280.The Rivers and the Sea
THE RIVERS joined together to complain to the sea, saying,
“Why is it that when we flow into your tides so potable and sweet, you work in us such a change, and make us salty and unfit to drink?”
The sea, perceiving that they intended to throw the blame on him, said,
“Well, cease to flow into me, and then you will not be made briny.”
❖ Don’t accuse if you’re unsure.
279.The Rich Man and the Tanner
A RICH MAN lived near a tanner, and not being able to bear the unpleasant smell of the tan-yard, he pressed his neighbor to go away. The tanner put off his departure from time to time, saying that he would leave soon. But as he still continued to stay, as time went on, the rich man became used to the smell, and feeling no manner of inconvenience, made no further complaints.
278.The Raven and the Swan
A RAVEN saw a swan and desired to secure for himself the same beautiful feathers. Supposing that the swan’s splendid white color arose from his washing in the water in which he swam, the raven left the neighborhood where he picked up his living and started to live in the lakes and pools. But cleansing his feathers as often as he would, he could not change their color, and in the end he perished through want of food.
❖ Change of habit cannot alter Nature.
❖ Make one wrong step and down you go.
277.The Quack Frog
A FROG once on a time came forth from his home in the marsh and proclaimed to all the beasts that he was a learned physician, skilled in the use of drugs and able to heal all diseases.
A fox asked him,
“How can you pretend to prescribe for others, when you are unable to heal your own lame gait and wrinkled skin?”
