图书在版编目（CIP）数据

伊索寓言／（古希腊）伊索著；邱宏译．—天津：天津人民出版社，2012.4

ISBN 978-7-201-07263-0

Ⅰ．①伊…　Ⅱ．①伊…　②弗…③邱…　Ⅲ．①寓言—作品集—古希腊　Ⅳ．①I545.74

中国版本图书馆CIP数据核字（2011）第243933号

天津人民出版社出版、发行

出版人：刘晓津

（天津市和平区西康路35号　邮政编码：300051）

邮购部电话：（022）23332469

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北京领先印刷有限公司印刷

2012年4月第1版　2012年4月第1次印刷

880×1230毫米　32开本　14印张

字数：300千字　插图：75幅

定价：29.80元

目 录

英文版序

1 THE FOX AND THE GRAPES　狐狸和葡萄

2 THE GOOSE THAT LAID THE GOLDEN EGGS　下金蛋的鹅

3 THE CAT AND THE MICE　猫和老鼠

4 THE MISCHIEVOUS DOG　恶狗

5 THE CHARCOAL-BURNER AND THE FULLER　烧炭工和漂洗工

6 THE MICE IN COUNCIL　老鼠开会

7 THE BAT AND THE WEASELS　蝙蝠和黄鼠狼

8 THE DOG AND THE SOW　狗和母猪

9 THE FOX AND THE CROW　狐狸和乌鸦

10 THE HORSE AND THE GROOM　马和马夫

11 THE WOLF AND THE LAMB　狼和小羊

12 THE PEACOCK AND THE CRANE　孔雀与鹤

13 THE CAT AND THE BIRDS　猫和鸟

14 THE SPENDTHRIFT AND THE SWALLOW　败家子与燕子

15 THE OLD WOMAN AND THE DOCTOR　老太婆与医生

16 THE MOON AND HER MOTHER　月亮和妈妈

17 MERCURY AND THE WOODMAN　墨丘利和樵夫

18 THE ASS, THE FOX, AND THE LION　驴、狐狸和狮子

19 THE LION AND THE MOUSE　狮子与报恩的老鼠

20 THE CROW AND THE PITCHER　乌鸦和水罐

21 THE BOYS AND THE FROGS　男孩和青蛙

22 THE NORTH WIND AND THE SUN　北风与太阳

23 THE MISTRESS AND HER SERVANTS　女主人和仆人

24 THE GOODS AND THE ILLS　善与恶

25 THE HARES AND THE FROGS　野兔与青蛙

26 THE FOX AND THE STORK　狐狸与鹤

27 THE WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING　披着羊皮的狼

28 THE STAG IN THE OX-STALL　牛棚里的雄鹿

29 THE MILKMAID AND HER PAIL　挤奶女孩和她的桶

30 THE DOLPHINS, THE WHALES, AND THE SPRAT　海豚、鲸和西鲱鱼

31 THE FOX AND THE MONKEY　狐狸和猴子

32 THE ASS AND THE LAP-DOG　驴和哈巴狗

33 THE FIR-TREE AND THE BRAMBLE　冷杉与荆棘

34 THE FROGS' COMPLAINT AGAINST THE SUN　抱怨太阳的青蛙

35 THE DOG, THE COCK, AND THE FOX　狗、公鸡和狐狸

36 THE GNAT AND THE BULL　蠓虫和公牛

37 THE BEAR AND THE TRAVELLERS　熊和旅人

38 THE SLAVE AND THE LION　奴隶和狮子

39 THE FLEA AND THE MAN　跳蚤和人

40 THE BEE AND JUPITER　蜜蜂与朱庇特

41 THE OAK AND THE REEDS　橡树与芦苇

42 THE BLIND MAN AND THE CUB　盲人与小野兽

43 THE BOY AND THE SNAILS　男孩和蜗牛

44 THE APES AND THE TWO TRAVELLERS　猿猴和两个旅人

45 THE ASS AND HIS BURDENS　驴和他的担子

46 THE SHEPHERD'S BOY AND THE WOLF　牧童和狼

47 THE FOX AND THE GOAT　狐狸和山羊

48 THE FISHERMAN AND THE SPRAT　渔夫和小鲱鱼

49 THE BOASTING TRAVELLER　吹牛的路人

50 THE CRAB AND HIS MOTHER　小螃蟹和他的妈妈

51 THE ASS AND HIS SHADOW　驴和他的影子

52 THE FARMER AND HIS SONS　农夫和儿子

53 THE DOG AND THE COOK　狗和厨师

54 THE MONKEY AS KING　当上国王的猴子

55 THE THIEVES AND THE COCK　小偷和公鸡

56 THE FARMER AND FORTUNE　农夫和命运之神

57 JUPITER AND THE MONKEY　朱庇特和猴子

58 FATHER AND SONS　父亲和儿子

59 THE LAMP　油灯

60 THE OWL AND THE BIRDS　猫头鹰和百鸟

61 THE ASS IN THE LION'S SKIN　披着狮皮的驴

62 THE SHE-GOATS AND THEIR BEARDS　母山羊和她们的胡须

63 THE OLD LION　老狮子

64 THE BOY BATHING　洗澡的小男孩

65 THE QUACK FROG　庸医青蛙

66 THE SWOLLEN FOX　胀肚的狐狸

67 THE MOUSE, THE FROG, AND THE HAWK　老鼠、青蛙和老鹰

68 THE BOY AND THE NETTLES　男孩和荨麻

69 THE PEASANT AND THE APPLE-TREE　农夫和苹果树

70 THE JACKDAW AND THE PIGEONS　寒鸦与鸽子

71 JUPITER AND THE TORTOISE　朱庇特与乌龟

72 THE DOG IN THE MANGER　狗占牛槽

73 THE TWO BAGS　两个口袋

74 THE OXEN AND THE AXLETREES　公牛和车轴

75 THE BOY AND THE FILBERTS　男孩和榛子

76 THE FROGS ASKING FOR A KING　青蛙求王

77 THE OLIVE-TREE AND THE FIG-TREE　橄榄树与无花果树

78 THE LION AND THE BOAR　狮子和野猪

79 THE WALNUT-TREE　核桃树

80 THE MAN AND THE LION　人和同行的狮子

81 THE TORTOISE AND THE EAGLE　乌龟和老鹰

82 THE KID ON THE HOUSETOP　站在屋顶的小山羊与狼

83 THE FOX WITHOUT A TAIL　断尾巴狐狸

84 THE VAIN JACKDAW　爱慕虚荣的寒鸦

85 THE TRAVELLER AND HIS DOG　旅人和他的狗

86 THE SHIPWRECKED MAN AND THE SEA　遇难者与海

87 THE WILD BOAR AND THE FOX　野猪与狐狸

88 MERCURY AND THE SCULPTOR　墨丘利与雕刻家

89 THE FAWN AND HIS MOTHER　小鹿和妈妈

90 THE FOX AND THE LION　狐狸和狮子

91 THE EAGLE AND HIS CAPTOR　鹰与捕鹰者

92 THE BLACKSMITH AND HIS DOG　铁匠与小狗

93 THE STAG AT THE POOL　池边的雄鹿

94 THE DOG AND THE SHADOW　叼着肉的狗

95 MERCURY AND THE TRADESMEN　墨丘利与商人

96 THE MICE AND THE WEASELS　老鼠和黄鼠狼

97 THE PEACOCK AND JUNO　孔雀和朱诺

98 THE BEAR AND THE FOX　熊与狐狸

99 THE ASS AND THE OLD PEASANT　驴和老农夫

100 THE OX AND THE FROG　牛和青蛙

101 THE MAN AND THE IMAGE　人和神像

102 HERCULES AND THE WAGGONER　赫刺克勒斯和车夫

103 THE POMEGRANATE, THE APPLE-TREE, AND THE BRAMBLE　石榴树、苹果树和野蔷薇

104 THE LION, THE BEAR, AND THE FOX　狮子、熊和狐狸

105 THE TWO SOLDIERS AND THE ROBBER　两个士兵和强盗

106 THE LION AND THE WILD ASS　狮子和野驴

107 THE MAN AND THE SATYR　人与森林之神萨堤罗斯

108 THE IMAGE-SELLER　卖神像的人

109 THE EAGLE AND THE ARROW　老鹰与箭

110 THE RICH MAN AND THE TANNER　富人和制皮匠

111 THE WOLF, THE MOTHER, AND HER CHILD　狼、妈妈和孩子

112 THE OLD WOMAN AND THE WINE-JAR　老太婆和酒瓶

113 THE LIONESS AND THE VIXEN　母狮与雌狐

114 THE VIPER AND THE FILE　毒蛇和锉刀

115 THE CAT AND THE COCK　猫和公鸡

116 THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE　野兔与乌龟

117 THE SOLDIER AND HIS HORSE　士兵和战马

118 THE OXEN AND THE BUTCHERS　公牛和屠夫

119 THE WOLF AND THE LION　狼和狮子

120 THE SHEEP, THE WOLF, AND THE STAG　鹿、狼和羊

121 THE LION AND THE THREE BULLS　狮子和三头公牛

122 THE HORSE AND HIS RIDER　马和骑手

123 THE GOAT AND THE VINE　母山羊与葡萄藤

124 THE TWO POTS　两口锅

125 THE OLD HOUND　老猎狗

126 THE CLOWN AND THE COUNTRYMAN　小丑和乡下人

127 THE LARK AND THE FARMER　百灵鸟和农夫

128 THE LION AND THE ASS　狮子和驴

129 THE PROPHET　算命人

130 THE HOUND AND THE HARE　猎狗和野兔

131 THE LION, THE MOUSE, AND THE FOX　狮子、老鼠和狐狸

132 THE TRUMPETER TAKEN PRISONER　被捕的号兵

133 THE WOLF AND THE CRANE　狼与鹤

134 THE EAGLE, THE CAT,AND THE WILD SOW　鹰、猫和野猪

135 THE WOLF AND THE SHEEP　狼和绵羊

136 THE TUNNY-FISH AND THE DOLPHIN　金枪鱼和海豚

137 THE THREE TRADESMEN　三个工匠

138 THE MOUSE AND THE BULL　老鼠和公牛

139 THE HARE AND THE HOUND　野兔和猎狗

140 THE TOWN MOUSE AND THE COUNTRY MOUSE　城市鼠和乡下鼠

141 THE LION AND THE BULL　狮子和公牛

142 THE WOLF, THE FOX, AND THE APE　狼、狐狸和猿猴

143 THE EAGLE AND THE COCKS　老鹰和公鸡

144 THE ESCAPED JACKDAW　逃跑的寒鸦

145 THE FARMER AND THE FOX　农夫和狐狸

146 VENUS AND THE CAT　维纳斯和猫

147 THE CROW AND THE SWAN　乌鸦和天鹅

148 THE STAG WITH ONE EYE　独眼鹿

149 THE FLY AND THE DRAUGHT-MULE　苍蝇和拉车的骡子

150 THE COCK AND THE JEWEL　公鸡和宝石

151 THE WOLF AND THE SHEPHERD　狼和牧羊人

152 THE FARMER AND THE STORK　农夫和鹳

153 THE CHARGER AND THE MILLER　战马和磨坊主

154 THE GRASSHOPPER AND THE OWL　蚂蚱和猫头鹰

155 THE GRASSHOPPER AND THE ANTS　蚂蚱和蚂蚁

156 THE FARMER AND THE VIPER　农夫与蛇

157 THE TWO FROGS　两只青蛙

158 THE COBBLER TURNED DOCTOR　修鞋匠行医

159 THE ASS, THE COCK, AND THE LION　驴、公鸡和狮子

160 THE BELLY AND THE MEMBERS　胃和体内的各器官

161 THE BALD MAN AND THE FLY　秃子和苍蝇

162 THE ASS AND THE WOLF　驴和狼

163 THE MONKEY AND THE CAMEL　猴子和骆驼

164 THE SICK MAN AND THE DOCTOR　病人和医生

165 THE TRAVELLERS AND THE PLANE-TREE　旅人和法国梧桐树

166 THE FLEA AND THE OX　跳蚤和公牛

167 THE BIRDS, THE BEASTS, AND THE BAT　鸟、兽和蝙蝠

168 THE EAGLE, THE JACKDAW, AND THE SHEPHERD　老鹰、寒鸦和牧羊人

169 THE WOLF AND THE BOY　狼和男孩

170 THE MILLER, HIS SON, AND THEIR ASS　父亲、儿子和驴

171 THE STAG AND THE VINE　牡鹿和葡萄藤

172 THE LAMB CHASED BY A WOLF　被狼追赶的羊羔

173 THE ARCHER AND THE LION　射手和狮子

174 THE WOLF AND THE GOAT　狼和山羊

175 THE SICK STAG　病　鹿

176 THE ASS AND THE MULE　驴和骡子

177 BROTHER AND SISTER　哥哥和妹妹

178 THE HEIFER AND THE OX　小母牛和公牛

179 THE KINGDOM OF THE LION　狮子的王国

180 THE ASS AND HIS DRIVER　驴和赶驴人

181 THE LION AND THE HARE　狮子和野兔

182 THE WOLVES AND THE DOGS　一群狼和一群狗

183 THE BULL AND THE CALF　公牛和小牛

184 THE TREES AND THE AXE　树和斧头

185 THE ASTRONOMER　天文学家

186 THE LABOURER AND THE SNAKE　工人和蛇

187 THE CAGE-BIRD AND THE BAT　笼子里的鸟与蝙蝠

188 THE ASS AND HIS PURCHASER　驴和他的买主

189 THE KID AND THE WOLF　小山羊和狼

190 THE DEBTOR AND HIS SOW　欠债人和母猪

191 THE BALD HUNTSMAN　秃头的猎人

192 THE HERDSMAN AND THE LOST BULL　牧人和丢失的公牛

193 THE MULE　骡　子

194 THE HOUND AND THE FOX　猎狗和狐狸

195 THE FATHER AND HIS DAUGHTERS　父亲和他的女儿

196 THE THIEF AND THE INNKEEPER　小偷和店主

197 THE PACK-ASS AND THE WILD ASS　家驴和野驴

198 THE ASS AND HIS MASTERS　驴和他的主人们

199 THE PACK-ASS, THE WILD ASS, AND THE LION　家驴、野驴和狮子

200 THE ANT　蚂　蚁

201 THE FROGS AND THE WELL　青蛙和水井

202 THE CRAB AND THE FOX　螃蟹和狐狸

203 THE FOX AND THE GRASSHOPPER　狐狸和蚂蚱

204 THE FARMER, HIS BOY, AND THE ROOKS　农夫、伙计和白嘴鸦

205 THE ASS AND THE DOG　驴和狗

206 THE ASS CARRYING THE IMAGE　背着神像的驴

207 THE ATHENIAN AND THE THEBAN　雅典人和底比斯人

208 THE GOATHERD AND THE GOAT　牧羊人和山羊

209 THE SHEEP AND THE DOG　羊群和狗

210 THE SHEPHERD AND THE WOLF　牧羊人和狼

211 THE LION, JUPITER, AND THE ELEPHANT　狮子、朱庇特和大象

212 THE PIG AND THE SHEEP　猪和绵羊

213 THE GARDENER AND HIS DOG　花匠和他的狗

214 THE RIVERS AND THE SEA　河流和大海

215 THE LION IN LOVE　恋爱的狮子

216 THE BEE-KEEPER　养蜂人

217 THE WOLF AND THE HORSE　狼和马

218 THE BAT, THE BRAMBLE, AND THE SEAGULL　蝙蝠、荆棘和海鸥

219 THE DOG AND THE WOLF　狗和狼

220 THE WASP AND THE SNAKE　黄蜂和蛇

221 THE EAGLE AND THE BEETLE　老鹰和甲虫

222 THE FOWLER AND THE LARK　捕鸟人和百灵鸟

223 THE FISHERMAN PIPING　吹笛子的渔夫

224 THE WEASEL AND THE MAN　黄鼠狼和人

225 THE PLOUGHMAN, THE ASS, AND THE OX　农夫、驴和公牛

226 DEMADES AND HIS FABLE　狄马德斯和他的寓言

227 THE MONKEY AND THE DOLPHIN　猴子和海豚

228 THE CROW AND THE SNAKE　乌鸦和蛇

229 THE DOGS AND THE FOX　狗和狐狸

230 THE NIGHTINGALE AND THE HAWK　夜莺和老鹰

231 THE ROSE AND THE AMARANTH　玫瑰花和苋菜

232 THE MAN, THE HORSE, THE OX, AND THE DOG　人、马、牛、狗

233 THE WOLVES, THE SHEEP, AND THE RAM　狼群、羊群和公羊

234 THE SWAN　天　鹅

235 THE SNAKE AND JUPITER　蛇和朱庇特

236 THE WOLF AND HIS SHADOW　狼和他的影子

237 THE PLOUGHMAN AND THE WOLF　农夫和狼

238 MERCURY AND THE MAN BITTEN BY AN ANT　墨丘利和被蚂蚁所咬的人

239 THE WILY LION　狡猾的狮子

240 THE PARROT AND THE CAT　鹦鹉和猫

241 THE STAG AND THE LION　雄鹿和狮子

242 THE IMPOSTOR　说谎的人

243 THE DOGS AND THE HIDES　狗和牛皮

244 THE LION, THE FOX, AND THE ASS　狮子、狐狸和驴

245 THE FOWLER, THE PARTRIDGE, AND THE COCK　捕鸟人、鹧鸪和公鸡

246 THE GNAT AND THE LION　蚊子和狮子

247 THE FARMER AND HIS DOGS　农场主和他的狗

248 THE EAGLE AND THE FOX　老鹰和狐狸

249 THE BUTCHER AND HIS CUSTOMERS　屠夫和他的顾客

250 HERCULES AND MINERVA　赫拉克勒斯和密涅瓦

251 THE FOX WHO SERVED A LION　为狮子服务的狐狸

252 THE QUACK DOCTOR　江湖郎中

253 THE LION, THE WOLF, AND THE FOX　狮子、狼和狐狸

254 HERCULES AND PLUTUS　赫拉克勒斯和财神

255 THE FOX AND THE LEOPARD　狐狸与豹

256 THE FOX AND THE HEDGEHOG　狐狸与刺猬

257 THE CROW AND THE RAVEN　乌鸦与渡鸦

258 THE WITCH　女　巫

259 THE OLD MAN AND DEATH　老人与死神

260 THE MISER　吝啬鬼

261 THE FOXES AND THE RIVER　狐狸与河

262 THE HORSE AND THE STAG　马和雄鹿

263 THE FOX AND THE BRAMBLE　狐狸与荆棘

264 THE LION, THE FOX, AND THE STAG　狮子、狐狸和雄鹿

265 THE MAN WHO LOST HIS SPADE　丢了铁锹的人

266 THE PARTRIDGE AND THE FOWLER　鹧鸪和捕鸟人

267 THE HUNTER AND THE WOODMAN　猎人和樵夫

268 THE SERPENT AND THE EAGLE　毒蛇和鹰

269 THE ROGUE AND THE ORACLE　无赖和圣人

270 THE HORSE AND THE ASS　马和驴

271 THE DOG CHASING A WOLF　追赶狼的狗

272 GRIEF AND HIS DUE　悲伤和他被指派的份额

273 THE WOMAN AND THE FARMER　女人和农夫

274 PROMETHEUS AND THE MAKING OF MAN　普罗米修斯与造人

275 THE SWALLOW AND THE CROW　燕子和乌鸦

276 THE HUNTER AND THE HORSEMAN　猎人和骑手

277 THE GOATHERD AND THE WILD GOATS　牧羊人和野山羊

278 THE NIGHTINGALE AND THE SWALLOW　夜莺和燕子

279 THE TRAVELLER AND FORTUNE　旅人和命运女神

英文版序

伊索将人类历史中屡见不鲜的真理形象化、具体化，于他而言，流芳百世的声名当之无愧，因为他本人从未得到应有的报答。坚实的常识基础和对真知灼见的细腻刻画，都是其寓言体现出的特点，但这种特点并非只归他个人所有，而应归于全人类。在人类早期历史中，凡真实可信的真理，即是普遍存在的；凡普遍存在的，皆是无名无姓的。在这种情况下，总有一些中心人物承担起收集归总的责任，继而便得到了创造集结的名声。伊索便如此，总之，他获得了这样的名声。在这样一个人身上，一定存在着某些伟大和人性化的东西，有关人类未来和过去的东西；即便是他仅仅以此来掠夺过去或欺骗未来。亚瑟王的故事，或许果真与没落的罗马帝国中那好斗的基督教有关，又或许与潜伏在威尔士山脉中热血澎湃的传统有关。即便我们发现了比Mabinogian更古老且更好的起源，比《国王之歌》（Idylls of the King
）写得更晚且更糟糕的版本；然而，“Mappe”或“Malory”这个词却一直意味着亚瑟王。幼儿童话或许出自亚洲印欧语系的
种族，可现在却已灭绝了。这些童话或许是由某个美丽的法国淑女或像佩罗特一样的绅士所发明创造；又或者，有可能就像其公开宣称的那样。然而，我们总是把类似这种最好的童话结集称为“格林童话”，仅仅因为这是最好的结集。

迄今为止，伊索已成历史，历史上的他曾经是弗里吉亚的一个奴隶，或者说至少是一个头上没戴任何具有特殊意义的弗里吉亚自由之帽的人。倘若历史上确有其人，他大概生活在公元前六世纪，在那个年代，克洛伊索斯（古代吕底亚的国王）的故事就像希罗多德（希腊的历史学家）的一样受到了大家的喜爱和怀疑。其中，有一些故事带有某种道德缺陷的特点和粗俗的口头语，也有一些故事（如红衣主教所说）讲述了他在德尔菲被扔下悬崖的经过，尽管没有任何理由。他到底是因为丑陋和冒犯他人而被扔下悬崖，还是因为具有高尚的道德和正义感而被处死，这要留给那些阅读了该寓言的读者们来判断。伊索像莱摩斯叔叔一样，或许是个虚幻人物，或许真实存在过。然而，旧社会中的奴隶也能像伊索那样受人崇拜，或者像莱摩斯叔叔那样受人喜爱，这是一个不争的事实。非常奇怪的是，这两个伟大的奴隶都讲述了有关野兽和鸟类的非凡故事。

然而，无论伊索有什么成就，被称之为寓言的人类传说并非归功于他。在任何一个来自弗里吉亚重获自由的人被或未被扔下悬崖之前，寓言早已存在了，而且还一直延续下来。实际上，认
识到这种区别，对我们是有好处的，因为与其他寓言家相比，显然伊索更有贡献。同样熠熠生辉的格林童话是由两个德国人收集起来的。假如我们认为将此归功于一个德国学生有点困难，但至少我们对这个学生的了解更甚于对一个弗里吉亚奴隶的了解。诚然，实际上伊索寓言并非伊索的寓言，而格林童话也不是格林兄弟的神话传说。然而，寓言和童话故事却是截然不同的两回事。尽管两者之间有着太多不一样的元素，但其简单、显而易见的特点却是相同的。再没有什么更好的寓言能超过伊索寓言，倘若没有它们的存在，这世上再也没有什么好的童话传说。

对于寓言故事而言，有一点我们都应理解，无论叫伊索或别的名字，所有的人物都必须是客观的，并非特指某一个人。他们就像代数学一样是抽象的，像国际象棋一样是由各个部分组成的。狮子总是比狼强壮，正如四永远是两个二一样。寓言中的狐狸一定言行不轨，就像国际象棋中的骑士一定要走弯路一样。寓言中的羊一定是向前前进的，就像象棋中的兵或卒一样，只前进不后退。寓言中绝不允许让兵或卒落入诡计之中，它也不允许发生如巴尔扎克所称的“一只羊的起义”之类的事。另一方面，童话传说则显然围绕着人类的个性特点而展开。如果没有什么英雄与龙作战，我们甚至于都不知道它们是龙。如果没有冒险家被扔在一个未被发现的小岛上，这个小岛也就永远不会被发现了。如果磨坊主的三儿子没有发现让人心醉神迷的花园，以及七个被冷
冻了的公主面无血色地站在那里，那么公主们就会永远面无血色地被困在魔法之中了。如果那个英俊的王子没有发现睡美人，她也就只能继续昏睡下去了。寓言反映出两个相反的概念，然而任何事物本身在任何情况下都会不言而喻。狼永远都是残忍的，而狐狸永远都是狡猾的。同一类的东西可能注定会受到动物崇拜，这一点早已被埃及人、印度人和其他伟大的民族综合认证了。我认为，人类不会带着完全的个人爱好而去喜欢甲虫、猫或鳄鱼；他们只是赋予了动物一种抽象的、无名的自然能量，这种抽象性和能量对某些人来说是令人敬畏的，而对于无神论者来说，就是令人毛骨悚然的了。因此，在所有的寓言中，无论伊索寓言还是其他的寓言，所有动物的武装都像无生命力的事物一般，如大河或正在成长的大树。这是一种局限，也是此类事物的一种损失，他们只能代表自己；同时，这也是他们的悲剧，因为无法丢失他们的灵魂。

这也正是寓言得以不朽的原因，如果没有将人转变成国际象棋中的棋子，我们也就不能如此简单地说明浅显易懂的道理了。倘若不利用那些根本无法说话的动物，我们也就无法阐明如此简单的事情。想象一下，假如你把狼当成一个残忍的富翁，或者把狐狸当成一个狡猾的外交家。你马上就会想起，富翁也是人；而你也就永远不会忘记，外交家也是人。你或许一直在寻找，偶然的谈笑风生应该与暴君的残忍无情相伴而来；又或许在寻找，包
括美德在内的一切美好事物的正面价值，都应存在于任何一个良善的外交家身上。一旦将此赋予到两条腿的人身上，而非四条腿的动物身上，并且扯掉它的羽翼，那么，你就无法要求一个人像童话故事里那样英勇，或者像现代小说里那样胆怯懦弱了。

不过，在这种朴实无华又无拘无束的风格中使用动物的形象，就像被用在徽章上的盾形或古代的象形文字一样，人类的确成功地传承了被称为公理的伟大真理。如果具有骑士风度的狮子是红色、奔放的，那么它就应该一直是红色、奔放的；如果朱鹭无论在哪里都用一条腿站着，那么它永远都会用一条腿站着。这门语言就像一个大型的动物字母系统，每个字母都是以最初对某类人的哲学定义而命名。就像刚学字母的小孩子，总会借助Ass来认识A，借助Bull来认识B，借助Cow来认识C。于是，人类在此也将简单和强壮的生灵与简单和强大的真理联系在一起了。一注细流不可能污染整个喷泉，若有人坚持说能够污染整个喷泉，那么此人要么是个暴君，要么是个骗子。一只小老鼠弱不禁风，不可能打败狮子，但是对一根能绑住狮子的绳子来说，他就是个强者了。一只能从平盘里获取大量食物的狐狸，也能轻易从深盘里捞到大量食物。一只被神灵禁止唱歌的乌鸦，众神永远也不会给他提供奶酪。当山羊受到了山顶的奚落，那么并非是山羊被奚落了，而是这座山被奚落了。所有这些都是高深的真理，都被铭刻在人们早已经过的岩石中。无论它们多么古老，或者多
么新鲜，它们都是形成人类的字母表，就像诸多原始的图画形式采用了人类偏好的逼真形象符号一样。这些古老的、普遍存在的传说，都是以动物的形象出现，因为史前洞穴里的最新发现全部都是动物。在更简单的状态中，人类也总会感到自己有点过于神秘，从而无法刻画出来。然而，无论在何处，用原始的象征符号所雕刻出的图画故事却都是一样的。并且，无论是始于伊索的寓言，还是始于亚当的寓言；无论是像《列那狐的故事》中的德国人与中世纪，还是像拉特丹中的法国人与文艺复兴那样，本质上讲，结局却总是相同的——优越感总会让人傲慢无礼，因为它总是偶然产生的。骄傲总会使人失败，聪明反被聪明误之类的事情总会发生。除了这些被人类用手刻画在岩石上的传说故事之外，你再也找不到任何其他的传说。寓言的样式和产生的时代可能千差万别，但是寓言所隐藏的寓意却只有一个，因为这种寓意对应着万事万物。

吉尔伯特·K·切斯顿

（英国著名作家）

1

THE FOX AND THE GRAPES

狐狸和葡萄

A hungry Fox saw some fine bunches of grapes hanging from a vine that was trained along a high trellis, and did his best to reach them by jumping as high as he could into the air. But it was all in vain, for they were just out of reach: so he gave up trying, and walked away with an air of dignity and unconcern, remarking, "I thought those grapes were ripe, but I see now they are quite sour."

｛中文阅读｝

一只饥肠辘辘的狐狸，看见缠绕在高架上的葡萄枝挂着几串成熟的葡萄，就尽力向上跳，想要摘下那些葡萄。但无论他怎么努力，也是徒劳无功，因为他始终够不着那些葡萄。于是他放弃了，反而带着不屑一顾的样子走开了，边走边说：“还以为那些葡萄已经熟透了呢，现在看来根本就是酸葡萄。”

2

THE GOOSE THAT LAID THE GOLDEN EGGS

下金蛋的鹅

A Man and his wife had the good fortune to possess a Goose which laid a golden egg every day. Lucky though they were, they soon began to think they were not getting rich fast enough, and imagining the bird must be made of gold inside, they decided to kill it in order to secure the whole store of precious metal at once. But when they cut it open they found it was just like any other goose. Thus, they neither got rich all at once, as they had hoped, nor enjoyed any longer the daily addition to their wealth.

Much wants more and loses all.

｛中文阅读｝

有一对夫妇非常幸运，他们有一只每天下一枚金蛋的母鹅。尽管非常幸运，可他们很快就觉着财富增加得还不够快，不仅如此，他们还以为这只鹅的内脏肯定也是金的。于是，他们决定杀掉它，这样就能立刻得到全部珍宝了。然而，他们把鹅开膛破肚之后，却发现和其它鹅没什么两样。如此，他们既没有像当初希望得那样一夜暴富，也不能再享有财富与日俱增的好运气了。

贪多必失。

3

THE CAT AND THE MICE

猫和老鼠

There was once a house that was overrun with Mice. A Cat heard of this, and said to herself, "That's the place for me," and off she went and took up her quarters in the house, and caught the Mice one by one and ate them. At last the Mice could stand it no longer, and they determined to take to their holes and stay there. "That's awkward," said the Cat to herself: "the only thing to do is to coax them out by a trick." So she considered a while, and then climbed up the wall and let herself hang down by her hind legs from a peg, and pretended to be dead. By and by a Mouse peeped out and saw the Cat hanging there. "Aha!" it cried, "you're very clever, madam, no doubt: but you may turn yourself into a bag of meal hanging there, if you like, yet you won't catch us coming anywhere near you."

If you are wise you won't be deceived by the innocent airs of those whom you have once found to be dangerous.

｛中文阅读｝

从前，有一座房子，里面的老鼠泛滥成灾。一只猫听到此
事，便自言自语：“那正是我要去的地方。”于是她走到那座房子里住下来，一只接一只地抓老鼠，然后吃掉他们。最后，老鼠们再也无法忍受下去，决定躲到自己的洞里，再也不出来。“这还真不好办了，”猫自言自语道，“若想骗他们出来，只能耍个花招了。”她琢磨了一会儿，然后爬上墙，用后腿钩住木桩倒挂下来，假装已经死了。过了一会儿，一只老鼠向外窥探，看到了挂在那里的猫。“啊哈！”老鼠大叫，“夫人，你还真聪明，不过，就算你假装成一袋粮食挂在那里，你也骗不了我们去接近你。”

如果有足够的智慧，面对那些曾认定的危险人物所假装出的无辜，你也不会上当受骗。

4

THE MISCHIEVOUS DOG

恶狗

There was once a Dog who used to snap at people and bite them without any provocation, and who was a great nuisance to every one who came to his master's house. So his master fastened a bell round his neck to warn people of his presence. The Dog was very proud of the bell, and strutted about tinkling it with immense satisfaction. But an old dog came up to him and said, "The fewer airs you give yourself the better, my friend. You don't think, do you, that your bell was given you as a reward of merit? On the contrary, it is a badge of disgrace."

Notoriety is often mistaken for fame.

｛中文阅读｝

从前，有一条狗经常无缘无故地抓人、咬人，去他主人家做客的每个人都很讨厌他。主人在他的脖子上系了一个铃铛，以此提醒人们提防他的出现。这条狗对脖子上戴着的铃铛引以为傲，大摇大摆地戴着它走来走去，十分满意这种叮当声。但是，一条老狗却走过来对他说：“我的朋友，姿态越低，对你越好。你不会真的以为这个铃铛是对你的奖赏吧？事实恰恰相反，它是耻辱的标志呀。”

恶名常被误认为美誉。

5

THE CHARCOAL-BURNER AND THE FULLER

烧炭工和漂洗工

There was once a Charcoal-burner who lived and worked by himself. A Fuller, however, happened to come and settle in the same neighborhood; and the Charcoal-burner, having made his acquaintance and finding he was an agreeable sort of fellow, asked him if he would come and share his house: "We shall get to know one another better that way," he said, "and, beside, our household expenses will be diminished." The Fuller thanked him, but replied, "I couldn't think of it, sir: why, everything I take such pains to whiten would be blackened in no time by your charcoal."

｛中文阅读｝

从前，有一个自力更生的烧炭工人独自在家工作。碰巧，一个漂洗工搬至隔壁，与他成了邻居。结识漂洗工后，烧炭工人经过了解发现，这个邻居将是一个很好的合作伙伴，就问漂洗工愿不愿意搬到他的铺子里一起工作。“那样我们会变得更加亲密，”烧炭人说，“不仅如此，我们还可以节省生活开销呢。”漂洗工却谢绝了他，回答说：“我可不这样看，先生，因为不管我把衣服漂洗得多么白，都会立刻被你的木炭染黑了。”

6

THE MICE IN COUNCIL

老鼠开会

Once upon a time all the Mice met together in Council, and discussed the best means of securing themselves against the attacks of the cat. After several suggestions had been debated, a Mouse of some standing and experience got up and said, "I think I have hit upon a plan which will ensure our safety in the future, provided you approve and carry it out. It is that we should fasten a bell round the neck of our enemy the cat, which will by its tinkling warn us of her approach." This proposal was warmly applauded, and it had been already decided to adopt it, when an old Mouse got upon his feet and said, "I agree with you all that the plan before us is an admirable one: but may I ask who is going to bell the cat?"

｛中文阅读｝

从前，所有的老鼠聚集在一起，开会商讨免受猫攻击的良策。几个建议相继都被否决之后，一只很有威望且经验丰富的老鼠站起来，说：“我忽然想到一个办法，可以确保大家未来的安全，假如你们赞成的话，我们就这么办。这个办法是，我们应该在敌人的脖子上挂一个铃铛，猫走路时发出的叮当声，就会警告我们——猫要来了。”他的提议受到了大家的赞同，都决定采用这个办法，就在这时，一只年长的老鼠伸出他的前爪，说：“我也赞同这是一个绝妙的好办法，但是，我想问一下，谁去给猫系铃铛呢？”

7

THE BAT AND THE WEASELS

蝙蝠和黄鼠狼

A Bat fell to the ground and was caught by a Weasel, and was just going to be killed and eaten when it begged to be let go. The Weasel said he couldn't do that because he was an enemy of all birds on principle. "Oh, but," said the Bat, "I'm not a bird at all: I'm a mouse." "So you are," said the Weasel, "now I come to look at you"; and he let it go. Some time after this the Bat was caught in just the same way by another Weasel, and, as before, begged for its life. "No," said the Weasel, "I never let a mouse go by any chance." "But I'm not a mouse," said the Bat; "I'm a bird." "Why, so you are," said the Weasel; and he too let the Bat go.

Look and see which way the wind blows before you commit yourself.

｛中文阅读｝

蝙蝠落到地上，被黄鼠狼捉住了，就在快要被杀死、吃掉之前，他乞求黄鼠狼放了他。黄鼠狼说不能放了他，因为他向来是所有鸟类的敌人。蝙蝠说：“噢，我根本不是鸟儿，只不过
是一只老鼠。”黄鼠狼说：“原来你是老鼠呀，现在我才看清你。”于是，黄鼠狼放走了蝙蝠。不久，蝙蝠又以同样方式被另一只黄鼠狼捉住了，像从前那样，他又求黄鼠狼放了自己。“不行，”黄鼠狼说，“我绝不放过任何一只老鼠。”“可我不是老鼠呀，”蝙蝠说，“我是一只鸟儿。”“哎呀，原来你是一只鸟儿呀，”黄鼠狼说着，也放走了蝙蝠。

见风使舵。

8

THE DOG AND THE SOW

狗和母猪

A Dog and a Sow were arguing and each claimed that its own young ones were finer than those of any other animal. "Well," said the Sow at last, "mine can see, at any rate, when they come into the world: but yours are born blind."

｛中文阅读｝

狗和母猪争辩，都说自己的孩子更加出色。“嗯，”母猪最后说，“至少我的孩子一生下来就能看见东西，你的孩子生下来却是个瞎子。”

9

THE FOX AND THE CROW

狐狸和乌鸦

A Crow was sitting on a branch of a tree with a piece of cheese in her beak when 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 voice, madam, I see: what you want is wits."

｛中文阅读｝

乌鸦坐在树枝上，嘴里叼着一块奶酪。这时，狐狸在观察乌鸦，转动鬼脑筋想得到那块奶酪。于是，狐狸走过去，站在树下，仰起头说道：“我的头上有一只多么高贵的鸟儿呀！她的美貌天下无双，她的羽毛精致纤美。要是她的声音也像外貌和羽毛那样美好，毫无疑问，她真该成为鸟类的女王！”听到这番恭维，乌鸦简直受宠若惊，一心只想着向狐狸炫耀一下自己的歌喉，就“呱”地大叫了一声。理所当然，她嘴里的那块奶酪就掉了下去，狐狸立刻抓起奶酪，说：“乌鸦夫人，我知道你的歌喉很不错，可你需要的是智慧。”

10

THE HORSE AND THE GROOM

马和马夫

There was once a Groom who used to spend long hours clipping and combing the Horse of which he had charge, but who daily stole a portion of his allowance of oats, and sold it for his own profit. The Horse gradually got into worse and worse condition, and at last cried to the Groom, "If you really want me to look sleek and well, you must comb me less and feed me more."

｛中文阅读｝

从前，有一个马夫，常常花费几个钟头来为他负责照管的马修剪和梳理毛发，可是他却每天都会偷一部分喂马的燕麦，拿去卖了以谋私利。逐渐地，马的健康状况越来越糟糕，最后忍不住对马夫大叫：“你要是真想让我看上去光滑闪亮，就应该少给我梳毛，多喂我燕麦。”

11

THE WOLF AND THE LAMB

狼和小羊

A Wolf came upon a Lamb straying from the flock, and felt some compunction about taking the life of so helpless a creature without some plausible excuse; so he cast about for a grievance and said at last, "Last year, sirrah, you grossly insulted me." "That is impossible, sir," bleated the Lamb, "for I wasn't born then." "Well," retorted the Wolf, "you feed in my pastures." "That cannot be," replied the Lamb, "for I have never yet tasted grass." "You drink from my spring, then," continued the Wolf. "Indeed, sir," said the poor Lamb, "I have never yet drunk anything but my mother's milk." "Well, anyhow," said the Wolf, "I'm not going without my dinner": and he sprang upon the Lamb and devoured it without more ado.

｛中文阅读｝

狼偶然碰见一只离群的小羊，似乎觉着平白无故杀死这么弱小无助的生命有点良心不安，于是他竭力寻找自己受过的各
种委屈，最后说：“小子，去年你可是侮辱过我。”“这不可能，先生。”小羊低声说，“那时，我还没出生呢。”狼反驳道：“嗯，你在我的牧场里吃草来着。”“这更不可能啦，”小羊回答说，“我到现在还没尝过草的滋味呢。”“那么，你喝过我的泉水。”狼继续编造借口。“说实在的，先生，”可怜的小羊说，“除了妈妈的奶水，我从没喝过其它东西呢。”“好吧，不管怎么说，”狼说，“我总不能不吃晚饭。”于是，他扑向小羊，干脆痛快地把他吞了下去。

12

THE PEACOCK AND THE CRANE

孔雀与鹤

A Peacock taunted a Crane with the dullness of her plumage. "Look at my brilliant colors," said she, "and see how much finer they are than your poor feathers." "I am not denying," replied the Crane, "that yours are far gayer than mine; but when it comes to flying I can soar into the clouds, whereas you are confined to the earth like any dunghill cock."

｛中文阅读｝

孔雀嘲讽鹤的羽毛色泽暗淡，她奚落道：“看看我的羽毛，多么鲜艳华丽呀，比你那灰暗难看的羽毛强出百倍。”“我不否认，”鹤说道，“你的羽毛比我的华丽，可是，要说到飞行能力，我翅膀上的羽毛能在空中翱翔，而你却只能像公鸡一样，在地上行走。”

13

THE CAT AND THE BIRDS

猫和鸟

A Cat heard that the Birds in an aviary were ailing. So he got himself up as a doctor, and, taking with him a set of the instruments proper to his profession, presented himself at the door, and inquired after the health of the Birds. "We shall do very well," they replied, without letting him in, "when we've seen the last of you."

A villain may disguise himself, but he will not deceive the wise.

｛中文阅读｝

有一只猫，闻言某处鸟舍里的鸟儿们全都生病了。于是，他便扮作医生，带着医生所使用的专业器具，装模作样地来到鸟房前，假装问候里面的鸟儿身体状况。“我们都很健康，”鸟儿们回答说，并没有让猫进去，“一看到你的大尾巴，我们就全好了。”

骗子会伪装自己，但决骗不过聪明人。

14

THE SPENDTHRIFT AND THE SWALLOW

败家子与燕子

A Spendthrift, who had wasted his fortune, and had nothing left but the clothes in which he stood, saw a Swallow one fine day in early spring. Thinking that summer had come, and that he could now do without his coat, he went and sold it for what it would fetch. A change, however, took place in the weather, and there came a sharp frost which killed the unfortunate Swallow. When the Spendthrift saw its dead body he cried, "Miserable bird! Thanks to you I am perishing of cold myself."

One swallow does not make summer.

