Aesop Fables Quotes
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The swallow, the serpent, and the court of justice a swallow, returning from abroad and especially fond of dwelling with men, built herself a nest in the wall of a court of justice and there hatched seven young birds. A serpent gliding past the nest from its hole in the wall ate up the young unfledged nestlings. The swallow, finding her nest empty, lamented greatly and exclaimed: woe to me a stranger! That in this place where all others' rights are protected, i alone should suffer wrong. (quote by - aesop)
The fisherman and his nets a fisherman, engaged in his calling, made a very successful cast and captured a great haul of fish. He managed by a skillful handling of his net to retain all the large fish and to draw them to the shore; but he could not prevent the smaller fish from falling back through the meshes of the net into the sea. (quote by - aesop)
The kingdom of the lion the beasts of the field and forest had a lion as their king. He was neither wrathful, cruel, nor tyrannical, but just and gentle as a king could be. During his reign he made a royal proclamation for a general assembly of all the birds and beasts, and drew up conditions for a universal league, in which the wolf and the lamb, the panther and the kid, the tiger and the stag, the dog and the hare, should live together in perfect peace and amity. The hare said, oh, how i have longed to see this day, in which the weak shall take their place with impunity by the side of the strong. And after the hare said this, he ran for his life. (quote by - aesop)
The kid and the wolf a kid standing on the roof of a house, out of harm's way, saw a wolf passing by and immediately began to taunt and revile him. The wolf, looking up, said, sirrah! I hear thee: yet it is not thou who mockest me, but the roof on which thou art standing. Time and place often give the advantage to the weak over the strong. (quote by - aesop)
The old woman and the wine-jar an old woman found an empty jar which had lately been full of prime old wine and which still retained the fragrant smell of its former contents. She greedily placed it several times to her nose, and drawing it backwards and forwards said, o most delicious! How nice must the wine itself have been, when it leaves behind in the very vessel which contained it so sweet a perfume! The memory of a good deed lives. (quote by - aesop)
The vain jackdaw jupiter determined, it is said, to create a sovereign over the birds, and made proclamation that on a certain day they should all present themselves before him, when he would himself choose the most beautiful among them to be king. The jackdaw, knowing his own ugliness, searched through the woods and fields, and collected the feathers which had fallen from the wings of his companions, and stuck them in all parts of his body, hoping thereby to make himself the most beautiful of all. When the appointed day arrived, and the birds had assembled before jupiter, the jackdaw also made his appearance in his many feathered finery. But when jupiter proposed to make him king because of the beauty of his plumage, the birds indignantly protested, and each plucked from him his own feathers, leaving the jackdaw nothing but a jackdaw. (quote by - aesop)
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. (quote by - aesop)
The father and his two daughters a man had two daughters, the one married to a gardener, and the other to a tile-maker. After a time he went to the daughter who had married the gardener, and inquired how she was and how all things went with her. She said, all things are prospering with me, and i have only one wish, that there may be a heavy fall of rain, in order that the plants may be well watered. Not long after, he went to the daughter who had married the tilemaker, and likewise inquired of her how she fared; she replied, i want for nothing, and have only one wish, that the dry weather may continue, and the sun shine hot and bright, so that the bricks might be dried. He said to her, if your sister wishes for rain, and you for dry weather, with which of the two am i to join my wishes?'. (quote by - aesop)
The man and his two sweethearts a middle aged man, whose hair had begun to turn gray, courted two women at the same time. One of them was young, and the other well advanced in years. The elder woman, ashamed to be courted by a man younger than herself, made a point, whenever her admirer visited her, to pull out some portion of his black hairs. The younger, on the contrary, not wishing to become the wife of an old man, was equally zealous in removing every gray hair she could find. Thus it came to pass that between them both he very soon found that he had not a hair left on his head. Those who seek to please everybody please nobody. (quote by - aesop)
