88. The Man Bitten by a Dog
A MAN who had been bitten by a Dog went about in quest of someone who might heal him.
A friend, meeting him and learning what he wanted, said, "If you would be cured, take a piece of bread, and dip it in the blood from your wound, and go and give it to the Dog that bit you." The Man who had been bitten laughed at this advice and said, "Why? If I should do so, it would be as if I should beg every Dog in the town to bite me."
Benefits bestowed upon the evil-disposed increase their means of injuring you.
89. The Two Pots
A RIVER carried down in its stream two Pots, one made of earthenware and the other of brass.
The Earthen Pot said to the Brass Pot, "Pray keep at a distance and do not come near me, for if you touch me ever so slightly, I shall be broken in pieces, and besides, I by no means wish to come near you."
Equals make the best friends.
90. The Wolf and the Sheep
A WOLF, sorely wounded and bitten by dogs, lay sick and maimed in his lair.
Being in want of food, he called to a Sheep who was passing, and asked him to fetch some water from a stream flowing close beside him.
"For," he said, "if you will bring me drink, I will find means to provide myself with meat." "Yes," said the Sheep, "if I should bring you the draught, you would doubtless make me provide the meat also."
Hypocritical speeches are easily seen through. |