｛中文阅读｝

一个败家子因为挥霍无度而白白耗费了所有的财产。在一个早春的日子里，除了身上的衣服之外，已经别无所有的他，看到一只燕子。他心里想着，应该是夏天来临，可以不再需要身上的外套了。于是，他出去想卖掉外套，换点什么东西。不料，天气骤变，忽然降临的一场霜冻冻死了不幸的燕子。败家子看到燕子的尸体后，大喊道：“可怜的小鸟！都是因为你，我才会也跟着挨冻呀。”

一燕不成夏。

15

THE OLD WOMAN AND THE DOCTOR

老太婆与医生

An Old Woman became almost totally blind from a disease of the eyes, and, after consulting a Doctor, made an agreement with him in the presence of witnesses that she should pay him a high fee if he cured her, while if he failed he was to receive nothing. The Doctor accordingly prescribed a course of treatment, and every time he paid her a visit he took away with him some article out of the house, until at last, when he visited her for the last time, and the cure was complete, there was nothing left. When the Old Woman saw that the house was empty she refused to pay him his fee; and, after repeated refusals on her part, he sued her before the magistrates for payment of her debt. On being brought into court she was ready with her defense. "The claimant," said she, "has stated the facts about our agreement correctly. I undertook to pay him a fee if he cured me, and he, on his part, promised to charge nothing if he failed. Now, he says I am cured; but I say that I am blinder than ever, and I can prove what I say. When my eyes were bad I could at any rate see well enough to be aware that my house contained a certain amount of furniture and other things; but now, when according to him I am cured, I am entirely unable to see anything there at all."

｛中文阅读｝

有个老太婆，几乎因为眼疾而失明了，在咨询过医生之后，他们达成了协议——如果医生能治好她的病，她将支付高额费用；如果医生治不好她的病，她就分文不给。根据疗程计划，医生定期来她家里进行治疗，而且，每次来时总会顺手牵羊地偷走一些物品。终于，当他来做最后一次治疗时，老太婆家里的东西已经所剩无几了。虽然眼疾治好了，但是看到家里空荡荡的，老太婆便拒绝支付医疗费，几次三番地拒付之后，医生便起诉了老太婆，让法官帮他追讨欠款。被带到法官那里时，老太婆已经准备好为自己辩护了。她说：“原告的确如实地陈述了我们之间的协议，我曾经许诺过，如果他能治好我的病，就会支付给他治疗费，而且，他也曾应允过我，如果治不好我的病，就分文不取。现在，他说我已经痊愈了，可是我认为我的眼睛比以前更瞎了，就此而言，我完全能证明情况属实。以前，当我的视力下降之后，尚且能看见家里的一些家具和物品，可是现在，当医生说我已经痊愈时，我却看不见任何东西了。”

16

THE MOON AND HER MOTHER

月亮和妈妈

The Moon once begged her Mother to make her a gown. "How can I?" replied she; "there's no fitting your figure. At one time you're a New Moon, and at another you're a Full Moon; and between whiles you're neither one nor the other."

｛中文阅读｝

有一次，月亮祈求妈妈给她做一件长袍。“怎么做呀？”妈妈回答说，“根本没有适合你的尺寸呀。你有时是新月，有时又是满月，而且你时常变化着。”

17

MERCURY AND THE WOODMAN

墨丘利和樵夫

A Woodman was felling a tree on the bank of a river, when his axe, glancing off the trunk, flew out of his hands and fell into the water. As he stood by the water's edge lamenting his loss, Mercury appeared and asked him the reason for his grief; and on learning what had happened, out of pity for his distress he dived into the river and, bringing up a golden axe, asked him if that was the one he had lost. The Woodman replied that it was not, and Mercury then dived a second time, and, bringing up a silver axe, asked if that was his. "No, that is not mine either," said the Woodman. Once more Mercury dived into the river, and brought up the missing axe. The Woodman was overjoyed at recovering his property, and thanked his benefactor warmly; and the latter was so pleased with his honesty that he made him a present of the other two axes. When the Woodman told the story to his companions, one of these was filled with envy of his good fortune and determined to try his luck for himself. So he went and began to fell a tree at the edge of the river, and presently contrived to let his axe drop into the water. Mercury appeared as before, and, on learning that his axe had fallen in, he dived and brought up a golden axe, as he had done on the previous occasion. Without waiting to be asked whether it was his or not the fellow cried, "That's mine, that's mine," and stretched out his hand eagerly for the prize: but Mercury was so disgusted at his dishonesty that he not only
declined to give him the golden axe, but also refused to recover for him the one he had let fall into the stream.

Honesty is the best policy.

｛中文阅读｝

有一个樵夫正在河边砍树，突然，就在他将斧子抽离树干的一刹那，斧子从他的手中滑落，掉进了水里。他站在水边悲叹那丢失了的斧子时，墨丘利出现了，问他为什么如此伤心。问清缘由之后，出于对樵夫的同情，墨丘利跳进河里，举起一把金灿灿的斧子问他，这是不是他丢失了的那一把。樵夫说这不是他丢的。于是，墨丘利又跳进河中，捞起一把银光闪闪的斧子，问他是不是这一把。“不是，这也不是我丢的。”樵夫回答道。墨丘利再一次跳进河里，捞起那把樵夫真正丢失了的斧子。看到失而复得的斧子，樵夫喜出望外，对墨丘利感激万分。然而，墨丘利也很赞赏樵夫的忠厚老实，就将另外两把斧子作为礼物送给了他。樵夫把自己的经历讲给同伴听，其中一个人十分羡慕他的好运气，决定也去碰一碰运气。于是，他也来到河畔砍树，并故意将自己的斧子丢入河中。墨丘利像以前一样出现了，知道樵夫的斧子落入水中之后，他像上次一样跳进河里捞起一把金斧子。还没等到墨丘利开口问他，这个人就大喊道：“是我的，这就是我的斧子。”并且迫切地伸手想去拿那把斧子，但墨丘利对他的不诚实很气愤，不仅拒绝把金斧子送给他，而且还拒绝帮他寻找掉入水中的那把斧子。

正直诚实才是上策。

18

THE ASS, THE FOX, AND THE LION

驴、狐狸和狮子

An Ass and a Fox went into partnership and sallied out to forage for food together. They hadn't gone far before they saw a Lion coming their way, at which they were both dreadfully frightened. But the Fox thought he saw a way of saving his own skin, and went boldly up to the Lion and whispered in his ear, "I'll manage that you shall get hold of the Ass without the trouble of stalking him, if you'll promise to let me go free." The Lion agreed to this, and the Fox then rejoined his companion and contrived before long to lead him by a hidden pit, which some hunter had dug as a trap for wild animals, and into which he fell. When the Lion saw that the Ass was safely caught and couldn't get away, it was to the Fox that he first turned his attention, and he soon finished him off, and then at his leisure proceeded to feast upon the Ass.

Betray a friend, and you'll often find you have ruined yourself.

｛中文阅读｝

驴和狐狸商量好一起去觅食。还没走出多远，突然看见一只狮子走过来，他们俩都吓得不得了。然而，狐狸却想出一条
妙计，可以保全自己的性命。他立即跑到狮子面前，附耳小声地说：“如果你答应放我走，我就能保证让你毫不费力地抓住那头驴。”狮子应允了他的提议，狐狸便引诱驴掉进了一个陷阱里，这是某些猎人为捕获野生动物而事先挖掘出的洞。狮子见驴已被俘获，再也逃不掉了，于是便转向刚才和他说话的那只狐狸，很快便抓住狐狸吃掉了，然后再慢慢地去享受陷阱里的驴。

背叛朋友，你也不会有好下场。

19

THE LION AND THE MOUSE

狮子与报恩的老鼠

A Lion asleep in his lair was waked up by a Mouse running over his face. Losing his temper he seized it with his paw and was about to kill it. The Mouse, terrified, piteously entreated him to spare its life. "Please let me go," it cried, "and one day I will repay you for your kindness." The idea of so insignificant a creature ever being able to do anything for him amused the Lion so much that he laughed aloud, and good-humouredly let it go. But the Mouse's chance came, after all. One day the Lion got entangled in a net which had been spread for game by some hunters, and the Mouse heard and recognized his roars of anger and ran to the spot. Without more ado it set to work to gnaw the ropes with its teeth, and succeeded before long in setting the Lion free. "There!" said the Mouse, "you laughed at me when I promised I would repay you: but now you see, even a Mouse can help a Lion."

｛中文阅读｝

狮子在自己的窝里睡着了，却被一只跑到他脸上的老鼠吵醒了。狮子非常生气，用爪子抓住老鼠，准备弄死他。战战兢兢的老鼠请求狮子饶了他的性命。“求你放了我吧，”老鼠哭喊道，
“我肯定会报答你的恩情。”一个不足挂齿的小生命肯为自己做任何事，狮子被如此无意义的想法逗笑了，便随和地放他走了。不久，老鼠报恩的机会终于来了。有一天，狮子被猎人们布好的大网缠住了，愤怒地大吼起来，老鼠听到了狮子的哀嚎，迅速赶来。老鼠轻松地走过去开始噬咬绳索，很快就成功地放走了狮子。老鼠说：“看吧！当我许诺要报答你时，你还嘲笑我；现在你可看到了，即便一只小老鼠也能帮助一头大狮子。”

20

THE CROW AND THE PITCHER

乌鸦和水罐

A thirsty Crow found a Pitcher with some water in it, but so little was there that, try as she might, she could not reach it with her beak, and it seemed as though she would die of thirst within sight of the remedy. At last she hit upon a clever plan. She began dropping pebbles into the Pitcher, and with each pebble the water rose a little higher until at last it reached the brim, and the knowing bird was enabled to quench her thirst.

Necessity is the mother of invention.

｛中文阅读｝

一只口渴的乌鸦发现了一个大水罐，虽然里面没有多少水，但毕竟也能解解渴，于是她想尽办法用自己的长喙去接触水面，然而，尽管救命之水就在跟前，可她却无能为力。最后，她想出一条妙计。乌鸦开始用嘴叼着石子投到水罐里，每丢进去一粒石子，水面就会上升一点。终于，水面上升到了乌鸦的嘴边，她高兴地喝到了水，解了口渴。

需求是发明之母。

21

THE BOYS AND THE FROGS

男孩和青蛙

Some mischievous Boys were playing on the edge of a pond, and, catching sight of some Frogs swimming about in the shallow water, they began to amuse themselves by pelting them with stones, and they killed several of them. At last one of the Frogs put his head out of the water and said, "Oh, stop! stop! I beg of you: what is sport to you is death to us."

｛中文阅读｝

几个淘气的孩子在水池边玩耍，浅水中正在游泳的几只青蛙映入了他们的眼帘，他们便用石头去打青蛙，以此作为消遣娱乐。甚至于，他们还打死了几只青蛙。最后，一只青蛙从水中伸出头来，说：“住手！住手！求你们不要再打了。对你们来说，这是一个活动，可是对于我们来说，却是致命一击啊。”

22

THE NORTH WIND AND THE SUN

北风与太阳

A dispute arose between the North Wind and the Sun, each claiming that he was stronger than the other. At last they agreed to try their powers upon a traveler, to see which could soonest strip him of his cloak. The North Wind had the first try; and, gathering up all his force for the attack, he came whirling furiously down upon the man, and
caught up his cloak as though he would wrest it from him by one single effort: but the harder he blew, the more closely the man wrapped it round himself. Then came the turn of the Sun. At first he beamed gently upon the traveler, who soon unclasped his cloak and walked on with it hanging loosely about his shoulders: then he shone forth in his full strength, and the man, before he had gone many steps, was glad to throw his cloak right off and complete his journey more lightly clad.

Persuasion is better than force.

｛中文阅读｝

北风与太阳争论不休，双方都在强调自己的能量更大。最后，他们一致赞同在一个行人身上试验自己的力量，看看谁能够最快速地让行人脱下衣服。北风先开始发威，他用尽全身力气攻击行人，猛烈的旋风向着行人袭来，并且拖住他的衣角以便使行人身上的衣服自行脱落；然而，风吹得越猛烈，这个行人越是紧紧裹住了自己的衣服。接下来，该太阳上场了。太阳开始温和地照耀着行人，行人很快就边走边解开衣服上的扣子，将其松散地搭在肩上；接着，太阳强烈地发光射向大地，已经走了很久的行人开心地脱掉衣服，轻装上阵。

温和的说服胜于蛮横的武力。

23

THE MISTRESS AND HER SERVANTS

女主人和仆人

A Widow, thrifty and industrious, had two servants, whom she kept pretty hard at work. They were not allowed to lie long abed in the mornings, but the old lady had them up and doing as soon as the cock crew. They disliked intensely having to get up at such an hour, especially in winter-time: and they thought that if it were not for the cock waking up their Mistress so horribly early, they could sleep longer. So they caught it and wrung its neck. But they weren't prepared for the consequences. For what happened was that their Mistress, not hearing the cock crow as usual, waked them up earlier than ever, and set them to work in the middle of the night.

｛中文阅读｝

一个寡妇，既节俭又勤劳，她对两个仆人的要求也相当严厉。每当公鸡一打鸣，这个老女人就叫她们起来去干活，不让她们多睡一会儿。仆人们都不喜欢在这么早的时间起床，尤其是在冬天里，她们以为，若是那只公鸡不在这么早的时候叫醒女主人，她们还能多睡一会儿。于是，她们捉住公鸡，拧断了它的脖子。但是，她们并没有预料到更严重的后果。女主人听不到公鸡的叫声了，却比往常更早地叫醒她们，在半夜里就让她们去干活。

24

THE GOODS AND THE ILLS

善与恶

There was a time in the youth of the world when Goods and Ills entered equally into the concerns of men, so that the Goods did not prevail to make them altogether blessed, nor the Ills to make them wholly miserable. But owing to the foolishness of mankind the Ills multiplied greatly in number and increased in strength, until it seemed as though they would deprive the Goods of all share in human affairs, and banish them from the earth. The latter, therefore, betook themselves to heaven and complained to Jupiter of the treatment they had received, at the same time praying him to grant them protection from the Ills, and to advise them concerning the manner of their intercourse with men. Jupiter granted their request for protection, and decreed that for the future they should not go among men openly in a body, and so be liable to attack from the hostile Ills, but singly and unobserved, and at infrequent and unexpected intervals. Hence it is that the earth is full of Ills, for they come and go as they please and are never far away; while Goods, alas! come one by one only, and have to travel all the way from heaven, so that they are very seldom seen.

｛中文阅读｝

世界形成之初，善与恶平等地并存于人心，这样一来，善不曾受称赞，恶也不曾遭唾弃。但是，由于人类的愚蠢，恶开始成倍增加，其力量也相继强大起来，后来似乎要剥夺所有善应占有的份额，将其驱逐出地球。因此，力量弱小的善努力回到了天上，向朱庇特（即宙斯，罗马神话中的主神）抱怨自己的遭遇，同时祈请他同意自己对恶的防卫，并且还征询重返人间的建议。朱庇特同意了他们寻求庇护的请求，并且还下令让他们将来不要公然地进入人间，因为这样易于受到心怀敌意的邪恶攻击，而是要逐一悄然地回归，不要太频繁，应在人们的意料之外。由此，这个地球上充满了邪恶，因为他们可以随意地往返，而且永远不会远离人类，而善则只能一个一个地来，他们要想方设法地从天上下来，必须悄悄地，才能不被发现。

25

THE HARES AND THE FROGS

野兔与青蛙

The Hares once gathered together and lamented the unhappiness of their lot, exposed as they were to dangers on all sides and lacking the strength and the courage to hold their own. Men, dogs, birds and beasts of prey were all their enemies, and killed and devoured them daily: and sooner than endure such persecution any longer, they one and all determined to end their miserable lives. Thus resolved and desperate, they rushed in a body towards a neighboring pool, intending to drown themselves. On the bank were sitting a number of Frogs, who, when they heard the noise of the Hares as they ran, with one accord leaped into the water and hid themselves in the depths. Then one of the older Hares who was wiser than the rest cried out to his companions, "Stop, my friends, take heart; don't let us destroy ourselves after all: see, here are creatures who are afraid of us, and who must, therefore, be still more timid than ourselves."

｛中文阅读｝

有一次，众多野兔聚集在一起，哀悼自己的不幸命运，方方面面都遭遇危险，而他们却缺乏勇气和力量去掌握自己的命
运。人、狗、鸟类和猛兽等都是他们的敌人，整日屠杀吞噬他们。一想到要忍受这样的迫害，他们都认为还不如一死了之呢。于是，他们下定决心、不顾一切地来到附近的池塘边，准备投水自尽。有一群青蛙正围坐在池塘边，听到兔子们那急促的跑步声后，青蛙们立即纷纷跳入水中。兔子中，有一只年长的兔子比同伴们聪明一些，“朋友们，快停下来，我们应该振作起来，不要再自寻短见了！你们看，这里还有一些害怕我们的动物呢，他们肯定比我们更胆小！”

26

THE FOX AND THE STORK

狐狸与鹤

A Fox invited a Stork to dinner, at which the only fare provided was a large flat dish of soup. The Fox lapped it up with great relish, but the Stork with her long bill tried in vain to partake of the savory broth. Her evident distress caused the sly Fox much amusement. But not long after the Stork invited him in turn, and set before him a pitcher with a long and narrow neck, into which she could get her bill with ease. Thus, while she enjoyed her dinner, the Fox sat by hungry and helpless, for it was impossible for him to reach the tempting contents of the vessel.

｛中文阅读｝

狐狸请鹤来吃晚饭，然而他所款待客人的，仅仅是一个大平底盘子里盛的一点汤。狐狸津津有味地舔食平盘里的汤，而鹤却无法用他那长喙吸食香喷喷的浓汤。鹤十分气恼，这让狡猾的狐狸十分开心。然而，没过多久，鹤回请狐狸吃饭，他在狐狸面前摆放了一只颈长口小的罐子，可以让鹤轻易地将长嘴伸进去。这一次，当他从容地吃着罐子里的食物时，狐狸却只能眼巴巴地看着，因为他根本无法够到罐子里诱人的饭菜。

27

THE WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING

披着羊皮的狼

A Wolf resolved to disguise himself in order that he might prey upon a flock of sheep without fear of detection. So he clothed himself in a sheepskin, and slipped among the sheep when they were out at pasture. He completely deceived the shepherd, and when the flock was penned for the night he was shut in with the rest. But that very night as it happened, the shepherd, requiring a supply of mutton for the table, laid hands on the Wolf in mistake for a Sheep, and killed him with his knife on the spot.

｛中文阅读｝

为了不被察觉地捕食一群羊，狼下定决心要伪装自己。于是，他披上了一身羊皮，趁羊群在牧场里游荡时悄然混进去。他完全骗过了放羊倌，晚上羊群被关进栏里时，他也被一起关了进去。但是，就在那个晚上，牧羊人想要吃羊肉了，于是把手放在披着羊皮的狼身上，一刀就杀了他。

28

THE STAG IN THE OX-STALL

牛棚里的雄鹿

A Stag, chased from his lair by the hounds, took refuge in a farmyard, and, entering a stable where a number of oxen were stalled, thrust himself under a pile of hay in a vacant stall, where he lay concealed, all but the tips of his horns. Presently one of the Oxen said to him, "What has induced you to come in here? Aren't you aware of the risk you are running of being captured by the herdsmen?" To which he replied, "Pray let me stay for the present. When night comes I shall easily escape under cover of the dark." In the course of the afternoon more than one of the farm-hands came in, to attend to the wants of the cattle, but not one of them noticed the presence of the Stag, who accordingly began to congratulate himself on his escape and to express his gratitude to the Oxen. "We wish you well," said the one who had spoken before, "but you are not out of danger yet. If the master comes, you will certainly be found out, for nothing ever escapes his keen eyes." Presently, sure enough, in he came, and made a great to-do about the way the Oxen were kept. "The beasts are starving," he cried; "here, give them more hay, and put plenty of litter under them." As he spoke, he seized an armful himself from the pile where the Stag lay concealed, and at once
detected him. Calling his men, he had him seized at once and killed for the table.

｛中文阅读｝

一只雄鹿被猎狗赶出了巢穴，只得躲进一个农家小院里。他闯进了一个满是公牛的牛棚里，拼命挤进空牛栏的干草堆中，藏了起来，但是他的鹿角却一直露在外面。不久，一头公牛对他说：“是什么原因让你到这里来自投罗网呢？待在这里很危险，会被牧人抓走的，你知不知道？”雄鹿回答说：“求求你，就让我在这里待一会儿吧。当夜幕降临后，我就能有机会在黑暗中逃走了。”整个下午都很平安，虽然有几个雇工来牛棚照料牛群，但是没有一个人注意到雄鹿的存在，雄鹿一边暗自庆幸可以平安逃走，一边对公牛表示感激。“我们都希望你能平安，”先前曾和雄鹿讲话的那头公牛又开口了，“但是，你还没有完全脱离危险。如果主人来了，你可能就会被发现，因为没有什么能逃出他的眼睛。”正说着，农场主来了，开始抱怨工人没有好好照料牛群。“牲口都饿着呢，”他大喊道，“这里再多加点干草，要给他们足够的铺垫。”他一边说着话，一边查看着雄鹿躲身的干草堆，立刻就认出了雄鹿。于是，他叫来帮工，立刻抓住雄鹿并杀死它美餐了一顿。

29

THE MILKMAID AND HER PAIL

挤奶女孩和她的桶

A farmer's daughter had been out to milk the cows, and was returning to the dairy carrying her pail of milk upon her head. As she walked along, she fell a-musing after this fashion: "The milk in this pail will provide me with cream, which I will make into butter and take to market to sell. With the money I will buy a number of eggs, and these, when hatched, will produce chickens, and by and by I shall have quite a large poultry-yard. Then I shall sell some of my fowls, and with the money which they will bring in I will buy myself a new gown, which I shall wear when I go to the fair; and all the young fellows will admire it, and come and make love to me, but I shall toss my head and have nothing to say to them." Forgetting all about the pail, and suiting the action to the word, she tossed her head. Down went the pail, all the milk was spilled, and all her fine castles in the air vanished in a moment!

Do not count your chickens before they are hatched.

｛中文阅读｝

一个农场主的女儿挤完牛奶后，头顶着一桶牛奶，从田野里走回农庄。她边走边开始想入非非：“从这桶牛奶里可以得到
奶酪，也能得到奶油，就可以拿到市场上去卖。用卖得的钱，我还可以买回一些鸡蛋。这些鸡蛋还可以再孵出成群的小鸡。如此算来，我就能拥有一个大型的家禽场了。然后，我再卖掉那些牲畜，用卖得的钱，我就能买一条漂亮的长裙子，可以穿着到集市上去；年轻的小伙子们都会赞美裙子，都会过来向我示爱，而我却要摇摇头，什么也不说。”想到这里，她完全忘记了头顶上的桶，配合着自己的想法，她真的摇起头来。结果，头顶上的牛奶桶掉在了地上，所有的牛奶都洒出来了，她的美妙幻想也随之消失了。

不要高兴得太早。

30

THE DOLPHINS, THE WHALES, AND THE SPRAT

海豚、鲸和西鲱鱼

The Dolphins quarreled with the Whales, and before very long they began fighting with one another. The battle was very fierce, and had lasted some time without any sign of coming to an end, when a Sprat thought that perhaps he could stop it; so he stepped in and tried to persuade them to give up fighting and make friends. But one of the Dolphins said to him contemptuously, "We would rather go on fighting till we're all killed than be reconciled by a Sprat like you!"

｛中文阅读｝

海豚与鲸争吵起来，他们之间已经争斗了很久。战争进一步升级，并且越打越猛烈，根本没有一点要停的迹象，有一条西鲱鱼认为自己或许能够调停他们的战争，便过去准备劝他们停止争斗，成为朋友。但是，海豚轻蔑地对他说：“我们宁可争斗到同归于尽，也不会让一条像你这样的西鲱鱼来调解！”

31

THE FOX AND THE MONKEY

狐狸和猴子

A Fox and a Monkey were on the road together, and fell into a dispute as to which of the two was the better born. They kept it up for some time, till they came to a place where the road passed through a cemetery full of monuments, when the Monkey stopped and looked about him and gave a great sigh. "Why do you sigh?" said the Fox. The Monkey pointed to the tombs and replied, "All the monuments that you see here were put up in honor of my forefathers, who in their day were eminent men." The Fox was speechless for a moment, but quickly recovering he said, "Oh! don't stop at any lie, sir; you're quite safe: I'm sure none of your ancestors will rise up and expose you."

Boasters brag most when they cannot be detected.

｛中文阅读｝

狐狸与猴子同行，一路上都在争吵谁的家世更高贵。他们各自坚持着夸耀自己，边说边来到一个路边满是墓碑的地方。这时，猴子停下来，四处观望，然后放声大哭。“你为什么这样
呀？”狐狸忙问道。猴子指着那些墓碑，说：“你在这里看到的所有墓碑都是我祖先的荣誉，他们当时可都是杰出的人士！”狐狸沉默了一会儿，但是很快就反驳道：“噢！接着吹吧，先生，不会有人揭穿你的——我相信，他们之中没有人能站起来反驳你。”

谎言无法被揭穿时，吹牛者便会夸夸其谈。

32

THE ASS AND THE LAP-DOG

驴和哈巴狗

There was once a man who had an Ass and a Lap-dog. The Ass was housed in the stable with plenty of oats and hay to eat and was as well off as an ass could be. The little Dog was made a great pet of by his master, who fondled him and often let him lie in his lap; and if he went out to dinner, he would bring back a tit¬ bit or two to give him when he ran to meet him on his return. The Ass had, it is true, a good deal of work to do, carting or grinding the corn, or carrying the burdens of the farm: and ere long he became very jealous, contrasting his own life of labor with the ease and idleness of the Lap-dog. At last one day he broke his halter, and frisking into the house just as his master sat down to dinner, he pranced and capered about, mimicking the frolics of the little favorite, upsetting the table and smashing the crockery with his clumsy efforts. Not content with that, he even tried to jump on his master's lap, as he had so often seen the dog allowed to do. At that the servants, seeing the danger their master was in, belabored the silly Ass with sticks and cudgels, and drove him back to his stable half dead with his beating. "Alas!" he cried, "all this I have brought on myself. Why could I not be satisfied with
my natural and honorable position, without wishing to imitate the ridiculous antics of that useless little Lap-dog?"

｛中文阅读｝

有人养了一头驴和一只哈巴狗。驴被圈养在棚子里，虽然不愁温饱，有着足够的燕麦和干草供应，却每天都要尽驴子应尽的本分。小狗颇会讨好它的主人，而主人则经常抚摸它，让它坐在自己的膝盖上。假如主人出外吃饭，还会想着带一点好吃的回来，等见到小狗时给它作为奖励。驴子的确是工作繁重，他不仅要到磨坊里拉磨，还要去树林里驮木材。与哈巴狗的悠闲自在相比，驴子难免会心生嫉妒，怀有怨言。有一天，机会终于来了，驴子挣断缰绳，跑进主人的房间，模仿哈巴狗的样子围着主人跳舞，又蹦又踢，不仅撞翻了桌子，还把碗碟摔得粉碎。不仅如此，驴子甚至还试图跳到主人的膝盖上，因为他经常看到小狗如此。仆人们见此情景，都吓坏了，以为主人面临着危险，于是用棍棒把驴子赶回棚里，打了个半死。“唉！”他哭喊着，“我这不是自作自受吗，我为什么不满足于自己的现状和地位，偏要去模仿小哈巴狗那无用、滑稽的小丑样呢？”

33

THE FIR-TREE AND THE BRAMBLE

冷杉与荆棘

A Fir-tree was boasting to a Bramble, and said, somewhat contemptuously, "You poor creature, you are of no use whatever. Now, look at me: I am useful for all sorts of things, particularly when men build houses; they can't do without me then." But the Bramble replied, "Ah, that's all very well: but you wait till they come with axes and saws to cut you down, and then you'll wish you were a Bramble and not a Fir."

Better poverty without a care than wealth with its many obligations.

｛中文阅读｝

一棵冷杉树用轻蔑的口吻对着荆棘夸口道：“你这可怜的东西，一点用处也没有。你看看我，我可是对万物都有益处，尤其是当人类要盖房子的时候，没有我根本就不行。”但是荆棘回答：“是啊！那的确很好。不过，等到他们拿着斧头和锯来把你砍倒时，你就会希望自己是荆棘，而不是冷杉树了。”

宁可贫穷而无人问津，也不要富贵而责任缠身。

34

THE FROGS' COMPLAINT AGAINST THE SUN

抱怨太阳的青蛙

Once upon a time the Sun was about to take to himself a wife. The Frogs in terror all raised their voices to the skies, and Jupiter, disturbed by the noise, asked them what they were croaking about. They replied, "The Sun is bad enough even while he is single, drying up our marshes with his heat as he does. But what will become of us if he marries and begets other Suns?"

｛中文阅读｝

有一次，太阳想给自己找个老婆。青蛙们惊恐地冲着天空大喊，朱庇特听到吵闹声，就问他们在冲着谁哇哇乱叫。他们回答说：“即便是单身，太阳已经够坏了，几乎晒干了我们的沼泽地，要是他再结了婚，并且再生下一个小太阳的话，我们该怎么办呀？”

35

THE DOG, THE COCK, AND THE FOX

狗、公鸡和狐狸

A Dog and a Cock became great friends, and agreed to travel together. At nightfall the Cock flew up into the branches of a tree to roost, while the Dog curled himself up inside the trunk, which was hollow. At break of day the Cock woke up and crew, as usual. A Fox heard, and, wishing to make a breakfast of him, came and stood under the tree and begged him to come down. "I should so like," said he, "to make the acquaintance of one who has such a beautiful voice." The Cock replied, "Would you just wake my porter who sleeps at the foot of the tree? He'll open the door and let you in." The Fox accordingly rapped on the trunk, when out rushed the Dog and tore him in pieces.

｛中文阅读｝

一条狗与一只公鸡成了朋友，他们准备一起去旅行。到了晚上，公鸡一跃跳到树枝上栖息，而狗则蜷缩在下面空洞洞的树干里过夜。天将破晓时，公鸡像往常一样啼叫起来。一只狐狸听见了鸡叫，想以鸡肉作为自己的早餐，便跑来站在树下，请公鸡下来。“多么美的嗓音啊！”他说，“我很高兴能认识一位声音悦耳动听的公鸡。”而公鸡则回答说：“你能先叫醒树洞里那个看门的吗？只要他一开门，我就可以下来。”狐狸立刻跑去叫门，里面突然跳出来一只狗，把他咬住撕碎了。

36

THE GNAT AND THE BULL

蠓虫和公牛

A Gnat alighted on one of the horns of a Bull, and remained sitting there for a considerable time. When it had rested sufficiently and was about to fly away, it said to the Bull, "Do you mind if I go now?" The Bull merely raised his eyes and remarked, without interest, "It's all one to me; I didn't notice when you came, and I shan't know when you go away."

We may often be of more consequence in our own eyes than in the eyes of our neighbors.

｛中文阅读｝

一只蠓虫偶然发现了公牛头上的角，便停留在上面很长一段时间。等他歇够了脚，准备飞走时，对公牛说：“我现在飞走，你不介意吧？”公牛仅仅抬眼看了看，不感兴趣地说：“对我来说都一样。我甚至都没有注意到你过来，当然也不想知道你什么时候走。”

我们经常自视很重要，可别人往往不这样看。

37

THE BEAR AND THE TRAVELLERS

熊和旅人

Two Travelers were on the road together, when a Bear suddenly appeared on the scene. Before he observed them, one made for a tree at the side of the road, and climbed up into the branches and hid there. The other was not so nimble as his companion; and, as he could not escape, he threw himself on the ground and pretended to be dead. The Bear came up and sniffed all round him, but he kept perfectly still and held his breath: for they say that a bear will not touch a dead body. The Bear took him for a corpse, and went away. When the coast was clear, the Traveler in the tree came down, and asked the other what it was the Bear had whispered to him when he put his mouth to his ear. The other replied, "He told me never again to travel with a friend who deserts you at the first sign of danger."

Misfortune tests the sincerity of friendship.

｛中文阅读｝

两个朋友一同出游，途中突然遇到一只大熊。还没等熊看到他们，其中一个立即闪电般地抢先爬上树，躲了起来。而另
一个眼见逃生无望，便灵机一动躺倒在地上，假装死了。熊走到他跟前，用鼻子在他脸上嗅了嗅，转身就走了，但他依然屏住呼吸、安然不动，因为他们听说，熊从来不碰死人。熊还真把他当成了死人，径自走开了。躲在树上的人下来后，问躺在地上的朋友，熊在他耳边说了些什么。那人委婉地回答说：“熊告诉我，今后千万注意，别和那些不能共患难的朋友一起同行。”

不幸可以考验友谊的真诚。

38

THE SLAVE AND THE LION

奴隶和狮子

A Slave ran away from his master, by whom he had been most cruelly treated, and, in order to avoid capture, betook himself into the desert. As he wandered about in search of food and shelter, he came to a cave, which he entered and found to be unoccupied. Really, however, it was a Lion's den, and almost immediately, to the horror of the wretched fugitive, the Lion himself appeared. The man gave himself up for lost: but, to his utter astonishment, the Lion, instead of springing upon him and devouring him, came and fawned upon him, at the same time whining and lifting up his paw. Observing it to be much swollen and inflamed, he examined it and found a large thorn embedded in the ball of the foot. He accordingly removed it and dressed the wound as well as he could: and in course of time it healed up completely. The Lion's gratitude was unbounded; he looked upon the man as his friend, and they shared the cave for some time together. A day came, however, when the Slave began to long for the society of his fellow-men, and he bade farewell to the Lion and returned to the town. Here he was presently recognized and
carried off in chains to his former master, who resolved to make an example of him, and ordered that he should be thrown to the beasts at the next public spectacle in the theatre. On the fatal day the beasts were loosed into the arena, and among the rest a Lion of huge bulk and ferocious aspect; and then the wretched Slave was cast in among them. What was the amazement of the spectators, when the Lion after one glance bounded up to him and lay down at his feet with every expression of affection and delight! It was his old friend of the cave! The audience clamored that the Slave's life should be spared: and the governor of the town, marveling at such gratitude and fidelity in a beast, decreed that both should receive their liberty.

｛中文阅读｝

一个奴隶因不堪忍受主人的残暴虐待而逃跑了，为了避免被抓住，他逃进了沙漠中。正当他思忖着该如何寻找食物和栖身之地时，来到了一个洞穴前，他走进去看了看，空无一人。然而，这是一个狮子的巢穴，就在这时，狮子出现了，可怜的逃亡者吓呆了。他认定自己无处可逃，然而，完全出乎他的意料，狮子不但没有扑过来吃掉他，反而过来巴巴地讨好他，一边哭诉着，一边抬起自己的爪子。看到那个爪子又肿又胀，还在发炎，逃亡者认真地检查了一下，发现有一根刺深嵌入狮子的脚掌里。他慢慢地拔出了那根刺，尽可能地处理好伤口，过了一阵，伤口
自然就痊愈了。狮子对他感激不尽，将他当成了自己的朋友，从此他们一起分享这个洞穴。过了一段时间，有一天，奴隶开始渴望回到人类的社会生活中，他向狮子告别，然后回到镇子上。他一出现，立刻就被认出来，接着就被带上镣铐，送到了前主人那里。主人惩罚了他以示警戒，并且还命令道，在下次马戏表演时应该把他扔给野兽。就在性命攸关的那一天，野兽都被释放进竞技场后，其中有一头体态肥硕的狮子，跑到他跟前，带着喜爱和高兴的表情趴在他脚边。这正是他在洞里生活时的老朋友！观众都嚷嚷着应该饶了这个奴隶的命，镇子上的官员也惊讶于一头野兽的感恩与忠诚，下令让奴隶和狮子都获得自由。

39

THE FLEA AND THE MAN

跳蚤和人

A Flea bit a Man, and bit him again, and again, till he could stand it no longer, but made a thorough search for it, and at last succeeded in catching it. Holding it between his finger and thumb, he said—or rather shouted, so angry was he—"Who are you, pray, you wretched little creature, that you make so free with my person?" The Flea, terrified, whimpered in a weak little voice, "Oh, sir! pray let me go; don't kill me! I am such a little thing that I can't do you much harm." But the Man
laughed and said, "I am going to kill you now, at once: whatever is bad has got to be destroyed, no matter how slight the harm it does."

Do not waste your pity on a scamp.

｛中文阅读｝

一只小跳蚤咬了一个人，并且一次又一次地不停咬他，这个人再也忍受不了了，全身上下找了一遍之后，终于抓住了那只跳蚤。他用食指和拇指捏着跳蚤说，或者可能因为生气，几乎是怒吼道：“你是谁？你这个让人厌恶的小生命，为何在我身上如此放肆？”受了惊吓的跳蚤小声呜咽道：“哦，先生，求你饶了我吧，千万别捏死我！我就是一个小东西，不会给你带来多大伤害的。”然而，那人笑着说：“我现在就要杀死你，马上执行，只要是坏东西，就一定要被消灭，无论造成的伤害有多轻微。”

不要在无赖身上浪费同情心。

40

THE BEE AND JUPITER

蜜蜂与朱庇特

A Queen Bee from Hymettus flew up to Olympus with some fresh honey from the hive as a present to Jupiter, who was so pleased with the gift that he promised to give her anything she liked to ask for. She said she would be very grateful if he would give stings to the bees, to kill people who robbed them of their honey. Jupiter was greatly displeased with this request, for he loved mankind: but he had given his word, so he said that stings they should have. The stings he gave them, however, were of such a kind that whenever a bee stings a man the sting is left in the wound and the bee dies.

Evil wishes, like fowls, come home to roost.

｛中文阅读｝

一只来自伊米托斯山的蜂王飞到奥林匹斯山上，将蜂巢里刚产出的新鲜蜂蜜当做礼物送给了朱庇特，朱庇特很喜欢这份礼物，便答应满足她的任何请求。蜂王说，如果能赐予蜜蜂们蜂针，从而能够惩治那些偷走蜂蜜的人，她就不胜感激了。朱庇特听到她的请求很不高兴，因为他爱着人类；但是他必须得履行诺言，于是他说可以让蜜蜂拥有蜂针。然而，他赐予蜜蜂的针却是一种特殊的刺，只要刺一回人，蜂针就会折断，蜜蜂自己也会随之而死。

恶意总会有恶报。

41

THE OAK AND THE REEDS

橡树与芦苇

An Oak that grew on the bank of a river was uprooted by a severe gale of wind, and thrown across the stream. It fell among some Reeds growing by the water, and said to them, "How is it that you, who are so frail and slender, have managed to weather the storm, whereas I, with all my strength, have been torn up by the roots and hurled into the river?"
"You were stubborn," came the reply, "and fought against the storm, which proved stronger than you: but we bow and yield to every breeze, and thus the gale passed harmlessly over our heads."

｛中文阅读｝

一棵长在河边的橡树被一阵狂风连根拔起，并且被甩到了河对岸。橡树掉入了水边的芦苇丛中，于是对芦苇说：“我这么强壮，都能被狂风连根拔起、落入水中，而你们如此脆弱纤细，究竟是如何渡过难关的？”“你太顽固了，”芦苇回答道，“总爱逆风对抗，可是风却比你更厉害；而我们甚至对微风也卑躬屈膝，所以强风才会无害地吹过我们的头顶。”

42

THE BLIND MAN AND THE CUB

盲人与小野兽

There was once a Blind Man who had so fine a sense of touch that, when any animal was put into his hands, he could tell what it was merely by the feel of it. One day the Cub of a Wolf was put into his hands, and he was asked what it was. He felt it for some time, and then said, "Indeed, I am not sure whether it is a Wolf's Cub or a Fox's: but this I know—it would never do to trust it in a sheepfold."

Evil tendencies are early shown.

｛中文阅读｝

从前，有一个人眼睛虽然瞎了，可是他精于触觉，只要用手摸一摸，凭借着触感便能说出这是什么动物。有一天，一只小狼崽被送到了他的手中，请他告知这是什么东西。他用手摸了一会儿，然后说：“我不太确定，这到底是一只小狼崽，还是一只狐狸的幼崽，但是有一点我十分确定，千万不要让它进羊圈。”

恶劣的本性从小便知。

43

THE BOY AND THE SNAILS

男孩和蜗牛

A Farmer's Boy went looking for Snails, and, when he had picked up both his hands full, he set about making a fire at which to roast them; for he meant to eat them. When it got well alight and the Snails began to feel the heat, they gradually withdrew more and more into their shells with the hissing noise they always make when they do so. When the Boy heard it, he said, "You abandoned creatures, how can you find heart to whistle when your houses are burning?"

｛中文阅读｝

一个乡下少年到处寻找蜗牛，当他双手都塞满了蜗牛后，就准备点火烤着吃。火点着了，蜗牛也开始感觉到热了，他们纷纷退向坚壳的深处，同时还发出“咝咝”的噪音。男孩子听到了蜗牛发出的嘘声，便说：“你们这些连命都快没有了的家伙，怎么还能有心情在窝里着火时吹口哨呢？”

44

THE APES AND THE TWO TRAVELLERS

猿猴和两个旅人

Two men were travelling together, one of whom never spoke the truth, whereas the other never told a lie: and they came in the course of their travels to the land of Apes. The King of the Apes, hearing of their arrival, ordered them to be brought before him; and by way of impressing them with his magnificence, he received them sitting on a throne, while the Apes, his subjects, were ranged in long rows on either side of him. When the Travellers came into his presence he asked them what they thought of him as a King. The lying Traveller said, "Sire, every one must see that you are a most noble and mighty monarch." "And what do you think of my subjects?" continued the King. "They," said the Traveller, "are in every way worthy of their royal master." The Ape was so delighted with his answer that he gave him a very handsome present. The other Traveller thought that if his companion was rewarded so splendidly for telling a lie, he himself would certainly receive a still greater reward for telling the truth; so, when the Ape turned to him and said, "And what, sir, is your opinion?" he replied, "I think you are a very fine Ape, and all your subjects are fine Apes too." The King of the Apes was so enraged at his reply that he ordered him to be taken away and clawed to death.