The oxen and the axle-trees a heavy wagon was being dragged along a country lane by a team of oxen. The axle-trees groaned and creaked terribly; whereupon the oxen, turning round, thus addressed the wheels: hullo there! Why do you make so much noise? We bear all the labor, and we, not you, ought to cry out. Those who suffer most cry out the least. (quote by - aesop)
The heifer and the ox a heifer saw an ox hard at work harnessed to a plow, and tormented him with reflections on his unhappy fate in being compelled to labor. Shortly afterwards, at the harvest festival, the owner released the ox from his yoke, but bound the heifer with cords and led him away to the altar to be slain in honor of the occasion. The ox saw what was being done, and said with a smile to the heifer: for this you were allowed to live in idleness, because you were presently to be sacrificed. (quote by - aesop)
The dog and the shadow a dog, crossing a bridge over a stream with a piece of flesh in his mouth, saw his own shadow in the water and took it for that of another dog, with a piece of meat double his own in size. He immediately let go of his own, and fiercely attacked the other dog to get his larger piece from him. He thus lost both: that which he grasped at in the water, because it was a shadow; and his own, because the stream swept it away. (quote by - aesop)
The sick stag a sick stag lay down in a quiet corner of its pasture-ground. His companions came in great numbers to inquire after his health, and each one helped himself to a share of the food which had been placed for his use; so that he died, not from his sickness, but from the failure of the means of living. Evil companions bring more hurt than profit. (quote by - aesop)
The fox who had lost his tail a fox caught in a trap escaped, but in so doing lost his tail. Thereafter, feeling his life a burden from the shame and ridicule to which he was exposed, he schemed to convince all the other foxes that being tailless was much more attractive, thus making up for his own deprivation. He assembled a good many foxes and publicly advised them to cut off their tails, saying that they would not only look much better without them, but that they would get rid of the weight of the brush, which was a very great inconvenience. One of them interrupting him said, if you had not yourself lost your tail, my friend, you would not thus counsel us. (quote by - aesop)
The wolves and the sheep why should there always be this fear and slaughter between us? Said the wolves to the sheep. Those evil-disposed dogs have much to answer for. They always bark whenever we approach you and attack us before we have done any harm. If you would only dismiss them from your heels, there might soon be treaties of peace and reconciliation between us. The sheep, poor silly creatures, were easily beguiled and dismissed the dogs, whereupon the wolves destroyed the unguarded flock at their own pleasure. (quote by - aesop)
The farmer and the stork a farmer placed nets on his newly-sown plowlands 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. (quote by - aesop)
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. (quote by - aesop)
The wolf and the sheep a wolf, sorely wounded and bitten by dogs, lay sick and maimed in his lair. Being in want of food, he called to a sheep who was passing, and asked him to fetch some water from a stream flowing close beside him. For, he said, if you will bring me drink, i will find means to provide myself with meat. Yes, said the sheep, if i should bring you the draught, you would doubtless make me provide the meat also. Hypocritical speeches are easily seen through. (quote by - aesop)
The lion, the mouse, and the fox a lion, fatigued by the heat of a summer's day, fell fast asleep in his den. A mouse ran over his mane and ears and woke him from his slumbers. He rose up and shook himself in great wrath, and searched every corner of his den to find the mouse. A fox seeing him said: a fine lion you are, to be frightened of a mouse. 'Tis not the mouse i fear, said the lion; i resent his familiarity and ill-breeding. Little liberties are great offenses. (quote by - aesop)
The herdsman and the lost bull a herdsman tending his flock in a forest lost a bull-calf from the fold. After a long and fruitless search, he made a vow that, if he could only discover the thief who had stolen the calf, he would offer a lamb in sacrifice to hermes, pan, and the guardian deities of the forest. Not long afterwards, as he ascended a small hillock, he saw at its foot a lion feeding on the calf. Terrified at the sight, he lifted his eyes and his hands to heaven, and said: just now i vowed to offer a lamb to the guardian deities of the forest if i could only find out who had robbed me; but now that i have discovered the thief, i would willingly add a full-grown bull to the calf i have lost, if i may only secure my own escape from him in safety. (quote by - aesop)
