the neighboring
hedge lifted up its voice, and said in a boastful tone: "Pray, my dear friends, in my presence at least cease from such vain disputings."
The Farmer and the Stork
A Farmer placed nets on his newly-sown ploughlands and caught a number of Cranes, which came to pick up his seed. With them he trapped a Stork
that had fractured his leg in the net and was earnestly beseeching the Farmer to spare his life. "Pray save me, Master," he said, "and let me go free
this once. My broken limb should excite your pity. Besides, I am no Crane, I am a Stork, a bird of excellent character; and see how I love and slave
for my father and mother. Look too, at my feathers-- they are not the least like those of a Crane." The Farmer laughed aloud and said, "It may be
all as you say, I only know this: I have taken you with these robbers, the Cranes, and you must die in their company."
Birds of a feather flock together.
The Farmer and the Snake
One winter a Farmer found a Snake stiff and frozen with cold. He had compassion on it, and taking it up, placed it in his bosom. The Snake was
quickly revived by the warmth, and resuming its natural instincts, bit its benefactor, inflicting on him a mortal wound. "Oh," cried the Farmer with
his last breath, "I am rightly served for pitying a scoundrel."
The greatest kindness will not bind the ungrateful.
The Fawn and His Mother
A young fawn once said to his Mother, "You are larger than a dog, and swifter, and more used to running, and you have your horns as a defense;
why, then, O Mother! do the hounds frighten you so?" She smiled, and said: "I know full well, my son, that all you say is true. I have the
advantages you mention, but when I hear even the bark of a single dog I feel ready to faint, and fly away as fast as I can."
No arguments will give courage to the coward.
The Bear and the Fox
A Bear boasted very much of his philanthropy, saying that of all animals he was the most tender in his regard for man, for he had such respect for
him that he would not even touch his dead body. A Fox hearing these words said with a smile to the Bear, "Oh! that you would eat the dead and
not the living."
The Swallow and the Crow
The Swallow and the Crow had a contention about their plumage. The Crow put an end to the dispute by saying, "Your feathers are all very well in
the spring, but mine protect me against the winter."
Fair weather friends are not worth much.
The Mountain in Labor
A Mountain was once greatly agitated. Loud groans and noises were heard, and crowds of people came from all parts to see what was the matter.
While they were assembled in anxious expectation of some terrible calamity, out came a Mouse.
Don't make much ado about nothing.
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