｛中文阅读｝

有两个人一起去旅行，其中一个从不说实话，另一个却从不说谎话。他们碰巧走进了猿猴国。听说有人闯进自己的领土，猿猴王就吩咐手下将这两人捉拿归案，为了让他们对猿猴国的富丽堂皇印象深刻，他令所有的猿猴在两边分别列队，自己则坐在中间的王位上接待他们。一切准备妥当后，那两人被带到猴王面前，猴王询问他们如何看待面前的这个猴王。爱说谎的人回答说：“任何人都能看出来，您就是一个最高贵、最有权力的国王。”“那么，你如何看待旁边的这些随从呢？”猴王接着问。那人连忙说：“他们都是猴王您的得力干将。”猴王听到他的这番恭维十分高兴，给了他丰盛的礼物。另外一个说真话的人心里暗自琢磨，若是同伴的一番谎话都能得到如此丰厚的回报，那么，我这样一个说实话的老实人，肯定会得到比他更多的奖赏了。于是，当猿猴国王转过身来问他：“先生，您是怎么看的呢？”他回答道：“我认为，您是一只最优秀的猿猴，而您的所有随从也还可以。”猿猴国王听到这些真话后恼羞成怒，下令将说真话的人带走，处以死刑。

45

THE ASS AND HIS BURDENS

驴和他的担子

A Pedlar who owned an Ass one day bought a quantity of salt, and loaded up his beast with as much as he could bear. On the way home the Ass stumbled as he was crossing a stream and fell into the water. The salt got thoroughly wetted and much of it melted and drained away, so that, when he got on his legs again, the Ass found his load had become much less heavy. His master, however, drove him back to town and bought more salt, which he added to what remained in the panniers, and started out again. No sooner had they reached a stream than the Ass lay down in it, and rose, as before, with a much lighter load. But his master detected the trick, and turning back once more, bought a large number of sponges, and piled them on the back of the Ass. When they came to the stream the Ass again lay down: but this time, as the sponges soaked up large quantities of water, he found, when he got up on his legs, that he had a bigger burden to carry than ever.

You may play a good card once too often.

｛中文阅读｝

一个小贩养了一头驴，有一天，他买了一批盐，几乎全都驮到了驴的背上。在回家的路上，经过一条小河时，驴不慎落水。盐巴全都落入水中打湿了，其中一部分盐已经溶化，被水流冲走，所以，当他再次驮起盐巴，驴发现自己的担子明显轻了很多。然而，他的主人又赶着他回到镇上，买了更多的盐，添加到原有的那些货物上，重新出发。等来到小河边，驴再次掉入水中，又起来，如上次一样，驴背上的担子又轻了许多。主人察觉出了驴的鬼把戏，再次赶着他回到镇上，这次主人买了一些海绵，绑到驴背上。当他们又来到小河边，驴又故技重施，可是这一次，因为海绵遇水膨胀，等站起身后，他发现背上的担子更重了。

好牌只能用一次，多了就无效。

46

THE SHEPHERD'S BOY AND THE WOLF

牧童和狼

A Shepherd's Boy was tending his flock near a village, and thought it would be great fun to hoax the villagers by pretending that a Wolf was attacking the sheep: so he shouted out, "Wolf! wolf!" and when the people came running up he laughed at them for their pains. He did this more than once, and every time the villagers found they had been hoaxed, for there was no Wolf at all. At last a Wolf really did come, and the Boy cried, "Wolf! wolf!" as loud as he could: but the people were so used to hearing him call that they took no notice of his cries for help. And so the Wolf had it all his own way, and killed off sheep after sheep at his leisure.

You cannot believe a liar even when he tells the truth.

｛中文阅读｝

一个牧童正赶着羊群走回村子，心想通过假装狼袭击羊群就能愚弄一下村民，这样就更好玩了。于是，他大喊道：“狼来了！狼来了！”人们听到喊声纷纷跑来，而牧童却冲着他们大笑，嘲弄他们的感受。之后，牧童再次如法炮制，这次村民又被骗了，因为根本没有什么狼。最后，真的来了一只狼，牧童拼命大喊：“狼来了！狼来了！”此时，先前听过他叫喊的那些人再也不把他当一回事了。于是，狼悠闲自在地杀死了所有的羊。

骗子即便说实话，也无法得到信任。

47

THE FOX AND THE GOAT

狐狸和山羊

A Fox fell into a well and was unable to get out again. By and by a thirsty Goat came by, and seeing the Fox in the well asked him if the water was good. "Good?" said the Fox, "it's the best water I ever tasted in all my life. Come down and try it yourself." The Goat thought of nothing but the prospect of quenching his thirst, and jumped in at once. When he had had enough to drink, he looked about, like the Fox, for some way of getting out, but could find none. Presently the Fox said, "I have an idea. You stand on your hind legs, and plant your forelegs firmly against the side of the well, and then I'll climb on to your back, and, from there, by stepping on your horns, I can get out. And when I'm out, I'll help you out too." The Goat did as he was requested, and the Fox climbed on to his back and so out of the well; and then he coolly walked away. The Goat called loudly after him and reminded him of his promise to help him out: but the Fox merely turned and said, "If you had as much sense in your head as you have hair in your beard you wouldn't have got into the well without making certain that you could get out again."

Look before your leap.

｛中文阅读｝

一只狐狸失足掉到了井里，无论如何也爬不上来。一只口渴的公山羊来到这个井边，看见狐狸待在井下，便问他井水好不好喝。“好不好喝？”狐狸说，“这可是我有生以来尝过最好喝的水，你快下来亲自试试吧。”一心只想喝水的山羊信以为真，便不假思索地跳了下去，当他“咕咚咕咚”痛饮完，就不得不开始思考爬上井去的办法，可他也像狐狸那样一筹莫展。狐狸早有准备，他狡猾地说：“我倒有一个方法。你用前脚扒在井墙上，再把后腿蹬直了，我从你的后背跳上井去，再拉你上来，这样我们就都得救了。”公山羊同意了他的提议，狐狸踩着山羊的后背跳出了井口，接着便大摇大摆地扬长而去。公山羊指责狐狸不信守诺言，没有把他拉上去。但是，狐狸却回过头来对公山羊说：“喂，朋友，如果你的心眼能像胡须那样多，就不至于在没想清楚应该如何跳出井之前，盲目地跳下去了。”

三思而行。

48

THE FISHERMAN AND THE SPRAT

渔夫和小鲱鱼

A Fisherman cast his net into the sea, and when he drew it up again it contained nothing but a single Sprat that begged to be put back into the water. "I'm only a little fish now," it said, "but I shall grow big one day, and then if you come and catch me again I shall be of some use to you." But the Fisherman replied, "Oh, no, I shall keep you now I've got you: if I put you back, should I ever see you again? Not likely!"

｛中文阅读｝

渔夫将网撒向大海，当他再次收网时，只看到一条翻腾着想回大海里去的小鲱鱼。“我只是一条小鱼，”可怜的小鱼说，“但是我总有一天会长大，等我长大后，你再来抓我，那时才会对你更有好处。”然而，渔夫却回答说：“不行，我现在就要留下你来，如果我放你回去，还会再看到你吗？绝对不会了！”

49

THE BOASTING TRAVELLER

吹牛的路人

A Man once went abroad on his travels, and when he came home he had wonderful tales to tell of the things he had done in foreign countries. Among other things, he said he had taken part in a jumping- match at Rhodes, and had done a wonderful jump which no one could beat. "Just go to Rhodes and ask them," he said; "every one will tell you it's true." But one of those who were listening said, "If you can jump as well as all that, we needn't go to Rhodes to prove it. Let's just imagine this is Rhodes for a minute: and now—jump!"

Deeds, not words.

｛中文阅读｝

有一个人曾经出国去旅行，回家后他就大肆吹嘘在异国他乡曾有过的那些奇妙经历。其中，他就提到曾在罗德岛参加过跳远比赛，而且还得了第一名。“只要去罗德岛问问当地人，”他说，“他们都会告诉你这是真的。”当时在场的一个人对他说：“如果你现在也能跳得那么远，我们根本就不需要去罗德岛找证据了。我们姑且暂时把这里当做是罗德岛，你跳吧！”

行动胜于雄辩。

50

THE CRAB AND HIS MOTHER

小螃蟹和他的妈妈

An Old Crab said to her son, "Why do you walk sideways like that, my son? You ought to walk straight." The Young Crab replied, "Show me how, dear mother, and I'll follow your example." The Old Crab tried, but tried in vain, and then saw how foolish she had been to find fault with her child.

Example is better than precept.

｛中文阅读｝

母蟹对小蟹说：“我的儿子，为什么你要这样横着走？你应该直行。”小螃蟹回答道：“妈妈，请您亲自教我怎样走，我会跟着您学的。”母蟹试了几次，却根本不会直走，接着便发现自己竟然愚蠢地去指责孩子的错误。

身教胜于言传。

51

THE ASS AND HIS SHADOW

驴和他的影子

A certain man hired an Ass for a journey in summertime, and started out with the owner following behind to drive the beast. By and by, in the heat of the day, they stopped to rest, and the traveller wanted to lie down in the Ass's Shadow; but the owner, who himself wished to be out of the sun, wouldn't let him do that; for he said he had hired the Ass only, and not his Shadow: the other maintained that his bargain secured him complete control of the Ass for the time being. From words they came to blows; and while they were belabouring each other the Ass took to his heels and was soon out of sight.

｛中文阅读｝

一次，某人为了夏日的旅行而雇了一头驴，于是，驴的主人跟在后面赶着驴出发了。烈日当头的正午时分，越走越热的他们停下来休息。行人想要躺在驴的影子下休息，可是驴的主人也希望能够躲避太阳的照射，不想让他这么做，因为行人只说雇佣了驴，没说要雇佣它的影子。而行人也坚持认为自己完全有权利控制驴的一切行为。他们争论不休，互相打了起来。就在他们打架时，驴逃之夭夭了。

52

THE FARMER AND HIS SONS

农夫和儿子

A Farmer, being at death's door, and desiring to impart to his Sons a secret of much moment, called them round him and said, "My sons, I am shortly about to die; I would have you know, therefore, that in my vineyard there lies a hidden treasure. Dig, and you will find it." As soon as their father was dead, the Sons took spade and fork and turned up the soil of the vineyard over and over again, in their search for the treasure which they supposed to lie buried there. They found none, however: but the vines, after so thorough a digging, produced a crop such as had never before been seen.

｛中文阅读｝

有个农夫已经奄奄一息，但还想告诉儿子们一个秘密，便叫来他们，说：“孩子们，我快要死了，但我还想让你们知道，葡萄园里有一个埋藏着的宝贝。挖出来，你们就知道是什么了！”父亲去世之后，他们用铁锹和铲子把那葡萄园的地翻了好几遍，到处寻找埋藏在那里的宝物。虽然什么都没找到，但是葡萄园的地经过此番挖掘，却比以往丰收了更多。

53

THE DOG AND THE COOK

狗和厨师

A rich man once invited a number of his friends and acquaintances to a banquet. His dog thought it would be a good opportunity to invite another Dog, a friend of his; so he went to him and said, "My master is giving a feast: there'll be a fine spread, so come and dine with me to-night." The Dog thus invited came, and when he saw the preparations being made in the kitchen he said to himself, "My word, I'm in luck: I'll take care to eat enough to-night to last me two or three days." At the same time he wagged his tail briskly, by way of showing his friend how delighted he was to have been asked. But just then the Cook caught sight of him, and, in his annoyance at seeing a strange Dog in the kitchen, caught him up by the hind legs and threw him out of the window. He had a nasty fall, and limped away as quickly as he could, howling dismally. Presently some other dogs met him, and said, "Well, what sort of a dinner did you get?" To which he replied, "I had a splendid time: the wine was so good, and I drank so much of it, that I really don't remember how I got out of the house!"

Be shy of favours bestowed at the expense of others.

｛中文阅读｝

有一次，一个富翁设宴招待亲朋好友。这家的狗以为是个好机会，也高兴地跑去邀请自己的朋友——另一只狗，他跑过去对朋友说：“我的主人在摆宴席，那里肯定有很多好吃的，快来，和我一起去赴宴吧。”受邀的狗于是欣然前往，见到厨房里摆着如此丰盛的饭菜，他就自言自语道：“我太幸运了！这次一定要饱餐一顿，把明天和后天的饭都吃掉。”与此同时，他不停地摇着尾巴，告诉朋友多么高兴受到了他的邀请。就在这时，厨师看见了他，见到一条陌生的狗在厨房里让厨师很生气，于是马上抓住他的后腿，扔到了窗外。那条狗狠狠地摔了一跤，赶紧鬼哭狼嚎般地落荒而逃。在路上遇见的其它几条狗都问他：“你参加的宴会怎么样呀？”他竟然回答道：“我很好，那酒实在太好喝了，我已经醉了，完全不记得如何回家了！”

享用借花献佛的恩惠是要付出代价的。

54

THE MONKEY AS KING

当上国王的猴子

At a gathering of all the animals the Monkey danced and delighted them so much that they made him their King. The Fox, however, was very much disgusted at the promotion of the Monkey: so having one day found a trap with a piece of meat in it, he took the Monkey there and said to him, "Here is a dainty morsel I have found, sire; I did not take it myself, because I thought it ought to be reserved for you, our King. Will you be pleased to accept it?" The Monkey made at once for the meat and got caught in the trap. Then he bitterly reproached the Fox for leading him into danger; but the Fox only laughed and said, "O Monkey, you call yourself King of the Beasts and haven't more sense than to be taken in like that!"

｛中文阅读｝

有一次，猴子在动物大聚会时跳起舞来，赢得了大家的好感，故而被选为动物之王。然而，狐狸十分嫉妒猴子当选为王。有一天，当他发现一个捕兽夹子里有一块肉时，便把猴子带过去说：“我发现这里有些好吃的东西，陛下，但是我没敢动用，因为我认为应该留给国王享用。您能亲自去取吗？”猴子立刻跑过去拿，结果却被夹子夹住了。他斥责狐狸陷害他，而狐狸却笑着说：“猴子，你这种笨蛋竟然还想做万兽之王！”

55

THE THIEVES AND THE COCK

小偷和公鸡

Some Thieves broke into a house, and found nothing worth taking except a Cock, which they seized and carried off with them. When they were preparing their supper, one of them caught up the Cock, and was about to wring his neck, when he cried out for mercy and said, "Pray do not kill me: you will find me a most useful bird, for I rouse honest men to their work in the morning by my crowing." But the Thief replied with some heat, "Yes, I know you do, making it still harder for us to get a livelihood. Into the pot you go!"

｛中文阅读｝

几个小偷悄悄地溜进一户人家里，那家人除了一只公鸡之外什么也没有，于是，小偷便偷走了那只公鸡。当小偷们要杀鸡吃肉时，其中一个小偷抓住了公鸡，准备割断他的脖子，这时，公鸡可怜巴巴地说：“求求你别杀我，你会发现我是一只很有用的鸡，我会忠诚地在清晨叫醒人类。”但是，小偷们回答说：“我当然知道你的作用了，就是因为你把人们都叫醒了，才让我们难以生存。你就快点下油锅吧！”

56

THE FARMER AND FORTUNE

农夫和命运之神

A Farmer was ploughing one day on his farm when he turned up a pot of golden coins with his plough. He was overjoyed at his discovery, and from that time forth made an offering daily at the shrine of the Goddess of the Earth. Fortune was displeased at this, and came to him and said, "My man, why do you give Earth the credit for the gift which I bestowed upon you? You never thought of thanking me for your good luck; but should you be unlucky enough to lose what you have gained I know very well that I, Fortune, should then come in for all the blame."

Show gratitude where gratitude is due.

｛中文阅读｝

有个农夫在耕地时用犁耙出一坛金币，他欣喜若狂，从那之后，他每天都用丰富的供品来供奉土地爷。命运之神对此很生气，来到他面前，说：“喂，朋友，那坛金币是我送给你的礼物，你为什么要去供奉土地爷呢？赋予你如此好的运气，你却从未想过感谢我；如果你运气不好，丢了本应属于你的东西，我敢保证，你一定会埋怨我这个命运之神了。”

应该感恩时，一定要表现出来。

57

JUPITER AND THE MONKEY

朱庇特和猴子

Jupiter issued a proclamation to all the beasts, and offered a prize to the one who, in his judgment, produced the most beautiful offspring. Among the rest came the Monkey, carrying a baby monkey in her arms, a hairless, flat-nosed little fright. When they saw it, the gods all burst into peal on peal of laughter; but the Monkey hugged her little one to her, and said, "Jupiter may give the prize to whomsoever he likes: but I shall always think my baby the most beautiful of them all."

｛中文阅读｝

朱庇特通知森林中所有动物，要给那些他认为拥有最漂亮子孙的动物颁奖。母猴怀里抱着一只扁鼻无毛、相貌丑陋的小猴子，与其它动物一起来到朱庇特那里参加评奖。当大家看到那只小猴子时，发出一阵哄堂大笑。但是，母猴却抱紧了自己的孩子，坚定地说：“朱庇特或许会奖励他最喜欢的那一个，但是，我坚定地认为自己的孩子就是最最漂亮的那一个。”

58

FATHER AND SONS

父亲和儿子

A certain man had several Sons who were always quarrelling with one another, and, try as he might, he could not get them to live together in harmony. So he determined to convince them of their folly by the following means. Bidding them fetch a bundle of sticks, he invited each in turn to break it across his knee. All tried and all failed: and then he undid the bundle, and handed them the sticks one by one, when they had no difficulty at all in breaking them. "There, my boys," said he, "united you will be more than a match for your enemies: but if you quarrel and separate, your weakness will put you at the mercy of those who attack you."

Union is strength.

｛中文阅读｝

有一个人生养了几个儿子，可是儿子们之间总爱争吵不休，父亲无论做什么，都无法使儿子们和睦相处。于是，他决定用下面的方法来说服儿子们。他让儿子们取来一捆木棒，大家轮流试
着用膝盖折断它们。几个儿子分别试了一下，可是都失败了。接着，他拆开那捆木棒，一根一根地交给儿子们，这时，他们便毫不费力地折断了木棒。“看吧，我的孩子，”他说，“你们若能齐心协力，便可与敌人抗衡。但是，如果你们之间不团结且各自为营，那么这个弱点就会使你们任由敌人摆布了。”

团结就是力量。

59

THE LAMP

油　灯

A Lamp, well filled with oil, burned with a clear and steady light, and began to swell with pride and boast that it shone more brightly than the sun himself. Just then a puff of wind came and blew it out. Some one struck a match and lit it again, and said, "You just keep alight, and never mind the sun. Why, even the stars never need to be relit as you had to be just now."

｛中文阅读｝

有一盏装满油的油灯，在燃烧时发出了清晰稳定的亮光。油灯开始洋洋得意起来，以为自己发出的光比太阳光还要亮得多。就在这时，一阵风吹来，灯马上被吹灭了。有人过来又点燃了它，并说道：“你就好好亮着吧，永远不要去想太阳。为什么？因为即便是星星，也不会像你刚才一样被风吹灭。”

60

THE OWL AND THE BIRDS

猫头鹰和百鸟

The Owl is a very wise bird; and once, long ago, when the first oak sprouted in the forest, she called all the other Birds together and said to them, "You see this tiny tree? If you take my advice, you will destroy it now when it is small: for when it grows big, the mistletoe will appear upon it, from which birdlime will be prepared for your destruction." Again, when the first flax was sown, she said to them, "Go and eat up that seed, for it is the seed of the flax, out of which men will one day make nets to catch you." Once more, when she saw the first archer, she warned the Birds that he was their deadly enemy, who would wing his
arrows with their own feathers and shoot them. But they took no notice of what she said: in fact, they thought she was rather mad, and laughed at her. When, however, everything turned out as she had foretold, they changed their minds and conceived a great respect for her wisdom. Hence, whenever she appears, the Birds attend upon her in the hope of hearing something that may be for their good. She, however, gives them advice no longer, but sits moping and pondering on the folly of her kind.

｛中文阅读｝

猫头鹰是一种非常聪明的鸟。很久以前，第一只猫头鹰开始在森林里扎根繁衍时，她召集起所有的鸟类，对他们说：“你们看到这棵小树了吗？要是愿意听从我的建议，在它还没长成大树之前，就先毁掉它。因为当它长成参天大树之后，就会出现槲寄生，继而你们就等着被专门捕鸟的粘圈毁灭吧。”当亚麻种子第一次出现在森林里时，她又对鸟儿们说：“去吃掉那些种子，因为这是亚麻种子，要是没有亚麻，人类就无法织网来捕鸟了。”还有一次，当她第一次看到弓箭手时，就提醒鸟儿们注意这是它们的死敌，因为人们会用带有鸟类羽毛的箭来射死鸟类。但是，鸟儿们并没有将她的话放在心上，正相反，鸟儿们还嘲笑她是个疯子。然而，当事实正如猫头鹰预言的那样依次出现时，鸟儿们开始改变自己的思想了，并且大大佩服并赞赏猫头鹰的智慧。由此，只要猫头鹰一出现，鸟儿们就会趋之若鹜，想听到一些对自己有益的忠言。不过，猫头鹰已经不再提出忠告，而只是百无聊赖地坐在那里，沉浸在自己心中的遐想之中。

61

THE ASS IN THE LION'S SKIN

披着狮皮的驴

An Ass found a Lion's Skin, and dressed himself up in it. Then he went about frightening every one he met, for they all took him to be a lion, men and beasts alike, and took to their heels when they saw him coming. Elated by the success of his trick, he loudly brayed in triumph. The Fox heard him, and recognised him at once for the Ass he was, and said to him, "Oho, my friend, it's you, is it? I, too, should have been afraid if I hadn't heard your voice."

｛中文阅读｝

一头驴发现了一张狮子的皮，于是就披到身上。他走出去吓唬其它动物，所有见到他的人和动物都把他当成了狮子，吓得四处逃跑。驴见自己的诡计得逞了，兴奋地大叫起来。狐狸听到了他的声音，立刻认出这是一头驴，于是就对他说：“哦，朋友，这才是真正的你，是吗？要不是听到了你的声音，我也被你吓着了。”突然一阵风刮来，把驴身上披着的狮皮吹走了，驴子原形毕露。这时，动物们见此情形，又都跑回来，用木板和棍棒狠狠地打他。

62

THE SHE-GOATS AND THEIR BEARDS

母山羊和她们的胡须

Jupiter granted beards to the She-Goats at their own request, much to the disgust of the he-Goats, who considered this to be an unwarrantable invasion of their rights and dignities. So they sent a deputation to him to protest against his action. He, however, advised them not to raise any objections. "What's in a tuft of hair?" said he. "Let them have it if they want it. They can never be a match for you in strength."

｛中文阅读｝

朱庇特答应了母山羊的请求，让她们也长出胡须，但是公山羊对此非常不高兴，抱怨女人无理侵犯他们的权利和尊严。因此，为了反对这一举动，他们派出代表向朱庇特抗议。不过，朱庇特劝他们不要提出任何异议。“一绺毛发能算什么呢？”朱庇特说道，“如果她们想要，就让她们拥有吧。但是她们的力量永远无法与你们匹敌。”

63

THE OLD LION

老狮子

A Lion, enfeebled by age and no longer able to procure food for himself by force, determined to do so by cunning. Betaking himself to a cave, he lay down inside and feigned to be sick: and whenever any of the other animals entered to inquire after his health, he sprang upon them and devoured them. Many lost their lives in this way, till one day a Fox called at the cave, and, having a suspicion of the truth, addressed the Lion from outside instead of going in, and asked him how he did. He replied that he was in a very bad way: "But," said he, "why do you stand outside? Pray come in." "I should have done so," answered the Fox, "if I hadn't noticed that all the footprints point towards the cave and none the other way."

｛中文阅读｝

有一头上了年纪的狮子，已经不能凭借蛮力去抢夺食物了，暗自思忖着只能用智取的办法才能获得必要食物。于是，他钻进一个山洞里，躺在地上假装生病，只要有其它小动物走过来窥探他的健康状况，他就会上前抓住他们，然后吃掉。就这样，许多
动物都丧失了性命。直到有一天，怀疑事实真相的狐狸识破了狮子的诡计，他远远地站在洞外，询问狮子现在感觉如何。狮子回答说自己感觉很不好，他问狐狸：“不过，你为什么站在外面问，快进洞里来吧。”狐狸回答说：“我发现只有进去的脚印，却没有一个出来的脚印，若不是看到这些脚印，我也许已经进洞里去了。”

64

THE BOY BATHING

洗澡的小男孩

A Boy was bathing in a river and got out of his depth, and was in great danger of being drowned. A man who was passing along a road heard his cries for help, and went to the riverside and began to scold him for being so careless as to get into deep water, but made no attempt to help him. "Oh, sir," cried the Boy, "please help me first and scold me afterwards."

Give assistance, not advice, in a crisis.

｛中文阅读｝

一天，有个小男孩正在河里洗澡，他走到了水深没顶的地方，眼看就要被淹死了。一个正经过此路的行人听到了男孩的呼救声，他走到河边，开始教训小男孩太鲁莽地进入深水区，但是并没有要去救人的意思。小男孩大声喊道：“先生，拜托你，还是先把我救起来，再好好教训吧。”

危急之中应伸出援手，而非建议。

65

THE QUACK FROG

庸医青蛙

Once upon a time a Frog came forth from his home in the marshes and proclaimed to all the world that he was a learned physician, skilled in drugs and able to cure all diseases. Among the crowd was a Fox, who called out, "You a doctor! Why, how can you set up to heal others when you cannot even cure your own lame legs and blotched and wrinkled skin?"

Physician, heal thyself.

｛中文阅读｝

从前，有一只青蛙从他那湿地中的家里蹦了出来，向所有的动物宣称自己是一个博学多才的医生，精通于药学，能治百病。其中，有一只狐狸问他：“你这样的医生，连自己的跛足和斑驳起皱的皮都治不好，怎么还敢吹牛说能给别人治病呢？”

要医人，先医己。

66

THE SWOLLEN FOX

胀肚的狐狸

A hungry Fox found in a hollow tree a quantity of bread and meat, which some shepherds had placed there against their return. Delighted with his find he slipped in through the narrow aperture and greedily devoured it all. But when he tried to get out again he found himself so swollen after his big meal that he could not squeeze through the hole, and fell to whining and groaning over his misfortune. Another Fox, happening to pass that way, came and asked him what the matter was; and, on learning the state of the case, said, "Well, my friend, I see nothing for it but for you to stay where you are till you shrink to your former size; you'll get out then easily enough."

｛中文阅读｝

饥饿的狐狸在一棵中空的树干中发现了一些牧羊人存留的面包和肉。高兴之余，他立即通过那狭窄的缝隙挤进去，贪婪地大吃起来。然而，当他吃饱之后，却发现自己的肚子胀鼓鼓的，即便费了九牛二虎之力，却怎么也钻不出那个洞来，便在树洞里唉声叹气。另一只狐狸恰巧经过那里，听到他的呻吟，便过去问他原因。听明白缘由后，那只狐狸便说道：“我的朋友，你就老老实实待在里边吧，等到恢复了钻进去之前的身材，你就能轻松地出来了。”

67

THE MOUSE, THE FROG, AND THE HAWK

老鼠、青蛙和老鹰

A Mouse and a Frog struck up a friendship; they were not well mated, for the Mouse lived entirely on land, while the Frog was equally at home on land or in the water. In order that they might never be separated, the Frog tied himself and the Mouse together by the leg with a piece of thread. As long as they kept on dry land all went fairly well; but, coming to the edge of a pool, the Frog jumped in, taking the Mouse with him, and began swimming about and croaking with pleasure. The unhappy Mouse, however, was soon drowned, and floated about on the surface in the wake of the Frog. There he was spied by a Hawk, who pounced down on him and seized him in his talons. The Frog was unable to loose the knot which bound him to the Mouse, and thus was carried off along with him and eaten by the Hawk.

｛中文阅读｝

一只老鼠与一只青蛙建立起了友谊。但是他们并非十分相配，因为老鼠完全生活在陆地上，而青蛙则除了陆地上的生活外，还时常在水中生活。为了永远不分开，青蛙用一根绳子把自己的腿和老鼠的腿绑在了一起。他们在干燥的地面上行走时，
一切都正常，可是当他们来到池塘边时，青蛙带着老鼠一起跳进了水里，一边游泳，一边高兴得呱呱大叫。然而，可怜的老鼠很快就被淹死了，并且尾随着青蛙漂浮在水面。这时，一只鹰发现了老鼠，猛然冲向水面，用鹰爪把他抓了起来。青蛙无法松开与老鼠绑在一起的绳结，于是也一同被抓走，成了老鹰的美食。

68

THE BOY AND THE NETTLES

男孩和荨麻

A Boy was gathering berries from a hedge when his hand was stung by a Nettle. Smarting with the pain, he ran to tell his mother, and said to her between his sobs, "I only touched it ever so lightly, mother." "That's just why you got stung, my son," she said; "if you had grasped it firmly, it wouldn't have hurt you in the least."

｛中文阅读｝

一个小男孩在篱笆丛中采集浆果，一不小心被荨麻刺伤了。带着难受的刺痛感，他急忙跑回家，边哭边对妈妈说：“妈妈，我只是轻轻地碰了它一下。”妈妈说：“这就是你被刺痛的原因，我的儿子。如果你勇敢地一把抓住它，就不会被刺伤了。”

69

THE PEASANT AND THE APPLE-TREE

农夫和苹果树

A Peasant had an Apple-tree growing in his garden, which bore no fruit, but merely served to provide a shelter from the heat for the sparrows and grasshoppers which sat and chirped in its branches. Disappointed at its barrenness he determined to cut it down, and went and fetched his axe for the purpose. But when the sparrows and the grasshoppers saw what he was about to do, they begged him to spare it, and said to him, "If you destroy the tree we shall have to seek shelter elsewhere, and you will no longer have our merry chirping to enliven your work in the garden." He, however, refused to listen to them, and set to work with a will to cut through the trunk. A few strokes showed that it was hollow inside and contained a swarm of bees and a large store of honey. Delighted with his find he threw down his axe, saying, "The old tree is worth keeping after all."

Utility is most men's test of worth.

｛中文阅读｝

有一个农夫，他的园子里有一棵苹果树，这棵树并不茂盛，
只能为麻雀和蝉提供一个可栖息的地方，让他们坐在枝桠上歇息和喋喋不休地吵闹。农夫认为这棵树没有什么大用处，决定把它砍掉，于是便拿起斧头走过去砍起树来。然而，那些蝉和麻雀看到农夫的行为后，便请求农夫留下这棵树，并且对他说：“如果你砍掉这棵树，我们还得另外再找一个窝，而你也不会在园子里干活时听到我们为你鼓劲的欢快歌声了。”农夫没理睬他们，继续拿起斧头砍这棵树。几斧下去之后，树上出现了一个洞，他发现树洞里有蜂巢和蜂蜜。他高兴地连忙抛下斧头，说：“这棵老树还真是值得保留下来。”

实用性是大多数人对价值的检验。

70

THE JACKDAW AND THE PIGEONS

寒鸦与鸽子

A Jackdaw, watching some Pigeons in a farmyard, was filled with envy when he saw how well they were fed, and determined to disguise himself as one of them, in order to secure a share of the good things they enjoyed. So he painted himself white from head to foot and joined the flock; and, so long as he was silent, they never suspected that he was not a pigeon like themselves. But one day he was unwise enough to start chattering, when they at once saw through his disguise and pecked him so unmercifully that he was glad to escape and join his own kind again. But the other jackdaws did not recognise him in his white dress, and would not let him feed with them, but drove him away: and so he became a homeless wanderer for his pains.

｛中文阅读｝

看见一群住在农场里的鸽子不愁吃喝，过着悠闲舒适的生活，一只寒鸦便心生嫉妒。为了能分享鸽子的食物，他决定将自己伪装成一只鸽子。于是，寒鸦将自己的羽毛全都涂成白色，跑
到鸽群中，而且，寒鸦一直都保持着沉默，鸽子们从未怀疑过他不是一只鸽子。可是，有一天，他不小心发出了叫声，鸽子们立刻看穿了他的伪装，毫不留情地去啄他。寒鸦侥幸逃出了鸽群的袭击，回到同类之中。然而，因为他的毛色与以前不同了，所以其它寒鸦都没认出他来，也不让他参与集体生活，而且还赶他走。就这样，这只寒鸦为了自己的贪心而成了无家可归的流浪汉。

71

JUPITER AND THE TORTOISE

朱庇特与乌龟

Jupiter was about to marry a wife, and determined to celebrate the event by inviting all the animals to a banquet. They all came except the Tortoise, who did not put in an appearance, much to Jupiter's surprise. So when he next saw the Tortoise he asked him why he had not been at the banquet. "I don't care for going out," said the Tortoise; "there's no place like home." Jupiter was so much annoyed by this reply that he decreed that from that time forth the Tortoise should carry his house upon his back, and never be able to get away from home even if he wished to.

｛中文阅读｝

朱庇特将要娶妻了，他决定举行盛大宴会，招待所有动物，以庆祝这件婚姻大事。除了乌龟之外，所有动物都出席了，这让朱庇特大为吃惊。于是，当他再次见到乌龟时，便问他为什么没来赴宴。“我不喜欢出门，”乌龟回答说，“哪里也不如自己的家里舒服。”朱庇特听到乌龟的回答很生气，于是就下令，从此让乌龟永远驮着他的家行走，即便想卸下来都不行。

72

THE DOG IN THE MANGER

狗占牛槽

A Dog was lying in a Manger on the hay which had been put there for the cattle, and when they came and tried to eat, he growled and snapped at them and wouldn't let them get at their food. "What a selfish beast," said one of them to his companions; "he can't eat himself and yet he won't let those eat who can."

｛中文阅读｝

一条狗躺在牛吃草的饲料槽中，而狗身下的草正是为牛准备的食料。当牛向着牛槽走过去，准备吃草时，狗不仅冲着他们大吼大叫，而且还抓咬他们，不让牛吃干草。“这条狗太自私了！”其中一头牛对同伴说，“他自己不能吃干草，还不让能吃的去吃。”

73

THE TWO BAGS

两个口袋

Every man carries Two Bags about with him, one in front and one behind, and both are packed full of faults. The Bag in front contains his neighbours' faults, the one behind his own. Hence it is that men do not see their own faults, but never fail to see those of others.

｛中文阅读｝

每个人生来都带着两个口袋，一个在前，一个在后，两个口袋里都满载缺点。前面那只口袋里装的是别人的缺点，而后面那只口袋里则装的是自己的缺点。因此，人们总是看不见自己的缺点，却永远不会忽视去看别人的缺点。

74

THE OXEN AND THE AXLETREES

公牛和车轴

A pair of Oxen were drawing a heavily loaded waggon along the highway, and, as they tugged and strained at the yoke, the Axletrees creaked and groaned terribly. This was too much for the Oxen, who turned round indignantly and said, "Hullo, you there! Why do you make such a noise when we do all the work?"

They complain most who suffer least.

｛中文阅读｝

几头公牛正用劲拉着超重的货车在大路上行走，当他们用劲拖拉货车和牛轭时，车轴被压得吱吱作响。牛有点不耐烦了，回过头对车轴说道：“喂，朋友，我们正在努力地干活，你叫唤什么？”

没受什么苦难的人往往最爱抱怨。

75

THE BOY AND THE FILBERTS

男孩和榛子

A Boy put his hand into a jar of Filberts, and grasped as many as his fist could possibly hold. But when he tried to pull it out again, he found he couldn't do so, for the neck of the jar was too small to allow of the passage of so large a handful. Unwilling to lose his nuts but unable to withdraw his hand, he burst into tears. A bystander, who saw where the trouble lay, said to him, "Come, my boy, don't be so greedy: be content with half the amount, and you'll be able to get your hand out without difficulty."

Do not attempt too much at once.

｛中文阅读｝

一个小男孩把手伸进装满榛子的瓶中，用尽全力去抓了一大把。但当他想要缩回手时，却发现根本出不来，因为相对于他那抓满榛子的手来说，瓶口太小了。他既不想放弃手中的一部分榛子，又不能拿出手来，于是大哭起来。一个旁观者看出了他的麻烦，便对他说：“孩子，不要太贪婪，只要少拿一半，你的手就能很容易地出来了。”

不要总想一口吃成个大胖子。

76

THE FROGS ASKING FOR A KING

青蛙求王

Time was when the Frogs were discontented because they had no one to rule over them: so they sent a deputation to Jupiter to ask him to give them a King. Jupiter, despising the folly of their request, cast a log into the pool where they lived, and said that that should be their King. The Frogs were terrified at first by the splash, and scuttled away into the deepest parts of the pool; but by and by, when they saw that the log remained motionless, one by one they ventured to the surface again, and before long, growing bolder, they began to feel such contempt for it that they even took to sitting upon it. Thinking that a King of that sort was an insult to their dignity, they sent to Jupiter a second time, and begged
him to take away the sluggish King he had given them, and to give them another and a better one. Jupiter, annoyed at being pestered in this way, sent a Stork to rule over them, who no sooner arrived among them than he began to catch and eat the Frogs as fast as he could.

｛中文阅读｝

因为缺少一个统领者，青蛙们大为不悦。于是，他们派了一个代表去拜见朱庇特，请求赐给他们一个国王。朱庇特不屑于他们如此愚蠢的请求，便将一根木头扔到青蛙居住的池塘中，并且说这就是他们的国王。刚听到木头落下的声音时，青蛙们都吓了一大跳，纷纷潜入池塘深处；没过多久，当他们发现木头依旧静止在那里时，一个接一个地又游出水面来；不久之后，他们愈发大胆了，发现木头没什么了不起的，甚至于爬上木块，坐在它的上面。他们认为这样一个国王简直是对自己尊严的侮辱，于是又去求见朱庇特，请求把赐予他们的这个木头疙瘩拿走，再换一个更好的国王。朱庇特对此十分生气，便派了一只鹳去管制青蛙。结果，鹳一来到池塘里，便开始全力逮吃青蛙。

77

THE OLIVE-TREE AND THE FIG-TREE

橄榄树与无花果树

An Olive-tree taunted a Fig-tree with the loss of her leaves at a certain season of the year. "You," she said, "lose your leaves every autumn, and are bare till the spring: whereas I, as you see, remain green and flourishing all the year round." Soon afterwards there came a heavy fall of snow, which settled on the leaves of the Olive so that she bent and broke under the weight; but the flakes fell harmlessly through the bare branches of the Fig, which survived to bear many another crop.

｛中文阅读｝

在某一个季节，橄榄树讥笑无花果树的叶子全都凋零了。她说：“你的树叶一到秋天就会逐渐凋落，等到春天时才会再次长出来；而我的叶子就像你看到的这样，一年四季都是常青的。”正当他夸夸其谈时，突然下起了大雪，雪花全都压在橄榄树的叶子上，不一会儿就把他压垮了；而光秃秃的无花果树，一点也没被雪花伤害，反倒生存下来等待着来年的绽放。

78

THE LION AND THE BOAR

狮子和野猪

One hot and thirsty day in the height of summer a Lion and a Boar came down to a little spring at the same moment to drink. In a trice they were quarrelling as to who should drink first. The quarrel soon became a fight and they attacked one another with the utmost fury. Presently, stopping for a moment to take breath, they saw some vultures seated on a rock above evidently waiting for one of them to be killed, when they would fly down and feed upon the carcase. The sight sobered them at once, and they made up their quarrel, saying, "We had much better be friends than fight and be eaten by vultures."

｛中文阅读｝

炎热的夏季，难耐的酷暑使人口渴，一只狮子和一只野猪同时来到一个小泉边喝水。他们立刻为谁应该先喝水而争吵起来。很快，争吵升级成了战争，他们互相攻击，斗得你死我活。就在他们喘气休息时，忽然回过头去，看见几只秃鹰正坐在岩石上，显然他们正在等着看谁先败下阵来，接着就会冲过来吃掉那个尸体。一看到秃鹰，他们立刻停止了争斗，说：“我们还是成为朋友吧，总比相互争斗并被秃鹰吃掉好得多。”

79

THE WALNUT-TREE

核桃树

A Walnut-tree, which grew by the roadside, bore every year a plentiful crop of nuts. Every one who passed by pelted its branches with sticks and stones, in order to bring down the fruit, and the tree suffered severely. "It is hard," it cried, "that the very persons who enjoy my fruit should thus reward me with insults and blows."

｛中文阅读｝

有一棵长在路旁的核桃树，每年都能结很多核桃。为了得到树上的核桃，几乎每个路过的人都会用枝条和石头去敲打它。核桃树暗自悲叹自己所遭受的痛苦，自言自语道：“我真倒霉，每一个享用我的果实的人，都会用这样无情的损害与鞭打来回报我。”

80

THE MAN AND THE LION

人和同行的狮子

A Man and a Lion were companions on a journey, and in the course of conversation they began to boast about their prowess, and each claimed to be superior to the other in strength and courage. They were still arguing with some heat when they came to a cross-road where there was a statue of a Man strangling a Lion. "There!" said the Man triumphantly, "look at that! Doesn't that prove to you that we are stronger than you?" "Not so fast, my friend," said the Lion: "that is only your view of the case. If we Lions could make statues, you may be sure that in most of them you would see the Man underneath."

There are two sides to every question.

｛中文阅读｝

有一次，狮子与人同行，交谈中他们开始吹嘘各自的英勇，双方都强调自己更勇敢。就这样面红耳赤地争吵着，他们来到了一个十字路口，看到塑像上雕刻着一个人征服几头狮子的场景。那个人立刻得意洋洋地说：“你看那里，事实证明我们比你们强得多了吧。”“不要急，我的朋友，”狮子笑着说，“这只是你们的看法而已。如果狮子会雕刻，你就会看见众多人败倒在狮子脚下了。”

任何问题都有两面性。

81

THE TORTOISE AND THE EAGLE

乌龟和老鹰

A Tortoise, discontented with his lowly life, and envious of the birds he saw disporting themselves in the air, begged an Eagle to teach him to fly. The Eagle protested that it was idle for him to try, as nature had not provided him with wings; but the Tortoise pressed him with entreaties and promises of treasure, insisting that it could only be a question of learning the craft of the air. So at length the Eagle consented to do the best he could for him, and picked him up in his talons. Soaring with him to a great height in the sky he then let him go, and the wretched Tortoise fell headlong and was dashed to pieces on a rock.

｛中文阅读｝

一只乌龟，不满足于自己的地面生活，很羡慕鸟儿能在空中玩耍，于是便请求老鹰教他飞翔。老鹰劝他，这是他的一个白日梦，因为大自然并没有赋予他可以飞翔的翅膀。可是乌龟再三恳求，还用珍宝利诱老鹰，一再坚持这只是一个了解如何在空中飞翔的问题。于是，老鹰为了满足乌龟的愿望，一把抓起他，带着乌龟飞到一定高度后，就松开了鹰爪，而乌龟则落在了岩石上，被摔得粉身碎骨。

82

THE KID ON THE HOUSETOP

站在屋顶的小山羊与狼

A Kid climbed up on to the roof of an outhouse, attracted by the grass and other things that grew in the thatch; and as he stood there browsing away, he caught sight of a Wolf passing below, and jeered at him because he couldn't reach him. The Wolf only looked up and said, "I hear you, my young friend; but it is not you who mock me, but the roof on which you are standing."