The vine and the goat a vine was luxuriant in the time of vintage with leaves and grapes. A goat, passing by, nibbled its young tendrils and its leaves. The vine addressed him and said: why do you thus injure me without a cause, and crop my leaves? Is there no young grass left? But i shall not have to wait long for my just revenge; for if you now should crop my leaves, and cut me down to my root, i shall provide the wine to pour over you when you are led as a victim to the sacrifice. (quote by - aesop)
The hawk, the kite, and the pigeons the pigeons, terrified by the appearance of a kite, called upon the hawk to defend them. He at once consented. When they had admitted him into the cote, they found that he made more havoc and slew a larger number of them in one day than the kite could pounce upon in a whole year. Avoid a remedy that is worse than the disease. (quote by - aesop)
The boy and the filberts a boy put his hand into a pitcher full of filberts. He grasped as many as he could possibly hold, but when he tried to pull out his hand, he was prevented from doing so by the neck of the pitcher. Unwilling to lose his filberts, and yet unable to withdraw his hand, he burst into tears and bitterly lamented his disappointment. A bystander said to him, be satisfied with half the quantity, and you will readily draw out your hand. Do not attempt too much at once. (quote by - aesop)
The wolf and the lamb wolf, meeting with a lamb astray from the fold, resolved not to lay violent hands on him, but to find some plea to justify to the lamb the wolf's right to eat him. He thus addressed him: "sirrah, last year you grossly insulted me." "indeed," bleated the lamb in a mournful tone of voice, "i was not then born." then said the wolf, "you feed in my pasture." "no, good sir," replied the lamb, "i have not yet tasted grass." again said the wolf, "you drink of my well." "no," exclaimed the lamb, "i never yet drank water, for as yet my mother's milk is both food and drink to me." upon which the wolf seized him and ate him up, saying, "well! I won't remain supperless, even though you refute every one of my imputations." the tyrant will always find a pretext for his tyranny. (quote by - aesop)
The man and the lion a man and a lion traveled together through the forest. They soon began to boast of their respective superiority to each other in strength and prowess. As they were disputing, they passed a statue carved in stone, which represented a lion strangled by a man. The traveler pointed to it and said: see there! How strong we are, and how we prevail over even the king of beasts. The lion replied: this statue was made by one of you men. If we lions knew how to erect statues, you would see the man placed under the paw of the lion. One story is good, till another is told. (quote by - aesop)
The shepherd and the wolf a shepherd once found the whelp of a wolf and brought it up, and after a while taught it to steal lambs from the neighboring flocks. The wolf, having shown himself an apt pupil, said to the shepherd, since you have taught me to steal, you must keep a sharp lookout, or you will lose some of your own flock. (quote by - aesop)
The laborer and the snake a snake, having made his hole close to the porch of a cottage, inflicted a mortal bite on the cottager's infant son. Grieving over his loss, the father resolved to kill the snake. The next day, when it came out of its hole for food, he took up his axe, but by swinging too hastily, missed its head and cut off only the end of its tail. After some time the cottager, afraid that the snake would bite him also, endeavored to make peace, and placed some bread and salt in the hole. The snake, slightly hissing, said: there can henceforth be no peace between us; for whenever i see you i shall remember the loss of my tail, and whenever you see me you will be thinking of the death of your son. No one truly forgets injuries in the presence of him who caused the injury. (quote by - aesop)
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. (quote by - aesop)
The charcoal-burner and the fuller a charcoal-burner carried on his trade in his own house. One day he met a friend, a fuller, and entreated him to come and live with him, saying that they should be far better neighbors and that their housekeeping expenses would be lessened. The fuller replied, the arrangement is impossible as far as i am concerned, for whatever i should whiten, you would immediately blacken again with your charcoal. Moral: like will draw like. (quote by - aesop)
The pomegranat, 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. (quote by - aesop)
The traveler and his dog a traveler about to set out on a journey saw his dog stand at the door stretching himself. He asked him sharply: why do you stand there gaping? Everything is ready but you, so come with me instantly. The dog, wagging his tail, replied: o, master! I am quite ready; it is you for whom i am waiting. The loiterer often blames delay on his more active friend. (quote by - aesop)
