272.The Peasant and the Apple Tree
A peasant had an apple tree growing in his garden, which bore no fruit, but merely served to provide a shelter from the heat for the sparrows and grasshoppers which sat and chirped in its branches. Disappointed at its barrenness he determined to cut it down, and went and fetched his ax for the purpose. But when the sparrows and the grasshoppers saw what he was about to do, they begged him to spare it, and said to him, “If you destroy the tree we shall have to seek shelter elsewhere, and you will no longer have our merry chirping to enliven your work in the garden.”
He, however, refused to listen to them, and set to work with a will to cut through the trunk. A few strokes showed that it was hollow inside and contained a swarm of bees and a large store of honey. Delighted with his find he threw down his ax, saying, “The old tree is worth keeping after all.”
❖ Utility is most men’s test of worth.
❖ Self-interest alone moves some men.
271.The Peacock and the Crane
A PEACOCK spreading its gorgeous tail mocked a crane that passed by, ridiculing the ashen hue of its plumage and saying,
“I am robed, like a king, in gold and purple and all the colors of the rainbow; while you have not a bit of color on your wings.”
“True,” replied the crane; “but I soar to the heights of heaven and lift up my voice to the stars, while you walk below, like a cock, among the birds of the dunghill.”
❖ Fine feathers don’t make fine birds.
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.