｛中文阅读｝

被青草和其它东西所吸引的一只小山羊，爬到了屋外的草棚顶上。就在他四处观望时，看见一只狼从底下经过，便嘲笑他抓不到自己。狼只是抬眼看了一下，说道：“嘿，伙计，笑话我的可不是你，而是你所处的地势。”

83

THE FOX WITHOUT A TAIL

断尾巴狐狸

A fox once fell into a trap, and after a struggle managed to get free, but with the loss of his brush. He was then so much ashamed of his appearance that he thought life was not worth living unless he could persuade the other Foxes to part with their tails also, and thus divert attention from his own loss. So he called a meeting of all the Foxes, and advised them to cut off their tails: "They're ugly things anyhow," he said, "and besides they're heavy, and it's tiresome to be always carrying them about with you." But one of the other Foxes said, "My friend, if you hadn't lost your own tail, you wouldn't be so keen on getting us to cut off ours."

｛中文阅读｝

有一只狐狸曾经落入捕兽器的圈套，经过一番斗争，他终于逃脱了，但却失去了一条尾巴。经此劫难，他觉得自己脸上无光，还不如一死了之，除非能够劝说其它狐狸也舍弃自己的尾巴，这样大家就不会再关注他的断尾了。于是他召集了所有狐狸开会，劝说他们也割掉自己的尾巴，他当众宣称：“你们的尾巴实在太难看了，一直带着尾巴四处走，这简直太让人厌恶了。”然而，有一只狐狸站出来反驳道：“喂，朋友，如果你没有丢掉自己的尾巴，就不会这样煞费苦心地来劝说我们了。”

84

THE VAIN JACKDAW

爱慕虚荣的寒鸦

Jupiter announced that he intended to appoint a king over the birds, and named a day on which they were to appear before his throne, when he would select the most beautiful of them all to be their ruler. Wishing to look their best on the occasion they repaired to the banks of a stream, where they busied themselves in washing and preening their feathers. The Jackdaw was there along with the rest, and realised that, with his ugly plumage, he would have no chance of being chosen as he was: so he waited till they were all gone, and then picked up the most gaudy of the feathers they had dropped, and fastened them about his own body, with the result that he looked gayer than any of them. When the appointed day came, the birds assembled before Jupiter's throne; and, after passing them in review, he was about to make the Jackdaw king, when all the rest set upon the king-elect, stripped him of his borrowed plumes, and exposed him for the Jackdaw that he was.

｛中文阅读｝

朱庇特想在鸟类中指定一个王，便指定了一个日子，令百鸟全都按时出席，届时他将挑选其中最美丽的鸟为百鸟之王。为
了展现自己最好的一面，众鸟都跑到河里忙于梳理自己的羽毛。像那些有自知之明的鸟一样，寒鸦也意识到自己的丑陋，根本不可能被选为百鸟之王，于是他在河边等着众鸟散去，捡起他们脱落下的羽毛，小心翼翼地全固定在自己身上，结果他看上去比其它鸟都华丽。指定的日子来临了，众鸟都来到朱庇特的王位前。浏览了一遍眼前的众鸟，朱庇特决定立寒鸦为王。为了王位大选而来的其它鸟，纷纷从寒鸦身上拔下本属于自己的羽毛，暴露出寒鸦那丑陋的本来面目。

85

THE TRAVELLER AND HIS DOG

旅人和他的狗

A Traveller was about to start on a journey, and said to his Dog, who was stretching himself by the door, "Come, what are you yawning for? Hurry up and get ready: I mean you to go with me." But the Dog merely wagged his tail and said quietly, "I'm ready, master: it's you I'm waiting for."

｛中文阅读｝

有一个人正准备踏上一段旅途，于是对正在门口站着打呵欠的狗说：“你还站在那里打什么呵欠呀？快点过来，一切都准备好了，就差你跟我走了！”但是，狗却摇着尾巴，静静地回答说：“我早就准备好了，倒是一直在等你呢。”

86

THE SHIPWRECKED MAN AND THE SEA

遇难者与海

A Shipwrecked Man cast up on the beach fell asleep after his struggle with the waves. When he woke up, he bitterly reproached the Sea for its treachery in enticing men with its smooth and smiling surface, and then, when they were well embarked, turning in fury upon them and sending both ship and sailors to destruction. The Sea arose in the form of a woman, and replied, "Lay not the blame on me, O sailor, but on the Winds. By nature I am as calm and safe as the land itself: but the Winds fall upon me with their gusts and gales, and lash me into a fury that is not natural to me."

｛中文阅读｝

一个遇上海难的人经过一番风浪里的挣扎，终于被冲上岸，他筋疲力尽地躺在沙滩上睡着了。不一会儿，当他醒过来后，便开始指责大海总以平静、温和的外表引诱人们，然而，就在人们上当受骗之后，大海就变得凶暴和残忍，最终致使船和船上的人同归于尽。这时，大海以女人的形象出现了，并且对他说：“喂，朋友，你别责怪我，应该责怪风！我本是平静的，但是只要风猛然刮过来，就会掀起惊涛骇浪，使我变得残暴。这并不是我的本性。”

87

THE WILD BOAR AND THE FOX

野猪与狐狸

A Wild Boar was engaged in whetting his tusks upon the trunk of a tree in the forest when a Fox came by and, seeing what he was at, said to him, "Why are you doing that, pray? The huntsmen are not out to-day, and there are no other dangers at hand that I can see." "True, my friend," replied the Boar, "but the instant my life is in danger I shall need to use my tusks. There'll be no time to sharpen them then."

｛中文阅读｝

一头野猪在森林里的一棵树干上磨他的牙齿，这时，狐狸走过来，看到野猪在磨牙，便不解地问道：“你在做什么，祈祷吗？今天猎人没出来，我也没看到有什么危险来临呀。”“的确如此，我的朋友，”野猪回答说，“不过，一旦危险降临，我就可以利用磨好的利牙了。那时根本没有工夫再来磨牙了。”

88

MERCURY AND THE SCULPTOR

墨丘利与雕刻家

Mercury was very anxious to know in what estimation he was held by mankind; so he disguised himself as a man and walked into a Sculptor's studio, where there were a number of statues finished and ready for sale. Seeing a statue of Jupiter among the rest, he inquired the price of it. "A crown," said the Sculptor. "Is that all?" said he, laughing; "and" (pointing to one of Juno) "how much is that one?" "That," was the reply, "is half a crown." "And how much might you be wanting for that one over there, now?" he continued, pointing to a statue of himself. "That one?" said the Sculptor; "Oh, I'll throw him in for nothing if you'll buy the other two."

｛中文阅读｝

墨丘利急于了解自己有多么受人尊重，便化做一个凡人，来到一个雕刻家的工作室，那里有很多已经完工的雕像正待出售。他看见了一尊朱庇特的雕像，便问要多少钱。“一块银元。”雕刻家回答说。“就这么多？”他笑着问，“那么，”（他指着朱诺的像——朱庇特的妻子）“这一尊要多少钱？”雕刻家回答说：“那个要半块银元。”“那边那个雕像，你想卖多少钱呢？”他指着自己的雕像继续问道。“那个？”雕刻家说，“假如你要买那两个的话，我便把这个白送给你。”

89

THE FAWN AND HIS MOTHER

小鹿和妈妈

A Hind said to her Fawn, who was now well grown and strong, "My son, Nature has given you a powerful body and a stout pair of horns, and I can't think why you are such a coward as to run away from the hounds." Just then they both heard the sound of a pack in full cry, but at a considerable distance. "You stay where you are," said the Hind; "never mind me" : and with that she ran off as fast as her legs could carry her.

｛中文阅读｝

一只母鹿对已经长大了的小鹿说：“我的儿子，自然赋予了你健硕的体魄和一对结实的鹿角，我简直想不到，你为何这么胆小，竟然会从猎狗身边逃跑。”就在这时，母子俩都听到了远处一群猎狗的狂吠声。“你就待在原地吧，”母鹿说，“不要管我。”话音刚落，她就飞也似的跑了。

90

THE FOX AND THE LION

狐狸和狮子

A Fox who had never seen a Lion one day met one, and was so terrified at the sight of him that he was ready to die with fear. After a time he met him again, and was still rather frightened, but not nearly so much as he had been when he met him first. But when he saw him for the third time he was so far from being afraid that he went up to him and began to talk to him as if he had known him all his life.

｛中文阅读｝

有一天，从来没有见过狮子的一只狐狸第一次碰见了狮子，
刚看见狮子的一刹那，狐狸竟被吓得半死。没过多久，他又一次遇到了狮子，仍然很害怕，但是已经不像第一次见到时那样了。然而，当狐狸第三次遇到狮子时，他竟有胆量走上前去与狮子交谈，仿佛老朋友一样。

91

THE EAGLE AND HIS CAPTOR

鹰与捕鹰者

A Man once caught an Eagle, and after clipping his wings turned him loose among the fowls in his hen-house, where he moped in a corner, looking very dejected and forlorn. After a while his Captor was glad enough to sell him to a neighbour, who took him home and let his wings grow again. As soon as he had recovered the use of them, the Eagle flew out and caught a hare, which he brought home and presented to his benefactor. A fox observed this, and said to the Eagle, "Don't waste your gifts on him! Go and give them to the man who first caught you; make him your friend, and then perhaps he won't catch you and clip your wings a second time."

｛中文阅读｝

从前，有一个人捉住了一只鹰，随后便剪断了他的翅膀，放入鸡窝中与其它家禽一起饲养，鹰一直待在角落里暗自悲伤，看上去甚为沮丧和绝望。没过多久，捕获老鹰的那个人很高兴地将鹰卖给了一个邻居，邻居把鹰带回家后又帮他长出了新的翅膀。鹰飞出去抓住一只兔子，立刻带回家给恩人。一只狐狸看到后，便对老鹰说：“不要在他身上浪费你的猎物！把这份礼物送给以前捕获你的那个人，和他交个朋友，那么，或许他不会再次捕获你，并剪断你的翅膀。”

92

THE BLACKSMITH AND HIS DOG

铁匠与小狗

A Blacksmith had a little Dog, which used to sleep when his master was at work, but was very wide awake indeed when it was time for meals. One day his master pretended to be disgusted at this, and when he had thrown him a bone as usual, he said, "What on earth is the good of a lazy cur like you? When I am hammering away at my anvil, you just curl up and go to sleep: but no sooner do I stop for a mouthful of food than you wake up and wag your tail to be fed."

Those who will not work deserve to starve.

｛中文阅读｝

铁匠家有一条小狗，小狗常常在主人打铁时睡觉，但是一到了吃饭时间，便异常清醒起来。有一天，铁匠假装对此很生气，一边像往常一样扔给小狗一块骨头，一边说：“地球上还有像你一样懒惰的坏蛋吗？你这家伙，总是在我卖力工作时，蜷缩起来睡觉，可是，只要我一停下来吃点东西，你就清醒地摇着尾巴过来讨饭吃。”

不卖力工作的人理应挨饿。

93

THE STAG AT THE POOL

池边的雄鹿

A thirsty Stag went down to a pool to drink. As he bent over the surface he saw his own reflection in the water, and was struck with admiration for his fine spreading antlers, but at the same time he felt nothing but disgust for the weakness and slenderness of his legs. While he stood there looking at himself, he was seen and attacked by a Lion; but in the chase which ensued, he soon drew away from his pursuer, and kept his lead as long as the ground over which he ran was open and free of trees. But coming presently to a wood, he was caught by his antlers in the branches, and fell a victim to the teeth and claws of his enemy. "Woe is me!" he cried with his last breath; "I despised my legs, which might have saved my life: but I gloried in my horns, and they have proved my ruin."

What is worth most is often valued least.

｛中文阅读｝

一只非常口渴的鹿，跑到池塘边去喝水。当他在池边俯下身去喝水时，看到了水面上自己的倒影，一边得意洋洋地欣赏
着自己那完美修长的鹿角，一边又为自己的小细腿而闷闷不乐。正当他看得入神时，被一头看见他的狮子袭击了。他拼命地向着空旷、没有树木的平原跑去，很快就摆脱了身后的追逐者。可是，当他跑进一片树林中时，眼看着那美丽的鹿角就被挂在了树枝上，终于被跟踪而来的敌人擒获，成了狮子的美味佳肴。“真是不幸呀！”鹿在临死前哀叹道，“我小瞧了自己的腿，可是它们却救了我的命；我以自己的角为傲，可是它们却葬送了我的性命。”

最值得的东西往往被视为最没价值的。

94

THE DOG AND THE SHADOW

叼着肉的狗

A Dog was crossing a plank bridge over a stream with a piece of meat in his mouth, when he happened to see his own reflection in the water. He thought it was another dog with a piece of meat twice as big; so he let go his own, and flew at the other dog to get the larger piece. But, of course, all that happened was that he got neither; for one was only a shadow, and the other was carried away by the current.

｛中文阅读｝

一条狗嘴里叼着一块肉，在穿过小河上的一个木板桥时，碰巧看见了水中自己的倒影。他以为是另一条狗叼着一块更大的肉，于是，他扑到水中，想去抢另一条狗嘴里那块更大的肉。然而，他最终什么也没有得到。因为水中那块肉本来就只是个影子，而原来的那块肉也被河水冲走了。

95

MERCURY AND THE TRADESMEN

墨丘利与商人

When Jupiter was creating man, he told Mercury to make an infusion of lies, and to add a little of it to the other ingredients which went to the making of the Tradesmen. Mercury did so, and introduced an equal amount into each in turn—the tallow-chandler, and the greengrocer, and the haberdasher, and all, till he came to the horse-dealer, who was last on the list, when, finding that he had a quantity of the infusion still left, he put it all into him. This is why all Tradesmen lie more or less, but they none of them lie like a horse-dealer.

｛中文阅读｝

朱庇特在创造人类时，吩咐墨丘利制造一点让人说谎的药，并添加到其他要素上，从而形成商人。墨丘利遵命研制好药之后，依次平均地添加到每种生意人身上——卖蜡烛的商贩、卖蔬菜瓜果的商贩、卖杂货的商贩等。最后轮到了马贩子，这是最后一个要添药的商人了，但是墨丘利却发现还剩下很多药，于是，他便将剩余的药全部加在了马贩子身上。这正是商人多少都会说谎的原因，尤其是马贩子更为厉害。

96

THE MICE AND THE WEASELS

老鼠和黄鼠狼

There was war between the Mice and the Weasels, in which the Mice always got the worst of it, numbers of them being killed and eaten by the Weasels. So they called a council of war, in which an old Mouse got up and said, "It's no wonder we are always beaten, for we have no generals to plan our battles and direct our movements in the field." Acting on his advice, they chose the biggest Mice to be their leaders, and these, in order to be distinguished from the rank and file, provided themselves with helmets bearing large plumes of straw. They then led out the Mice to battle, confident of victory: but they were defeated as usual, and were soon scampering as fast as they could to their holes. All made their way to safety without difficulty except the leaders, who were so hampered by the badges of their rank that they could not get into their holes, and fell easy victims to their pursuers.

Greatness carries its own penalties.

｛中文阅读｝

老鼠和黄鼠狼打起仗来，老鼠每次都处于劣势，大量老鼠都被黄鼠狼杀死并吃掉了。于是，他们召开了一次战事会议，其
中，一个年长的老鼠站起来发言：“毫无疑问，我们总是被打败的一方，因为没有统领来规划我们的战斗，在战场上指挥我们的行动，所以才会屡次失败。”根据他的建议，老鼠们推选出那些个头大的老鼠作为带队将领，并且，为了在老鼠群中区分这些将领，还让他们戴上用草编成的头盔。然后，老鼠带着必胜的信心再次投入到战斗中。可是，他们依旧被打败了，鼠群纷纷逃回洞中。除了那些将领之外，所有老鼠都轻易地逃进了洞里，因为头盔妨碍他们钻进小小的老鼠洞，所以将领们都被黄鼠狼吃掉了。

伟大的形象也要付出代价。

97

THE PEACOCK AND JUNO

孔雀和朱诺

The Peacock was greatly discontented because he had not a beautiful voice like the nightingale, and he went and complained to Juno about it. "The nightingale's song," said he, "is the envy of all the birds; but whenever I utter a sound I become a laughing-stock." The goddess tried to console him by saying, "You have not, it is true, the power of song, but then you far excel all the rest in beauty: your neck flashes like the emerald and your splendid tail is a marvel of gorgeous colour." But the Peacock was not appeased. "What is the use," said he, "of being beautiful, with a voice like mine?" Then Juno replied, with a shade of sternness in her tones, "Fate has allotted to all their destined gifts: to yourself beauty, to the eagle strength, to the nightingale song, and so on to all the rest in their degree; but you alone are dissatisfied with your portion. Make, then, no more complaints. For, if your present wish were granted, you would quickly find cause for fresh discontent."

｛中文阅读｝

因为自己没有夜莺那悠扬动听的歌声，孔雀大为不悦，于是跑到朱诺面前抱怨。“所有的鸟都羡慕夜莺的歌声，”她说，
“但是，只要我一开口发声，就成了大家的笑料。”女神朱诺为了尽量安慰她，说道：“你的确没有唱歌的优势，但是你却有着超凡的美丽外表。你的脖子闪耀着绿宝石一样的光辉，你那开屏的尾巴更是华丽富贵、光彩照人。”然而，孔雀仍旧不满足。“我的声音那么难听，”孔雀说，“美丽又有什么用呀？”朱诺接着回答说：“命运赋予了每个人不同的礼物——赋予了你无比的美丽，赋予了老鹰强大的力量，赋予了夜莺优美的歌声，以此类推下去，所有生命都有着各自的特征，而你却不满足于自己所拥有的。不要再抱怨了，因为如果你当下的愿望得到了满足，很快你又会找到另一个不满足的借口。”

98

THE BEAR AND THE FOX

熊与狐狸

A Bear was once bragging about his generous feelings, and saying how refined he was compared with other animals. (There is, in fact, a tradition that a Bear will never touch a dead body.) A Fox, who heard him talking in this strain, smiled and said, "My friend, when you are hungry, I only wish you would confine your attention to the dead and leave the living alone."

A hypocrite deceives no one but himself.

｛中文阅读｝

有一只熊曾经大肆鼓吹自己多么仁慈，与其它动物相比，自己是多么文雅。（其实，绝不碰死人是熊的一贯传统。）一只狐狸听到这些话，面带微笑地对熊说：“我的朋友，当你饥饿难耐时，我希望你也能将注意力集中在死人身上，不再吃活人了！”

骗子只会掩耳盗铃似的欺骗自己。

99

THE ASS AND THE OLD PEASANT

驴和老农夫

An old Peasant was sitting in a meadow watching his Ass, which was grazing close by, when all of a sudden he caught sight of armed men stealthily approaching. He jumped up in a moment, and begged the Ass to fly with him as fast as he could, "Or else," said he, "we shall both be captured by the enemy." But the Ass just looked round lazily and said, "And if so, do you think they'll make me carry heavier loads than I have to now?" "No," said his master. "Oh, well, then," said the Ass, "I don't mind if they do take me, for I shan't be any worse off."

｛中文阅读｝

一位老农民正坐在草地上看驴，驴被紧紧盯着。突然农民看到全副武装的人们走近，便立刻跳了起来，恳请驴跟他一起尽快飞走。“否则，”他说，“我们便会被敌人逮住。”驴只是懒懒地看了看，便说：“如果这样的话，你不认为他们会让我驮更重的东西？”“不，”主人说。“哦，那么，”驴说，“我不介意他们把我抓走，我再也不会比现在更糟了。”

100

THE OX AND THE FROG

牛和青蛙

Two little Frogs were playing about at the edge of a pool when an Ox came down to the water to drink, and by accident trod on one of them and crushed the life out of him. When the old Frog missed him, she asked his brother where he was. "He is dead, mother," said the little Frog; "an enormous big creature with four legs came to our pool this morning and trampled him down in the mud." "Enormous, was he? Was he as big as this?" said the Frog, puffing herself out to look as big
as possible. "Oh! yes, much bigger," was the answer. The Frog puffed herself out still more. "Was he as big as this?" said she. "Oh! yes, yes, mother, MUCH bigger," said the little Frog. And yet again she puffed and puffed herself out till she was almost as round as a ball. "As big as...?" she began—but then she burst.

｛中文阅读｝

两只小青蛙在池塘边玩耍时，一头公牛走到水边去喝水，结果不小心踩扁了其中一只小青蛙，使其当场毙命。青蛙妈妈发现小青蛙不见了，便问另一只小青蛙，他的兄弟到哪里去了。“妈妈，他死了。”小青蛙说，“今天上午有一个长着四只脚的巨型怪物来到水塘边，把我的兄弟踩进了泥巴里。”“巨型兽？是不是这么大？”青蛙妈妈一边问，一边尽力鼓气，让自己尽量变大一些。“嗯，是的，比这还要大。”小青蛙说。青蛙妈妈再鼓了鼓气，问道：“是不是这般大小呢？”“对，妈妈，比这个还要再大一些。”小青蛙说。于是，青蛙妈妈又使劲鼓气，几乎快成了一个圆球。“有这么大……”还没等她说完，就把肚子胀破了。

101

THE MAN AND THE IMAGE

人和神像

A poor Man had a wooden Image of a god, to which he used to pray daily for riches. He did this for a long time, but remained as poor as ever, till one day he caught up the Image in disgust and hurled it with all his strength against the wall. The force of the blow split open the head and a quantity of gold coins fell out upon the floor. The Man gathered them up greedily, and said, "O you old fraud, you! When I honoured you, you did me no good whatever: but no sooner do I treat you to insults and violence than you make a rich man of me!"

｛中文阅读｝

一个穷人在家里供奉了一尊木头神像，天天对着神像祈祷让自己发财。持续了相当一段时间后，他依旧像过去那样贫穷。有一天，这个人带着极度的愤怒抓起神像，用尽全力冲着墙壁扔过去。强大的撞击力打破了神像的头，一些金币纷纷掉在了地板上。这个人贪婪地抓起金币，说：“哦，你这个大骗子！我好好供奉你的时候，你却什么都不给我；等我用暴力对待你的时候，你却让我成了富翁！”

102

HERCULES AND THE WAGGONER

赫刺克勒斯和车夫

A Waggoner was driving his team along a muddy lane with a full load behind them, when the wheels of his waggon sank so deep in the mire that no efforts of his horses could move them. As he stood there, looking helplessly on, and calling loudly at intervals upon Hercules for assistance, the god himself appeared, and said to him, "Put your shoulder to the wheel, man, and goad on your horses, and then you may call on Hercules to assist you. If you won't lift a finger to help yourself, you can't expect Hercules or any one else to come to your aid."

Heaven helps those who help themselves.

｛中文阅读｝

有一个车夫驾着一辆载着货物的马车，正当他沿着乡间小路前进时，车轮突然深陷入泥坑中，拉车的马无论如何也挪不出车轮来。车夫站在那里，无助地四处观望，大声呼喊着大力神前来帮忙。大力神赫刺克勒斯终于出现了，对他说：“先用你的肩膀顶住车轮，再用鞭子赶你的马，试着这样做了之后，再来祈求我的帮助。如果你不能先自助，就不能期望大力神或其他人来帮你了。”

自助者，天助之。

103

THE POMEGRANATE, THE APPLE-TREE, AND THE BRAMBLE

石榴树、苹果树和野蔷薇

A Pomegranate and an Apple-tree were disputing about the quality of their fruits, and each claimed that its own was the better of the two. High words passed between them, and a violent quarrel was imminent, when a Bramble impudently poked its head out of a neighbouring hedge and said, "There, that's enough, my friends; don't let us quarrel."

｛中文阅读｝

石榴树与苹果树为谁的果实质量最好而争吵不休，双方都认为自己的更好。愤怒的话语相继从他们的嘴里脱口而出，激烈的争吵马上就要升级了，这时，野蔷薇嬉皮笑脸地从隔壁篱笆丛中探出头来，说：“够了，朋友们，我们不要再争吵了。”

104

THE LION, THE BEAR, AND THE FOX

狮子、熊和狐狸

A Lion and a Bear were fighting for possession of a kid, which they had both seized at the same moment. The battle was long and fierce, and at length both of them were exhausted, and lay upon the ground severely wounded and gasping for breath. A Fox had all the time been prowling round and watching the fight: and when he saw the combatants lying there too weak to move, he slipped in and seized the kid, and ran off with it. They looked on helplessly, and one said to the other, "Here we've been mauling each other all this while, and no one the better for it except the Fox!"

｛中文阅读｝

狮子和熊同时抓到了一只小羊羔，他们俩为争夺小羊羔凶狠地打了起来。经过一场苦斗，双方都受了重伤，有气无力地躺在地上。一只狐狸早已躲在远处观望着，一见他们俩都直挺挺地躺在地上虚弱地一动不动，他便溜过去抓起羊羔，一溜烟地跑掉了。狮子和熊眼睁睁地看着狐狸抢走了小羊羔，却也毫无办法，只能唉声叹气地说：“我们俩斗得两败俱伤，却让狐狸得到了好处！”

105

THE TWO SOLDIERS AND THE ROBBER

两个士兵和强盗

Two Soldiers travelling together were set upon by a Robber. One of them ran away, but the other stood his ground, and laid about him so lustily with his sword that the Robber was fain to fly and leave him in peace. When the coast was clear the timid one ran back, and, flourishing his weapon, cried in a threatening voice, "Where is he? Let me get at him, and I'll soon let him know whom he's got to deal with." But the other replied, "You are a little late, my friend: I only wish you had backed me up just now, even if you had done no more than speak, for I should have been encouraged, believing your words to be true. As it is, calm yourself, and put up your sword: there is no further use for it. You may delude others into thinking you're as brave as a lion: but I know that, at the first sign of danger, you run away like a hare."

｛中文阅读｝

两个士兵一起赶路，途中被一个强盗所劫。其中一个士兵马上逃跑了，另一个则勇敢地握着剑立在原地，强盗不得不弃他而逃。这时，那个胆小的士兵跑过来，抽出剑，壮着胆大喝一声：“他去哪里了？让我来对付他，我要让他知道面对的是什么
人。”然而，那名勇敢的士兵说：“你来晚了，我的朋友。要是你刚才能来帮我就好了，即便只是嘴上这样说也好，因为我会受到你这番话的鼓舞，并且相信这些话都是真的。而现在，还是请你把剑收好，已经没有必要再用它了。你只能欺骗其他人，让人们以为你像雄狮一样勇敢；而我却知道，在遇到危险时，你会像兔子一样落荒而逃。”

106

THE LION AND THE WILD ASS

狮子和野驴

A Lion and a Wild Ass went out hunting together: the latter was to run down the prey by his superior speed, and the former would then come up and despatch it. They met with great success; and when it came to sharing the spoil the Lion divided it all into three equal portions. "I will take the first," said he, "because I am King of the beasts; I will also take the second, because, as your partner, I am entitled to half of what remains; and as for the third—well, unless you give it up to me and take yourself off pretty quick, the third, believe me, will make you feel very sorry for yourself!"

Might makes right.

｛中文阅读｝

一只狮子和一头野驴联合外出觅食——野驴能以超快的速度追赶猎物，而狮子则能迅速赶来捕获猎物。他们成功地抓获了猎物，然后，狮子把猎物分成了三份。“我来拿第一份，”狮子说，“因为我是百兽之王；第二份也归我，因为作为你的合作者，我理应分享剩下的一半；至于这第三份，除非你自愿让给我，然后乖乖地滚开，否则你一定会为此而抱憾终身！”

强者为王。

107

THE MAN AND THE SATYR

人与森林之神萨堤罗斯

A Man and a Satyr became friends, and determined to live together. All went well for a while, until one day in winter-time the Satyr saw the Man blowing on his hands. "Why do you do that?" he asked. "To warm my hands," said the Man. That same day, when they sat down to supper together, they each had a steaming hot bowl of porridge, and the Man raised his bowl to his mouth and blew on it. "Why do you do that?" asked the Satyr. "To cool my porridge," said the Man. The Satyr got up from the table. "Good-bye," said he, "I'm going: I can't be friends with
a man who blows hot and cold with the same breath."

｛中文阅读｝

从前，有个人与森林之神萨堤罗斯成了朋友，他们决定一起生活。在一段时间内，一切都很顺利，直到冬季里的一天，萨堤罗斯看到那个人把手放到嘴边不断地呵气。“你为什么要这样做？”他问道。“为了暖和我的手呀。”那人回答道。就在同一天，他们坐下来一起吃饭，每人面前都摆着一碗热气腾腾的粥，那人举起碗来对着嘴又开始吹气。“你为什么要这样做？”森林之神又问他。“为了让粥凉下来。”他说。森林之神立刻站起来，说：“再见，朋友！我要走了，我无法和你这样的人交朋友，因为你的嘴里一会儿吹热气，一会儿又吹冷气。”

108

THE IMAGE-SELLER

卖神像的人

A certain man made a wooden Image of Mercury, and exposed it for sale in the market. As no one offered to buy it, however, he thought he would try to attract a purchaser by proclaiming the virtues of the Image. So he cried up and down the market, "A god for sale! a god for sale! One who'll bring you luck and keep you lucky!" Presently one of the bystanders stopped him and said, "If your god is all you make him out to be, how is it you don't keep him and make the most of him yourself?" "I'll tell you why," replied he; "he brings gain, it is true, but he takes his time about it; whereas I want money at once."

｛中文阅读｝

有个人用木头雕刻了墨丘利的像，拿到市场上去卖。因为没有一个买主前来光顾，他便认为自己应该大声叫喊，以此吸引人前来购买。于是，他冲着市场里大喊：“卖神像了！卖神像了！一个能给你带来好运并维持好运的神像！”这时，旁边的一个人对他说：“喂，朋友，如果你的神像真如你所说，那你为何不自己留下他，好好享受他给你的好运呢？”“告诉你吧，”这个人回答道，“他的确能让你有所收获，这是真的，但是需要时间，而我则希望能马上得到钱。”

109

THE EAGLE AND THE ARROW

老鹰与箭

An Eagle sat perched on a lofty rock, keeping a sharp look-out for prey. A huntsman, concealed in a cleft of the mountain and on the watch for game, spied him there and shot an Arrow at him. The shaft struck him full in the breast and pierced him through and through. As he lay in the agonies of death, he turned his eyes upon the Arrow. "Ah! cruel fate!" he cried, "that I should perish thus: but oh! fate more cruel still, that the Arrow which kills me should be winged with an Eagle's feathers!"

｛中文阅读｝

鹰站在一块高高的岩石上，用锐利的目光观察着猎物。一个猎人躲藏在山间的裂缝中观察情况，看到鹰之后，一箭射中了他。那箭直插入鹰的前胸，并且破膛而出。受着死亡苦痛折磨的老鹰，转眼又看到了带着鹰毛的箭翎。“啊！命运真残酷！”他哭喊着，“竟然让我这样死去，不过，更为残酷的是，杀死我的箭上竟然还插着鹰的羽毛！”

110

THE RICH MAN AND THE TANNER

富人和制皮匠

A Rich Man took up his residence next door to a Tanner, and found the smell of the tan-yard so extremely unpleasant that he told him he must go. The Tanner delayed his departure, and the Rich Man had to speak to him several times about it; and every time the Tanner said he was making arrangements to move very shortly. This went on for some time, till at last the Rich Man got so used to the smell that he ceased to mind it, and troubled the Tanner with his objections no more.

｛中文阅读｝

一个富人与制皮匠比邻而居，发现皮匠院子里传出的气味实在让人受不了，便告诉皮匠请他搬家。制皮匠一直在拖延，富人重复说了好多次让他快点搬家，皮匠每次总是说马上就搬，却老是不采取行动。就这样持续了一段时间，富人已经闻惯了皮革的臭气，也就不再非难制皮匠了。

111

THE WOLF, THE MOTHER, AND HER CHILD

狼、妈妈和孩子

A hungry Wolf was prowling about in search of food. By and by, attracted by the cries of a Child, he came to a cottage. As he crouched beneath the window, he heard the Mother say to the Child, "Stop crying, do! or I'll throw you to the Wolf." Thinking she really meant what she said, he waited there a long time in the expectation of satisfying his hunger. In the evening he heard the Mother fondling her Child and saying, "If the naughty Wolf comes, he shan't get my little one: Daddy will kill him." The Wolf got up in much disgust and walked away: "As for the people in that house," said he to himself, "you can't believe a word they say."

｛中文阅读｝

一只饥饿的狼四处寻觅食物。走着走着，他被小孩子的哭声吸引，来到了一个农舍。他在窗下屏息而立，只听到母亲对小孩子说：“别哭了，不然我就把你扔出去喂狼。”狼信以为真，以为她真会这样做，便站在门外等着，期待着快点能满足自己的食欲。直到傍晚来临，他又听见母亲在哄小孩子：“要是狼真的来了，爸爸就会杀死他的。”狼听了这话后，气愤地赶紧跑开了，他边跑边想：“那个房子里的人说的话，一句也不能信。”

112

THE OLD WOMAN AND THE WINE-JAR

老太婆和酒瓶

An old Woman picked up an empty Wine-jar which had once contained a rare and costly wine, and which still retained some traces of its exquisite bouquet. She raised it to her nose and sniffed at it again and again. "Ah," she cried, "how delicious must have been the liquid which has left behind so ravishing a smell."

｛中文阅读｝

一个老太婆捡到一个空酒瓶，这个瓶子曾经装过价格不菲的稀世美酒，依然还带着浓浓的酒香。她把酒瓶放在鼻孔处，一次又一次贪婪地吸着酒香，并说：“啊，多么甜美！连装过酒的空瓶都能留下这样甘美难忘的香味，那瓶子里的酒还真不知道会多么甘美醇香呢。”

113

THE LIONESS AND THE VIXEN

母狮与雌狐

A Lioness and a Vixen were talking together about their young, as mothers will, and saying how healthy and well-grown they were, and what beautiful coats they had, and how they were the image of their parents. "My litter of cubs is a joy to see," said the Fox; and then she added, rather maliciously, "But I notice you never have more than one." "No," said the Lioness grimly, "but that one's a lion."

Quality, not quantity.

｛中文阅读｝

一头母狮与一只狐狸在闲聊自己的孩子，出于母亲的美好愿望，她们都在说自己的孩子多么健康，多么茁壮，多么美丽，多么像自己的父母。“看到我产下的小幼崽，真让人高兴，”狐狸说，接着她又不怀好意地说，“但是我注意到你从未生过两胎或更多的幼崽。”“没有，”母狮面无表情地回答道，“可我生下的毕竟是一只狮子。”

注重质量，而非数量。

114

THE VIPER AND THE FILE

毒蛇和锉刀

A Viper entered a carpenter's shop, and went from one to another of the tools, begging for something to eat. Among the rest, he addressed himself to the File, and asked for the favour of a meal. The File replied in a tone of pitying contempt, "What a simpleton you must be if you imagine you will get anything from me, who invariably take from every one and never give anything in return."

The covetous are poor givers.

｛中文阅读｝

有条毒蛇爬进铁匠铺里，从一个工具到另一个工具，祈求能给他点可以吃的东西。其中，他向锉刀请求施舍，给他一顿饱餐。可是，锉刀却带着不屑的语气说：“你若想从我这里得到东西，那你真是太傻了，我历来只会索取，不会回报。”

贪婪之人是最小气的施予者。

115

THE CAT AND THE COCK

猫和公鸡

A Cat pounced on a Cock, and cast about for some good excuse for making a meal off him, for Cats don't as a rule eat Cocks, and she knew she ought not to. At last she said, "You make a great nuisance of yourself at night by crowing and keeping people awake: so I am going to make an end of you." But the Cock defended himself by saying that he crowed in order that men might wake up and set about the day's work in good time, and that they really couldn't very well do without him. "That may be," said the Cat, "but whether they can or not, I'm not going without my dinner" ; and she killed and ate him.

The want of a good excuse never kept a villain from crime.

｛中文阅读｝

一只猫抓到一只公鸡，并想方设法找出一个借口好吃掉他，因为不吃鸡是猫的一贯传统，而她也知道自己不应该吃鸡。最后，猫说：“你总在夜晚打鸣，让人们不能好好睡觉，所以，我要吃掉你。”但是，公鸡却辩解说，自己为了人们的利益而叫醒他们，可使人们按时起床工作，若是没有了鸡，人们就无法准时起床工作了。“有点道理，”猫回答说，“不过，不管他们能不能准时开始工作，我总不能没有饭吃。”于是，猫就吃掉了公鸡。

带有好借口的欲望，永远不会让坏人免于恶行。

116

THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE

野兔与乌龟

A Hare was one day making fun of a Tortoise for being so slow upon his feet. "Wait a bit," said the Tortoise; "I'll run a race with you, and I'll wager that I win." "Oh, well," replied the Hare, who was much amused at the idea, "let's try and see" ; and it was soon agreed that the fox should set a course for them, and be the judge. When the time came both started off together, but the Hare was soon so far ahead that he thought he might as well have a rest: so down he lay and fell fast asleep. Meanwhile the Tortoise kept plodding on, and in time reached the goal. At last the Hare woke up with a start, and dashed on at his fastest, but only to find that the Tortoise had already won the race.

Slow and steady wins the race.

｛中文阅读｝

有一天，兔子嘲笑乌龟用脚爬得太慢了。“那又怎么了，”乌龟说，“总有一天我会和你赛跑，并且还能赢了你。”“噢，好吧，”兔子回答，认为乌龟的这个想法太搞笑了，“我们比比看”。他们很快便商定好了比赛的时间和地点，并且让狐狸来设定比赛过程，兼做裁判。比赛一开始，兔子很快就跑到了前面，
他觉着自己应该休息一下，于是便躺在路旁睡着了。此时，乌龟正不停地朝前奔跑，并且最后还实现了自己的目标。兔子醒来后，用最快的速度猛劲向前跑，可是却发现乌龟已经取得了比赛胜利。

慢而稳健，这才是制胜法宝。

117

THE SOLDIER AND HIS HORSE

士兵和战马

A Soldier gave his Horse a plentiful supply of oats in time of war, and tended him with the utmost care, for he wished him to be strong to endure the hardships of the field, and swift to bear his master, when need arose, out of the reach of danger. But when the war was over he employed him on all sorts of drudgery, bestowing but little attention upon him, and giving him, moreover, nothing but chaff to eat. The time came when war broke out again, and the Soldier saddled and bridled his Horse, and, having put on his heavy coat of mail, mounted him to ride off and take the field. But the poor half-starved beast sank down under his weight, and said to his rider, "You will have to go into battle on foot this time. Thanks to hard work and bad food, you have turned me from a Horse into an ass; and you cannot in a moment turn me back again into a Horse."

｛中文阅读｝

战争期间，一个士兵用充足的燕麦精心喂养他的马，希望身强体壮的马能够在需要时，驮着主人在地形艰险的战场上快速
奔跑，从而免于危险。然而，战争一结束，战马便被拉去服苦役，不仅得不到主人的关爱，而且除了糟糠之外，再也没有其它饲料了。不久，战争又爆发了，士兵备好马鞍、套上缰绳、穿上厚重的铠甲，全副武装地准备骑着马去迎敌。这时，马却毫无力气，不断摔倒，他对主人说：“这次，你可要亲自跑着赶赴战场了，都是因为繁重的劳役和廉价的饲料，让我从一匹战马变成了一头驴，你怎么还能把我当战马骑呢？”

118

THE OXEN AND THE BUTCHERS

公牛和屠夫

Once upon a time the Oxen determined to be revenged upon the Butchers for the havoc they wrought in their ranks, and plotted to put them to death on a given day. They were all gathered together discussing how best to carry out the plan, and the more violent of them were engaged in sharpening their horns for the fray, when an old Ox got up upon his feet and said, "My brothers, you have good reason, I know, to hate these Butchers, but, at any rate, they understand their trade and do what they have to do without causing unnecessary pain. But if we kill them, others, who have no experience, will be set to slaughter us, and will by their bungling inflict great sufferings upon us. For you may be sure that, even though all the Butchers perish, mankind will never go without their beef."

｛中文阅读｝

有一次，公牛想报复屠夫，因为他们在屠夫那里遭受蹂躏，被分成若干等级，并且等待着某一日被屠宰。他们聚集在一起商讨如何执行报复计划，其中那些比较暴躁的公牛为了这场战争已经磨好了自己的尖角，准备战斗。这时，一头年长的老公牛站起
来，说：“兄弟们，我知道，大家确实有理由憎恨屠夫，但是从某种程度上讲，他们明白自己的职责，已经尽可能地减少了我们的痛苦。然而，倘若我们杀死了屠夫，就会让那些没有经验的人来宰杀我们，给我们增添更多痛苦。你们要知道，即便所有的屠夫都死了，但人类总是要吃牛肉的。”

119

THE WOLF AND THE LION

狼和狮子

A wolf stole a lamb from the flock, and was carrying it off to devour it at his leisure when he met a Lion, who took his prey away from him and walked off with it. He dared not resist, but when the Lion had gone some distance he said, "It is most unjust of you to take what's mine away from me like that." The Lion laughed and called out in reply, "It was justly yours, no doubt! The gift of a friend, perhaps, eh?"

｛中文阅读｝

一次，狼从羊群中抢走一只羊，正叼着小羊往回走时，碰上了一只狮子。狮子立刻从狼口里抢走羊，大摇大摆地走了。狼不敢反抗，只好乖乖等着狮子走远了，才说：“你抢走属于我的猎物，太不正当了。”狮子笑着说：“那么，这东西是你正当获得的吗，无疑是朋友送给你的，对吗？”

120

THE SHEEP, THE WOLF, AND THE STAG

鹿、狼和羊

A Stag once asked a Sheep to lend him a measure of wheat, saying that his friend the Wolf would be his surety. The Sheep, however, was afraid that they meant to cheat her; so she excused herself, saying, "The Wolf is in the habit of seizing what he wants and running off with it without paying, and you, too, can run much faster than I. So how shall I be able to come up with either of you when the debt falls due?"

Two blacks do not make a white.

｛中文阅读｝

一只鹿跑去请求羊借给他一斗麦子，并说他的朋友——狼可以作担保。然而，羊担心他们俩合伙欺骗自己，便找了个借口，说：“狼有个坏习惯，抢完他想要的东西后便跑了，从不归还；而你则跑得比我快多了，所以等到你们该还账时，我怎么能追得上你们呀？”

两黑不等于一白。

121

THE LION AND THE THREE BULLS

狮子和三头公牛

Three Bulls were grazing in a meadow, and were watched by a Lion, who longed to capture and devour them, but who felt that he was no match for the three so long as they kept together. So he began by false whispers and malicious hints to foment jealousies and distrust among them. This stratagem succeeded so well that ere long the Bulls grew cold and unfriendly, and finally avoided each other and fed each one by himself apart. No sooner did the Lion see this than he fell upon them one by one and killed them in turn.

The quarrels of friends are the opportunities of foes.

