Category Archives: EUROPE
270.The Peacock and Juno
A PEACOCK once placed a petition before Juno desiring to have the voice of a nightingale in addition to his other attractions; but Juno refused his request. When he persisted, and pointed out that he was her favourite bird, she said:
❖ BE CONTENT WITH YOUR LOT; ONE CANNOT BE FIRST IN EVERYTHING.
❖ The shallow purpose of consoling a laughingstock in a quite demanding situation may be termed “doing what is necessary”.
269.The Partridge and the Fowler
A FOWLER caught a partridge and was about to kill it. The partridge earnestly begged him to spare his life, saying,
“Sir, permit me to live and I will entice many partridges to you in recompense for your mercy to me.”
The fowler replied,
“I shall now with less scruple take your life, because you are willing to save it at the cost of betraying your friends and relations.”
❖ When the will is good, sharing in natural values and interactions follows.
268.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. Put aside, therefore, your fears. I return as an enemy only to those who injured me.”
❖ Some revelations of principles can have astounding effects.
267.The Oxen and the Butchers
THE OXEN once on a time sought to destroy the butchers, who practised 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.
