Category Archives: AESOP TALES
15.The Ant and the Dove
AN ANT went to the bank of a river to quench its thirst, and got carried away by the rushing stream. When he was on the point of drowning, a dove saw him from where she sat on a tree that was overhanging the water. She plucked a leaf and let it fall into the stream close to the ant. The ant climbed onto it and floated in safety to the bank.
Shortly afterwards a bird catcher came along. He placed himself under that tree and laid his lime-twigs for the dove in the branches. The ant understood what he was up to and stung him in the foot. In pain the bird catcher threw down the twigs, and the noise made the dove take wing.
❖ One good turn deserves another.
14.Sir Success, Sir Voyager, Lady Minerva, and Momus
ACCORDING to an ancient legend, the first man was made by Sir Success, the first bull by his brother, Sir Voyager, and the first house by the musical Lady Minerva. After completed their labors, a dispute arose among them as to which had made the most perfect work. They agreed to appoint a certain man, Momus, as judge, and to abide by his decision. Momus, however, was very envious of the handicraft of each, and found fault with all.
First he blamed the work of Sir Voyager because he had not made the horns of the bull below his eyes, so he might better see where to strike.
He then condemned the work of Sir Success, because he had not placed the heart of man on the outside so that everyone might read the thoughts of the evil disposed and take precautions against the intended mischief.
And, lastly, he protested against Lady Minerva because she had not contrived iron wheels in the foundation of her house, so its inhabitants might more easily remove if a neighbor proved to be unpleasant.
Sir Success became indignant at such inveterate faultfinding, drove him from his office of judge, and expelled him from the mansions of the lords where he was settled.
❖ Judge well yourself before you criticize.
❖ One should neither judge beings nor works of art by invented defects.
❖ Gently to hear, kindly to judge.
13.Mercury and the Traveler
A man, about to depart upon a long journey, prayed to the god Mercury, who was anciently supposed to speed travelers, to give him good voyage and a safe return. He promised Mercury that if he would grant his request he would give the god half of everything he might find on his road.
Soon after he set forth, he found a bag of dates and almonds which some passerby had lost. He ate all but the stones of the dates and the shells of the almonds at once. These he laid upon a wayside altar to the god, praying to him to take notice that he had kept his promise.
“For,” said he, “here are the insides of the one and the outsides of the other, and that makes up your half of the booty.”
A promise-breaker is never at a loss for an excuse.
12.Mercury and the Sculptor
MERCURY once determined to learn in what esteem he was held among mortals. For this purpose he took on the shape of a man and visited a sculptor’s studio in this disguise. After looking at various statues, he demanded the price of two figures of Mother Mary and a lamb. When the sum at which they were valued was named, he pointed to a figure of himself, saying to the sculptor,
“You’ll certainly want much more for this, as it is the statue of a certain messenger of gains.”
The sculptor replied, “Well, if you’ll buy these, I’ll fling you that into the bargain.”
❖ A sculptor needs to think things through on his own.
