3. The Ass and the Grasshopper
AN ASS having heard some Grasshoppers chirping, was highly enchanted; and, desiring to possess the same charms of melody, demanded what sort of food they lived on to give them such beautiful voices.
They replied, "The dew." The Ass resolved that he would live only upon dew, and in a short time died of hunger.
4. The Lion and the Mouse
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 piteously entreated, saying:
"If you would only spare my life, I would be sure to repay your kindness."
The Lion laughed and let him go.
It happened shortly after this that the Lion was caught by some hunters, who bound him by strong ropes to the ground.
The Mouse, recognizing his roar, came gnawed the rope with his teeth, and set him free, exclaim:
"You ridiculed the idea of my ever being able to help you, not expecting to receive from me any repayment of your favor; But now you know that it is possible for even a Mouse to confer benefits on a Lion." |