The widow and the sheep a certain poor widow had one solitary sheep. At shearing time, wishing to take his fleece and to avoid expense, she sheared him herself, but used the shears so unskillfully that with the fleece she sheared the flesh. The sheep, writhing with pain, said, why do you hurt me so, mistress? What weight can my blood add to the wool? If you want my flesh, there is the butcher, who will kill me in an instant; but if you want my fleece and wool, there is the shearer, who will shear and not hurt me. The least outlay is not always the greatest gain. (quote by - aesop)
The fox and the monkey a monkey once danced in an assembly of the beasts, and so pleased them all by his performance that they elected him their king. A fox, envying him the honor, discovered a piece of meat lying in a trap, and leading the monkey to the place where it was, said that she had found a store, but had not used it, she had kept it for him as treasure trove of his kingdom, and counseled him to lay hold of it. The monkey approached carelessly and was caught in the trap; and on his accusing the fox of purposely leading him into the snare, she replied, o monkey, and are you, with such a mind as yours, going to be king over the beasts? (quote by - aesop)
Jupiter and the monkey jupiter issued a proclamation to all the beasts of the forest and promised a royal reward to the one whose offspring should be deemed the handsomest. The monkey came with the rest and presented, with all a mother's tenderness, a flat-nosed, hairless, ill-featured young monkey as a candidate for the promised reward. A general laugh saluted her on the presentation of her son. She resolutely said, i know not whether jupiter will allot the prize to my son, but this i do know, that he is at least in the eyes of me his mother, the dearest, handsomest, and most beautiful of all. (quote by - aesop)
The raven and the swan a raven saw a swan and desired to secure for himself the same beautiful plumage. Supposing that the swan's splendid white color arose from his washing in the water in which he swam, the raven left the altars in the neighborhood where he picked up his living, and took up residence in the lakes and pools. But cleansing his feathers as often as he would, he could not change their color, while through want of food he perished. Change of habit cannot alter nature. (quote by - aesop)
The fox and the crow a crow having stolen a bit of meat, perched in a tree and held it in her beak. A fox, seeing this, longed to possess the meat himself, and by a wily stratagem succeeded. How handsome is the crow, he exclaimed, in the beauty of her shape and in the fairness of her complexion! Oh, if her voice were only equal to her beauty, she would deservedly be considered the queen of birds! This he said deceitfully; but the crow, anxious to refute the reflection cast upon her voice, set up a loud caw and dropped the flesh. The fox quickly picked it up, and thus addressed the crow: my good crow, your voice is right enough, but your wit is wanting. (quote by - aesop)
The cat and the birds a cat, hearing that the birds in a certain aviary were ailing dressed himself up as a physician, and, taking his cane and a bag of instruments becoming his profession, went to call on them. He knocked at the door and inquired of the inmates how they all did, saying that if they were ill, he would be happy to prescribe for them and cure them. They replied, we are all very well, and shall continue so, if you will only be good enough to go away, and leave us as we are. (quote by - aesop)
The thirsty pigeon a pigeon, oppressed by excessive thirst, saw a goblet of water painted on a signboard. Not supposing it to be only a picture, she flew towards it with a loud whir and unwittingly dashed against the signboard, jarring herself terribly. Having broken her wings by the blow, she fell to the ground, and was caught by one of the bystanders. Zeal should not outrun discretion. (quote by - aesop)
The farmer and his sons a father, being on the point of death, wished to be sure that his sons would give the same attention to his farm as he himself had given it. He called them to his bedside and said, my sons, there is a great treasure hid in one of my vineyards. The sons, after his death, took their spades and mattocks and carefully dug over every portion of their land. They found no treasure, but the vines repaid their labor by an extraordinary and superabundant crop. (quote by - aesop)
The goat and the goatherd a goatherd had sought to bring back a stray goat to his flock. He whistled and sounded his horn in vain; the straggler paid no attention to the summons. At last the goatherd threw a stone, and breaking its horn, begged the goat not to tell his master. The goat replied, why, you silly fellow, the horn will speak though i be silent. Do not attempt to hide things which cannot be hid. (quote by - aesop)
