328.The Vain Jackdaw
SIR SUCCESS once determined to have 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 Sir Success, the jackdaw also appeared in his many-feathered finery. But when Sir Success 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.
❖ A bird never flies so far its “tale” doesn’t follow it.
❖ Every bird is known by its feathers.
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.
