Monthly Archives: September 2013
327.The Two Travellers and the Axe
TWO MEN were journeying together. One of them picked up an axe that lay on the path, and said,
“I have found an axe.”
“No, my friend,” replied the other, “do not say ‘I,’ but ‘we’ have found an axe.”
They had not gone far before they saw the owner of the axe pursuing them, and he who had picked up the axe said,
“We are undone.”
“No,” replied the other, “keep to your first mode of speech, my friend; what you thought right then, think right now. Say ‘I,’ not ‘We’ are undone.”
❖He who shares the danger ought to share the prize.
326.The Two Soldiers and the Robber
TWO SOLDIERS traveling together were set on 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 travelling cloak said,
“I will at him, and I will 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 valour.”
❖ Don’t believe cowards.
325.The Two Rats
A cunning old rat discovered in his rounds a most tempting piece of cheese, which was placed in a trap. But being well aware that if he touched it he would be caught, he slyly sought one of his young friends, and, under the mask of friendship, informed him of the prize. “I cannot use it myself,” said he, “for I have just made a hearty meal.”
The inexperienced youngster thanked him with gratitude for the news, and heedlessly sprang upon the tempting bait; on which the trap closed and instantly destroyed him. his companion, being now quite secure, quietly ate up the cheese.
❖ Do not listen to every passer-by.
324.The Two Pots
A RIVER carried down in its stream two pots, one made of earthenware and the other of brass. The earthen pot said to the brass pot,
“Do keep at a distance and do not come near me, for if you touch me ever so slightly, I shall be broken in pieces, and besides, I by no means wish to come near you.”
❖ Look inside for clues if you need a deeper understanding of a situation. Scientists try to.
❖ Equals make the best friends.
