276.The Pomegranate, Apple-Tree, and Bramble
THE POMEGRANATE and apple-tree disputed as to which was the most beautiful. When their strife was at its height, a bramble from the neighboring hedge lifted up its voice, and said in a boastful tone:
“Oh my dear friends, in my presence at least cease from such vain disputes.”
275.The Piglet, the Sheep, and the Goat
A YOUNG PIG was shut up in a fold-yard with a goat and a sheep. On one occasion when the shepherd laid hold of him, he grunted and squeaked and resisted violently. The sheep and the goat complained of his distressing cries, saying,
“He often handles us, and we do not cry out.”
The pig replied,
“Your handling and mine are very different things. He catches you only for your wool, or your milk, but he lays hold on me for my very life.”
274.The Philosopher, the Ants, and Sir Transporter
A PHILOSOPHER witnessed from the shore the shipwreck of a vessel, of which the crew and passengers were all drowned. He inveighed against the injustice of Providence, which would for the sake of one criminal perchance sailing in the ship allow so many innocent persons to perish. As he was indulging in these reflections, he found himself surrounded by a whole army of ants, near whose nest he was standing. One of them climbed up and stung him, and he at once trampled them all to death with his foot. Sir Transporter presented himself, and striking the philosopher with his wand, said,
“And are you indeed to make yourself a judge of the dealings of Providence, who have yourself in a similar manner treated these poor ants?”
âť– Ants and persons seldom perish from refusing better things.
âť– Great things can be achieved by some who help one another.
273.The Serpent and the File
A SERPENT in the course of its wanderings came into an armourer’s shop. As he glided over the floor he felt his skin pricked by a file lying there. In a rage he turned round upon it and tried to dart his fangs into it; but he could do no harm to heavy iron and had soon to give over his wrath.
âť– IT IS USELESS ATTACKING THE INSENSIBLE.