The astronomer an astronomer used to go out at night to observe the stars. One evening, as he wandered through the suburbs with his whole attention fixed on the sky, he fell accidentally into a deep well. While he lamented and bewailed his sores and bruises, and cried loudly for help, a neighbor ran to the well, and learning what had happened said: hark ye, old fellow, why, in striving to pry into what is in heaven, do you not manage to see what is on earth?'. (quote by - aesop)
The frogs asking for a king the frogs, grieved at having no established ruler, sent ambassadors to jupiter entreating for a king. Perceiving their simplicity, he cast down a huge log into the lake. The frogs were terrified at the splash occasioned by its fall and hid themselves in the depths of the pool. But as soon as they realized that the huge log was motionless, they swam again to the top of the water, dismissed their fears, climbed up, and began squatting on it in contempt. After some time they began to think themselves ill-treated in the appointment of so inert a ruler, and sent a second deputation to jupiter to pray that he would set over them another sovereign. He then gave them an eel to govern them. When the frogs discovered his easy good nature, they sent yet a third time to jupiter to beg him to choose for them still another king. Jupiter, displeased with all their complaints, sent a heron, who preyed upon the frogs day by day till there were none left to croak upon the lake. (quote by - aesop)
The old man and death an old man was employed in cutting wood in the forest, and, in carrying the faggots to the city for sale one day, became very wearied with his long journey. He sat down by the wayside, and throwing down his load, besought death to come. Death immediately appeared in answer to his summons and asked for what reason he had called him. The old man hurriedly replied, that, lifting up the load, you may place it again upon my shoulders. (quote by - aesop)
The boy hunting locusts a boy was hunting for locusts. He had caught a goodly number, when he saw a scorpion, and mistaking him for a locust, reached out his hand to take him. The scorpion, showing his sting, said: if you had but touched me, my friend, you would have lost me, and all your locusts too! (quote by - aesop)
The charger and the miller a charger, feeling the infirmities of age, was sent to work in a mill instead of going out to battle. But when he was compelled to grind instead of serving in the wars, he bewailed his change of fortune and called to mind his former state, saying, ah! Miller, i had indeed to go campaigning before, but i was barbed from counter to tail, and a man went along to groom me; and now i cannot understand what ailed me to prefer the mill before the battle. Forbear, said the miller to him, harping on what was of yore, for it is the common lot of mortals to sustain the ups and downs of fortune. (quote by - aesop)
The shepherd's boy and the wolf a sheperd boy, who watched a flock of sheep near a village, brought out the villagers three or four times by crying out, wolf! Wolf! And when his neighbors came to help him, laughed at them for their pains. The wolf, however, did truly come at last. The shepherd-boy, now really alarmed, shouted in an agony of terror: pray, do come and help me; the wolf is killing the sheep; but no one paid any heed to his cries, nor rendered any assistance. The wolf, having no cause of fear, at his leisure lacerated or destroyed the whole flock. There is no believing a liar, even when he speaks the truth. (quote by - aesop)
The mischievous dog a dog used to run up quietly to the heels of everyone he met, and to bite them without notice. His master suspended a bell about his neck so that the dog might give notice of his presence wherever he went. Thinking it a mark of distinction, the dog grew proud of his bell and went tinkling it all over the marketplace. One day an old hound said to him: why do you make such an exhibition of yourself? That bell that you carry is not, believe me, any order of merit, but on the contrary a mark of disgrace, a public notice to all men to avoid you as an ill mannered dog. Notoriety is often mistaken for fame. (quote by - aesop)
The horse and groom a groom used to spend whole days in currycombing and rubbing down his horse, but at the same time stole his oats and sold them for his own profit. Alas! Said the horse, if you really wish me to be in good condition, you should groom me less, and feed me more. (quote by - aesop)
The farmer and the cranes some cranes made their feeding grounds on some plowlands newly sown with wheat. For a long time the farmer, brandishing an empty sling, chased them away by the terror he inspired; but when the birds found that the sling was only swung in the air, they ceased to take any notice of it and would not move. The farmer, on seeing this, charged his sling with stones, and killed a great number. The remaining birds at once forsook his fields, crying to each other, it is time for us to be off to liliput: for this man is no longer content to scare us, but begins to show us in earnest what he can do. If words suffice not, blows must follow. (quote by - aesop)