｛中文阅读｝

三头公牛住在一个草场里，窥探已久的一只狮子想要吃掉他们，可是只要公牛团结一致，狮子就无法得逞。于是，狮子便在公牛之中煽风点火，不怀好意地挑拨离间，令他们产生冲突和愤恨。狮子的计谋终于得逞了，三头公牛不如以前那么友好了，相互之间很冷淡，随后互不相见，各自到草场里吃草。这时，狮子轻而易举地依次吃掉了三头公牛。

朋友间的争吵，就是在给敌人制造机会。

122

THE HORSE AND HIS RIDER

马和骑手

A Young Man, who fancied himself something of a horseman, mounted a Horse which had not been properly broken in, and was exceedingly difficult to control. No sooner did the Horse feel his weight in the saddle than he bolted, and nothing would stop him. A friend of the Rider's met him in the road in his headlong career, and called out, "Where are you off to in such a hurry?" To which he, pointing to the Horse, replied, "I've no idea: ask him."

｛中文阅读｝

一个年轻人自诩为骑师，爬上了一匹并没有受过良好训练的马，而且这匹马极其难以驾驭。马一感受到背上的重量，就狂奔起来，什么也挡不住他。骑手的一个朋友在路上遇见了他，大声叫道：“你这是急着去哪里呀？”骑手指着马回答说：“我也不知道，你问他吧。”

123

THE GOAT AND THE VINE

母山羊与葡萄藤

A Goat was straying in a vineyard, and began to browse on the tender shoots of a Vine which bore several fine bunches of grapes. "What have I done to you," said the Vine, "that you should harm me thus? Isn't there grass enough for you to feed on? All the same, even if you eat up every leaf I have, and leave me quite bare, I shall produce wine enough to pour over you when you are led to the altar to be sacrificed."

｛中文阅读｝

一只母山羊在葡萄园里闲逛，她看到一株刚刚长出几串葡萄的葡萄藤，就过去吃起了它的嫩叶。葡萄藤对母山羊说：“我做过什么对不起你的事吗？难道地上没有青草吃了？即便你吃光了我所有的叶子，让我变成光秃秃的藤，当你被放在祭坛上作为祭祀品时，浇灌到你身上的葡萄酒也全是我产出来的。”

124

THE TWO POTS

两口锅

Two Pots, one of earthenware and the other of brass, were carried away down a river in flood. The Brazen Pot urged his companion to keep close by his side, and he would protect him. The other thanked him, but begged him not to come near him on any account: "For that," he said, "is just what I am most afraid of. One touch from you and I should be broken in pieces."

Equals make the best friends.

｛中文阅读｝

两口锅被洪水冲进了河里，一口是瓦锅，另一口是铜锅。铜锅催促同伴靠近他一些，这样才能保护他。可是，瓦锅却多谢铜锅的好意，并求他不要靠近自己。瓦锅说：“这正是我最担心的事情。只要你一碰我，我必定会粉身碎骨。”

水平相当的两者，才会成为好朋友。

125

THE OLD HOUND

老猎狗

A Hound who had served his master well for years, and had run down many a quarry in his time, began to lose his strength and speed owing to age. One day, when out hunting, his master started a powerful wild boar and set the Hound at him. The latter seized the beast by the ear, but his teeth were gone and he could not retain his hold; so the boar escaped. His master began to scold him severely, but the Hound interrupted him with these words: "My will is as strong as ever, master, but my body is old and feeble. You ought to honour me for what I have been instead of abusing me for what I am."

｛中文阅读｝

一条老猎狗已经尽心尽力为主人服务了很多年，现在已经衰老了，也失去了年轻力壮时的力气和速度。有一天，当他们出去狩猎时，主人盯上了一头野猪，让老猎狗扑上去咬他。老猎狗咬住了野猪的耳朵，可是由于他的牙齿已经脱落，根本无法牢牢地咬住野猪，于是，野猪侥幸逃跑了。主人严厉地痛骂了他一顿，老猎狗打断主人的斥骂，说：“主人呀，我倒是也想像以前一样强壮，但我的身体已经衰老无力了。想一想从前我为你所付出的一切，你理应称赞我，而不应该责备我。”

126

THE CLOWN AND THE COUNTRYMAN

小丑和乡下人

A Nobleman announced his intention of giving a public entertainment in the theatre, and offered splendid prizes to all who had any novelty to exhibit at the performance. The announcement attracted a crowd of conjurers, jugglers, and acrobats, and among the rest a Clown, very popular with the crowd, who let it be known that he was going to give an entirely new turn. When the day of the performance came, the theatre was filled from top to bottom some time before the entertainment began. Several performers exhibited their tricks, and then the popular favourite came on empty-handed and alone. At once there was a hush of expectation: and he, letting his head fall upon his breast, imitated the squeak of a pig to such perfection that the audience insisted on his producing the animal, which, they said, he must have somewhere concealed about his person. He, however, convinced them that there was no pig there, and then the applause was deafening. Among the spectators was a Countryman, who disparaged the Clown's performance and announced that he would give a much superior exhibition of the same trick on the following day. Again the theatre was filled to overflowing, and again the Clown gave his imitation amidst the cheers of the crowd. The Countryman, meanwhile, before going on the stage, had secreted a young porker under his smock; and when the spectators derisively
bade him do better if he could, he gave it a pinch in the ear and made it squeal loudly. But they all with one voice shouted out that the Clown's imitation was much more true to life. Thereupon he produced the pig from under his smock and said sarcastically, "There, that shows what sort of judges you are!"

｛中文阅读｝

一个富翁对外宣称要在剧场搞一次公开表演，并且还说，要重重奖励那些表演新戏法的人。这个公告吸引了一群魔术师、杂耍艺人和杂技演员，其中，一个广受欢迎的小丑说他要在台上表演一个全新的把戏。到了公开表演的那一天，还没开场，整个剧场就已被围得水泄不通。几个演员表演了他们的特技之后，小丑接着就两手空空地独自一人出现在舞台上。观众因为太期待看他的表演，全场立刻鸦雀无声。而小丑突然把头俯到胸前，学小猪叫，他叫的声音逼真得使人惊叹，以至于大家都说，他一定是把猪藏在什么地方了。然而，他却说服观众，并没有藏起猪来，接着，全场掌声雷鸣。场下有一位观众是个乡下人，看完小丑的表演后，他就宣称自己明天也要表演同样的把戏，一定会比小丑的更好。第二天，剧场里又挤满了人，小丑照样以他的模仿秀赢得了观众的欢呼和喜爱。同时站在舞台上的乡下人，早已在上台前，将一只小猪藏到了衣服里，就在观众嘲弄他是否能表演得更精彩时，他揪了一下小猪的耳朵，让他大声叫起来。然而，观众们都大喊小丑的叫声更逼真。于是，乡下人便从衣服里拿出小猪来，讽刺地说：“请看这里，你们到底是什么样的裁判呀！”

127

THE LARK AND THE FARMER

百灵鸟和农夫

A Lark nested in a field of corn, and was rearing her brood under cover of the ripening grain. One day, before the young were fully fledged, the Farmer came to look at the crop, and, finding it yellowing fast, he said, "I must send round word to my neighbours to come and help me reap this field." One of the young Larks overheard him, and was very much frightened, and asked her mother whether they hadn't better move house at once. "There's no hurry," replied she; "a man who looks to his friends for help will take his time about a thing." In a few days the Farmer came by again, and saw that the grain was overripe and falling out of the ears upon the ground. "I must put it off no longer," he said; "This very day I'll hire the men and set them to work at once." The Lark heard him and said to her young, "Come, my children, we must be off: he talks no more of his friends now, but is going to take things in hand himself."

Self-help is the best help.

｛中文阅读｝

一只百灵鸟在绿油油的麦田里做了巢，在成熟的麦穗掩映
下，正哺育着一窝小百灵鸟。虽然小百灵鸟们的羽翼还未完全丰满，但有一天，农夫来田里看庄稼，发现麦子已经变黄了，便说：“我得去告诉邻居们，帮我到田里来收割庄稼。”一只小百灵鸟听到了这番话，心里非常害怕，便赶忙问妈妈是否应该立刻搬家。“不用着急，”百灵鸟说，“孩子，请朋友来帮忙是需要时间的。”过了几天，农夫又到田里来了，看到麦子早已熟透，几乎快掉下来了，便心急火燎地说：“不能再拖了，我今天就得雇人，立刻开始收割。”百灵鸟听到这话后，便对小鸟们说：“我的孩子们，现在我们必须要搬家了，因为他没有再提到请朋友帮忙，而是要自己亲自动手了。”

自助是最好的帮助。

128

THE LION AND THE ASS

狮子和驴

A Lion and an Ass set up as partners and went a-hunting together. In course of time they came to a cave in which there were a number of wild goats. The Lion took up his stand at the mouth of the cave, and waited for them to come out; while the Ass went inside and brayed for all he was worth in order to frighten them out into the open. The Lion struck them down one by one as they appeared; and when the cave was empty the Ass came out and said, "Well, I scared them pretty well, didn't I?" "I should think you did," said the Lion: "why, if I hadn't known you were an Ass, I should have turned and run myself."

｛中文阅读｝

一只狮子和一头驴合作外出打猎。走了一会儿，他们来到几只野山羊居住的洞口。狮子守在洞口等着野山羊出来，驴则跑进洞里，为了把山羊赶出去而乱喊乱跳，吓唬他们。守候在洞口的狮子将跑出洞来的野山羊依次抓获了，等到洞里空无一只羊之后，驴跑出洞来，说：“怎么样，我把他们都吓出来了，干得不错吧？”“我认为你干得很好，”狮子说，“如果我不知道你是一头驴，也许就会转身走了。”

129

THE PROPHET

算命人

A Prophet sat in the market-place and told the fortunes of all who cared to engage his services. Suddenly there came running up one who told him that his house had been broken into by thieves, and that they had made off with everything they could lay hands on. He was up in a moment, and rushed off, tearing his hair and calling down curses on the miscreants. The bystanders were much amused, and one of them said, "Our friend professes to know what is going to happen to others, but it seems he's not clever enough to perceive what's in store for himself."

｛中文阅读｝

一个专门给人算命的人，坐在市场里靠给人算卦来谋生。忽然，有一个人跑来告诉他，他家被强盗撬门而入，家里所有的东西几乎都被偷走了。算命的人大吃一惊，立刻气得跳了起来，唉声叹气地赶回家中。旁观者都被逗笑了，其中一个人说道：“这位朋友声称自己能预知将来，可是看上去他并不聪明，怎么连自己的事都没预料到呢？”

130

THE HOUND AND THE HARE

猎狗和野兔

A young Hound started a Hare, and, when he caught her up, would at one moment snap at her with his teeth as though he were about to kill her, while at another he would let go his hold and frisk about her, as if he were playing with another dog. At last the Hare said, "I wish you would show yourself in your true colours! If you are my friend, why do you bite me? If you are my enemy, why do you play with me?"

He is no friend who plays double.

｛中文阅读｝

一只小猎狗去抓一只野兔，就在抓兔子的过程中，猎狗一会儿用牙咬他，仿佛要咬死他；一会儿又让他挣脱出去，在周围乱蹦乱跳，仿佛在和另一只狗玩耍。最后，野兔对猎狗说：“我希望你能表现出你的真实面目来！如果你是我的朋友，为什么要咬我？如果你是我的敌人，为什么还跟我玩？”

两面派可不是你的朋友。

131

THE LION, THE MOUSE, AND THE FOX

狮子、老鼠和狐狸

A Lion was lying asleep at the mouth of his den when a Mouse ran over his back and tickled him so that he woke up with a start and began looking about everywhere to see what it was that had disturbed him. A Fox, who was looking on, thought he would have a joke at the expense of the Lion; so he said, "Well, this is the first time I've seen a Lion afraid of a Mouse." "Afraid of a Mouse?" said the Lion testily: "not I! It's his bad manners I can't stand."

｛中文阅读｝

一只狮子躺在自己的洞口睡着了，这时，一只老鼠跑到他的背后搔他痒，好让他赶快从梦中醒来，寻找究竟是谁在骚扰他。在旁观察的狐狸见后，心想可以和狮子开个玩笑，便开口说道：“我可是第一次看见狮子惧怕老鼠。”“害怕一只小老鼠？”狮子说，“我才不怕老鼠呢！只是无法忍受他的无礼。”

132

THE TRUMPETER TAKEN PRISONER

被捕的号兵

A Trumpeter marched into battle in the van of the army and put courage into his comrades by his warlike tunes. Being captured by the enemy, he begged for his life, and said, "Do not put me to death; I have killed no one: indeed, I have no weapons, but carry with me only my trumpet here." But his captors replied, "That is only the more reason why we should take your life; for, though you do not fight yourself, you stir up others to do so."

｛中文阅读｝

有一个号兵，在战役中总是冲在大部队的前面，利用吹响号角为同志们加油。在被敌人抓获后，他说：“不要杀死我，我从没杀过任何人，实际上，我没有任何武器，只有这把铜号。”然而，敌人却对他说道：“那你就更应当被处死了，因为你自己虽然没去打仗，可你却召集其他人来攻打我们。”

133

THE WOLF AND THE CRANE

狼与鹤

A Wolf once got a bone stuck in his throat. So he went to a Crane and begged her to put her long bill down his throat and pull it out. "I'll make it worth your while," he added. The Crane did as she was asked, and got the bone out quite easily. The Wolf thanked her warmly, and was just turning away, when she cried, "What about that fee of mine?" "Well, what about it?" snapped the Wolf, baring his teeth as he spoke; "you can go about boasting that you once put your head into a Wolf's mouth and didn't get it bitten off. What more do you want?"

｛中文阅读｝

有一次，一只狼的喉咙被骨头哽住了，便去找鹤，求她将长喙伸进自己的喉咙，取出那块骨头。随后，他又补充了一句：“我会好好犒劳你的。”鹤按照狼的吩咐做了，很轻松地取出了那块骨头。狼热情地感谢了她，然后转身就走了。这时，鹤大喊道：“你说好的报酬呢？”“你说什么？”狼龇牙咧嘴地说，“你可以大肆宣传自己的头曾经伸到一只狼的嘴巴里，并且安全地拔出来了，这难道不就是给你的奖赏吗？”

134

THE EAGLE, THE CAT,AND THE WILD SOW

鹰、猫和野猪

An Eagle built her nest at the top of a high tree; a Cat with her family occupied a hollow in the trunk half-way down; and a Wild Sow and her young took up their quarters at the foot. They might have got on very well as neighbors had it not been for the evil cunning of the Cat. Climbing up to the Eagle's nest she said to the Eagle, "You and I are in the greatest possible danger. That dreadful creature, the Sow, who is always to be seen grubbing away at the foot of the tree, means to uproot it, that she may devour your family and mine at her ease." Having thus driven the Eagle almost out of her senses with terror, the Cat climbed down the tree, and said to the Sow, "I must warn you against that dreadful bird, the Eagle. She is only waiting her chance to fly down and carry off one of your little pigs when you take them out, to feed her brood with." She succeeded in frightening the Sow as much as the Eagle. Then she returned to her hole in the trunk, from which, feigning to be afraid, she never came forth by day. Only by night did she creep out unseen to procure food for her kittens. The Eagle, meanwhile was afraid to stir from her nest, and the Sow dared not leave her home among the roots: so that in time both they and their families perished of hunger, and
their dead bodies supplied the Cat with ample food for her growing family.

｛中文阅读｝

一只老鹰在一棵大橡树的高枝上安了家；一只猫和她的孩子们在这棵树的树干上霸占了一个树洞；一只野猪则带着小猪崽住进了树根处的洞里。若不是猫诡计多端，他们可能会成为很好的邻居。猫先爬到老鹰的巢边，说：“你和我都很危险呀！树下那头野猪，天天在树根处挖土，怕是想把这棵树连根拔掉，好轻而易举地吃掉我们的孩子。”猫用这番话吓唬了老鹰之后，又爬下来对野猪说：“我必须要警告你，小心那只可怕的老鹰。她可是一直在伺机飞下来抓走你的孩子们，去喂小鹰。”猫也像吓唬老鹰那样，狠狠地吓唬了野猪一番。然后，她假装自己也很害怕，躲进了自己的树洞，当日再也没出来。到了晚上，她则偷偷地跑出去为孩子们寻找食物。老鹰吓得不敢离开自己的巢，野猪也吓得不敢走出洞来。就这样，老鹰和野猪以及他们的孩子都饿死了，而猫则用老鹰、野猪及其幼崽的尸体养大了自己的孩子。

135

THE WOLF AND THE SHEEP

狼和绵羊

A Wolf was worried and badly bitten by dogs, and lay a long time for dead. By and by he began to revive, and, feeling very hungry, called out to a passing Sheep and said, "Would you kindly bring me some water from the stream close by? I can manage about meat, if only I could get something to drink." But this Sheep was no fool. "I can quite understand", said he, "that if I brought you the water, you would have no difficulty about the meat. Good-morning."

｛中文阅读｝

一只狼被狗咬了，伤势很严重，他非常担心，昏倒在地上很长时间。不久，他苏醒过来，感觉饿了，正好看见一只羊从此经过，便说：“你能发发善心，帮我到旁边的小河里取一点水来吗？如果你能给我一点水解渴，我就能去找点肉吃了。”可是，这只羊并不傻。“我完全明白，”他回答说，“要是我给你送来水，那你就能毫不费力地找到肉吃了。”

136

THE TUNNY-FISH AND THE DOLPHIN

金枪鱼和海豚

A Tunny-fish was chased by a Dolphin and splashed through the water at a great rate, but the Dolphin gradually gained upon him, and was just about to seize him when the force of his flight carried the Tunny on to a sandbank. In the heat of the chase the Dolphin followed him, and there they both lay out of the water, gasping for dear life. When the Tunny saw that his enemy was doomed like himself, he said, "I don't mind having to die now: for I see that he who is the cause of my death is about to share the same fate."

｛中文阅读｝

一条金枪鱼在水中急速穿行，而追赶他的海豚一直在后面穷追不舍，眼看着就要被海豚捉住了，金枪鱼猛然一跳，不料用劲太猛，让自己在岸边搁浅了。紧追不舍的海豚因为惯性也跟着金枪鱼一跳，同样搁浅在岸边。这时，金枪鱼看到敌人也像自己一样奄奄一息，便说：“现在，死对我来说已经无所谓了，因为我已亲眼看到，那个引我致死的家伙也与我一起同归于尽了。”

137

THE THREE TRADESMEN

三个工匠

The citizens of a certain city were debating about the best material to use in the fortifications which were about to be erected for the greater security of the town. A Carpenter got up and advised the use of wood, which he said was readily procurable and easily worked. A Stonemason objected to wood on the ground that it was so inflammable, and recommended stones instead. Then a Tanner got on his legs and said, "In my opinion there's nothing like leather."

Every man for himself.

｛中文阅读｝

某个城镇中的居民在讨论什么样的好材料才能用于对抗敌人的进攻，从而可以确保全城人的安全。一个木匠挺身而出，主张用木头作为防御材料，既随手可得又操作简单；一个石匠毅然反对，他说木头容易被点燃，太不安全了，而他则提议用石头。接着，一个皮匠站起来，说：“依我看来，没有什么能比皮子更适合做防御工事的材料了。”

人们都习惯于从自身角度考虑问题，总认为自己所熟悉的东西是最好的。

138

THE MOUSE AND THE BULL

老鼠和公牛

A Bull gave chase to a Mouse which had bitten him in the nose: but the Mouse was too quick for him and slipped into a hole in a wall. The Bull charged furiously into the wall again and again until he was tired out, and sank down on the ground exhausted with his efforts. When all was quiet, the Mouse darted out and bit him again. Beside himself with rage he started to his feet, but by that time the Mouse was back in his hole again, and he could do nothing but bellow and fume in helpless anger. Presently he heard a shrill little voice say from inside the wall, "You big fellows don't always have it your own way, you see: sometimes we little ones come off best."

The battle is not always to the strong.

｛中文阅读｝

一头公牛被老鼠咬了鼻子，到处追赶老鼠。但是，老鼠可比公牛跑得快多了，一下就溜进了墙边的洞里。气得公牛一次又一次地撞墙，最后累得筋疲力尽，一下就瘫在了地上。这时，小
老鼠一听没了动静，又跑出来再咬公牛。公牛狂怒，又开始用脚踢墙，而此时小老鼠早已跑回到洞里去了。除了大吼和无用的生闷气之外，公牛一筹莫展。不久，他听到一个微弱的声音从墙壁里传出来：“你这个大家伙也不能总逞强吧，你看，有时我们这样的小不点也会占上风的。”

强者并非总是战争的胜方。

139

THE HARE AND THE HOUND

野兔和猎狗

A Hound started a Hare from her form, and pursued her for some distance; but as she gradually gained upon him, he gave up the chase. A rustic who had seen the race met the Hound as he was returning, and taunted him with his defeat. "The little one was too much for you," said he. "Ah, well," said the Hound, "don't forget it's one thing to be running for your dinner, but quite another to be running for your life."

｛中文阅读｝

一条猎狗在追赶兔子，从兔窝边一直追出去好远。眼看着要追上兔子时，猎狗却放弃了。一个农民关注了整个过程，在路上遇见往回走的猎狗时，讥笑它是个失败者。“那个小家伙可比你强多了，”农民说。“噢，是吗？”猎狗说，“不要忘了，一个是仅为一顿饭在跑，而另一个则是为了一条命在跑。”

140

THE TOWN MOUSE AND THE COUNTRY MOUSE

城市鼠和乡下鼠

A Town Mouse and a Country Mouse were acquaintances, and the Country Mouse one day invited his friend to come and see him at his home in the fields. The Town Mouse came, and they sat down to a dinner of barleycorns and roots, the latter of which had a distinctly earthy flavour. The fare was not much to the taste of the guest, and presently he broke out with "My poor dear friend, you live here no better than the ants. Now, you should just see how I fare! My larder is a regular
horn of plenty. You must come and stay with me, and I promise you, you shall live on the fat of the land." So when he returned to town he took the Country Mouse with him, and showed him into a larder containing flour and oatmeal and figs and honey and dates. The Country Mouse had never seen anything like it, and sat down to enjoy the luxuries his friend provided: but before they had well begun, the door of the larder opened and some one came in. The two Mice scampered off and hid themselves in a narrow and exceedingly uncomfortable hole. Presently, when all was quiet, they ventured out again; but some one else came in, and off they scuttled again. This was too much for the visitor. "Good-bye," said he, "I'm off. You live in the lap of luxury, I can see, but you are surrounded by dangers; whereas at home I can enjoy my simple dinner of roots and corn in peace."

｛中文阅读｝

一只住在城里的老鼠和一只住在乡下的老鼠是好朋友。有一天，乡下鼠邀请城市老鼠到他的家里来玩，看看他那田地里的家。城里鼠如约而至，他们坐下来分享了以大麦粒和树根为主的晚餐，那些树根还带着一种独特的泥土气息。这些食物显然不太对客人的胃口，最后，客人忍不住脱口而出：“可怜的朋友，你在这里生活，比蚂蚁好不到哪里去。你真应该去看看我都吃些什么！我的储藏室里可都是好东西，你一定得来和我一起生活，我保证你一定会过上锦衣玉食的日子！”于是，城里鼠带着乡下鼠回到了城里，还让他欣赏了装满面粉、燕麦、无花果、蜂蜜和大
枣的储藏室。乡下鼠从未见过这么多的美食，坐下来好好欣赏着朋友提供的这些佳肴，就在他们正要开始吃的时候，储藏室的门被打开了，有人走了进来。两只老鼠立刻惊慌而逃，赶紧钻进了一个窄小的鼠洞。不久，储藏室里又恢复了平静，他们接着跑出来，不过，接着又有人进屋来拿东西。乡下来的客人可不习惯这种躲躲藏藏的生活方式。“再见了，朋友！”他说，“我要走了。你的确是过着锦衣玉食的日子，我已经看到了，但是你却时刻处在危险之中，而我还是回家去平平安安地享受那简单的树根和大麦吧。”

141

THE LION AND THE BULL

狮子和公牛

A Lion saw a fine fat Bull pasturing among a herd of cattle and cast about for some means of getting him into his clutches; so he sent him word that he was sacrificing a sheep, and asked if he would do him the honour of dining with him. The Bull accepted the invitation, but, on arriving at the Lion's den, he saw a great array of saucepans and spits, but no sign of a sheep; so he turned on his heel and walked quietly away. The Lion called after him in an injured tone to ask the reason, and the Bull turned round and said, "I have reason enough. When I saw all your preparations it struck me at once that the victim was to be a Bull and not a sheep."

The net is spread in vain in sight of the bird.

｛中文阅读｝

狮子看见牛群中有一头体态肥硕的公牛在吃草，便思忖着用什么方法能让公牛受骗上当。于是，狮子对公牛说自己杀了一只羊，并问他是否愿意赏光，和自己共同分享这只羊。公牛接受
了邀请，但是当公牛向着狮子的巢穴走时，只看到了炖锅和水，根本没看见羊的痕迹。于是，他一声不吭地转身走了。狮子在他身后大喊，带着受伤的语气询问原因，而公牛则转身说：“我的理由很充分，一看到你准备的那些东西，我就惊呆了，那个受害者可能不是一只羊，而是一头公牛。”

网虽然张开，但对心知肚明的鸟来说，却是徒劳。

142

THE WOLF, THE FOX, AND THE APE

狼、狐狸和猿猴

A Wolf charged a Fox with theft, which he denied, and the case was brought before an Ape to be tried. When he had heard the evidence on both sides, the Ape gave judgment as follows: "I do not think," he said, "that you, O Wolf, ever lost what you claim; but all the same I believe that you, Fox, are guilty of the theft, in spite of all your denials."

The dishonest get no credit, even if they act honestly.

｛中文阅读｝

一只狼指责狐狸偷了他的东西，而狐狸却根本不承认，于是，他们请猿猴来裁决。他们双方各自陈述了理由后，猿猴给出了如下裁决：“狼，我认为你没有丢失什么东西;但同时我也相信，狐狸即使偷过东西，也死不承认。”

不诚实的人，即使行为端正，也没有信用。

143

THE EAGLE AND THE COCKS

老鹰和公鸡

There were two Cocks in the same farmyard, and they fought to decide who should be master. When the fight was over, the beaten one went and hid himself in a dark corner; while the victor flew up on to the roof of the stables and crowed lustily. But an Eagle espied him from high up in the sky, and swooped down and carried him off. Forthwith the other Cock came out of his corner and ruled the roost without a rival.

Pride comes before a fall.

｛中文阅读｝

两只公鸡生活在同一个场院里，为争当主人而打了起来。战争结束后，落败的一方躲进了一个黑暗的角落；而胜者则飞到棚顶上兴奋地大喊大叫。然而，一只鹰突然从天而降，冲下来抓走了他。这时，那只被打败的公鸡立刻从角落里跑出来，独自占领了整个鸡窝。

骄兵必败。

144

THE ESCAPED JACKDAW

逃跑的寒鸦

A Man caught a Jackdaw and tied a piece of string to one of its legs, and then gave it to his children for a pet. But the Jackdaw didn't at all like having to live with people; so, after a while, when he seemed to have become fairly tame and they didn't watch him so closely, he slipped away and flew back to his old haunts. Unfortunately, the string was still on his leg, and before long it got entangled in the branches of a tree and the Jackdaw couldn't get free, try as he would. He saw it was all up with him, and cried in despair, "Alas, in gaining my freedom I have lost my life."

｛中文阅读｝

有人捕捉到一只寒鸦，并用麻绳绑住了他的一只脚，然后给孩子当宠物玩。可是，寒鸦很不愿意与人一起生活。过了一段时间后，当他看上去似乎已经被驯服了时，人们便不再密切监视他了。于是，寒鸦趁机逃出去，飞回了自己的老巢。不幸的是，他的腿上依然还绑着那根绳子，很快便被树枝缠住再也飞不起来了。看到自己性命无保，寒鸦绝望地哭喊道：“唉，为了获得自由，我竟丢失了性命。”

145

THE FARMER AND THE FOX

农夫和狐狸

A Farmer was greatly annoyed by a Fox, which came prowling about his yard at night and carried off his fowls. So he set a trap for him and caught him; and in order to be revenged upon him, he tied a bunch of tow to his tail and set fire to it and let him go. As ill-luck would have it, however, the Fox made straight for the fields where the corn was standing ripe and ready for cutting. It quickly caught fire and was all burnt up, and the Farmer lost all his harvest.

Revenge is a two-edged sword.

｛中文阅读｝

有个农夫受到了狐狸无尽的骚扰，因为狐狸经常在夜里到他的院子里偷鸡。于是，他设置了一个捕获狐狸的圈套。为了能狠狠地报复一下狐狸，农夫在狐狸的尾巴上绑了一捆麻绳，然后点上火，让狐狸在院子里上蹿下跳。然而，厄运却降临了，狐狸径直跑到农夫的田地里，正待收割的庄稼地迅即成了一片火海。最终，农夫颗粒无收。

复仇是把双刃剑。

146

VENUS AND THE CAT

维纳斯和猫

A Cat fell in love with a handsome young man, and begged the goddess Venus to change her into a woman. Venus was very gracious about it, and changed her at once into a beautiful maiden, whom the young man fell in love with at first sight and shortly afterwards married. One day Venus thought she would like to see whether the Cat had changed her habits as well as her form; so she let a mouse run loose in the room where they were. Forgetting everything, the young woman had no sooner seen the mouse than up she jumped and was after it like a shot: at which the goddess was so disgusted that she changed her back again into a Cat.

｛中文阅读｝

一只母猫爱上了一个英俊的青年男子，请求爱神维纳斯将自己变成一个女人。仁慈的爱神维纳斯同意了她的请求，立即将她变成了一个美丽的少女。青年男子对她一见钟情，很快两人就结婚了。有一天，维纳斯想去看看那只变身后的猫是否也改变了以往的习性，便将一只老鼠放进了他们的房子里。年轻女子把现在的身份忘得一干二净，一见到老鼠，便立刻跳下床去追。爱神见此十分气愤，又将母猫变回了原来的模样。

147

THE CROW AND THE SWAN

乌鸦和天鹅

A Crow was filled with envy on seeing the beautiful white plumage of a Swan, and thought it was due to the water in which the Swan constantly bathed and swam. So he left the neighbour hood of the altars, where he got his living by picking up bits of the meat offered in sacrifice, and went and lived among the pools and streams. But though he bathed and washed his feathers many times a day, he didn't make them any whiter, and at last died of hunger into the bargain.

You may change your habits, but not your nature.

｛中文阅读｝

一只乌鸦非常妒忌白天鹅那美丽的羽翼，以为那一身漂亮的白色羽毛是由于经常在水中游泳和洗浴而得来的。于是，乌鸦便离开了靠着肉类祭祀品而赖以谋生的祭坛，前往池塘和溪流中居住。可是，尽管他日日勤于在水中梳洗自己的羽毛，却总也不能使其变成白色，反而因忍饥挨饿而死去。

你可以改变习惯，却很难改变本质。

148

THE STAG WITH ONE EYE

独眼鹿

A Stag, blind of one eye, was grazing close to the sea-shore and kept his sound eye turned towards the land, so as to be able to perceive the approach of the hounds, while the blind eye he turned towards the sea, never suspecting that any danger would threaten him from that quarter. As it fell out, however, some sailors, coasting along the shore, spied him and shot an arrow at him, by which he was mortally wounded. As he lay dying, he said to himself, "Wretch that I am! I bethought me of the dangers of the land, whence none assailed me: but I feared no peril from the sea, yet thence has come my ruin."

Misfortune often assails us from an unexpected quarter.

｛中文阅读｝

有一只瞎了一只眼的鹿，在靠近海边的草场游荡，他用那只好眼睛注视着陆地，以防备猎人的攻击，而用那只瞎了的眼对着大海，以为海上不会对他有什么危险。然而，正从海上经过此处的几个水手看见了这头鹿，一箭射倒了他。鹿受了致命重伤，将要咽气的时候，他自言自语地说：“我真是不幸！我确信地上会有危险，可是却什么也没发生；而我以为大海这面没什么危险，但是却要了我的命。”

不幸经常从出人意料的地方攻击我们。

149

THE FLY AND THE DRAUGHT-MULE

苍蝇和拉车的骡子

A Fly sat on one of the shafts of a cart and said to the Mule who was pulling it, "How slow you are! Do mend your pace, or I shall have to use my sting as a goad." The Mule was not in the least disturbed. "Behind me, in the cart," said he, "sits my master. He holds the reins, and flicks me with his whip, and him I obey, but I don't want any of your impertinence. _I_ know when I may dawdle and when I may not."

｛中文阅读｝

一只苍蝇坐在马车的车轴上，对拉车的骡子说：“你走得太慢了！再走快一点，不然我就要咬你一下，来刺激你了。”骡子丝毫没有感到不安。“主人正坐在我身后的马车上，”骡子说，“他握着缰绳，而且还会用鞭子来抽打我。我只遵从他的命令，不需要你来指指点点。我很清楚什么时候该快，什么时候该慢。”

150

THE COCK AND THE JEWEL

公鸡和宝石

A Cock, scratching the ground for something to eat, turned up a Jewel that had by chance been dropped there. "Ho!" said he, "a fine thing you are, no doubt, and, had your owner found you, great would his joy have been. But for me! give me a single grain of corn before all the jewels in the world."

｛中文阅读｝

一只公鸡在田野里觅食，突然发现了一块宝玉，不知是谁不小心掉在这里了。公鸡说道：“哇，你可真漂亮，要是你的主人找到了你，肯定会喜出望外。不过，对我来说，你却毫无用处。与其得到世界上的所有珠宝，还不如得到一颗麦子更好。”

151

THE WOLF AND THE SHEPHERD

狼和牧羊人

A Wolf hung about near a flock of sheep for a long time, but made no attempt to molest them. The Shepherd at first kept a sharp eye on him, for he naturally thought he meant mischief: but as time went by and the Wolf showed no inclination to meddle with the flock, he began to look upon him more as a protector than as an enemy: and when one day some errand took him to the city, he felt no uneasiness at leaving the Wolf with the sheep. But as soon as his back was turned the Wolf attacked them and killed the greater number. When the Shepherd returned and saw the havoc he had wrought, he cried, "It serves me right for trusting my flock to a Wolf."

｛中文阅读｝

一只狼跟在羊群后面很长时间了，但是却没有打扰他们。起先，牧羊人一直提心吊胆地盯着狼，因为他本能地以为狼是个坏蛋。可是随着时间的推移，狼却丝毫没有要攻击羊群的迹象，牧羊人便以为这是一个保护者，而非敌对者。终于有一天，牧羊人要进城办事，便把羊群留给狼守护。然而，就在牧羊人刚转身走开时，狼就袭击了羊群，并且杀死了大部分羊。牧羊人回来后，见此情景十分后悔，哭喊道：“我竟然把羊群托付给一只狼，真是活该呀！”

152

THE FARMER AND THE STORK

农夫和鹳

A Farmer set some traps in a field which he had lately sown with corn, in order to catch the cranes which came to pick up the seed. When he returned to look at his traps he found several cranes caught, and among them a Stork, which begged to be let go, and said, "You ought not to kill me: I am not a crane, but a Stork, as you can easily see by my feathers, and I am the most honest and harmless of birds." But the Farmer replied, "It's nothing to me what you are: I find you among these cranes, who ruin my crops, and, like them, you shall suffer."

If you choose bad companions no one will believe that you are anything but bad yourself.

｛中文阅读｝

为了捉住那些前来偷吃种子的鹤，农夫在刚刚播种的田里布下许多陷阱。等农夫再来检查陷阱时，发现几只鹤被捉住了，其中还有一只鹳。鹳哀求农夫放了自己，他说：“你不应该杀了我，因为我又不是鹤，而是一只鹳，你仔细看看我的羽毛，就明白我与鹤完全不同了。我是最诚实的鸟儿，从不伤害别人。”然而，农夫却说：“你究竟是什么，对我来说并不重要，但是我在网中发现了你，那你就得和这些毁了庄稼的鹤一起受苦了。”

如果你选择与坏人为伍，没有人会相信你是好人。

153

THE CHARGER AND THE MILLER

战马和磨坊主

A Horse, who had been used to carry his rider into battle, felt himself growing old and chose to work in a mill instead. He now no longer found himself stepping out proudly to the beating of the drums, but was compelled to slave away all day grinding the corn. Bewailing his hard lot, he said one day to the Miller, "Ah me! I was once a splendid war-horse, gaily caparisoned, and attended by a groom whose sole duty was to see to my wants. How different is my present condition! I wish I had never given up the battlefield for the mill." The Miller replied with asperity, "It's no use your regretting the past. Fortune has many ups and downs: you must just take them as they come."

｛中文阅读｝

一匹曾经驮着主人驰骋沙场的战马，感到自己年事已高，便选择离开战场，到一个磨坊里去工作。他发现自己再也无法在听到战鼓雷鸣时昂头挺胸地前进了，只能被迫埋头于终日磨谷子的劳作之中。战马垂头丧气地哀叹着自己的命运，有一天，他对磨坊主说：“唉，我曾经可是一匹光彩照人的战马，不仅披着华丽的战袍，而且还有专门的马倌照顾我。现如今，我这是什么下场呀！真希望我当初没有离开战场，为什么要到这个磨坊来呀。”磨坊主粗暴地回答说：“不必追悔过去，命运总会有所起伏，随缘而安就好了。”

154

THE GRASSHOPPER AND THE OWL

蚂蚱和猫头鹰

An Owl, who lived in a hollow tree, was in the habit of feeding by night and sleeping by day; but her slumbers were greatly disturbed by the chirping of a Grasshopper, who had taken up his abode in the branches. She begged him repeatedly to have some consideration for her comfort, but the Grasshopper, if anything, only chirped the louder. At last the Owl could stand it no longer, but determined to rid herself of the pest by means of a trick. Addressing herself to the Grasshopper, she said in her pleasantest manner, "As I cannot sleep for your song, which, believe me, is as sweet as the notes of Apollo's lyre, I have a mind to taste some nectar, which Minerva gave me the other day. Won't you come in and join me?" The Grasshopper was flattered by the praise of his song, and his mouth, too, watered at the mention of the delicious drink, so he said he would be delighted. No sooner had he got inside the hollow where the Owl was sitting than she pounced upon him and ate him up.

｛中文阅读｝

栖息在一棵枯树上的猫头鹰，习惯于晚上觅食、白天睡觉。
可是，她白天却也睡不好，一只早已在树丛间做窝的蚂蚱总发出啁啾声，吵得她无法入睡。猫头鹰不断地请求蚂蚱考虑一下她的情况，可蚂蚱却仍然大声叫个不停。最后，猫头鹰再也受不了了，决定设计除掉蚂蚱。于是，猫头鹰装出一副高兴样，对蚂蚱说：“尽管我被你的歌声惊扰，睡不着觉，但是请相信我，你的歌声如同阿波罗神的七弦琴一样动听。我正想喝一点美味琼浆，这可是密涅瓦（智慧女神，即希腊神话中的雅典娜）送给我的。你要不要上来和我一起享用呢？”蚂蚱正得意于猫头鹰对自己歌声的奉承，一听到有琼浆玉液，嘴巴里就开始流口水了，所以，他很高兴地接受了邀请。待他刚一飞上去，猫头鹰就从树洞中冲出来，扑过去抓住蚂蚱，吃掉了他。

155

THE GRASSHOPPER AND THE ANTS

蚂蚱和蚂蚁

One fine day in winter some Ants were busy drying their store of corn, which had got rather damp during a long spell of rain. Presently up came a Grasshopper and begged them to spare her a few grains, "For," she said, "I'm simply starving." The Ants stopped work for a moment, though this was against their principles. "May we ask," said they, "what you were doing with yourself all last summer? Why didn't you collect a store of food for the winter?" "The fact is," replied the Grasshopper, "I was so busy singing that I hadn't the time." "If you spent the summer singing," replied the Ants, "you can't do better than spend the winter dancing." And they chuckled and went on with their work.

｛中文阅读｝

冬天一个温暖如春的日子里，蚂蚁们正忙着晒干自己存储的粮食。由于下了很长时间的雨，粮食已经非常潮湿了。这时，来了一只蚂蚱，向他们乞讨一点粮食。“因为，”蚂蚱说，“我实在是饿坏了。”尽管有点违背原则，但蚂蚁们还是停下了手头的工作。“我们能问你一下吗？”他们说，“整个夏天你都在做些什么呢？为什么不为冬天储存一些粮食呢？”“实际上，”蚂蚱回答道，“我一直在忙着唱歌，根本没有时间存储粮食。”“如果你整个夏天都在唱歌，”蚂蚁们回答道，“那么，你最好在冬天就忙着跳舞吧。”他们哈哈大笑起来，继续忙于各自的工作。

156

THE FARMER AND THE VIPER

农夫与蛇

One winter a Farmer found a Viper frozen and numb with cold, and out of pity picked it up and placed it in his bosom. The Viper was no sooner revived by the warmth than it turned upon its benefactor and inflicted a fatal bite upon him; and as the poor man lay dying, he cried, "I have only got what I deserved, for taking compassion on so villainous a creature."

Kindness is thrown away upon the evil.

｛中文阅读｝

在一个冬日，农夫发现了一条冻僵了的蛇，出于同情心，农夫便把蛇放在自己怀里。蛇感觉到一点温暖苏醒过来，立刻就冲着恩人咬了一大口，使他受到了致命的伤害。这个可怜的农夫在临死前说：“这是我应得的报应，竟然会怜悯一个罪大恶极的生灵。”

在邪恶面前，仁慈应被抛开。

157

THE TWO FROGS

两只青蛙

Two Frogs were neighbours. One lived in a marsh, where there was plenty of water, which frogs love: the other in a lane some distance away, where all the water to be had was that which lay in the ruts after rain. The Marsh Frog warned his friend and pressed him to come and live with him in the marsh, for he would find his quarters there far more comfortable and—what was still more important—more safe. But the other refused, saying that he could not bring himself to move from a place to which he had become accustomed. A few days afterwards a heavy waggon came down the lane, and he was crushed to death under the wheels.

