Aesop's Fables (Penguin Classics) - Aesop [13]
“No,” he said, but pointed with his finger to the corner inside his hut.
However, the hunters did not understand the hint and believed his word. So they continued along their way at full speed. When the fox made sure that they were out of sight, he departed without saying anything to the woodcutter, whereupon the man scolded him and said, “You ungrateful fellow, is this the way you take leave of your host? You owe your life to me, and yet you leave me without a word of thanks.”
“A fine host you are!” said the fox, turning around. “If your deeds had been as, good as your words, I would not be leaving your hut without bidding you farewell.”
There is just as much malice in a wink as in a word.
LXI
The Monkey and the Camel
At a great meeting of the beasts, the monkey stood up to dance, and his performance delighted all those present so much that they honored him with great applause. Such praise infuriated the camel, who stood up and tried to show up the monkey with his own dancing. He made such a fool of himself, however, that the beasts became outraged and drove him out of the meeting with clubs.
Stretch your arm no farther than your sleeve will reach.
LXII
The Dove and the Crow
A dove, locked up in a cage, was congratulating herself on how many children she had hatched, when a crow came by and said, “Stop boasting, my friend! The more young ones you have, the more slaves there will be for you to groan over.”
We must have freedom to enjoy our blessings.
LXIII
The Ass and the Lap Dog
There was once a man who had an ass and a beautiful Maltese lap dog. The ass was kept in a stable and had plenty of corn and hay to eat. Indeed, he was just as well off as any ass could be. The little dog stayed in the house and was a great favorite with the master. He was always playing and frisking about in an amusing way and was permitted to lie in his master’s lap. Meanwhile, the ass had plenty to do: he hauled wood all day long and had to take his turn at the mill during the night. He often complained about his misfortunes, and it galled him to see the lap dog living in such ease and luxury, while he had to work so hard. Gradually he convinced himself that if he acted the same way as the lap dog to his master, he would be treated the same way. So, one day he broke from his halter and galloped into the house, where he began to kick and prance about in the strangest fashion. Then, switching his tail and mimicking the antics of the pet lap dog, he knocked over the table where his master was dining. Moreover, he smashed all the dishes to tiny pieces and did not stop until he jumped upon his master, attempting to lick and paw him with his roughshod feet.
Seeing their master in grave danger, the servants thought it was now high time to intervene, and after releasing him from the ass’s caresses, they beat the foolish beast with sticks and clubs until he could not get up again. As he breathed his last gasp, he exclaimed, “Why couldn’t I have remained satisfied the way I was? Why did I try to imitate a creature who was nothing but an idle puppy after all!”
LXIV
The Hares and the Frogs
Since the hares were continually threatened by enemies all around them, they once held a meeting to discuss their sad predicament. Eventually they decided that death would be much more preferable to their desperate condition, and off they went to a nearby lake, determined to drown themselves as the most miserable of creatures.
It so happened that a group of frogs were seated upon the bank, enjoying the moonlight, and when they heard the hares approaching them, they became frightened and leaped into the water in great alarm and confusion. On seeing the rapid disappearance of the frogs, one of the hares cried out to his companions, “Stop, my friends! Our situation is not so desperate as it seems. There are other poor creatures even more fainthearted than ourselves.”
Remember, no matter how miserable you are, there are some people whose