The oxen and the butchers the oxen once upon a time sought to destroy the butchers, who practiced a trade destructive to their race. They assembled on a certain day to carry out their purpose, and sharpened their horns for the contest. But one of them who was exceedingly old (for many a field had he plowed) thus spoke: these butchers, it is true, slaughter us, but they do so with skillful hands, and with no unnecessary pain. If we get rid of them, we shall fall into the hands of unskillful operators, and thus suffer a double death: for you may be assured, that though all the butchers should perish, yet will men never want beef. Do not be in a hurry to change one evil for another. (quote by - aesop)
The sick lion a lion, unable from old age and infirmities to provide himself with food by force, resolved to do so by artifice. He returned to his den, and lying down there, pretended to be sick, taking care that his sickness should be publicly known. The beasts expressed their sorrow, and came one by one to his den, where the lion devoured them. After many of the beasts had thus disappeared, the fox discovered the trick and presenting himself to the lion, stood on the outside of the cave, at a respectful distance, and asked him how he was. I am very middling, replied the lion, but why do you stand without? Pray enter within to talk with me. No, thank you, said the fox. I notice that there are many prints of feet entering your cave, but i see no trace of any returning. He is wise who is warned by the misfortunes of others. (quote by - aesop)
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. (quote by - aesop)
The boasting traveler a man who had traveled in foreign lands boasted very much, on returning to his own country, of the many wonderful and heroic feats he had performed in the different places he had visited. Among other things, he said that when he was at rhodes he had leaped to such a distance that no man of his day could leap anywhere near him as to that, there were in rhodes many persons who saw him do it and whom he could call as witnesses. One of the bystanders interrupted him, saying: now, my good man, if this be all true there is no need of witnesses. Suppose this to be rhodes, and leap for us. (quote by - aesop)
The huntsman and the fisherman a huntsman, returning with his dogs from the field, fell in by chance with a fisherman who was bringing home a basket well laden with fish. The huntsman wished to have the fish, and their owner experienced an equal longing for the contents of the game-bag. They quickly agreed to exchange the produce of their day's sport. Each was so well pleased with his bargain that they made for some time the same exchange day after day. Finally a neighbor said to them, if you go on in this way, you will soon destroy by frequent use the pleasure of your exchange, and each will again wish to retain the fruits of his own sport. Abstain and enjoy. (quote by - aesop)
Hercules and the wagoner a carter was driving a wagon along a country lane, when the wheels sank down deep into a rut. The rustic driver, stupefied and aghast, stood looking at the wagon, and did nothing but utter loud cries to hercules to come and help him. Hercules, it is said, appeared and thus addressed him: put your shoulders to the wheels, my man. Goad on your bullocks, and never more pray to me for help, until you have done your best to help yourself, or depend upon it you will henceforth pray in vain. Self-help is the best help. (quote by - aesop)
The ants and the grasshopper the ants were spending a fine winter's day drying grain collected in the summertime. A grasshopper, perishing with famine, passed by and earnestly begged for a little food. The ants inquired of him, why did you not treasure up food during the summer?' he replied, i had not leisure enough. I passed the days in singing. They then said in derision: if you were foolish enough to sing all the summer, you must dance supperless to bed in the winter. It is thrifty to prepare today for the wants of tomorrow. (quote by - aesop)
The ant and the grasshopper in a field one summer's day a grasshopper was hopping about, chirping and singing to its heart's content. An ant passed by, bearing along with great toil an ear of corn he was taking to the nest. Why not come and chat with me, said the grasshopper, instead of toiling and moiling in that way? I am helping to lay up food for the winter, said the ant, and recommend you to do the same. Why bother about winter? Said the grasshopper; we have got plenty of food at present. But the ant went on its way and continued its toil. When the winter came the grasshopper had no food and found itself dying of hunger, while it saw the ants distributing every day corn and grain from the stores they had collected in the summer. Then the grasshopper knew: it is best to prepare for the days of necessity. (quote by - aesop)