｛中文阅读｝

两只青蛙比邻而居。一只住在青蛙们钟爱的湿地里，另一只却住在稍微远一点的一条小路上，只有下过雨后，那里才能形成一个小水洼。住在湿地里的青蛙提醒并督促自己的朋友，尽快搬到湿地这边来住，因为这里十分舒适，更重要的是，这里更安全。可是，另一只青蛙却拒绝了，说自己不想离开已经习惯了的地方。结果，没过几天，一辆载着重物的货车经过小路，而这只青蛙不幸被车轮碾死了。

158

THE COBBLER TURNED DOCTOR

修鞋匠行医

A very unskilful Cobbler, finding himself unable to make a living at his trade, gave up mending boots and took to doctoring instead. He gave out that he had the secret of a universal antidote against all poisons, and acquired no small reputation, thanks to his talent for puffing himself. One day, however, he fell very ill; and the King of the country bethought him that he would test the value of his remedy. Calling, therefore, for a cup, he poured out a dose of the antidote, and, under pretence of mixing poison with it, added a little water, and commanded him to drink it. Terrified by the fear of being poisoned, the Cobbler confessed that he knew nothing about medicine, and that his antidote was worthless. Then the King summoned his subjects and addressed them as follows: "What folly could be greater than yours? Here is this Cobbler to whom no one will send his boots to be mended, and yet you have not hesitated to entrust him with your lives!"

｛中文阅读｝

一个手艺不怎么样的鞋匠发现自己无法靠修鞋来维持生计，便放弃了补鞋的活，改行做起了医生。他对外宣称自己有一个可
祛百毒的解药秘方，因为出色的吹牛本领，他骗取了人们的信任，赢得了好名声。然而，有一天，他自己得了重病。国王想借此试验一下他的药效，因此便叫人拿来一个杯子，倒了一点他的解药，然后加了些水，谎称这是毒药，随后又命令他喝下去。补鞋匠担心会中毒，便承认自己并不懂什么医药知识，而那个解药也一无是处。国王便召集起所有臣民，对他们说：“你们简直都愚笨至极，这就是那个没人愿意让他给补靴子的修鞋匠，而你们竟然毫不犹豫地将自己的性命托付给他！”

159

THE ASS, THE COCK, AND THE LION

驴、公鸡和狮子

An Ass and a Cock were in a cattle-pen together. Presently a Lion, who had been starving for days, came along and was just about to fall upon the Ass and make a meal of him when the Cock, rising to his full height and flapping his wings vigorously, uttered a tremendous crow. Now, if there is one thing that frightens a Lion, it is the crowing of a Cock: and this one had no sooner heard the noise than he fled. The Ass was mightily elated at this, and thought that, if the Lion couldn't face a Cock, he would be still less likely to stand up to an Ass: so he ran out and pursued him. But when the two had got well out of sight and hearing of the Cock, the Lion suddenly turned upon the Ass and ate him up.

False confidence often leads to disaster.

｛中文阅读｝

一头驴和一只公鸡在牛圈里一起生活。不久，一只饿了好几天的狮子走过来，想要逮一头驴当饭吃。这时，公鸡站起来，
扑腾着翅膀大叫了起来。假如真有什么东西能使狮子害怕的话，那一定是公鸡扑腾着翅膀的大叫声。而驴却因此而洋洋自得，心想如果狮子都不敢面对一只小公鸡，那就更不敢面对一头驴了。于是，他立即跑出去追赶狮子。然而，等他们跑远了，听不到公鸡的叫声时，狮子猛然转过身来，把驴吃掉了。

盲目的自信通常会导致失败。

160

THE BELLY AND THE MEMBERS

胃和体内的各器官

The Members of the Body once rebelled against the Belly. "You," they said to the Belly, "live in luxury and sloth, and never do a stroke of work; while we not only have to do all the hard work there is to be done, but are actually your slaves and have to minister to all your wants. Now, we will do so no longer, and you can shift for yourself for the future." They were as good as their word, and left the Belly to starve. The result was just what might have been expected: the whole Body soon began to fail, and the Members and all shared in the general collapse. And then they saw too late how foolish they had been.

｛中文阅读｝

有一次，人体内的各个器官集体抗议胃。他们说：“你过着享受的日子，又很懒惰，从来没有干过什么活，而我们不仅要承担繁重的必要工作，还得甘当你的奴隶，为满足你的各种欲望而服务。从现在起，我们什么也不做了，你自力更生吧。”他们的确说到做到了，胃只得一直挨饿。而结果可能是他们早已预料到的——整个身体很快就虚弱下来，体内的各个器官也跟着一起衰弱下来。他们这才悔恨自己的愚蠢，可为时已晚了。

161

THE BALD MAN AND THE FLY

秃子和苍蝇

A Fly settled on the head of a Bald Man and bit him. In his eagerness to kill it, he hit himself a smart slap. But the Fly escaped, and said to him in derision, "You tried to kill me for just one little bite; what will you do to yourself now, for the heavy smack you have just given yourself?" "Oh, for that blow I bear no grudge," he replied, "for I never intended myself any harm; but as for you, you contemptible insect, who live by sucking human blood, I'd have borne a good deal more than that for the satisfaction of dashing the life out of you!"

｛中文阅读｝

一只苍蝇落在一个秃顶的男人头上，还咬了他一口。带着想杀死它的迫切心情，男人猛打了自己一下。但是，苍蝇却逃脱了，并且嘲笑他说：“就因为我小小地咬了你一口，你就想杀死我。看看你现在都干了些什么，反倒狠狠地打了自己。”“噢，我打自己倒不怨恨，”那个人答道，“因为我从来没有想过伤害自己，而你却是一个以吸吮人类鲜血为生的卑鄙家伙，要了你的命，才会让我舒服点！”

162

THE ASS AND THE WOLF

驴和狼

An Ass was feeding in a meadow, and, catching sight of his enemy the Wolf in the distance, pretended to be very lame and hobbled painfully along. When the Wolf came up, he asked the Ass how he came to be so lame, and the Ass replied that in going through a hedge he had trodden on a thorn, and he begged the Wolf to pull it out with his teeth, "In case," he said, "when you eat me, it should stick in your throat and hurt you very much." The Wolf said he would, and told the Ass to lift up his foot, and gave his whole mind to getting out the thorn. But the Ass suddenly let out with his heels and fetched the Wolf a fearful kick in the mouth, breaking his teeth; and then he galloped off at full speed. As soon as he could speak the Wolf growled to himself, "It serves me right: my father taught me to kill, and I ought to have stuck to that trade instead of attempting to cure."

｛中文阅读｝

一头驴正在牧场里吃草，看见远处有一只狼向他跑来，便装出瘸腿的样子，独自徐徐前行。狼走过来，问驴为何一瘸一拐，驴则回答说自己在越过篱笆时脚掌被刺扎伤，并且还请求狼
用牙齿帮他拔掉刺。“只是以防万一，”驴说，“你吃我的时候，这根刺有可能会卡在你的喉咙里，会弄疼你的。”狼信以为真，便让驴抬起腿来，好让他全力拨出那根刺。然而，驴突然抬腿用脚后跟对准狼的嘴使劲一蹬，踢碎了狼的牙齿，接着便全速跑开了。刚能开口讲话，狼就咆哮道：“我真活该！爸爸教我要杀死它，我真应该乖乖听话，怎么还想去救他呢？”

163

THE MONKEY AND THE CAMEL

猴子和骆驼

At a gathering of all the beasts the Monkey gave an exhibition of dancing and entertained the company vastly. There was great applause at the finish, which excited the envy of the Camel and made him desire to win the favour of the assembly by the same means. So he got up from his place and began dancing, but he cut such a ridiculous figure as he plunged about, and made such a grotesque exhibition of his ungainly person, that the beasts all fell upon him with ridicule and drove him away.

｛中文阅读｝

在一次百兽集会上，猴子兴奋地载歌载舞，大获赞赏。待表演完后，百兽个个为之喝彩。骆驼十分嫉妒猴子，就想用同样的方式也赢得大家的喝彩。于是，他站了起来，开始显示自己的舞技，他那怪异的姿态真是洋相百出。结果，因为这不雅的表演，百兽们哄他下台，并把他赶跑了。

164

THE SICK MAN AND THE DOCTOR

病人和医生

A Sick Man received a visit from his Doctor, who asked him how he was. "Fairly well, Doctor," said he, "but I find I sweat a great deal." "Ah," said the Doctor, "that's a good sign." On his next visit he asked the same question, and his patient replied, "I'm much as usual, but I've taken to having shivering fits, which leave me cold all over." "Ah," said the Doctor, "that's a good sign too." When he came the third time and inquired as before about his patient's health, the Sick Man said that he felt very feverish. "A very good sign," said the Doctor; "you are doing very nicely indeed." Afterwards a friend came to see the invalid, and on asking him how he did, received this reply: "My dear friend, I'm dying of good signs."

｛中文阅读｝

有个人生了病，请医生来看病，医生问他感觉如何。“还好，医生，”他说，“就是发现有点出汗过多。”医生说：“这是好事。”第二次来看病人时，医生又问他同样的问题，他回答说：“和以前差不多，就是有点发抖，总感觉冷。”医生又说：“这也是好现象。”医生第三次来看他，又询问他的健康状况时，病人说感觉自己在发烧。“非常好的现象，”医生说，“其实，你的身体很正常。”随后，病人的一个朋友来看他，并且问他感觉如何，他说：“我就要因为这些好现象而丧命了。”

165

THE TRAVELLERS AND THE PLANE-TREE

旅人和法国梧桐树

Two Travellers were walking along a bare and dusty road in the heat of a summer's day. Coming presently to a Plane-tree, they joyfully turned aside to shelter from the burning rays of the sun in the deep shade of its spreading branches. As they rested, looking up into the tree, one of them remarked to his companion, "What a useless tree the Plane is! It bears no fruit and is of no service to man at all." The Plane-tree interrupted him with indignation. "You ungrateful creature!" it cried: "you come and take shelter under me from the scorching sun, and then, in the very act of enjoying the cool shade of my foliage, you abuse me and call me good for nothing!"

Many a service is met with ingratitude.

｛中文阅读｝

夏季里的一天，正值中午酷热难耐时，两个行人走在空旷且尘土飞扬的马路上。不久，他们来到一棵梧桐树下，躺在茂密树叶遮蔽的阴凉地里休息，从而躲避太阳的毒晒。在休息时，他
们抬头看着枝叶四散的大树，其中一人对同伴说：“这棵树没什么用处呀！它没有结果，对人类没有什么好处。”梧桐树生气地打断了他们的谈话。“你们这些不知好歹的家伙！”它吼道，“你们走过来在这里寻找遮挡太阳的避难所，一边享受着我的树叶带来的阴凉，一边还骂我，说我是无用之材！”

好心提供帮助，却遇上了忘恩负义之徒。

166

THE FLEA AND THE OX

跳蚤和公牛

A Flea once said to an Ox, "How comes it that a big strong fellow like you is content to serve mankind, and do all their hard work for them, while I, who am no bigger than you see, live on their bodies and drink my fill of their blood, and never do a stroke for it all?" To which the Ox replied, "Men are very kind to me, and so I am grateful to them: they feed and house me well, and every now and then they show their fondness for me by patting me on the head and neck." "They'd pat me, too," said the Flea, "if I let them: but I take good care they don't, or there would be nothing left of me."

｛中文阅读｝

有一次，跳蚤问公牛：“像你这般高大强壮的家伙，竟然满足于终日为人类服务，为他们付出辛勤的劳动；而像我这样连你都看不清楚的小虫子，却在人类的肉体上生活，毫无顾忌地吸他们的鲜血，什么劳动也不用付出，你怎么会受得了呢？”公牛回答说：“人类对我很好，所以我很感激他们。他们给我吃的，给我住的，还经常抚摸、拍打我的头和脖子，以示喜爱。”“他们也打我，”跳蚤说，“如果我愿意挨打的话，可是，我很小心地不让他们打我，否则，我的小命可就保不住了。”

167

THE BIRDS, THE BEASTS, AND THE BAT

鸟、兽和蝙蝠

The Birds were at war with the Beasts, and many battles were fought with varying success on either side. The Bat did not throw in his lot definitely with either party, but when things went well for the Birds he was found fighting in their ranks; when, on the other hand, the Beasts got the upper hand, he was to be found among the Beasts. No one paid any attention to him while the war lasted: but when it was over, and peace was restored, neither the Birds nor the Beasts would have anything to do with so double-faced a traitor, and so he remains to this day a solitary outcast from both.

｛中文阅读｝

鸟类和野兽开战了，双方各有胜负，都没占到什么便宜。蝙蝠显然没有明确地加入到任何一方之中，而总是依附强的一方。当鸟类占上风时，就会发现他在鸟群中；而当兽类占上风时，他又跑到了兽群之中。在战争过程中，谁也没有注意到他。然而，战争一结束，鸟和兽宣告和平相处时，都不想要蝙蝠这样的两面派。所以，从此以后，蝙蝠总在白天躲起来，让双方都看不到他。

168

THE EAGLE, THE JACKDAW, AND THE SHEPHERD

老鹰、寒鸦和牧羊人

One day a Jackdaw saw an Eagle swoop down on a lamb and carry it off in its talons. "My word," said the Jackdaw, "I'll do that myself." So it flew high up into the air, and then came shooting down with a great whirring of wings on to the back of a big ram. It had no sooner alighted than its claws got caught fast in the wool, and nothing it could do was of any use: there it stuck, flapping away, and only making things worse instead of better. By and by up came the Shepherd. "Oho," he said, "so that's what you'd be doing, is it?" And he took the Jackdaw, and clipped its wings and carried it home to his children. It looked so odd that they didn't know what to make of it. "What sort of bird is it, father?" they asked. "It's a Jackdaw," he replied, "and nothing but a Jackdaw: but it wants to be taken for an Eagle."

If you attempt what is beyond your power, your trouble will be wasted and you court not only misfortune but ridicule.

｛中文阅读｝

有一天，一只寒鸦看到老鹰从高岩上直飞而下，抓起一只羊羔就飞走了。“我的天呀，”寒鸦说，“我也要试试。”于是，他飞上高空，接着又扑腾着翅膀俯冲下来，扑通一声猛扑到一只公羊背上。刚一飞下来，它的爪子就被羊毛缠住了，无论如何也拔不出来。尽管他使劲拍打着翅膀，可仍然被卡在那里，不但于事无补，反倒更加糟糕了。不久，牧羊人走过来了。“哦，”他说，“这就是你想做的事情，是吗？”他拿起寒鸦，剪断了他的翅膀，带回家给孩子玩。寒鸦的样子非常奇怪，孩子们都不知道它是什么东西。“爸爸，这是一种什么鸟呀？”孩子们问道。牧羊人回答道：“这是一只寒鸦，只不过是一只寒鸦而已，可他却想当一只老鹰。”

如果你想做些超出自己能力范围之外的事，不但徒劳无功，还会给自己带来不幸和世人的嘲笑。

169

THE WOLF AND THE BOY

狼和男孩

A Wolf, who had just enjoyed a good meal and was in a playful mood, caught sight of a Boy lying flat upon the ground, and, realising that he was trying to hide, and that it was fear of himself that made him do this, he went up to him and said, "Aha, I've found you, you see; but if you can say three things to me, the truth of which cannot be disputed, I will spare your life." The Boy plucked up courage and thought for a moment, and then he said, "First, it is a pity you saw me; secondly, I was a fool to let myself be seen; and thirdly, we all hate wolves because they are always making unprovoked attacks upon our flocks." The Wolf replied, "Well, what you say is true enough from your point of view; so you may go."

｛中文阅读｝

刚刚饱餐了一顿的狼正欣喜万分，这时，他看见一个男孩平躺在地上，并且意识到男孩正想藏起来，因为男孩害怕狼。他走到男孩跟前，说：“啊哈，你注意到我发现你了，不过，如果你能对我说出三件无可争议的事情来，我就饶了你的命。”男孩鼓起勇气，想了一会儿，说：“首先，很可惜，你看见了我；其次，我很傻，竟然被你看见了；第三，我们都讨厌狼，因为他们总会无端攻击我们的羊群。”狼回答说：“嗯，从你的角度来看，你所说的都是事实，所以你可以走了。”

170

THE MILLER, HIS SON, AND THEIR ASS

父亲、儿子和驴

A Miller, accompanied by his young Son, was driving his Ass to market in hopes of finding a purchaser for him. On the road they met a troop of girls, laughing and talking, who exclaimed, "Did you ever see such a pair of fools? To be trudging along the dusty road when they might be riding!" The Miller thought there was sense in what they said; so he made his Son mount the Ass, and himself walked at the side. Presently they met some of his old cronies, who greeted them and said,
"You'll spoil that Son of yours, letting him ride while you toil along on foot! Make him walk, young lazybones! It'll do him all the good in the world."

The Miller followed their advice, and took his Son's place on the back of the Ass while the boy trudged along behind. They had not gone far when they overtook a party of women and children, and the Miller heard them say, "What a selfish old man! He himself rides in comfort, but lets his poor little boy follow as best he can on his own legs!"

So he made his Son get up behind him. Further along the road they
met some travellers, who asked the Miller whether the Ass he was riding was his own property, or a beast hired for the occasion.

He replied that it was his own, and that he was taking it to market to sell. "Good heavens!" said they, "with a load like that the poor beast will be so exhausted by the time he gets there that no one will look at him. Why, you'd do better to carry him!" "Anything to please you," said the old man, "we can but try." So they got off, tied the Ass's legs together with a rope and slung him on a pole, and at last reached the town, carrying him between them. This was so absurd a sight that the people ran out in crowds to laugh at it, and chaffed the Father and Son
unmercifully, some even calling them lunatics.

They had then got to a bridge over the river, where the Ass, frightened by the noise and his unusual situation, kicked and struggled till he broke the ropes that bound him, and fell into the water and was drowned. Whereupon the unfortunate Miller, vexed and ashamed, made the best of his way home again, convinced that in trying to please all he had pleased none, and had lost his Ass into the bargain.

｛中文阅读｝

磨坊主和小儿子牵着一头驴到邻近的市场上，希望能给驴找到一个新主人。在路上，他们遇见了几个女孩子，她们笑着说：“你们看见过这样的傻瓜吗，放着驴不骑，却要在尘土飞扬的路上走！”磨坊主心想，她们说得有点道理，于是就让儿子骑上驴，自己则牵着驴走。走了一会，他们遇到了几个老朋友，打过招呼后，朋友们说：“你把儿子宠坏了，竟然让他骑在驴上，
而你却在地上辛辛苦苦地走！让他下来，这个小懒骨头！这样才对他有好处。”

磨坊主听从了他们的建议，便叫儿子下来，自己骑了上去。没走多远，他们又遇到一群妇女和孩子，磨坊主又听他们说：“这个老头可真自私，自己舒服地骑在驴上，让那可怜的孩子一路跟着跑！”

于是，磨坊主立刻又叫儿子坐到他后面。又往前走了一段路后，他们又遇到了几个路人，他们问磨坊主胯下的这头驴子是自己的，还是临时租的。

磨坊主说是自己的，正要去市场卖掉驴。“天啊！”他们说，“驮着你们俩一路走来，这个可怜的牲口看上去已经筋疲力尽了，等它到了市场里，估计没人愿意多看它一眼。也许你们抬着它去市场更好些！”“只要你高兴就好，”磨坊主说，“我们可以试一下。”于是，他和儿子一起跳下驴，用绳子绑好驴的四条腿，并用一根木棍挑起驴，最后父子俩终于抬着驴来到了镇上。这个场面有点不寻常，很多人围过来看热闹，大家都取笑他们父子俩，说他们太残酷了，甚至还有人说他们是疯子。

他们接着要穿过河上的一座桥，就在这时，被吵闹声和自己的奇怪姿势吓呆了的驴，用力挣断了绑缚它的绳子，掉到河里被冲走了。不幸的磨坊主又气愤又羞愧，连忙夺路而逃。他终于信服了一个道理——努力取悦所有人，其实等于谁也没取悦到，反倒还丢了自己的驴。

171

THE STAG AND THE VINE

牡鹿和葡萄藤

A Stag, pursued by the huntsmen, concealed himself under cover of a thick Vine. They lost track of him and passed by his hiding-place without being aware that he was anywhere near. Supposing all danger to be over, he presently began to browse on the leaves of the Vine. The movement drew the attention of the returning huntsmen, and one of them, supposing some animal to be hidden there, shot an arrow at a venture into the foliage. The unlucky Stag was pierced to the heart, and, as he expired, he said, "I deserve my fate for my treachery in feeding upon the leaves of my protector."

Ingratitude sometimes brings its own punishment.

｛中文阅读｝

一只鹿为了逃避猎人的追捕，躲藏在一棵茂盛的葡萄藤下。猎人找不到鹿的踪迹了，虽然刚从葡萄藤旁经过，却并没有发现他。鹿以为躲过了危险，便旁若无人地开始吃那茂盛的葡萄叶子。这个动静吸引了猎人们的注意，他们马上掉回头来，其中一个人认为叶子底下一定躲着什么动物，一箭就射中了鹿。不幸的鹿被箭刺穿了心脏，临死前说道：“我真是活该，因为我恩将仇报，吃了那曾经救过我一命的葡萄藤。”

恩将仇报有时会受到更严重的惩罚。

172

THE LAMB CHASED BY A WOLF

被狼追赶的羊羔

A Wolf was chasing a Lamb, which took refuge in a temple. The Wolf urged it to come out of the precincts, and said, "If you don't, the priest is sure to catch you and offer you up in sacrifice on the altar." To which the Lamb replied, "Thanks, I think I'll stay where I am: I'd rather be sacrificed any day than be eaten up by a Wolf."

｛中文阅读｝

一只狼正在追赶一只小羊，而羊逃进了一个神庙里。狼为了怂恿小羊出来，便说：“要是你不赶快出来，祭司就会抓住你，把你放到神坛上当祭祀品。”小羊则回答说：“谢谢你，我会一直待在这里，宁愿有一天能成为祭祀品，也比被你吃掉好。”

173

THE ARCHER AND THE LION

射手和狮子

An Archer went up into the hills to get some sport with his bow, and all the animals fled at the sight of him with the exception of the Lion, who stayed behind and challenged him to fight. But he shot an arrow at the Lion and hit him, and said, "There, you see what my messenger can do: just you wait a moment and I'll tackle you myself." The Lion, however, when he felt the sting of the arrow, ran away as fast as his legs could carry him. A fox, who had seen it all happen, said to the Lion, "Come, don't be a coward: why don't you stay and show fight?" But the Lion replied, "You won't get me to stay, not you: why, when he sends a messenger like that before him, he must himself be a terrible fellow to deal with."

Give a wide berth to those who can do damage at a distance.

｛中文阅读｝

从前，有一个神射手到山里去寻找猎物，森林里的野兽一见到他，全都逃得无影无踪，只有高傲的狮子依然待在原地，向他发出挑战。然而，射手冲狮子射出一箭，说：“这只是给你报个信，你等着吧，看看我怎么收拾你。”狮子感觉到箭伤的疼痛
后，竭力地快速逃走了。一只在旁观看的狐狸对狮子说：“别做懦夫呀，为什么你不待在原地，展示一下你的斗志呢？”可是狮子却回答说：“你可不能让我冒死呀，显示斗志的又不是你。为什么要跑，他射过来的一支箭都这么厉害，他本人肯定也不是一个好对付的家伙。”

要对那些从远处就具杀伤力的人敬而远之。

174

THE WOLF AND THE GOAT

狼和山羊

A Wolf caught sight of a Goat browsing above him on the scanty herbage that grew on the top of a steep rock; and being unable to get at her, tried to induce her to come lower down. "You are risking your life up there, madam, indeed you are," he called out: "pray take my advice and come down here, where you will find plenty of better food." The Goat turned a knowing eye upon him. "It's little you care whether I get good grass or bad," said she: "what you want is to eat me."

｛中文阅读｝

一只狼看见山羊在陡峭的山崖上啃着稀疏的草，自己根本无法捉到她，便怂恿她赶快下来。“你站在那里会有生命危险的，女士，你太冒险了，”狼喊道，“还是听我的话，快点下来吧，这里的草更嫩更多，足够你吃的了。”山羊带着精明的眼神看着狼，回答说：“你并非真关心我在吃什么样的草，你不过是想吃掉我而已。”

175

THE SICK STAG

病　鹿

A Stag fell sick and lay in a clearing in the forest, too weak to move from the spot. When the news of his illness spread, a number of the other beasts came to inquire after his health, and they one and all nibbled a little of the grass that grew round the invalid till at last there was not a blade within his reach. In a few days he began to mend, but was still too feeble to get up and go in search of fodder; and thus he perished miserably of hunger owing to the thoughtlessness of his friends.

｛中文阅读｝

一只生了病的鹿躺在森林里的一片空地上，虚弱得无力挪动。鹿生病的消息四散开来，众多野兽纷纷前来探望，他们无一例外都会或多或少地吃一点鹿身边生长着的草。最后，在病鹿周围再也看不到一片小草了。几天后，鹿的身体虽然开始复原了，但是依然十分虚弱，无法站起来出去找东西吃。终于，他死了，但并非死于疾病，而是不幸地被饿死了，这都是因为朋友们的不体贴而造成的。

176

THE ASS AND THE MULE

驴和骡子

A certain man who had an Ass and a Mule loaded them both up one day and set out upon a journey. So long as the road was fairly level, the Ass got on very well: but by and by they came to a place among the hills where the road was very rough and steep, and the Ass was at his last gasp. So he begged the Mule to relieve him of a part of his load: but the Mule refused. At last, from sheer weariness, the Ass stumbled and fell down a steep place and was killed. The driver was in despair, but he did the best he could: he added the Ass's load to the Mule's, and he also flayed the Ass and put his skin on the top of the double load. The Mule could only just manage the extra weight, and, as he staggered painfully along, he said to himself, "I have only got what I deserved: if I had been willing to help the Ass at first, I should not now be carrying his load and his skin into the bargain."

｛中文阅读｝

某人有一头驴和一头骡子，有一天，他把货物分别放在驴和骡子的背上，就出远门了。只要在平地上走，驴还能应付，但是一走到大山之间那崎岖不平的山路上，驴就上气不接下气了。
于是，驴请求骡子替他分担一部分货物，可是，骡子却拒绝了。由于极度疲倦，驴一不小心从山上滚下去，摔死了。赶驴人非常沮丧，但也只能如此，他把驴身上驮的货物放在了骡子的背上，同时还割下了驴皮，一起放在货物顶上。骡子也只得忍气吞声默默承担着所有重量，他一边蹒跚着前进，一边自言自语：“我真是活该！如果我一开始就愿意帮助驴分担重量的话，现在也就不会既驮着本该在他背上的货物，又驮着他的皮了。”

177

BROTHER AND SISTER

哥哥和妹妹

A certain man had two children, a boy and a girl: and the boy was as good-looking as the girl was plain. One day, as they were playing together in their mother's chamber, they chanced upon a mirror and saw their own features for the first time. The boy saw what a handsome fellow he was, and began to boast to his Sister about his good looks: she, on her part, was ready to cry with vexation when she was aware of her plainness, and took his remarks as an insult to herself. Running to her father, she told him of her Brother's conceit, and accused him of meddling with his mother's things. He laughed and kissed them both, and said, "My children, learn from now onwards to make a good use of the glass. You, my boy, strive to be as good as it shows you to be handsome; and you, my girl, resolve to make up for the plainness of your features by the sweetness of your disposition."

｛中文阅读｝

某人有两个孩子，一个儿子和一个女儿。儿子长相英俊，而女儿却相貌平平。有一天，兄妹俩在妈妈的房间里玩，偶然走到镜子前，第一次看见了自己的真实面目。哥哥看到自己是个英
俊的小伙子，就开始向妹妹鼓吹自己的相貌；从妹妹的角度来说，她一看到自己相貌平平，都快要哭出来了，就把哥哥的自夸当成了对自己的嘲笑。她便跑到父亲跟前，抱怨说哥哥太自负了，而且还乱动妈妈的东西。父亲笑着亲吻了两个孩子，并说：“我的好孩子，今后你们可要好好利用这个镜子。我的儿子，你可要像自己的英俊相貌一样努力出众；我的女儿，可以用你的美德来弥补相貌上的不足。”

178

THE HEIFER AND THE OX

小母牛和公牛

A Heifer went up to an Ox, who was straining hard at the plough, and sympathised with him in a rather patronising sort of way on the necessity of his having to work so hard. Not long afterwards there was a festival in the village and every one kept holiday: but, whereas the Ox was turned loose into the pasture, the Heifer was seized and led off to sacrifice. "Ah," said the Ox, with a grim smile, "I see now why you were allowed to have such an idle time: it was because you were always intended for the altar."

｛中文阅读｝

一头小母牛走到一头公牛跟前，看见公牛在辛苦地耕田，便以一种居高临下的方式悲叹公牛天生劳苦的可怜命运。不久，村子里要举行节日庆祝仪式，所有的人和动物都放假了。可是，就在公牛被放逐到牧场吃草时，小母牛却被抓去充当祭祀品。这时，公牛冷笑道：“喂，现在我知道你为何这么悠闲自得了，因为你天生就要去当祭祀品。”

179

THE KINGDOM OF THE LION

狮子的王国

When the Lion reigned over the beasts of the earth he was never cruel or tyrannical, but as gentle and just as a King ought to be. During his reign he called a general assembly of the beasts, and drew up a code of laws under which all were to live in perfect equality and harmony: the wolf and the lamb, the tiger and the stag, the leopard and the kid, the dog and the hare, all should dwell side by side in unbroken peace and friendship. The hare said, "Oh! how I have longed for this day when the weak take their place without fear by the side of the strong!"

｛中文阅读｝

狮子自从统治了地球上的百兽之后，从未施行过任何凶暴、残忍的手段，而是像国王应有的那样公正、仁慈。在统治百兽期间，他曾经召集所有的动物开大会，拟订一个大家都应遵守的法规，便于让动物们公平、和谐地相处。狼和羊，老虎和鹿，豹子和小山羊，狗和野兔等，大家都应该按照规定友好和睦地相处。兔子说：“哦！这一天，我期盼已久了！这样一来，弱者再也不用惧怕强者了，终于有了自己的一席之地。”

180

THE ASS AND HIS DRIVER

驴和赶驴人

An Ass was being driven down a mountain road, and after jogging along for a while sensibly enough he suddenly quitted the track and rushed to the edge of a precipice. He was just about to leap over the edge when his Driver caught hold of his tail and did his best to pull him back: but pull as he might he couldn't get the Ass to budge from the brink. At last he gave up, crying, "All right, then, get to the bottom your own way; but it's the way to sudden death, as you'll find out quick enough."

｛中文阅读｝

某人赶着驴走在下山的路上，一阵小跑之后，驴突然离开大道，冲到了悬崖边。就在驴即将滑下悬崖时，赶驴的人一把抓住他的尾巴，用劲往回拉。可是，无论如何也无法将驴从悬崖边拉上来。最后，赶驴的人放弃了，说道：“好吧，随你去吧，你愿意掉下悬崖，就掉吧，很快你就会发现，这是一条通向死亡的路。”

181

THE LION AND THE HARE

狮子和野兔

A Lion found a Hare sleeping in her form, and was just going to devour her when he caught sight of a passing stag. Dropping the Hare, he at once made for the bigger game; but finding, after a long chase, that he could not overtake the stag, he abandoned the attempt and came back for the Hare. When he reached the spot, however, he found she was nowhere to be seen, and he had to go without his dinner. "It serves me right," he said; "I should have been content with what I had got, instead of hankering after a better prize."

｛中文阅读｝

一只狮子发现一只兔子正在窝里睡觉，便想趁机吃掉她。这时，他又看见旁边有一只鹿经过。狮子立刻丢下兔子，去追赶个头更大的鹿。然而，追了一阵子后，狮子发现根本追不上鹿，于是就放弃了目标，又回过头来找兔子。可是，等他回到兔窝时，却发现兔子早已逃之夭夭。这下，他的晚餐全都泡汤了。狮子说：“我真活该！我应该满足于唾手可得的东西，而不应贪心去追求更大的奖励。”

182

THE WOLVES AND THE DOGS

一群狼和一群狗

Once upon a time the Wolves said to the Dogs, "Why should we continue to be enemies any longer? You are very like us in most ways: the main difference between us is one of training only. We live a life of freedom; but you are enslaved to mankind, who beat you, and put heavy collars round your necks, and compel you to keep watch over their flocks and herds for them, and, to crown all, they give you nothing but bones to eat. Don't put up with it any longer, but hand over the flocks to us, and we will all live on the fat of the land and feast together." The Dogs allowed themselves to be persuaded by these words, and accompanied the Wolves into their den. But no sooner were they well inside than the Wolves set upon them and tore them to pieces.

Traitors richly deserve their fate.

｛中文阅读｝

从前，有一群狼对一群狗说：“为什么我们要一直成为敌人呢？从各方面来看，你们和我们都很相像，咱们之间唯一的区别仅仅是受驯不同而已。我们过着自由自在的日子，而你们却成了人类的奴隶，他们不仅鞭打你们，还给你们套上沉重的颈圈，迫
使你们去看守羊群和牲畜。总而言之，除了让你们啃骨头之外，人类什么也没给你们。别再忍受他们的折磨了，直接把羊群交给我们，我们一起到肥沃的草场里生活吧，我们一起去享受。”那群狗被狼的一番话说动了心，跟随狼群来到他们的窝里。结果，刚一进去，狼群就向狗群发起进攻，杀得他们片甲不留。

背叛者通常都没有好下场。

183

THE BULL AND THE CALF

公牛和小牛

A full-grown Bull was struggling to force his huge bulk through the narrow entrance to a cow-house where his stall was, when a young Calf came up and said to him, "If you'll step aside a moment, I'll show you the way to get through." The Bull turned upon him an amused look. "I knew that way," said he, "before you were born."

｛中文阅读｝

一头公牛竭尽全力要挤过一道窄门到牛棚里去，他的牛栏就在棚里。这时，一头小牛犊走了过来，对公牛说：“如果你能闪到一边去，我就告诉你怎么过去。”公牛开心地看了他一眼，说：“你还没出世之前，我就早已知道那个办法了。”

184

THE TREES AND THE AXE

树和斧头

A Woodman went into the forest and begged of the Trees the favour of a handle for his Axe. The principal Trees at once agreed to so modest a request, and unhesitatingly gave him a young ash sapling, out of which he fashioned the handle he desired. No sooner had he done so than he set to work to fell the noblest Trees in the wood. When they saw the use to which he was putting their gift, they cried, "Alas! alas! We are undone, but we are ourselves to blame. The little we gave has cost us all: had we not sacrificed the rights of the ash, we might ourselves have stood for ages."

｛中文阅读｝

一个樵夫走进森林里，请求树给他一根木头做斧柄。树的首领马上就答应了樵夫那温和谦逊的请求，毫不犹豫地给了他一根小树枝。樵夫用小树枝做成了自己想要的斧柄。刚一完成这个任务，他接着就在森林里用斧头砍起其中最贵重的一棵大树。当树看到樵夫用的正是自己给他的礼物时，说：“哎呀，哎呀！我们是自己葬送了自己。给他的那一根小树枝，竟然葬送了我们大家的命。要是我们没给它，也许我们还能在这里多站几年。”

185

THE ASTRONOMER

天文学家

There was once an Astronomer whose habit it was to go out at night and observe the stars. One night, as he was walking about outside the town gates, gazing up absorbed into the sky and not looking where he was going, he fell into a dry well. As he lay there groaning, some one passing by heard him, and, coming to the edge of the well, looked down and, on learning what had happened, said, "If you really mean to say that you were looking so hard at the sky that you didn't even see where your feet were carrying you along the ground, it appears to me that you deserve all you've got."

｛中文阅读｝

有一个天文学家养成了晚上出去观察星象的习惯。有一个夜晚，当他走出城门来到郊外后，便聚精会神地观察着天空，一不小心掉进一口枯井里。当他正坐在井里呻吟时，一个刚好从旁经过的人听到了，便走到井边向下看，待了解了事情经过后，对他说：“如果真如你所说，只是一味地努力向上看，而没有看清楚脚下的路况，那么在我看来，你就活该待在这里。”

186

THE LABOURER AND THE SNAKE

工人和蛇

A Labourer's little son was bitten by a Snake and died of the wound. The father was beside himself with grief, and in his anger against the Snake he caught up an axe and went and stood close to the Snake's hole, and watched for a chance of killing it. Presently the Snake came out, and the man aimed a blow at it, but only succeeded in cutting off the tip of its tail before it wriggled in again. He then tried to get it to come out a second time, pretending that he wished to make up the quarrel. But the Snake said, "I can never be your friend because of my lost tail, nor you mine because of your lost child."

Injuries are never forgotten in the presence of those who caused them.

｛中文阅读｝

工人的小儿子被一条毒蛇咬了一口，并且死于蛇伤。悲痛气愤之余，工人抓起一把斧头，气冲冲地跑到蛇洞外，等待机会砍死蛇。不久，蛇从洞里出来了，工人立即一斧头砍过去，可是只砍断了它的尾巴尖。随后，工人还想再如法炮制，便假装想与蛇和解。可是，蛇却说：“我永远也无法成为你的朋友，因为我丢了自己的尾巴，而你却丢失了儿子。”

在造成创伤的双方心里，永远无法忘却伤痛。

187

THE CAGE-BIRD AND THE BAT

笼子里的鸟与蝙蝠

A Singing-bird was confined in a cage which hung outside a window, and had a way of singing at night when all other birds were asleep. One night a Bat came and clung to the bars of the cage, and asked the Bird why she was silent by day and sang only at night. "I have a very good reason for doing so," said the Bird: "it was once when I was singing in the daytime that a fowler was attracted by my voice, and set his nets for me and caught me. Since then I have never sung except by night." But the Bat replied, "It is no use your doing that now when you are a prisoner: if only you had done so before you were caught, you might still have been free."

Precautions are useless after the event.

｛中文阅读｝

一只画眉鸟被囚禁在窗外挂着的一个笼子里，当其他鸟儿都酣睡时，她却在夜里歌唱。有一个夜晚，蝙蝠飞过来，抓住鸟笼的栅栏，问她为什么白天默默无声，却在夜间放声歌唱。小鸟
回答说：“我这样做是有道理的，曾经有一次，当我在白天唱歌时，一个捕鸟人被我的歌声吸引，就用鸟笼子捉住了我。从此我只在夜里唱歌。”可是，蝙蝠却说：“你现在这样做根本没用了，因为你已经成为了阶下囚。若是在被捉住之前这样做就好了，那样或许你依然是自由之身！”

待事件发生之后再预防，为时已晚。

188

THE ASS AND HIS PURCHASER

驴和他的买主

A Man who wanted to buy an Ass went to market, and, coming across a likely-looking beast, arranged with the owner that he should be allowed to take him home on trial to see what he was like. When he reached home, he put him into his stable along with the 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. When the master saw this he put a halter on him at once, and led him off and handed him over to his owner again. The latter was a good deal surprised to see him back so soon, and said, "Why, do you mean to say you have tested him already?" "I don't want to put him through any more tests," replied the other: "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.

｛中文阅读｝

有个人想买一头驴，于是，他来到市场里。有一群貌似一样的畜生被主人牵着向他走来，他提出应该将驴牵回家，好检验一下驴的状况。回到家后，他把驴安置在马棚里，里面还混杂着
其他牲口。驴环视了一下四周，立刻来到马棚里一头好吃懒做的驴旁边。主人见此，立刻给那头驴套上辔头，牵去还给驴的卖主。看到他们这么快就回来了，卖主很惊讶，就说：“为什么回来了？你已经检验过它了？”那人答道：“我可不想再做什么检验了，从它选择的同伴来看，我就已经知道它是什么样的牲口了。”

物以类聚，人以群分。

189

THE KID AND THE WOLF

小山羊和狼

A Kid strayed from the flock and was chased by a Wolf. When he saw he must be caught he turned round and said to the Wolf, "I know, sir, that I can't escape being eaten by you: and so, as my life is bound to be short, I pray you let it be as merry as may be. Will you not play me a tune to dance to before I die?" The Wolf saw no objection to having some music before his dinner: so he took out his pipe and began to play,
while the Kid danced before him. Before many minutes were passed the gods who guarded the flock heard the sound and came up to see what was going on. They no sooner clapped eyes on the Wolf than they gave chase and drove him away. As he ran off, he turned and said to the Kid, "It's what I thoroughly deserve: my trade is the butcher's, and I had no business to turn piper to please you."

｛中文阅读｝

一只从羊群里掉队的小山羊，被狼所追赶。当小山羊感觉自己就快被抓住了时，他回过头来，对狼说：“狼啊，我知道逃不掉了，很快就会成为你的盘中餐，因为我的生命很短暂，求求你让我尽可能地灿烂一回吧。你能在我死之前吹一曲，让我跳一次舞吗？”狼心想在晚餐前听一支曲子也不错，于是，他拿出自己的笛子来，开始吹奏，而小山羊则在他面前跳起舞来。还没过几分钟，守护羊群的牧羊犬闻声而至，想探个究竟。牧羊犬一看到狼，便马上赶走了他。狼一边跑，一边回过头来对小山羊说：“我真活该，我本该杀了你，根本没有义务为你吹笛子取悦你呀。”

190

THE DEBTOR AND HIS SOW

欠债人和母猪

A Man of Athens fell into debt and was pressed for the money by his creditor; but he had no means of paying at the time, so he begged for delay. But the creditor refused and said he must pay at once. Then the Debtor fetched a Sow—the only one he had—and took her to market to offer her for sale. It happened that his creditor was there too. Presently a buyer came along and asked if the Sow produced good litters. "Yes," said the Debtor, "very fine ones; and the remarkable thing is that she produces females at the Mysteries and males at the Panathenea." (Festivals these were: and the Athenians always sacrifice a sow at one, and a boar at the other; while at the Dionysia they sacrifice a kid.) At that the creditor, who was standing by, put in, "Don't be surprised, sir; why, still better, at the Dionysia this Sow has kids!"

｛中文阅读｝

一个雅典人欠了别人的钱，债主三番五次来催他还钱，但他当时根本没有办法还钱，所以请求延期几天。可是，债主却不答应，让他立刻还钱。迫不得已，欠债人把家中仅有的母猪带到市场上去卖。碰巧，债主也在那个市场里。过了一会儿，有一个
买主走上前来，问这头猪是否还能下小猪崽。“当然了，”欠债人回答说，“能生下很好的小猪崽，而且更惊人的是，她还能在女神节生下小母猪，在帕纳西尼亚节生下小公猪。”（这是希腊的两个节日，雅典人总是在女神节杀一只小母猪祭祀，在帕纳西尼亚节杀一只小公猪祭祀，而在狂欢节杀一只小山羊做祭祀品。）债主听到他说的话，立刻站出来插话道：“一点都不奇怪，先生，为什么呢，因为更厉害的是，在狂欢节时，她还会生下小山羊呢！”

191

THE BALD HUNTSMAN

秃头的猎人

A Man who had lost all his hair took to wearing a wig, and one day he went out hunting. It was blowing rather hard at the time, and he hadn't gone far before a gust of wind caught his hat and carried it off, and his wig too, much to the amusement of the hunt. But he quite entered into the joke, and said, "Ah, well! the hair that wig is made of didn't stick to the head on which it grew; so it's no wonder it won't stick to mine."

