115. The Wolf and the Shepherds
A WOLF, passing by, saw some Shepherds in a hut eating a haunch of mutton for their dinner. Approaching them, he said, "What a clamor you would raise if I were to do as you are doing!"
116. The Dolphins, the Whales, and the Sprat
THE DOLPHINS and Whales waged a fierce war with each other.
When the battle was at its height, a Sprat lifted its head out of the waves and said that he would reconcile their differences if they would accept him as an umpire.
One of the Dolphins replied, "We would far rather be destroyed in our battle with each other than admit any interference from you in our affairs."
117. The Ass Carrying the Image
AN ASS once carried through the streets of a city a famous wooden Image, to be placed in one of its Temples.
As he passed along, the crowd made lowly prostration before the Image.
The Ass, thinking that they bowed their heads in token of respect for himself, bristled up with pride, gave himself airs, and refused to move another step.
The driver, seeing him thus stop, laid his whip lustily about his shoulders and said, "O you perverse dull-head! it is not yet come to this, that men pay worship to an Ass."
They are not wise who give to themselves the credit due to others. |
