fables

These are a collection of fables adapted from AesopsFables.com and other sources.

A fable is a short, realistic tale, which seeks to teach us some moral or virtue, and thus improve our conduct. This advice is cloaked in the interactions of animals of the field, birds of the air, trees of the wood, and beasts of the forest, so that we do not notice the presence of the adviser.

The lesson of the fable is thus easy to accept, as we are spared the superiority of the counselor. Unconsciously, our sympathies are enlisted for the pure, honorable, and praiseworthy, and our indignation is raised against what is low, ignoble, and unworthy.

Each fable should speak for itself - accordingly my commentary is minimal
The Emperor's New Clothes
4225.jpg Once upon a time there lived a vain Emperor whose only worry in life was to dress in elegant clothes. He changed clothes almost every hour, and loved to show them off to his people.

Word of the Emperor's refined habits spread over his kingdom and beyond. Two scoundrels who had heard of the Emperor's vanity decided to take advantage of it. They introduced themselves at the gates of the palace with a scheme in mind.

"We are two very good tailors and after many years of research we have invented an extraordinary method to weave a cloth so light and fine that it looks invisible. As a matter of fact it is invisible to anyone who is too stupid and incompetent to appreciate its quality."

The chief of the guards heard the scoundrel's strange story and sent for the court chamberlain. The chamberlain notified the prime minister, who ran to the Emperor and disclosed the incredible news. The Emperor's curiosity got the better of him and he decided to see the two scoundrels. ....(more)
The Frog and the Cow
4132.jpg A little frog saw a cow, and he rushed home to his father, saying: "Father, I saw a monster, as big as a mountain, with horns on its head."

The old frog proudly answered: "I can make myself as big as he." The old frog blew himself out.

But, the little frog said the monster was bigger.

The old frog blew himself out again and again. ....(more)
The Lion and the Mouse
3814.jpg A Lion was awakened from sleep by a mouse running over his face. Rising up angrily, he caught him and was about to kill him, when the Mouse begged forgiveness, saying: "surely I am not worthy prey for a great lion such as you?". The Lion laughed and let him go.

Some time after the Lion was caught in a hunter's trap. The little Mouse happened to pass by, and recognised his roar. Remembering the Lion's mercy to him, the Mouse soon gnawed away the ropes that bound the Lion, and set him free.

Little friends may prove great friends. ....(more)
The Eagle and the Jackdaw
2386.png An Eagle, flying down from his perch on a lofty rock, seized upon a lamb and carried him aloft in his talons.

A Jackdaw, who witnessed the capture of the lamb, was stirred with envy and determined to emulate the strength and flight of the Eagle. He flew around with a great whir of his wings and settled upon a large ram, with the intention of carrying him off, but his claws became entangled in the ram's fleece and he was not able to release himself, although he fluttered with his feathers as much as he could.

The shepherd, seeing what had happened, ran up and caught him. He at once clipped the Jackdaw's wings, and taking him home at night, gave him to his children. They asked:

"Father, what kind of bird is it?" ....(more)
The Fox and the Crow
2384.jpg A Crow was sitting on a branch of a tree with a piece of cheese in her beak.

A Fox observed her, and set his wits to work to discover some way of getting the cheese.

Coming and standing under the tree he looked up and said: "What a noble bird I see above me! Her beauty is without equal, the hue of her plumage exquisite. If only her voice is as sweet as her looks are fair, she ought without doubt to be Queen of the Birds."

The Crow was hugely flattered by this, and just to show the Fox that she could sing she gave a loud caw. Down came the cheese, of course, and the Fox, snatching it up, said: "You have a good voice indeed. In exchange for your cheese I will give you a piece of advice for the future: ....(more)
The Ass and his Purchaser
3815.jpg A man who wanted to buy an Ass, agreed with its owner that he should try out the animal before he bought him.

He took the Ass home and put him in the straw-yard with his other Asses. The newcomer took a look round, and immediately went and chose a place next to the laziest and greediest beast in the stable.

Seeing this, the man put a halter on him and led him back to his owner. On being asked how, in so short a time, he could have made a trial of him, he answered, "I do not need a trial: I could see what sort of beast he is from the companion he chose for himself!"

A man is known by the company he keeps. ....(more)
The Apes and the Two Travelers
3818.jpg Two men, one who always spoke the truth, and the other who told nothing but lies, were traveling together. By chance they came to the land of Apes. One of the Apes, who had raised himself to be king, commanded them to be seized and brought before him, that he might know what was said of him among men. He ordered that all the Apes be arranged in a long row on his right and on his left, and that a throne be placed for him, as was the custom among men.

The king greeted the two men with a question: "What sort of a king do I seem to you to be, O strangers?"

The lying traveler replied: "you seem to me a most mighty king".

"And what is your estimate of those you see around me?' ....(more)
The Ant and the Grasshopper
2377.png In a field one summer's day a Grasshopper was hopping about, chirping and singing to its heart's content.

An Ant passed by, bearing along with great toil an ear of corn he was taking to the nest.

"Why not come and chat with me," said the Grasshopper, "instead of working so hard?"

"I am helping to store up food for the winter," said the Ant, "and I recommend that you do the same." ....(more)
The Discontented Donkey
2381.jpg A donkey belonged to a herb-seller who gave him too little food and too much work. He made a petition to Jupiter to be released from his present service and provided with another master. Jupiter, after warning him that he would repent his request, caused him to be sold to a tile-maker.

Shortly afterwards, finding that he had heavier loads to carry and harder work in the brick-field, he petitioned for another change of master. Jupiter told him that it would be the last time that he could grant his request, and ordained that he be sold to a tanner.

The donkey found that he had fallen into worse hands, and noting his master's occupation, said, groaning: "It would have been better for me to have been either starved by the first, or overworked by the second of my former masters, than to have been bought by my present owner: even after I am dead he will tan my hide, and make me useful to him."

He that finds discontentment in one place, is not likely to find happiness in another. ....(more)
The Ant and the Dove
2375.jpg An Ant went to the bank of a river to quench its thirst, and being carried away by the rush of the stream, was on the point of drowning.

A Dove sitting on a tree overhanging the water plucked a leaf and let it fall into the stream close to her. The Ant climbed onto it and floated in safety to the bank.

Shortly after, a bird catcher came and stood under the tree, and laid his lime-twigs for the Dove, which sat in the branches. The Ant, perceiving his intention, stung him in the foot.

In pain, the bird catcher threw down the twigs, and the noise made the Dove take wing. ....(more)
The Ant and the Chrysalis
2376.jpg An Ant, nimbly running about in the sunshine in search of food came across a Chrysalis that was very near its time of change.

The Chrysalis moved its tail, and thus attracted the attention of the Ant, who then saw for the first time that it was alive.

"Poor, pitiable animal!" cried the Ant disdainfully. "What a sad fate is yours! While I can run hither and thither, at my pleasure, and, if I wish, ascend the tallest tree, you lie imprisoned here in your shell, with power only to move a joint or two of your scaly tail."

The Chrysalis heard all this, but did not try to make any reply. ....(more)