｛中文阅读｝

有一个人因为所有的头发都掉光了，便戴上了一顶假发。有一天，他出去打猎。突然，一阵狂风吹来，把他头上的帽子和假发一起吹跑了，此事成了狩猎活动中的一大乐事。然而，他本人说出来的话就更加可笑了：“哈哈，好吧，制成这顶假发的那些头发，早已不能固定在原主人的头上了，所以毫无疑问，它们也无法粘在我的头上。”

192

THE HERDSMAN AND THE LOST BULL

牧人和丢失的公牛

A Herdsman was tending his cattle when he missed a young Bull, one of the finest of the herd. He went at once to look for him, but, meeting with no success in his search, he made a vow that, if he should discover the thief, he would sacrifice a calf to Jupiter. Continuing his search, he entered a thicket, where he presently espied a lion devouring the lost Bull. Terrified with fear, he raised his hands to heaven and cried, "Great Jupiter, I vowed I would sacrifice a calf to thee if I should discover the thief: but now a full-grown Bull I promise thee if only I myself escape unhurt from his clutches."

｛中文阅读｝

一个牧人在给牛喂草时发现丢了一头小公牛，那可是其中最好的一头牛。他立刻出去找牛，可是哪里都找不到，便发下誓言，只要让他发现偷牛的贼，他就会杀一头小牛供奉朱庇特。牧人继续去找他的牛，走着走着来到了一个灌木丛中，他忽然看见一只狮子正在津津有味地吃着那头丢失了的小公牛。他吓呆了，立刻举起双手向上天祈求说：“伟大的朱庇特，刚才我曾立誓，如果捉到贼，愿意献上一头小牛供奉你；但是现在，如果我可以安全地脱离狮口，我愿意再奉献一头成熟强壮的牛。”

193

THE MULE

骡　子

One morning a Mule, who had too much to eat and too little to do, began to think himself a very fine fellow indeed, and frisked about saying, "My father was undoubtedly a high-spirited horse and I take after him entirely." But very soon afterwards he was put into the harness and compelled to go a very long way with a heavy load behind him. At the end of the day, exhausted by his unusual exertions, he said dejectedly to himself, "I must have been mistaken about my father; he can only have been an ass after all."

｛中文阅读｝

一天清晨，一匹衣食无忧、悠闲自在的骡子，认为自己天生好命，便高兴地自言自语道：“我的父亲一定是一匹能奔善跑的马，我非常像他。”然而，话音刚落，他就被套上马具，驮着沉重的货物上路了。一天下来，骡子已被那不同寻常的工作累垮了，他愁眉苦脸地说：“关于父亲的出身，我可能想错了，他不过是一头苦命的驴而已。”

194

THE HOUND AND THE FOX

猎狗和狐狸

A Hound, roaming in the forest, spied a lion, and being well used to lesser game, gave chase, thinking he would make a fine quarry. Presently the lion perceived that he was being pursued; so, stopping short, he rounded on his pursuer and gave a loud roar. The Hound immediately turned tail and fled. A Fox, seeing him running away, jeered at him and said, "Ho! ho! There goes the coward who chased a lion and ran away the moment he roared!"

｛中文阅读｝

有一条猎狗，正在森林里闲逛，猛然看见一只狮子，心想这可是一个不错的猎物，便追了上去，想施展一下自己的小伎俩。很快，狮子觉察到自己被追踪了，便突然停住，回过头来冲着追捕者大声吼叫。猎狗立刻转身逃跑了。一只狐狸见状，便嘲笑起猎狗：“呵呵，真是个胆小鬼，竟然还敢追狮子，只要狮子一声吼，你可就落荒而逃了！”

195

THE FATHER AND HIS DAUGHTERS

父亲和他的女儿

A Man had two Daughters, one of whom he gave in marriage to a gardener, and the other to a potter. After a time he thought he would go and see how they were getting on; and first he went to the gardener's wife. He asked her how she was, and how things were going with herself and her husband. She replied that on the whole they were doing very well: "But," she continued, "I do wish we could have some good heavy rain: the garden wants it badly." Then he went on to the potter's wife and made the same inquiries of her. She replied that she and her husband had nothing to complain of: "But," she went on, "I do wish we could have some nice dry weather, to dry the pottery." Her Father looked at her with a humorous expression on his face. "You want dry weather," he said, "and your sister wants rain. I was going to ask in my prayers that your wishes should be granted; but now it strikes me I had better not refer to the subject."

｛中文阅读｝

某人有两个女儿，一个嫁给了园丁，另一个嫁给了陶艺人。过了些日子，父亲心想应该去看看女儿们的生活如何。于是，他
先来到嫁给园丁的女儿家里，他问女儿生活过得怎么样，她的丈夫又过得怎么样。女儿回答说一切都很好，“但是，”她又补充道，“我真希望能下场大雨，园子里太需要水了。”接着，他又来到嫁给陶艺人的女儿家里，问了同样的问题。女儿说她和丈夫什么都不缺，“可是，”她继续说，“我只希望能有个阳光充足的好天气，好让陶器快点干。”父亲带着滑稽的表情看着女儿，对她说：“你希望出太阳，而你的姐姐却盼着下雨，我本想祈祷让你的愿望也成真，可是现在，我认为自己最好什么也不管了。”

196

THE THIEF AND THE INNKEEPER

小偷和店主

A Thief hired a room at an inn, and stayed there some days on the look-out for something to steal. No opportunity, however, presented itself, till one day, when there was a festival to be celebrated, the Innkeeper appeared in a fine new coat and sat down before the door of the inn for an airing. The Thief no sooner set eyes upon the coat than he longed to get possession of it. There was no business doing, so he went and took a seat by the side of the Innkeeper, and began talking to him. They conversed together for some time, and then the Thief suddenly yawned and howled like a wolf. The Innkeeper asked him in some concern what ailed him. The Thief replied, "I will tell you about myself, sir, but first I must beg you to take charge of my clothes for me, for I intend to leave them with you. Why I have these fits of yawning I cannot tell: maybe they are sent as a punishment for my misdeeds; but, whatever the reason, the facts are that when I have yawned three times I become a ravening wolf and fly at men's throats." As he finished speaking he yawned a second time and howled again as before. The Innkeeper, believing every word he said, and terrified at the prospect of being confronted with a wolf, got up hastily and started to run indoors; but the Thief caught him by the coat and tried to stop him, crying, "Stay, sir, stay, and take charge of my clothes, or else I shall
never see them again." As he spoke he opened his mouth and began to yawn for the third time. The Innkeeper, mad with the fear of being eaten by a wolf, slipped out of his coat, which remained in the other's hands, and bolted into the inn and locked the door behind him; and the Thief then quietly stole off with his spoil.

｛中文阅读｝

一个小偷在旅馆里租了一间房，一连住了好几天，想要偷一点东西。可是，一直没找到机会。直到有一天，人们要庆祝某个节日，老板穿着一件漂亮的新衣坐在门口透气。小偷很快就盯上了那件新衣服，想据为己有。店里也没有什么生意，小偷便走过去坐在老板旁边，与他闲谈起来。聊了一会儿，小偷突然打了一个呵欠，并像狼似的大吼了一声。旅馆老板关切地问他这是怎么了。小偷回答说：“我会告诉你有关我的事情，但是首先，请你负责照看一下我的衣服，因为我想把这些都留给你。我自己也不知道为什么要这样打呵欠，可能是对过去所犯恶行的一种惩罚吧。不过，无论是什么原因，实际上，等我第三次打呵欠时，就会变成一只狼，扑向人的喉咙。”说完之后，他又打了第二个呵欠，接着就像第一次一样大吼了一声。旅馆老板完全信以为真，一想到即将要面对一只狼，心里就很害怕。他立刻站起身来，准备夺门而逃。小偷扯住他的外衣，想留下他，并说：“先生，请等一等，拿走我的衣服吧，不然我再也看不到它们了。”刚一说完，他又张开嘴，准备打第三个呵欠。旅馆老板快被吓疯了，便赶紧从被小偷抓住的外套里溜出来，逃进旅馆里并锁上了门，而小偷则带着他夺来的战利品悄悄地溜走了。

197

THE PACK-ASS AND THE WILD ASS

家驴和野驴

A Wild Ass, who was wandering idly about, one day came upon a Pack-Ass lying at full length in a sunny spot and thoroughly enjoying himself. Going up to him, he said, "What a lucky beast you are! Your sleek coat shows how well you live: how I envy you!" Not long after the Wild Ass saw his acquaintance again, but this time he was carrying a heavy load, and his driver was following behind and beating him with a thick stick. "Ah, my friend," said the Wild Ass, "I don't envy you any more: for I see you pay dear for your comforts."

Advantages that are dearly bought are doubtful blessings.

｛中文阅读｝

有一天，一头无所事事的野驴，看见一头家驴正舒适地躺在阳光充足的地方自娱自乐。他走了过去，说：“你可真幸运呀！从你那光滑的皮肤就能看出来，你的日子过得很舒服呀，我真羡慕你！”不久，野驴又看见家驴驮着沉重的货物，驴夫还跟在后面不停地用鞭子抽打他，这一次，野驴说：“我的朋友，我不再羡慕你了，因为我知道你付出了惨痛的代价。”

用昂贵代价换来的优势是令人怀疑的福气。

198

THE ASS AND HIS MASTERS

驴和他的主人们

A Gardener had an Ass which had a very hard time of it, what with scanty food, heavy loads, and constant beating. The Ass therefore begged Jupiter to take him away from the Gardener and hand him over to another master. So Jupiter sent Mercury to the Gardener to bid him sell the Ass to a Potter, which he did. But the Ass was as discontented as ever, for he had to work harder than before: so he begged Jupiter for relief a second time, and Jupiter very obligingly arranged that he should be sold to a Tanner. But when the Ass saw what his new master's trade was, he cried in despair, "Why wasn't I content to serve either of my former masters, hard as I had to work and badly as I was treated? for they would have buried me decently, but now I shall come in the end to the tanning-vat."

Servants don't know a good master till they have served a worse.

｛中文阅读｝

有一头生活在园丁家里的驴，过着艰辛的日子，不仅吃得
少、干得多，还经常挨主人的鞭打。于是，驴请求朱庇特让他离开园丁，换另外一个主人。于是朱庇特派墨丘利去找园丁，让他把驴卖给一个陶艺工人，园丁照做了。然而，驴仍然像以前一样不满足，因为他现在过得比以前还辛苦。于是，他又请求朱庇特让自己离开第二个主人，再换另外一个。朱庇特又安排第二个主人把他卖给一个皮匠。可是，当驴一看到新主人的生意，就绝望地哭起来：“为什么我总对以前的主人不满意呀！为什么不满足于自己的辛苦工作和微薄待遇呀？至少，我会慢慢地消耗至死，而现在，我就要在制皮桶里结束性命了。”

到了更坏的主人那里，才知道前主人的好。

199

THE PACK-ASS, THE WILD ASS, AND THE LION

家驴、野驴和狮子

A Wild Ass saw a Pack-Ass jogging along under a heavy load, and taunted him with the condition of slavery in which he lived, in these words: "What a vile lot is yours compared with mine! I am free as the air, and never do a stroke of work; and, as for fodder, I have only to go to the hills and there I find far more than enough for my needs. But you! you depend on your master for food, and he makes you carry heavy loads every day and beats you unmercifully." At that moment a Lion appeared on the scene, and made no attempt to molest the Pack-Ass owing to the presence of the driver; but he fell upon the Wild Ass, who had no one to protect him, and without more ado made a meal of him.

It is no use being your own master unless you can stand up for yourself.

｛中文阅读｝

一头野驴看到一头家驴背负着沉重的货物一路小跑，便讥讽他过着奴隶般的生活：“和我相比，你过得多么卑微呀！我自由自在地享受着大自然，从不下苦力，说到食物，我只需要跑到山上去，就能发现大量吃的东西。再看看你！只能依靠
主人施舍点吃的，他不仅每天都让你驮重物，还无情地鞭打你。”这时，一只狮子出现在他们视野中，由于驴夫的出现，狮子没有骚扰家驴，直接扑向了没有保护者的野驴，立即吃掉了野驴。

除非能照顾好自己，否则做自己的主人一点儿用也没有。

200

THE ANT

蚂　蚁

Ants were once men and made their living by tilling the soil. But, not content with the results of their own work, they were always casting longing eyes upon the crops and fruits of their neighbours, which they stole, whenever they got the chance, and added to their own store. At last their covetousness made Jupiter so angry that he changed them into Ants. But, though their forms were changed, their nature remained the same: and so, to this day, they go about among the cornfields and gather the fruits of others' labour, and store them up for their own use.

You may punish a thief, but his bent remains.

｛中文阅读｝

很久很久以前，蚂蚁本来是人，以耕地为生。但是，他们不满足于自己的劳动所得，总是盯着邻居的水果和庄稼羡慕不已，只要一有机会，他们就会偷邻居的食物，放在自己的储藏室。后来，他们的贪婪让朱庇特十分生气，便把他们变成了现在的蚂蚁。然而，虽然他们的模样改变了，本性却依然未变。直到现在，他们仍然会到别人的田里采集人家的劳动成果，贮存起来留作自己的食物。

你可以惩罚小偷，但他们的恶习依然如故。

201

THE FROGS AND THE WELL

青蛙和水井

Two Frogs lived together in a marsh. But one hot summer the marsh dried up, and they left it to look for another place to live in: for frogs like damp places if they can get them. By and by they came to a deep well, and one of them looked down into it, and said to the other, "This looks a nice cool place: let us jump in and settle here." But the other, who had a wiser head on his shoulders, replied, "Not so fast, my friend: supposing this well dried up like the marsh, how should we get out again?"

Think twice before you act.

｛中文阅读｝

两只青蛙住在一片沼泽地里。在一个炎热的夏季，沼泽地干涸了，他们不得不去寻找另一块湿地，因为他们很喜欢潮湿的地方。不久，他们找到了一口深井，其中一只青蛙向下看了看，对另一只说：“看上去，这是个凉快的好地方，我们跳进去，就住在这里吧。”而另一只青蛙头脑比较聪明，回答说：“别着急，朋友，如果这口井也干了的话，我们可怎么出来呢？”

凡事应三思而后行。

202

THE CRAB AND THE FOX

螃蟹和狐狸

A Crab once left the sea-shore and went and settled in a meadow some way inland, which looked very nice and green and seemed likely to be a good place to feed in. But a hungry Fox came along and spied the Crab and caught him. Just as he was going to be eaten up, the Crab said, "This is just what I deserve; for I had no business to leave my natural home by the sea and settle here as though I belonged to the land."

Be content with your lot.

｛中文阅读｝

有一次，一只螃蟹离开海边，定居在内陆的一块草地上，那里看着很美，有青青的绿草，是个养分充足的好地方。然而，一只饥饿的狐狸走过来，看见螃蟹并捉住了他。就在狐狸将要吃掉他之前，螃蟹说：“我真是活该！我没有理由要离开海边那个天然的家，像陆地栖息的动物一样，偏要到这里来定居。”

知足才能常乐。

203

THE FOX AND THE GRASSHOPPER

狐狸和蚂蚱

A Grasshopper sat chirping in the branches of a tree. A Fox heard her, and, thinking what a dainty morsel she would make, he tried to get her down by a trick. Standing below in full view of her, he praised her song in the most flattering terms, and begged her to descend, saying he would like to make the acquaintance of the owner of so beautiful a voice. But she was not to be taken in, and replied, "You are very much mistaken, my dear sir, if you imagine I am going to come down: I keep well out of the way of you and your kind ever since the day when I saw numbers of grasshoppers' wings strewn about the entrance to a fox's earth."

｛中文阅读｝

一只蚂蚱坐在树枝上叽叽喳喳地鸣唱。一只狐狸听到她的叫声，心想这可是一顿美餐呀，便想出了一个诡计诱使蚂蚱下来。他站在树下一个能完全看见蚂蚱的地方，用尽各种方法赞美蚂蚱的歌声悦耳动听，并劝蚂蚱下来，想要看一看是什么样的动物才能发出如此悦耳的声音。可是，蚂蚱识破了他的诡计，回答说：“喂，若是你以为我会飞下来，那就大错特错了。自从那天见到狐狸的洞口四周散布着无数蚂蚱的翅膀之后，我就开始警惕着你和你的同类了。”

204

THE FARMER, HIS BOY, AND THE ROOKS

农夫、伙计和白嘴鸦

A Farmer had just sown a field of wheat, and was keeping a careful watch over it, for numbers of Rooks and starlings kept continually settling on it and eating up the grain. Along with him went his Boy, carrying a sling: and whenever the Farmer asked for the sling the starlings understood what he said and warned the Rooks and they were off in a moment. So the Farmer hit on a trick. "My lad," said he, "we must get the better of these birds somehow. After this, when I want the sling, I won't say 'sling,' but just 'humph!' and you must then hand me the sling quickly." Presently back came the whole flock. "Humph!" said the Farmer; but the starlings took no notice, and he had time to sling several stones among them, hitting one on the head, another in the legs, and another in the wing, before they got out of range. As they made all haste away they met some cranes, who asked them what the matter was. "Matter?" said one of the Rooks; "it's those rascals, men, that are the matter. Don't you go near them. They have a way of saying one thing and meaning another which has just been the death of several of our poor friends."

｛中文阅读｝

一个农夫刚刚播下一片麦种，十分小心地守护着，因为有些秃鼻乌鸦和八哥不断地在耕地上找谷子吃。农夫的儿子也跟着农夫一起来到田里，手上还拿着一把弹弓，每当农夫要弹弓时，八哥都能听懂他的话，并警告秃鼻乌鸦赶快飞走。因此，农夫想出一招。“我的孩子，”他说，“我们必须得打败这些鸟。以后，等我想要弹弓时，我不会再说弹弓了，而只是“哼”一声，而你必须赶快递给我弹弓。”不久，鸟群又回来了。“哼！”农夫说，不过，这次八哥没注意到，所以农夫有时间弹了多次石头，还没等他们飞走，便击中了一只鸟的头，一只鸟的腿，另一只鸟的翅膀。乌鸦和八哥在逃跑的路上遇见了几只鹤，其中一只问他们出了什么事。“出事？”一只秃鼻乌鸦喊道，“都是人类那些骗子，他们就是麻烦。你不要去靠近他们。他们嘴里说一套，做的却是另一套，我们几个可怜的朋友刚刚因此而丧命呢！”

205

THE ASS AND THE DOG

驴和狗

An Ass and a Dog were on their travels together, and, as they went along, they found a sealed packet lying on the ground. The Ass picked it up, broke the seal, and found it contained some writing, which he proceeded to read out aloud to the Dog. As he read on it turned out to be all about grass and barley and hay—in short, all the kinds of fodder that Asses are fond of. The Dog was a good deal bored with listening to all this, till at last his impatience got the better of him, and he cried, "Just skip a few pages, friend, and see if there isn't something about meat and bones." The Ass glanced all through the packet, but found nothing of the sort, and said so. Then the Dog said in disgust, "Oh, throw it away, do: what's the good of a thing like that?"

｛中文阅读｝

一头驴和一只狗一起外出旅行，走了一段路后，他们发现地上有一封密封好的信。驴捡起来，撕开封印，发现上面有写好的字，便大声读给狗听。可是，信里提到的几乎全是干草、大麦
和糠麸之类驴喜欢的东西。听到这些内容，狗觉着很无聊，终于不耐烦地对驴喊道：“赶紧跳过这些内容，朋友，看看下面有没有提到肉和骨头之类的。”驴浏览了一下信的全部内容，没有发现任何狗所想要的东西，就如实说了。然后，狗就带着厌恶的表情说：“把它扔了吧，朋友，这封信有什么意思呀？”

206

THE ASS CARRYING THE IMAGE

背着神像的驴

A certain man put an Image on the back of his Ass to take it to one of the temples of the town. As they went along the road all the people they met uncovered and bowed their heads out of reverence for the Image; but the Ass thought they were doing it out of respect for himself, and began to give himself airs accordingly. At last he became so conceited that he imagined he could do as he liked, and, by way of protest against the load he was carrying, he came to a full stop and flatly declined to proceed any further. His driver, finding him so obstinate, hit him hard and long with his stick, saying the while, "Oh, you dunderheaded idiot, do you suppose it's come to this, that men pay worship to an Ass?"

Rude shocks await those who take to themselves the credit that is due to others.

｛中文阅读｝

有个人把神像放在驴的背上，准备运到城里的一座寺庙里。他们走在路上时，所有遇见他们的人都对着神像顶礼膜拜，而驴却以为人们是在向它致敬，逐渐骄傲自满起来。最后，自
以为是的他竟然幻想着可以肆意妄为，再也不用驮着沉重的货物了，于是，驴停下了脚步，再也不肯往前走。赶驴的人发现他这么固执，便用棍子狠狠地打了他一顿，并且说道：“你这个蠢货，竟然自以为这是在向你致敬，人们会对一头驴这么恭敬吗？”

那些夺走他人荣誉的人，必定会遭受沉重的打击。

207

THE ATHENIAN AND THE THEBAN

雅典人和底比斯人

An Athenian and a Theban were on the road together, and passed the time in conversation, as is the way of travellers. After discussing a variety of subjects they began to talk about heroes, a topic that tends to be more fertile than edifying. Each of them was lavish in his praises of the heroes of his own city, until eventually the Theban asserted that Hercules was the greatest hero who had ever lived on earth, and now occupied a foremost place among the gods; while the Athenian insisted that Theseus was far superior, for his fortune had been in every way supremely blessed, whereas Hercules had at one time been forced to act as a servant. And he gained his point, for he was a very glib fellow, like all Athenians; so that the Theban, who was no match for him in talking, cried at last in some disgust, "All right, have your way; I only hope that, when our heroes are angry with us, Athens may suffer from the anger of Hercules, and Thebes only from that of Theseus."

｛中文阅读｝

一个雅典人和一个底比斯人一同走在路上，就像其他旅行者一样，他们用聊天来打发时间。聊了一些其他话题之后，他们
开始谈起英雄，虽然没有什么教育意义，但这可是一个颇有谈资的内容。一提到赞美各自城市里的英雄，两个人都侃侃而谈。后来，底比斯人断言，赫拉克勒斯是地球上曾经存在过的最伟大的英雄，现在占据了众神之中的首要位置。而雅典人则坚持认为，提修斯远远超过了赫拉克勒斯，因为他的命运在各方面都得到了充分的眷顾，而赫拉克勒斯曾一度被迫充当奴隶。他达到了自己的目的，因为他像所有雅典人一样，是一个非常圆滑的家伙。而底比斯人在谈话中根本不是他的对手，最后有些反感地大吼道：“好吧，随便你。我只希望，当我们的英雄对我们生气时，雅典人会从赫拉克勒斯的愤怒中遭殃，而底比斯人则从提修斯的愤怒中受苦。”

208

THE GOATHERD AND THE GOAT

牧羊人和山羊

A Goatherd was one day gathering his flock to return to the fold, when one of his goats strayed and refused to join the rest. He tried for a long time to get her to return by calling and whistling to her, but the Goat took no notice of him at all; so at last he threw a stone at her and broke one of her horns. In dismay, he begged her not to tell his master: but she replied, "You silly fellow, my horn would cry aloud even if I held my tongue."

It's no use trying to hide what can't be hidden.

｛中文阅读｝

有一天，牧羊人赶着羊群回到羊圈里，其中有一只山羊失散了，并且拒绝回到羊群中。牧羊人费了好长时间叫她回来，既大声喊叫，又冲她吹口哨，但是山羊根本没注意到他。于是，牧羊人只得冲她扔了一块石头，正巧打断了山羊的一只羊角。惊慌中，牧羊人肯求山羊不要告诉主人，可山羊却说：“你这个愚蠢的家伙，即使我不说，我的角也会告诉他事实呀。”

竭力掩盖无法隐瞒的事实是没用的。

209

THE SHEEP AND THE DOG

羊群和狗

Once upon a time the Sheep complained to the shepherd about the difference in his treatment of themselves and his Dog. "Your conduct," said they, "is very strange and, we think, very unfair. We provide you with wool and lambs and milk and you give us nothing but grass, and even that we have to find for ourselves: but you get nothing at all from the Dog, and yet you feed him with tit-bits from your own table." Their remarks were overheard by the Dog, who spoke up at once and said, "Yes, and quite right, too: where would you be if it wasn't for me? Thieves would steal you! Wolves would eat you! Indeed, if I didn't keep constant watch over you, you would be too terrified even to graze!" The Sheep were obliged to acknowledge that he spoke the truth, and never again made a grievance of the regard in which he was held by his master.

｛中文阅读｝

从前，有一群羊向牧羊人抱怨自己和狗受到了差别待遇。“你的行为很奇怪，”羊群说，“我们认为非常不公平。我们为您
提供羊毛、羔羊肉和羊奶，你却只给我们吃草，甚至于我们还要自己去找草吃。你从狗那里什么也没得到，可你却从自己的餐桌上拿些精美的食物喂他。”狗听到了他们的言论，立刻开口说：“是的，的确如此。要不是有我在，你们会在哪里呢？小偷早就偷走你们了！狼也会吃掉你们！其实，如果没有我守护着你们，你们可能连吃草都吓得不敢去！”羊群不得不承认他说的有道理，便不再提受到主人差别待遇的意见了。

210

THE SHEPHERD AND THE WOLF

牧羊人和狼

A Shepherd found a Wolf's Cub straying in the pastures, and took him home and reared him along with his dogs. When the Cub grew to his full size, if ever a wolf stole a sheep from the flock, he used to join the dogs in hunting him down. It sometimes happened that the dogs failed to come up with the thief, and, abandoning the pursuit, returned home. The Wolf would on such occasions continue the chase by himself, and when he overtook the culprit, would stop and share the feast with him, and then return to the Shepherd. But if some time passed without a sheep being carried off by the wolves, he would steal one himself and share his plunder with the dogs. The Shepherd's suspicions were aroused, and one day he caught him in the act; and, fastening a rope round his neck, hung him on the nearest tree.

What's bred in the bone is sure to come out in the flesh.

｛中文阅读｝

牧羊人在牧场里捡到一只失散了的小狼崽，于是把它带回家，和狗一起喂养。小狼崽长大以后，倘若有狼来偷羊吃，它就
会和狗一起去追赶狼。有一次，狗没追上就回去了，那只狼却继续追捕，待追上后，他看了看自己的同类，便与其一同分享了羊肉，然后回到牧羊人家里。从此以后，即便有时狼并没有来偷羊，他也会偷偷咬死一只羊，和狗一起分享战利品。后来，牧羊人对它产生了怀疑，有一天终于发现了事实真相，便用绳子套住狼的脖子，将它吊死在旁边的树上。

江山易改，本性难移。

211

THE LION, JUPITER, AND THE ELEPHANT

狮子、朱庇特和大象

The Lion, for all his size and strength, and his sharp teeth and claws, is a coward in one thing: he can't bear the sound of a cock crowing, and runs away whenever he hears it. He complained bitterly to Jupiter for making him like that; but Jupiter said it wasn't his fault: he had done the best he could for him, and, considering this was his only failing, he ought to be well content. The Lion, however, wouldn't be comforted, and was so ashamed of his timidity that he wished he might die. In this state of mind, he met the Elephant and had a talk with him. He noticed that the great beast cocked up his ears all the time, as if he were listening for something, and he asked him why he did so. Just then a gnat came humming by, and the Elephant said, "Do you see that wretched little buzzing insect? I'm terribly afraid of its getting into my ear: if it once gets in, I'm dead and done for." The Lion's spirits rose at once when he heard this: "For," he said to himself, "if the Elephant, huge as he is, is afraid of a gnat, I needn't be so much ashamed of being afraid of a cock, who is ten thousand times bigger than a gnat."

｛中文阅读｝

狮子有着健壮魁梧的体魄、锐利的牙齿和四爪，然而有一件事却让他成了懦夫。他受不了公鸡的啼鸣声。只要一听到这个声音，狮子立刻就会逃跑。他痛苦地向朱庇特哭诉，为何把自己造成这样，可朱庇特却说这不是自己的错，他已经尽可能地把优点都给了狮子，这不过是唯一的缺点，狮子应该知足了。然而，狮子仍然觉着不舒服，为自己的胆小和懦弱羞愧得无地自容。正在这时候，他遇见了大象，便和大象聊起来。他看见这头巨兽总是不停地扇动着耳朵，好像在倾听什么，于是便问为什么总这样。恰好，有一只小飞虫在大象耳边嗡嗡地叫，大象回答说：“你看见这些嗡嗡叫的虫子了吗？我很担心他们钻进我的耳朵里，一旦让他们飞进去，我就完蛋了。”一听到这话，狮子立刻打起了精神，自言自语地说：“如果像大象那么大的动物都害怕一只小虫子，我也不必为自己害怕公鸡而羞愧了，公鸡可比虫子大得多了。”

212

THE PIG AND THE SHEEP

猪和绵羊

A Pig found his way into a meadow where a flock of Sheep were grazing. The shepherd caught him, and was proceeding to carry him off to the butcher's when he set up a loud squealing and struggled to get free. The Sheep rebuked him for making such a to-do, and said to him, "The shepherd catches us regularly and drags us off just like that, and we don't make any fuss." "No, I dare say not," replied the Pig, "but my case and yours are altogether different: he only wants you for wool, but he wants me for bacon."

｛中文阅读｝

有一头猪跑进正在牧场里吃草的羊群中，牧羊人抓住了他，要把他送到屠夫那里，猪鬼哭狼嚎般拼命挣扎着想逃出来。羊群指责他大惊小怪，对猪说：“我们经常被牧羊人抓住，就像刚才那样被拖走，可从来不这样叫喊。”猪回答说：“我和你们绝对不一样，他抓你是为了你的毛，抓我却是为了吃我的肉呀。”

213

THE GARDENER AND HIS DOG

花匠和他的狗

A Gardner's Dog fell into a deep well, from which his master used to draw water for the plants in his garden with a rope and a bucket. Failing to get the Dog out by means of these, the Gardener went down into the well himself in order to fetch him up. But the Dog thought he had come to make sure of drowning him; so he bit his master as soon as he came within reach, and hurt him a good deal, with the result that he left the Dog to his fate and climbed out of the well, remarking, "It serves me quite right for trying to save so determined a suicide."

｛中文阅读｝

花匠的狗掉进了一口深井里，井旁边有绳子和桶，是花匠经常用来打水去浇花的工具，可无论用什么办法，他也没能把狗捞上来。于是，为了救小狗，花匠自己跳进了井中。可是，狗却以为主人下来是要淹死它。所以，当花匠靠近狗时，狗立刻狠狠地咬了他一口。花匠着实受了重伤，决定让狗自生自灭，不再管它了。花匠一边往上爬，一边说：“我真是活该！为什么要去救一个想要寻死的畜生呢？”

214

THE RIVERS AND THE SEA

河流和大海

Once upon a time all the Rivers combined to protest against the action of the Sea in making their waters salt. "When we come to you," said they to the Sea, "we are sweet and drinkable: but when once we have mingled with you, our waters become as briny and unpalatable as your own." The Sea replied shortly, "Keep away from me and you'll remain sweet."

｛中文阅读｝

从前，所有河流都联合起来抵抗大海的行为，不想让水变咸了。“当我们流向你时，”河流对大海说，“我们本是甘甜可口的，可一旦与你混合，我们就变得跟你们一样，又咸又涩，一点儿都不好喝了。”大海只是简单地回答道：“离我远一点，你们就会一直甘甜可口了。”

215

THE LION IN LOVE

恋爱的狮子

A Lion fell deeply in love with the daughter of a cottager and wanted to marry her; but her father was unwilling to give her to so fearsome a husband, and yet didn't want to offend the Lion; so he hit upon the following expedient. He went to the Lion and said, "I think you will make a very good husband for my daughter: but I cannot consent to your union unless you let me draw your teeth and pare your nails, for my daughter is terribly afraid of them." The Lion was so much in love that he readily agreed that this should be done. When once, however, he was thus disarmed, the Cottager was afraid of him no longer, but drove him away with his club.

｛中文阅读｝

一只狮子深深爱上了农夫的女儿，想娶她为妻。可是，农夫却不忍心让女儿嫁给一个这么可怕的丈夫，但又不想激怒狮子。于是他急中生智，想出一个权宜之计。他去找狮子，并说：“我认为你是一个非常出色的丈夫人选，但是我不能同意你们结合，除非先拔掉你的牙齿、剪掉你的指甲，因为我的女儿害怕这些东西。”狮子被爱冲昏了头，毫不犹豫地接受了农夫的要求。然而，狮子刚被缴械，农夫就不再惧怕狮子了，反而用棍棒赶走了狮子。

216

THE BEE-KEEPER

养蜂人

A Thief found his way into an apiary when the Bee-keeper was away, and stole all the honey. When the Keeper returned and found the hives empty, he was very much upset and stood staring at them for some time. Before long the bees came back from gathering honey, and, finding their hives overturned and the Keeper standing by, they made for him with their stings. At this he fell into a passion and cried, "You ungrateful scoundrels, you let the thief who stole my honey get off scot-free, and then you go and sting me who have always taken such care of you!"

When you hit back make sure you have got the right man.

｛中文阅读｝

趁养蜂人不在家时，一个小偷溜进蜂房，偷走了所有的蜂蜜。养蜂人回来后发现蜂箱空了，伤心难过之余，他站在那里盯着看了很长时间。不久，蜜蜂采完花蜜回来，发现自己的蜂巢空了，而养蜂人又站在一边，便都围住他用尾针刺。养蜂人被群蜂围住，痛苦地大喊：“你们这些不知感恩的坏家伙！让那偷蜜的贼逃之夭夭，却一个劲地来刺一直在照顾你们的人！”

发动反击时，一定要确定自己找对了人。

217

THE WOLF AND THE HORSE

狼和马

A Wolf on his rambles came to a field of oats, but, not being able to eat them, he was passing on his way when a Horse came along. "Look," said the Wolf, "here's a fine field of oats. For your sake I have left it untouched, and I shall greatly enjoy the sound of your teeth munching the ripe grain." But the Horse replied, "If wolves could eat oats, my fine friend, you would hardly have indulged your ears at the cost of your belly."

There is no virtue in giving to others what is useless to oneself.

｛中文阅读｝

一只狼溜达着来到了一个麦田，然而，狼并不吃大麦，看见一匹马走过来，他便让开了。狼对马说：“看吧，这是一块上好的麦田。为了给你留着，我都没敢动。而且，我非常喜欢听你牙齿咀嚼成熟麦穗的声音。”然而，马却回答说：“朋友，如果狼能吃大麦，你就未必喜欢听我吃麦穗的声音了。”

将己所不欲之物施与他人，并无美德可言。

218

THE BAT, THE BRAMBLE, AND THE SEAGULL

蝙蝠、荆棘和海鸥

A Bat, a Bramble, and a Seagull went into partnership and determined to go on a trading voyage together. The Bat borrowed a sum of money for his venture; the Bramble laid in a stock of clothes of various kinds; and the Seagull took a quantity of lead: and so they set out. By and by a great storm came on, and their boat with all the cargo went to the bottom, but the three travellers managed to reach land. Ever since then the Seagull flies to and fro over the sea, and every now and then dives below the surface, looking for the lead he's lost; while the Bat is so afraid of meeting his creditors that he hides away by day and only comes out at night to feed; and the Bramble catches hold of the clothes of every one who passes by, hoping some day to recognise and recover the lost garments.

All men are more concerned to recover what they lose than to acquire what they lack.

｛中文阅读｝

一只蝙蝠、一棵荆棘与一只海鸥，决定合伙出海做一次生意。于是，蝙蝠借了一笔钱作为资金，荆棘带来了一包款式不
同的衣服，而海鸥带来了一些铅，然后，他们起航出发了。不久，一场暴风雨袭来，他们的船和所有货物都沉没了。幸运的是，三个航行者设法回到了岸上。从此以后，海鸥总是在海面上飞来飞去，即便偶尔钻入水中，也是在寻找丢失的铅；蝙蝠则害怕见到债主，所以总是白天藏着，夜里才出来觅食；而荆棘总爱扯住过路人的衣服，希望有一天能找到丢失的衣服以弥补损失。

所有人都更希望能弥补损失，而非弥补不足。

219

THE DOG AND THE WOLF

狗和狼

A Dog was lying in the sun before a farmyard gate when a Wolf pounced upon him and was just going to eat him up; but he begged for his life and said, "You see how thin I am and what a wretched meal I should make you now: but if you will only wait a few days my master is going to give a feast. All the rich scraps and pickings will fall to me and I shall get nice and fat: then will be the time for you to eat me." The Wolf thought this was a very good plan and went away. Some time afterwards he came to the farmyard again, and found the Dog lying out of reach on the stable roof. "Come down," he called, "and be eaten: you remember our agreement?" But the Dog said coolly, "My friend, if ever you catch me lying down by the gate there again, don't you wait for any feast."

Once bitten, twice shy.

｛中文阅读｝

在阳光照耀下，一条狗躺在农院门前睡着了。一只狼窥见后，冲上去袭击他，正想吃掉他时，狗乞求狼饶了自己，说：“我现在骨瘦如柴，还不够你塞牙缝的呢。不过，如果你再多等
几天，我的主人就要举办宴会了，到时，所有的佳肴美食都会给我吃，而我也会变得肥肥胖胖的，然后，你再来吃我，不是更好吗。”狼听信了狗的话，便放了他。过了几天，狼又来到农院，发现狗躺在他够不到的屋顶上。“下来，”狼喊道，“快让我吃了你，你不记得我们的协议了吗？”而狗却从容地说：“朋友，要是你上次在门口抓住了躺在地上的我，就不用等待什么宴会了呀。”

一朝被蛇咬，十年怕井绳。

220

THE WASP AND THE SNAKE

黄蜂和蛇

A Wasp settled on the head of a Snake, and not only stung him several times, but clung obstinately to the head of his victim. Maddened with pain the Snake tried every means he could think of to get rid of the creature, but without success. At last he became desperate, and crying, "Kill you I will, even at the cost of my own life," he laid his head with the Wasp on it under the wheel of a passing waggon, and they both perished together.

｛中文阅读｝

一只黄蜂坐在一条蛇的头上，不仅多次用刺去叮蛇，而且还牢牢地贴在受害者的头上。蛇疼得快要发疯了，尝试了很多方法想要赶走这个黄蜂，可是都没有成功。最后，蛇绝望了，大喊道：“我要杀了你，即使丢掉我自己的性命也在所不惜。”于是，蛇将自己的头伸到一辆从旁经过的马车车轮下，他们同归于尽了。

221

THE EAGLE AND THE BEETLE

老鹰和甲虫

An Eagle was chasing a hare, which was running for dear life and was at her wits' end to know where to turn for help. Presently she espied a Beetle, and begged it to aid her. So when the Eagle came up the Beetle warned her not to touch the hare, which was under its protection. But the Eagle never noticed the Beetle because it was so small, seized the hare and ate her up. The Beetle never forgot this, and used to keep an eye on the Eagle's nest, and whenever the Eagle laid an egg it climbed up and rolled it out of the nest and broke it. At last the Eagle got so worried over the loss of her eggs that she went up to Jupiter, who is the special protector of Eagles, and begged him to give her a safe place to nest in: so he let her lay her eggs in his lap. But the Beetle noticed this and made a ball of dirt the size of an Eagle's egg, and flew up and deposited it in Jupiter's lap. When Jupiter saw the dirt, he stood up to shake it out of his robe, and, forgetting about the eggs, he shook them out too, and they were broken just as before. Ever since then, they say, Eagles never lay their eggs at the season when Beetles are about.

The weak will sometimes find ways to avenge an insult, even upon the strong.

｛中文阅读｝

一只鹰正在奋力追一只兔子，而兔子则拼命奔跑，一筹莫展地不知该到哪里寻求帮助。这时，她恰巧看见一只甲虫，便向他求救。于是，当老鹰过来时，甲虫便警告她不要碰那只兔子。老鹰根本没有把小小的甲虫放在眼里，因为它实在太不起眼了，终于还是抓住兔子并吃了她。甲虫一直没有忘记这件事，经常关注着老鹰的巢，只要老鹰一下蛋，他便悄悄地爬上去，把老鹰蛋滚出巢来摔碎它。后来，老鹰十分担心再丢失自己的蛋，便跑到朱庇特（鹰的特别守护神）那里，请求给自己一个安全的地方生儿育女。于是，朱庇特让她在自己的膝上下蛋。然而，甲虫也注意到了此事，就做了一个和鹰蛋差不多大小的泥球，然后飞上去，把它扔到了朱庇特的膝盖上。朱庇特一看是泥球，马上站起身来抖擞自己的长袍，浑然忘记了膝上还有老鹰下的蛋，无意间把蛋也抖落了，老鹰的蛋像之前那样摔了个粉碎。据说，从那以后，在甲虫出现的时节，老鹰就再也不下蛋了。

即便对手是强者，弱者有时也会想方设法地报仇雪耻。

222

THE FOWLER AND THE LARK

捕鸟人和百灵鸟

A Fowler was setting his nets for little birds when a Lark came up to him and asked him what he was doing. "I am engaged in founding a city," said he, and with that he withdrew to a short distance and concealed himself. The Lark examined the nets with great curiosity, and presently, catching sight of the bait, hopped on to them in order to secure it, and became entangled in the meshes. The Fowler then ran up quickly and captured her. "What a fool I was!" said she: "but at any rate, if that's the kind of city you are founding, it'll be a long time before you find fools enough to fill it."

｛中文阅读｝

一个捕鸟人正在撒网，好让小鸟们自投罗网。这时，一只百灵鸟走过来，问他在干什么。“我正在建造一座漂亮的城市。”捕鸟人回答道，说完就跑到远处藏起来。百灵鸟带着极大的好奇心，跑过去想看个究竟，她小心地冲着网中的诱饵跳过去，结果却被缠在网中。捕鸟人很快跑过来，抓住了她。百灵鸟说：“我可真是个傻瓜！但无论如何，如果这就是你建造的城市，那么估计要花很长时间才能找到足够多的傻瓜来填补空缺！”

223

THE FISHERMAN PIPING

吹笛子的渔夫

A Fisherman who could play the flute went down one day to the sea-shore with his nets and his flute; and, taking his stand on a projecting rock, began to play a tune, thinking that the music would bring the fish jumping out of the sea. He went on playing for some time, but not a fish appeared: so at last he threw down his flute and cast his net into the sea, and made a great haul of fish. When they were landed and he saw them leaping about on the shore, he cried, "You rascals! you wouldn't dance when I piped: but now I've stopped, you can do nothing else!"