The wolf in sheep's clothing once upon a time a wolf resolved to disguise his appearance in order to secure food more easily. Encased in the skin of a sheep, he pastured with the flock deceiving the shepherd by his costume. In the evening he was shut up by the shepherd in the fold; the gate was closed, and the entrance made thoroughly secure. But the shepherd, returning to the fold during the night to obtain meat for the next day, mistakenly caught up the wolf instead of a sheep, and killed him instantly. Harm seek. Harm find. (quote by - aesop)
The lioness a controversy prevailed among the beasts of the field as to which of the animals deserved the most credit for producing the greatest number of whelps at a birth. They rushed clamorously into the presence of the lioness and demanded of her the settlement of the dispute. And you, they said, how many sons have you at a birth?' the lioness laughed at them, and said: why! I have only one; but that one is altogether a thoroughbred lion. The value is in the worth, not in the number. (quote by - aesop)
The fir-tree and the bramble a fir-tree said boastingly to the bramble, you are useful for nothing at all; while i am everywhere used for roofs and houses. The bramble answered: 'you poor creature, if you would only call to mind the axes and saws which are about to hew you down, you would have reason to wish that you had grown up a bramble, not a fir-tree. Better poverty without care, than riches with. (quote by - aesop)
The mole and his mother a mole, a creature blind from birth, once said to his mother: i am sure than i can see, mother! In the desire to prove to him his mistake, his mother placed before him a few grains of frankincense, and asked, what is it?' the young mole said, it is a pebble. His mother exclaimed: my son, i am afraid that you are not only blind, but that you have lost your sense of smell. (quote by - aesop)
The bear and the two travelers two men were traveling together, when a bear suddenly met them on their path. One of them climbed up quickly into a tree and concealed himself in the branches. The other, seeing that he must be attacked, fell flat on the ground, and when the bear came up and felt him with his snout, and smelt him all over, he held his breath, and feigned the appearance of death as much as he could. The bear soon left him, for it is said he will not touch a dead body. When he was quite gone, the other traveler descended from the tree, and jocularly inquired of his friend what it was the bear had whispered in his ear. He gave me this advice, his companion replied. Never travel with a friend who deserts you at the approach of danger. Misfortune tests the sincerity of friends. (quote by - aesop)
The mouse, the frog, and the hawk a mouse who always lived on the land, by an unlucky chance formed an intimate acquaintance with a frog, who lived for the most part in the water. The frog, one day intent on mischief, bound the foot of the mouse tightly to his own. Thus joined together, the frog first of all led his friend the mouse to the meadow where they were accustomed to find their food. After this, he gradually led him towards the pool in which he lived, until reaching the very brink, he suddenly jumped in, dragging the mouse with him. The frog enjoyed the water amazingly, and swam croaking about, as if he had done a good deed. The unhappy mouse was soon suffocated by the water, and his dead body floated about on the surface, tied to the foot of the frog. A hawk observed it, and, pouncing upon it with his talons, carried it aloft. The frog, being still fastened to the leg of the mouse, was also carried off a prisoner, and was eaten by the hawk. Harm hatch, harm catch. (quote by - aesop)
The boy and the nettles a boy was stung by a nettle. He ran home and told his mother, saying, although it hurts me very much, i only touched it gently. That was just why it stung you, said his mother. The next time you touch a nettle, grasp it boldly, and it will be soft as silk to your hand, and not in the least hurt you. Whatever you do, do with all your might. (quote by - aesop)
The tortoise and the eagle a tortoise, lazily basking in the sun, complained to the sea-birds of her hard fate, that no one would teach her to fly. An eagle, hovering near, heard her lamentation and demanded what reward she would give him if he would take her aloft and float her in the air. I will give you, she said, all the riches of the red sea. I will teach you to fly then, said the eagle; and taking her up in his talons he carried her almost to the clouds suddenly he let her go, and she fell on a lofty mountain, dashing her shell to pieces. The tortoise exclaimed in the moment of death: i have deserved my present fate; for what had i to do with wings and clouds, who can with difficulty move about on the earth?' if men had all they wished, they would be often ruined. (quote by - aesop)
The two dogs a man had two dogs: a hound, trained to assist him in his sports, and a housedog, taught to watch the house. When he returned home after a good day's sport, he always gave the housedog a large share of his spoil. The hound, feeling much aggrieved at this, reproached his companion, saying, it is very hard to have all this labor, while you, who do not assist in the chase, luxuriate on the fruits of my exertions. The housedog replied, do not blame me, my friend, but find fault with the master, who has not taught me to labor, but to depend for subsistence on the labor of others. Children are not to be blamed for the faults of their parents. (quote by - aesop)
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. (quote by - aesop)
The bat and the weasels a bat who fell upon the ground and was caught by a weasel pleaded to be spared his life. The weasel refused, saying that he was by nature the enemy of all birds. The bat assured him that he was not a bird, but a mouse, and thus was set free. Shortly afterwards the bat again fell to the ground and was caught by another weasel, whom he likewise entreated not to eat him. The weasel said that he had a special hostility to mice. The bat assured him that he was not a mouse, but a bat, and thus a second time escaped. It is wise to turn circumstances to good account. (quote by - aesop)
The belly and the members the members of the body rebelled against the belly, and said, why should we be perpetually engaged in administering to your wants, while you do nothing but take your rest, and enjoy yourself in luxury and self-indulgence?' the members carried out their resolve and refused their assistance to the belly. The whole body quickly became debilitated, and the hands, feet, mouth, and eyes, when too late, repented of their folly. (quote by - aesop)
The dog in the manger a dog lay in a manger, and by his growling and snapping prevented the oxen from eating the hay which had been placed for them. What a selfish dog! Said one of them to his companions; he cannot eat the hay himself, and yet refuses to allow those to eat who can. (quote by - aesop)
The lion in love a lion demanded the daughter of a woodcutter in marriage. The father, unwilling to grant, and yet afraid to refuse his request, hit upon this expedient to rid himself of his importunities. He expressed his willingness to accept the lion as the suitor of his daughter on one condition: that he should allow him to extract his teeth, and cut off his claws, as his daughter was fearfully afraid of both. The lion cheerfully assented to the proposal. But when the toothless, clawless lion returned to repeat his request, the woodman, no longer afraid, set upon him with his club, and drove him away into the forest. (quote by - aesop)
The hare and the tortoise a hare one day ridiculed the short feet and slow pace of the tortoise, who replied, laughing: though you be swift as the wind, i will beat you in a race. The hare, believing her assertion to be simply impossible, assented to the proposal; and they agreed that the fox should choose the course and fix the goal. On the day appointed for the race the two started together. The tortoise never for a moment stopped, but went on with a slow but steady pace straight to the end of the course. The hare, lying down by the wayside, fell fast asleep. At last waking up, and moving as fast as he could, he saw the tortoise had reached the goal, and was comfortably dozing after her fatigue. Slow but steady wins the race. (quote by - aesop)
The boys and the frogs some boys, playing near a pond, saw a number of frogs in the water and began to pelt them with stones. They killed several of them, when one of the frogs, lifting his head out of the water, cried out: pray stop, my boys: what is sport to you, is death to us. (quote by - aesop)
The crab and its mother a crab said to her son, why do you walk so one-sided, my child? It is far more becoming to go straight forward. The young crab replied: quite true, dear mother; and if you will show me the straight way, i will promise to walk in it. The mother tried in vain, and submitted without remonstrance to the reproof of her child. Example is more powerful than precept. (quote by - aesop)
The lion and the mouse a lion was awakened from sleep by a mouse running over his face. Rising up angrily, he caught him and was about to kill him, when the mouse piteously entreated, saying: if you would only spare my life, i would be sure to repay your kindness. The lion laughed and let him go. It happened shortly after this that the lion was caught by some hunters, who bound him by st ropes to the ground. The mouse, recognizing his roar, came gnawed the rope with his teeth, and set him free, exclaim you ridiculed the idea of my ever being able to help you, expecting to receive from me any repayment of your favor; i now you know that it is possible for even a mouse to con benefits on a lion. (quote by - aesop)