｛中文阅读｝

有一天，一个会吹长笛的渔夫带着笛子和渔网来到海边，
他站在一块突出海面的岩石上，开始吹奏曲子，希望用笛声引诱鱼儿跳出海面。渔夫弹奏了一会儿，没有一条鱼出来。最后，他把长笛放到一边，撒网入海，却捞起满网的鱼。当渔夫把网拖上岸后，看见鱼儿在岸边不停地跳跃，他便说：“你们这些淘气鬼！我吹笛子时，你们不肯跳；现在我不吹了，你们却在这里欢蹦乱跳！”

224

THE WEASEL AND THE MAN

黄鼠狼和人

A Man once caught a Weasel, which was always sneaking about the house, and was just going to drown it in a tub of water, when it begged hard for its life, and said to him, "Surely you haven't the heart to put me to death? Think how useful I have been in clearing your house of the mice and lizards which used to infest it, and show your gratitude by sparing my life." "You have not been altogether useless, I grant you," said the Man: "but who killed the fowls? Who stole the meat? No, no! You do much more harm than good, and die you shall."

｛中文阅读｝

从前，有一个人抓住了一只黄鼠狼，它总是在房子里偷偷摸摸。这人正要用一盆水淹死它时，黄鼠狼苦苦哀求人饶了自己的性命，并且对人说：“你一定不忍心杀了我！想想我对你们家做的贡献吧，我可是一直在清理你家里的老鼠和蜥蜴，为了显示你对我的感激之情，就饶我一命吧。”“我也承认，你并非完全无用，”男人说，“但是，是谁杀了鸡？是谁偷了肉？不，不！你做了太多坏事，理应去死。”

225

THE PLOUGHMAN, THE ASS, AND THE OX

农夫、驴和公牛

A Ploughman yoked his Ox and his Ass together, and set to work to plough his field. It was a poor makeshift of a team, but it was the best he could do, as he had but a single Ox. At the end of the day, when the beasts were loosed from the yoke, the Ass said to the Ox, "Well, we've had a hard day: which of us is to carry the master home?" The Ox looked surprised at the question. "Why," said he, "you, to be sure, as usual."

｛中文阅读｝

农夫给他的公牛和驴一起套上牛轭，然后赶着它们下地犁田。这是一个糟糕的临时组合，但农夫已经尽力了，因为他只有一头公牛。干了一天活后，牲口被主人从牛轭里解放出来，驴对牛说：“我们可是度过了艰难的一天，我们两个当中，谁载着主人回家呢？”听了驴的话，牛似乎很惊讶，“怎么这么问呢，”他说，“当然是你，像往常一样。”

226

DEMADES AND HIS FABLE

狄马德斯和他的寓言

Demades the orator was once speaking in the Assembly at Athens; but the people were very inattentive to what he was saying, so he stopped and said, "Gentlemen, I should like to tell you one of Aesop's fables." This made every one listen intently. Then Demades began: "Demeter, a Swallow, and an Eel were once travelling together, and came to a river without a bridge: the Swallow flew over it, and the Eel swam across"; and then he stopped. "What happened to Demeter?" cried several people in the audience. "Demeter," he replied, "is very angry with you for listening to fables when you ought to be minding public business."

｛中文阅读｝

有一次，演说家狄马德斯在雅典的一次集会上演讲，但是没有一个人认真听，他便停下来，说：“先生们，我很想告诉你们一个伊索寓言里的故事。”这话受到了人们的重视。接着，他开始说：“有一次，得墨忒耳（掌管农业、结婚、丰饶的女神）和一只燕子、一条鳗鱼一同出行，他们要穿过一条没有桥的河，燕子飞过去了，鳗鱼游过去了。”讲到这里，他便停下来，不再讲了。听众中有几个人问他：“那么得墨忒耳怎么过去的呢？”他回答说：“得墨忒耳正在生你们的气呢，因为你们对公共事务毫无兴趣，一心只喜欢听伊索寓言。”

227

THE MONKEY AND THE DOLPHIN

猴子和海豚

When people go on a voyage they often take with them lap-dogs or monkeys as pets to wile away the time. Thus it fell out that a man returning to Athens from the East had a pet Monkey on board with him. As they neared the coast of Attica a great storm burst upon them, and the ship capsized. All on board were thrown into the water, and tried to save themselves by swimming, the Monkey among the rest. A Dolphin saw him, and, supposing him to be a man, took him on his back and
began swimming towards the shore. When they got near the Piraeus, which is the port of Athens, the Dolphin asked the Monkey if he was an Athenian. The Monkey replied that he was, and added that he came of a very distinguished family. "Then, of course, you know the Piraeus," continued the Dolphin. The Monkey thought he was referring to some high official or other, and replied, "Oh, yes, he's a very old friend of mine." At that, detecting his hypocrisy, the Dolphin was so disgusted that he dived below the surface, and the unfortunate Monkey was quickly drowned.

｛中文阅读｝

人类在出海航行时喜欢带上哈巴狗或猴子之类的宠物，以供消遣。一个人从东方回到雅典时，就带了一只猴子随行。当他们靠近阿提卡海岸时，一场风暴突然袭来，船被狂风巨浪打翻了，甲板上的所有人都被抛入水中，人们试着游向岸边，猴子也在其中。一只海豚看见了猴子，以为是人，立即将它驮到背上，游向岸边。当他们快要到达雅典的珀赖欧斯海港时，海豚问那猴子是不是雅典人。猴子回答说是的，而且还补充说自己出身名门望族。“那么，你肯定了解珀赖欧斯了？”海琢接着又问道。猴子以为海豚说的是某个官员或什么人，便回答说：“他是我的一个老朋友。”海豚察觉到了猴子的虚伪，十分气愤，便没入水中，不幸的猴子很快就被淹死了。

228

THE CROW AND THE SNAKE

乌鸦和蛇

A hungry Crow spied a Snake lying asleep in a sunny spot, and, picking it up in his claws, he was carrying it off to a place where he could make a meal of it without being disturbed, when the Snake reared its head and bit him. It was a poisonous Snake, and the bite was fatal, and the dying Crow said, "What a cruel fate is mine! I thought I had made a lucky find, and it has cost me my life!"

｛中文阅读｝

一只饥饿的乌鸦暗中发现一条蛇正在温暖的阳光下熟睡，便猛扑过去用爪子抓住了蛇，带着他飞到一个可以安然享受美食而不受打扰的地方，这时，惊醒的蛇回过头来，咬了乌鸦一大口。这是一条毒蛇，挨咬的乌鸦受到了致命袭击。将死时，乌鸦说：“我的命运多么不幸呀！我以为自己找到了美食，可是却因此而丢掉了性命。”

229

THE DOGS AND THE FOX

狗和狐狸

Some Dogs once found a lion's skin, and were worrying it with their teeth. Just then a Fox came by, and said, "You think yourselves very brave, no doubt; but if that were a live lion you'd find his claws a good deal sharper than your teeth."

｛中文阅读｝

几条狗发现了一张狮子皮，便使劲用牙齿撕碎了。碰巧，一只狐狸走过来，说：“显然，你们以为自己很英勇，可如果这是一头活着的狮子，你们就会明白，他的爪子显然要比你们的牙齿更锋利。”

230

THE NIGHTINGALE AND THE HAWK

夜莺和老鹰

A Nightingale was sitting on a bough of an oak and singing, as her custom was. A hungry Hawk presently spied her, and darting to the spot seized her in his talons. He was just about to tear her in pieces when she begged him to spare her life: "I'm not big enough," she pleaded, "to make you a good meal: you ought to seek your prey among the bigger birds." The Hawk eyed her with some contempt. "You must think me very simple," said he, "if you suppose I am going to give up a certain prize on the chance of a better of which I see at present no signs."

｛中文阅读｝

夜莺坐在一棵橡树的树枝上，像往常一样在歌唱。一只饥饿的老鹰看见她后，便猛飞过去用鹰爪抓住了她。就在老鹰将要撕碎夜莺时，她恳求老鹰饶命：“我的个头太小了，不能让你饱餐一顿，你应当去抓那些个头更大的鸟。”老鹰不屑一顾地看着她，说：“如果你认为我会放弃手中现成的食物，而去追求目前看不见影的东西，那可真是太小看我了。”

231

THE ROSE AND THE AMARANTH

玫瑰花和苋菜

A Rose and an Amaranth blossomed side by side in a garden, and the Amaranth said to her neighbour, "How I envy you, your beauty and your sweet scent! No wonder you are such a universal favourite." But the Rose replied with a shade of sadness in her voice, "Ah, my dear friend, I bloom but for a time: my petals soon wither and fall, and then I die. But your flowers never fade, even if they are cut; for they are everlasting."

｛中文阅读｝

玫瑰花和苋菜在花园里并排而立，苋菜对自己的邻居——玫瑰花说：“我真羡慕你，有着漂亮的颜色和芬芳的香味！毫无疑问，你是世上最美丽的花朵！”玫瑰花却回答说：“亲爱的朋友，我只开一季而已。我的花瓣很快就会枯萎凋谢，然后我就死去了。而你的花却永不褪色，即使被割断了，它们依然能够常绿、不褪色。”

232

THE MAN, THE HORSE, THE OX, AND THE DOG

人、马、牛、狗

One winter's day, during a severe storm, a Horse, an Ox, and a Dog came and begged for shelter in the house of a Man. He readily admitted them, and, as they were cold and wet, he lit a fire for their comfort: and he put oats before the Horse, and hay before the Ox, while he fed the Dog with the remains of his own dinner. When the storm abated, and they were about to depart, they determined to show their gratitude in the following way. They divided the life of Man among them, and each endowed one part of it with the qualities which were peculiarly his own. The Horse took youth, and hence young men are high-mettled and impatient of restraint; the Ox took middle age, and accordingly men in middle life are steady and hard-working; while the Dog took old age, which is the reason why old men are so often peevish and ill-tempered, and, like dogs, attached chiefly to those who look to their comfort, while they are disposed to snap at those who are unfamiliar or distasteful to them.

｛中文阅读｝

冬日里的一天，一场强烈风暴过后，马、牛、狗纷纷来到
人居住的房子里，乞求得到庇护。人爽快地接纳了他们。因为他们又湿又冷，人便生火取暖，让他们舒服一些。不仅如此，人还把燕麦放到马的面前，把干草放到牛的面前，把自己吃剩的饭放在狗的面前。风暴减弱后，他们准备离开人的房子，决定以某种方式来表示自己的感激之情。他们将人的一生分成几个阶段，然后在每个阶段分别赋予自己的某种特殊品质。马取走了年轻阶段，因此，年轻人奋发向上但不受约束；牛取走了中年阶段，因此，中年人踏实稳定且埋头苦干；而狗则接受了老年阶段，这正是老年人经常脾气暴躁的原因之一，他们也像狗那样，主要依赖那些能给他们带来温暖和舒适的人，而厉声呵斥那些陌生或令其不悦的人。

233

THE WOLVES, THE SHEEP, AND THE RAM

狼群、羊群和公羊

The Wolves sent a deputation to the Sheep with proposals for a lasting peace between them, on condition of their giving up the sheep-dogs to instant death. The foolish Sheep agreed to the terms; but an old Ram, whose years had brought him wisdom, interfered and said, "How can we expect to live at peace with you? Why, even with the dogs at hand to protect us, we are never secure from your murderous attacks!"

｛中文阅读｝

狼群派了一个使者到羊群那里去送一份缔结永久和平的建议书，其中提出，只要羊群放弃牧羊犬的看护，并把他处死，狼群便愿意与羊群和平相处。愚蠢的羊群同意了狼群的提议，但是一只上了年纪的公羊因年长而颇具智慧，他说：“即便眼前有狗在保护我们，我们尚且不能平安地逃出你们的魔爪，还怎么敢期望着与你们和平相处呢？”

234

THE SWAN

天　鹅

The Swan is said to sing but once in its life—when it knows that it is about to die. A certain man, who had heard of the song of the Swan, one day saw one of these birds for sale in the market, and bought it and took it home with him. A few days later he had some friends to dinner, and produced the Swan, and bade it sing for their entertainment: but the Swan remained silent. In course of time, when it was growing old, it became aware of its approaching end and broke into a sweet, sad song. When its owner heard it, he said angrily, "If the creature only sings when it is about to die, what a fool I was that day I wanted to hear its song! I ought to have wrung its neck instead of merely inviting it to sing."

｛中文阅读｝

据说，天鹅一生只唱一次歌，只有在他死期临近时才唱。一个曾经听过天鹅那优美歌声的人，偶然在市场上看到几只天鹅正待出售，便买了一只带回家。几天后，他邀请了几个朋友来吃饭，并介绍了自己的天鹅，让他唱首歌来助兴。可是，天鹅却始终保持沉默。后来，终于有一天，天鹅慢慢老了，他知道自己死期将至，便展开歌喉，唱出了一曲甜美哀婉的歌。主人听到后，生气地说：“如果你真是在临死前才肯唱歌，那我多么愚蠢呀！我真应该在那天就拧断你的脖子，而不仅仅是让你唱歌了。”

235

THE SNAKE AND JUPITER

蛇和朱庇特

A Snake suffered a good deal from being constantly trodden upon by man and beast, owing partly to the length of his body and partly to his being unable to raise himself above the surface of the ground: so he went and complained to Jupiter about the risks to which he was exposed. But Jupiter had little sympathy for him. "I dare say," said he, "that if you had bitten the first that trod on you, the others would have taken more trouble to look where they put their feet."

｛中文阅读｝

一条蛇因为人类和其他野兽的践踏常常生活在水深火热之中，部分原因是他的身体过长，另一部分原因是他无法离开地面。于是，他便跑去向朱庇特抱怨自己所暴露出的危险。可是，朱庇特却不怎么同情他。朱庇特说：“如果你咬了第一个践踏你的人，其他人就不再敢冒险这样做了。”

236

THE WOLF AND HIS SHADOW

狼和他的影子

A Wolf, who was roaming about on the plain when the sun was getting low in the sky, was much impressed by the size of his shadow, and said to himself, "I had no idea I was so big. Fancy my being afraid of a lion! Why, I, not he, ought to be King of the beasts"; and, heedless of danger, he strutted about as if there could be no doubt at all about it. Just then a lion sprang upon him and began to devour him. "Alas," he
cried, "had I not lost sight of the facts, I shouldn't have been ruined by my fancies."

｛中文阅读｝

一只狼在日落时漫步于平原上，看到自己的影子那么长，他得意洋洋地自言自语道：“我还不知道自己的身体居然有这么大。难以想象我竟然还怕一只狮子！不，我不应该害怕他，我应该做百兽之王。”他沉醉于其中，忽视了身边的危险。这时，一只狮子向他扑来，开始撕咬他。“哎呀！”狼大声喊道，“若不是沉醉于虚幻之中，我就不会被自己的幻想毁了呀。”

237

THE PLOUGHMAN AND THE WOLF

农夫和狼

A Ploughman loosed his oxen from the plough, and led them away to the water to drink. While he was absent a half-starved Wolf appeared on the scene, and went up to the plough and began chewing the leather straps attached to the yoke. As he gnawed away desperately in the hope of satisfying his craving for food, he somehow got entangled in the harness, and, taking fright, struggled to get free, tugging at the traces as if he would drag the plough along with him. Just then the Ploughman came back, and seeing what was happening, he cried, "Ah, you old rascal, I wish you would give up thieving for good and take to honest work instead."

｛中文阅读｝

农夫松开牛脖子上挂着的牛轭，牵着它们到水边去喝水。这时，一只饿得半死的狼出现了，他走到犁旁边，开始咀嚼牛轭上的皮套。为了能够填饱肚子，狼拼命地啃那皮套，不知不觉就将头伸进了牛轭中，惊慌中的狼拼命挣扎着想重获自由，结果只好拉着犁跑，就像要去田里耕地似的。恰巧农夫回来了，看到眼前发生的一切，便说：“啊，你这个可恶的东西，但愿你弃恶从善，干点正经事。”

238

MERCURY AND THE MAN BITTEN BY AN ANT

墨丘利和被蚂蚁所咬的人

A Man once saw a ship go down with all its crew, and commented severely on the injustice of the gods. "They care nothing for a man's character," said he, "but let the good and the bad go to their deaths together." There was an ant-heap close by where he was standing, and, just as he spoke, he was bitten in the foot by an Ant. Turning in a temper to the ant-heap he stamped upon it and crushed hundreds of unoffending ants. Suddenly Mercury appeared, and belaboured him with his staff, saying as he did so, "You villain, where's your nice sense of justice now?"

｛中文阅读｝

一个人在海边看见一艘船遇难，船上的人全都被淹死了，他便愤愤不平地抱怨上帝。“唉，上帝都不考虑一个人的品格，”他说，“竟然让好人和坏人一起死了。”这个人当时正站在一个蚂蚁窝旁，当他说这番话时，被爬到脚上的一只蚂蚁咬了一口。他立刻冲着身旁的蚂蚁窝撒起火来，碾死了许多并没有伤害他的蚂蚁。这时，墨丘利出现了，用棍棒痛打了他一顿，而且还重复着那人刚才所说的话：“你这个恶棍，现在你的正义感又去哪里了呢？”

239

THE WILY LION

狡猾的狮子

A Lion watched a fat Bull feeding in a meadow, and his mouth watered when he thought of the royal feast he would make, but he did not dare to attack him, for he was afraid of his sharp horns. Hunger, however, presently compelled him to do something: and as the use of force did not promise success, he determined to resort to artifice. Going up to the Bull in friendly fashion, he said to him, "I cannot help saying how much I admire your magnificent figure. What a fine head! What powerful shoulders and thighs! But, my dear friend, what in the world makes you wear those ugly horns? You must find them as awkward as they are unsightly. Believe me, you would do much better without them." The Bull was foolish enough to be persuaded by this flattery to have his horns cut off; and, having now lost his only means of defence, fell an easy prey to the Lion.

｛中文阅读｝

一只狮子看见一头肥壮的公牛正在吃草，一想到这是一顿美味佳肴，口水禁不住就流了出来，可是他又畏惧公牛的尖角，不敢轻易发起进攻。然而，饥饿促使他一定要做点什么。单凭武
力，他肯定无法成功，于是狮子决定用诡计智取。他带着友好的姿态走到公牛身旁，对公牛说：“简直无法用语言来表达我对您那魔鬼般的身材有多羡慕，这是多么漂亮的头呀，多么宽阔结实的肩膀和大腿呀！不过，亲爱的朋友，究竟是什么让你戴着这两只奇丑无比的角呢？你一定也发现了，它们又笨拙又丑陋。相信我，若是没有了这两只角，你肯定会更好。”公牛也够蠢的，竟然被这番恭维所说服，把自己的两只角折断了，刚刚失去用以防卫的武器，公牛就轻易地被狮子虏获了。

240

THE PARROT AND THE CAT

鹦鹉和猫

A Man once bought a Parrot and gave it the run of his house. It revelled in its liberty, and presently flew up on to the mantelpiece and screamed away to its heart's content. The noise disturbed the Cat, who was asleep on the hearthrug. Looking up at the intruder, she said, "Who may you be, and where have you come from?" The Parrot replied, "Your master has just bought me and brought me home with him." "You impudent bird," said the Cat, "how dare you, a newcomer, make a noise like that? Why, I was born here, and have lived here all my life, and yet, if I venture to mew, they throw things at me and chase me all over the place." "Look here, mistress," said the Parrot, "you just hold your tongue. My voice they delight in; but yours—yours is a perfect nuisance."

｛中文阅读｝

从前，有个人买了一只鹦鹉，让它在房子里自由自在地生活。这只鹦鹉欣喜若狂，高兴地飞上了壁炉架，尽情地叫着。一只猫正在壁炉前的地毯上睡觉，鹦鹉的吵闹声惊扰了她。看着这个刚来的入侵者，猫问道：“你是谁，从哪里来的？”鹦鹉回答
道：“你的主人刚刚买了我，带我来到这个房子里。”“你这个放肆无礼的家伙，”猫说，“怎么刚到这里就这么吵闹呢？我可是在这里出生的，而且一直住在这个家里。但即便如此，如果我冒险喵喵地叫几声，主人就会朝我扔东西，到处追着赶我出去。”鹦鹉回答说：“喂，你最好赶快闭上嘴。我的声音多么悦耳动听呀，他们可都喜欢；而你的叫声，实在是一种噪音。”

241

THE STAG AND THE LION

雄鹿和狮子

A Stag was chased by the hounds, and took refuge in a cave, where he hoped to be safe from his pursuers. Unfortunately the cave contained a Lion, to whom he fell an easy prey. "Unhappy that I am," he cried, "I am saved from the power of the dogs only to fall into the clutches of a Lion."

Out of the frying-pan into the fire.

｛中文阅读｝

有只鹿受到了猎犬的追捕，拼命地逃进一个洞里寻求庇护。他希望这是一个安全的地方，可以躲避猎犬。不幸的是，这个洞里有一只狮子，轻易地就抓获了鹿。鹿临死之前说：“我真是倒霉，刚脱离了猎犬的追捕，马上又掉进了狮子的大口。”

刚从油锅里出来，又掉进了火坑。

242

THE IMPOSTOR

说谎的人

A certain man fell ill, and, being in a very bad way, he made a vow that he would sacrifice a hundred oxen to the gods if they would grant him a return to health. Wishing to see how he would keep his vow, they caused him to recover in a short time. Now, he hadn't an ox in the world, so he made a hundred little oxen out of tallow and offered them up on an altar, at the same time saying, "Ye gods, I call you to witness that I have discharged my vow." The gods determined to be even with him, so they sent him a dream, in which he was bidden to go to the sea-shore and fetch a hundred crowns which he was to find there. Hastening in great excitement to the shore, he fell in with a band of robbers, who seized him and carried him off to sell as a slave: and when they sold him a hundred crowns was the sum he fetched.

Do not promise more than you can perform.

｛中文阅读｝

有个人生了病，状况非常严重，他向众神发誓，如果能恢复健康，他一定会供奉一百头牛给众神。众神想要看看他是否能遵守诺言，很快便让他痊愈了。他其实根本没有一百头牛，于是
就用酥油做成了一百头小牛，放到供台上供奉给众神，同时嘴里还说着：“众神灵，我请你们来见证，我已经还清了自己许下的愿。”众神决定要报复他，便带他进入了一个梦境。在梦里，他被命令到海边去，在那里他将找到一百个银元。他带着激动的心情赶忙跑到海边，可是却遇上了一群强盗，强盗抓住他并将他卖了去当奴隶，而卖他所得的钱正好是一百个银元，也就是他要取的总数目。

不要许下力所不能及的愿。

243

THE DOGS AND THE HIDES

狗和牛皮

Once upon a time a number of Dogs, who were famished with hunger, saw some Hides steeping in a river, but couldn't get at them because the water was too deep. So they put their heads together, and decided to drink away at the river till it was shallow enough for them to reach the Hides. But long before that happened they burst themselves with drinking.

｛中文阅读｝

从前，有几条饥肠辘辘的狗，看见河里浸泡着一张牛皮，但是由于水太深，他们无法拿到那张皮。于是，他们合计着喝掉河里的水，这样就可以趁水浅一些时，过去拿那张牛皮了。然而，还没等到去拿兽皮，他们的肚皮早已被河水胀破了。

244

THE LION, THE FOX, AND THE ASS

狮子、狐狸和驴

A Lion, a Fox, and an Ass went out hunting together. They had soon taken a large booty, which the Lion requested the Ass to divide between them. The Ass divided it all into three equal parts, and modestly begged the others to take their choice; at which the Lion, bursting with fury, sprang upon the Ass and tore him to pieces. Then, glaring at the Fox, he bade him make a fresh division. The Fox gathered almost the whole in one great heap for the Lion's share, leaving only the smallest possible morsel for himself. "My dear friend," said the Lion, "how did
you get the knack of it so well?" The Fox replied, "Me? Oh, I took a lesson from the Ass."

Happy is he who learns from the misfortunes of others.

｛中文阅读｝

狮子、狐狸和驴一起外出打猎。没过多久，他们就虏获了许多战利品，狮子命令驴在其面前分猎物。驴将所有猎物平均分成三份，然后谦和地请狮子和狐狸先挑选自己的那一份。这时，狮子勃然大怒，猛扑过去，撕碎了驴。接着，狮子又盯上了狐狸，命令他来重新分赃。狐狸把所有的猎物都堆在一起，然后请狮子来拿，只留下一点点东西给自己。“我的好朋友，”狮子说，“你怎么学到的这个窍门呀？”狐狸回答说：“我是从驴那里得到了教训。”

你若懂得从他人的不幸中汲取教训，就能获得幸福。

245

THE FOWLER, THE PARTRIDGE, AND THE COCK

捕鸟人、鹧鸪和公鸡

One day, as a Fowler was sitting down to a scanty supper of herbs and bread, a friend dropped in unexpectedly. The larder was empty; so he went out and caught a tame Partridge, which he kept as a decoy, and was about to wring her neck when she cried, "Surely you won't kill me? Why, what will you do without me next time you go fowling? How will you get the birds to come to your nets?" He let her go at this, and went to his hen-house, where he had a plump young Cock. When the Cock saw what he was after, he too pleaded for his life, and said, "If you kill me, how will you know the time of night? and who will wake you up in the morning when it is time to get to work?" The Fowler, however, replied, "You are useful for telling the time, I know; but, for all that, I can't send my friend supperless to bed." And therewith he caught him and wrung his neck.

｛中文阅读｝

有一天，当捕鸟人正坐在餐桌边吃着仅有香草和面包的晚餐时，一个朋友不期而至。食品柜已经空了，于是捕鸟人跑出去
捉那只驯养的鹧鸪，它可是一直被当做诱饵留下来的。就在捕鸟人要拧断她的脖子时，鹧鸪大喊道：“你确定要杀了我吗？为什么，要是没有我，你下次捕鸟时该怎么办呢？你如何能吸引那些鸟儿走到你的网里来呢？”听了这番话，捕鸟人就放了鹧鸪，走到鸡舍那边，准备去捉那只胖乎乎的小公鸡。公鸡看到自己将要成为下一个被杀的目标，也求主人饶命，并且说：“如果你杀了我，怎么能知道夜晚的时间呢？谁能在清晨唤醒你，到时候该去干活了呢？”然而，捕鸟人却回答说：“我知道，你的确能告诉我时间，尽管如此，我也不能让朋友饿着肚子去睡觉呀。”随后，他便捉住公鸡，拧断了它的脖子。

246

THE GNAT AND THE LION

蚊子和狮子

A Gnat once went up to a Lion and said, "I am not in the least afraid of you: I don't even allow that you are a match for me in strength. What does your strength amount to after all? That you can scratch with your claws and bite with your teeth—just like a woman in a temper— and nothing more. But I'm stronger than you: if you don't believe it, let us fight and see." So saying, the Gnat sounded his horn, and darted in and bit the Lion on the nose. When the Lion felt the sting, in his haste to crush him he scratched his nose badly, and made it bleed, but failed
altogether to hurt the Gnat, which buzzed off in triumph, elated by its victory. Presently, however, it got entangled in a spider's web, and was caught and eaten by the spider, thus falling a prey to an insignificant insect after having triumphed over the King of the Beasts.

｛中文阅读｝

有只蚊子飞到狮子那里，说：“我一点儿也不害怕你，我甚至都不承认你我力量相当。你的力量究竟有多大？你只会用爪子抓、用牙齿咬，就像一个发脾气的女人一样，除此之外，就没有什么了。可是，我却比你厉害得多。若是你不相信，不妨来比试比试。”蚊子嗡嗡地吹着小喇叭，猛冲上前，在狮子的鼻子上咬了一口。狮子感觉到被蚊子叮了一口，马上就用爪子去抓，结果却划伤了自己的鼻子，流了好多血。狮子最终没能伤害到蚊子。于是，蚊子又嗡嗡叫着，兴高采烈地凯旋而归。然而，他很快就陷入了蜘蛛的网中，被一只蜘蛛抓住吃了，在战胜了百兽之王后，却被一只不起眼的蜘蛛消灭了。

247

THE FARMER AND HIS DOGS

农场主和他的狗

A Farmer was snowed up in his farmstead by a severe storm, and was unable to go out and procure provisions for himself and his family. So he first killed his sheep and used them for food; then, as the storm still continued, he killed his goats; and, last of all, as the weather showed no signs of improving, he was compelled to kill his oxen and eat them. When his Dogs saw the various animals being killed and eaten in turn, they said to one another, "We had better get out of this or we shall be the next to go!"

｛中文阅读｝

一个农夫因持续而来的风暴被困在自己的农场里，无法外出为自己和家人寻获食物。迫于无奈，他杀死了自己的绵羊来充饥。可是，风暴依然持续不停，继而又杀死山羊。最后，因为风暴丝毫没有减弱的意思，他又被迫杀死了自己的牛来填饱肚子。那些狗看到不同的动物依次被杀、被吃掉后，便相互诉说：“我们最好快点离开这里，不然就会成为下一个被杀的对象！”

248

THE EAGLE AND THE FOX

老鹰和狐狸

An Eagle and a Fox became great friends and determined to live near one another: they thought that the more they saw of each other the better friends they would be. So the Eagle built a nest at the top of a high tree, while the Fox settled in a thicket at the foot of it and produced a litter of cubs. One day the Fox went out foraging for food, and the Eagle, who also wanted food for her young, flew down into the thicket, caught up the Fox's cubs, and carried them up into the tree for a meal for herself and her family. When the Fox came back, and found out what had happened, she was not so much sorry for the loss of her cubs as furious because she couldn't get at the Eagle and pay her out for her treachery. So she sat down not far off and cursed her. But it wasn't long before she had her revenge. Some villagers happened to be sacrificing a goat on a neighbouring altar, and the Eagle flew down and carried off a piece of burning flesh to her nest. There was a strong wind blowing, and the nest caught fire, with the result that her fledglings fell half-roasted to the ground. Then the Fox ran to the spot and devoured them in full sight of the Eagle.

False faith may escape human punishment, but cannot escape the divine.

｛中文阅读｝

一只鹰和一只狐狸成为了好朋友，并决定比邻而居，他们以为经常能见到对方，就会维持更好的友谊。于是，老鹰在一棵大树的顶端建巢育子，而狐狸则走进树下的灌木丛中扎窝，并在那里生儿育女。有一天，狐狸出去觅食，老鹰正好也想给小鹰寻找食物，他便飞入灌木丛中，抓起狐狸的幼崽，飞上高枝，与雏鹰一起饱餐了一顿。待狐狸回来后，发现了老鹰的所作所为，她既为儿女的亡命而悲痛，又因自己无法到老鹰的巢穴吃掉她的幼崽报仇而愤怒。因此，她只好坐在不远的地方诅咒敌人。没过多久，她就报了仇。一些村民碰巧在旁边的祭坛杀羊祭神，老鹰飞下来，从祭坛上抓起一块还带着火苗的羊肉，带回到自己的巢里。这时，一阵狂风吹来，鹰巢立刻起火了，结果，那些快要被烧焦了的小雏鹰也一并掉到了地上。接着，狐狸便跑了过去，在老鹰的眼前，吃掉了那些小鹰。

带有欺骗性的忠诚或许能逃过人的惩罚，但却逃不过神的惩罚。

249

THE BUTCHER AND HIS CUSTOMERS

屠夫和他的顾客

Two Men were buying meat at a Butcher's stall in the market-place, and, while the Butcher's back was turned for a moment, one of them snatched up a joint and hastily thrust it under the other's cloak, where it could not be seen. When the Butcher turned round, he missed the meat at once, and charged them with having stolen it: but the one who had taken it said he hadn't got it, and the one who had got it said he hadn't taken it. The Butcher felt sure they were deceiving him, but he only said, "You may cheat me with your lying, but you can't cheat the gods, and they won't let you off so lightly."

Prevarication often amounts to perjury.

｛中文阅读｝

两个人正在市场里屠户的摊位上买肉，屠夫刚一转身背向他们，其中一人便抓起一块腱子肉，迅速放进另一人的斗篷里，谁也没看到他的举动。待屠夫转过身来，立刻注意到少了一块肉，便指控他们偷了肉。但是，拿了肉的那个人说自己没有偷，而得到肉的那个人也说自己没有拿。屠夫确信他们是在欺骗自己，但仅仅说了一句话：“你可以用谎言来欺骗我，但却骗不了神，他们不会这么轻易放过你的。”

相互推诿等同于欺骗。

250

HERCULES AND MINERVA

赫拉克勒斯和密涅瓦

Hercules was once travelling along a narrow road when he saw lying on the ground in front of him what appeared to be an apple, and as he passed he stamped upon it with his heel. To his astonishment, instead of being crushed it doubled in size; and, on his attacking it again and smiting it with his club, it swelled up to an enormous size and blocked up the whole road. Upon this he dropped his club, and stood looking at it in amazement. Just then Minerva appeared, and said to him, "Leave it alone, my friend; that which you see before you is the apple of discord: if you do not meddle with it, it remains small as it was at first, but if you resort to violence it swells into the thing you see."

｛中文阅读｝

赫拉克勒斯有一次经过一条狭窄的路时，见到前面的地上有一个类似苹果的东西，走到那里时，他便用脚去踩它。让他惊讶的是，那个东西不但没有碎，反而成倍增大了。他又去踩了一下，而且还用大木棒去打它。结果，那个东西迅速膨胀起来，堵住了整条路。他扔下木棒，不知所措地站在那里盯着看。这时，密涅瓦出现了，对他说：“朋友，随他去吧，你眼前看到的正是那个祸根。如果你不去理它，它就会依然小如苹果一样待在原地，可是，如果你采用暴力与之抗衡，它就会变成你看到的这个样子了。”

251

THE FOX WHO SERVED A LION

为狮子服务的狐狸

A Lion had a Fox to attend on him, and whenever they went hunting the Fox found the prey and the Lion fell upon it and killed it, and then they divided it between them in certain proportions. But the Lion always got a very large share, and the Fox a very small one, which didn't please the latter at all; so he determined to set up on his own account. He began by trying to steal a lamb from a flock of sheep: but the shepherd saw him and set his dogs on him. The hunter was now the hunted, and was very soon caught and despatched by the dogs.

Better servitude with safety than freedom with danger.

｛中文阅读｝

狮子身边有一只狐狸在服侍他，每当出去打猎时，狐狸负责寻找猎物，而狮子则扑上去杀死猎物，之后他们按照一定比例瓜分猎物。但狮子总会取走大部分猎物，而狐狸只能得到小小的一份，这让狐狸很不高兴。于是，狐狸决心自己去捕猎。起初，他尝试着从羊群中偷取羔羊，但是牧羊人一见到狐狸，便放狗追他。原来的捕猎者，现在反而变成被猎者，而且狐狸很快就被狗捉住杀死了。

安全的奴役更胜于有危险的自由。

252

THE QUACK DOCTOR

江湖郎中

A certain man fell sick and took to his bed. He consulted a number of doctors from time to time, and they all, with one exception, told him that his life was in no immediate danger, but that his illness would probably last a considerable time. The one who took a different view of his case, who was also the last to be consulted, bade him prepare for the worst: "You have not twenty-four hours to live," said he, "and I fear I can do nothing." As it turned out, however, he was quite wrong; for at the end of a few days the sick man quitted his bed and took a walk abroad, looking, it is true, as pale as a ghost. In the course of his walk he met the Doctor who had prophesied his death. "Dear me," said the latter, "how do you do? You are fresh from the other world, no doubt. Pray, how are our departed friends getting on there?" "Most comfortably," replied the other, "for they have drunk the water of oblivion, and have forgotten all the troubles of life. By the way, just before I left, the authorities were making arrangements to prosecute all the doctors, because they won't let sick men die in the course of nature, but use their arts to keep them alive. They were going to charge you along with the rest, till I assured them that you were no doctor, but a mere impostor."

｛中文阅读｝

从前，有一个人生病了，且卧床不起。他咨询了很多医生，除了一个医生之外，其他人都说这病没有什么危险，但却需要持续一段时间。那个持相反意见的医生，也是他最后咨询的一个医生，命令他做最坏的打算。“你已经活不过明天了，”那人说，“恐怕我也帮不上什么忙。”然而，事实证明那个医生的确是错了。过了些日子，尽管病人的脸色依然苍白，可他能够下床走动了。在路上，他又遇见了那个宣判他死期将至的医生。医生问他：“你好，感觉如何？不用问，你从另一个世界回来了。拜托，那些死去的朋友怎么样？”“非常舒服，”病人回答说，“因为他们喝了忘情水，忘掉了生命中的所有烦恼。顺便一提，就在我离开前，死神正准备控诉所有医生，因为他们没让病人自然死亡，而是利用各种方式来挽救其生命。原本你也在其中，但是我恳求他们放了你，因为你不是一个真正的医生，而仅仅是个江湖郎中。”

253

THE LION, THE WOLF, AND THE FOX

狮子、狼和狐狸

A Lion, infirm with age, lay sick in his den, and all the beasts of the forest came to inquire after his health with the exception of the Fox. The Wolf thought this was a good opportunity for paying off old scores against the Fox, so he called the attention of the Lion to his absence, and said, "You see, sire, that we have all come to see how you are except the Fox, who hasn't come near you, and doesn't care whether you are well or ill." Just then the Fox came in and heard the last words of the Wolf. The Lion roared at him in deep displeasure, but he begged to be allowed to explain his absence, and said, "Not one of them cares for you so much as I, sire, for all the time I have been going round to the doctors and trying to find a cure for your illness." "And may I ask if you have found one?" said the Lion. "I have, sire," said the Fox, "and it is this: you must flay a Wolf and wrap yourself in his skin while it is still warm." The Lion accordingly turned to the Wolf and struck him dead with one blow of his paw, in order to try the Fox's prescription; but the Fox laughed and said to himself, "That's what comes of stirring up ill-will."

｛中文阅读｝

一只上了年纪的狮子，生病躺在自己的洞里。除了狐狸外，森林里的其他动物都来问候狮子。狼心想，这正是一个好机会，可以和狐狸算算旧账了。于是，他便提醒狮子注意到狐狸的缺席，并且说：“您看，大王，我们所有动物都来看望您，可狐狸却胆大包天，竟然不来问候。他根本都不关心您的健康状况是好是坏。”正在此时，狐狸进来了，听到了狼所说的最后一句话。狮子立刻冲狐狸怒吼起来，狐狸马上请求让他解释一下缺席的原因。狐狸说：“他们谁也没有我这样关心您，我一直在四处奔走，遍访名医，为您寻找治病的妙方呢！”“我问一下，你找到了什么？”狮子说。“我找到了一个灵丹妙方，那就是——您必须活剥了狼，趁着它的皮还有体温时，赶紧披在身上。”为了试一下狐狸的偏方，狮子立刻转向狼，用一只爪子掐死了狼，而狐狸则笑着自言自语道：“这可是你自己激发出来的敌意。”

254

HERCULES AND PLUTUS

赫拉克勒斯和财神

When Hercules was received among the gods and was entertained at a banquet by Jupiter, he responded courteously to the greetings of all with the exception of Plutus, the god of wealth. When Plutus approached him, he cast his eyes upon the ground, and turned away and pretended not to see him. Jupiter was surprised at this conduct on his part, and asked why, after having been so cordial with all the other gods, he had behaved like that to Plutus. "Sire," said Hercules, "I do not like Plutus, and I will tell you why. When we were on earth together I always noticed that he was to be found in the company of scoundrels."

｛中文阅读｝

赫拉克勒斯被众神接纳为神以后，朱庇特为他设宴庆贺。宴会上，赫拉克勒斯热情友好地向众神们一一问好，唯独财神普路托斯除外。当财神向他走去时，他却低下头盯着地面看，然后转身走开了，假装没有看到他。朱庇特看到他的举动十分惊讶，便问他为什么与其他神都能高兴地打招呼，唯独对财神普路托斯却另眼相看。赫拉克勒斯回答说：“陛下，我不喜欢财神普路托斯，我会告诉您原因的。当我们俩都在人间时，总见到他与坏人在一起。”

255

THE FOX AND THE LEOPARD

狐狸与豹

A Fox and a Leopard were disputing about their looks, and each claimed to be the more handsome of the two. The Leopard said, "Look at my smart coat; you have nothing to match that." But the Fox replied, "Your coat may be smart, but my wits are smarter still."

｛中文阅读｝

一只狐狸和一只豹正在争论自己的外表，争着吹嘘自己是更俊朗的那一个。豹说：“看看我这漂亮的外套，你可没有什么能与之媲美的。”可是，狐狸却说：“你的外表或许比较漂亮，但我的智慧却更胜过你。”

256

THE FOX AND THE HEDGEHOG

狐狸与刺猬

A Fox, in swimming across a rapid river, was swept away by the current and carried a long way downstream in spite of his struggles, until at last, bruised and exhausted, he managed to scramble on to dry ground from a backwater. As he lay there unable to move, a swarm of horseflies settled on him and sucked his blood undisturbed, for he was too weak even to shake them off. A Hedgehog saw him, and asked if he should brush away the flies that were tormenting him; but the Fox replied, "Oh, please, no, not on any account, for these flies have sucked their fill and are taking very little from me now; but, if you drive them off, another swarm of hungry ones will come and suck all the blood I have left, and leave me without a drop in my veins."

｛中文阅读｝

一只狐狸正在渡过一条水流湍急的河，尽管他努力挣扎着，可依然被水流冲到了远处的河下游。后来，遍体鳞伤的他精疲力竭，想尽一切办法从水中爬回到了一块干燥的土地上，躺在那里一动也不能动。这时，一群饥饿的马蝇叮满了他的全身，泰然自若地吮吸着他的血。因为狐狸实在太虚弱，根本无法抖落这些马
蝇。一只刺猬看见了他，并问他是否应该赶走这些害他的马蝇。但是，狐狸却回答说：“不用啦，坚决不要打扰他们，因为这些马蝇已经吃饱，不再叮咬我了；假如你把它们都赶走了，另外一群饥饿的马蝇就会过来，继续吸取我体内剩余的血，这样就会吸干血管里的血。”

257

THE CROW AND THE RAVEN

乌鸦与渡鸦

A Crow became very jealous of a Raven, because the latter was regarded by men as a bird of omen which foretold the future, and was accordingly held in great respect by them. She was very anxious to get the same sort of reputation herself; and, one day, seeing some travellers approaching, she flew on to a branch of a tree at the roadside and cawed as loud as she could. The travellers were in some dismay at the sound, for they feared it might be a bad omen; till one of them, spying the Crow, said to his companions, "It's all right, my friends, we can go on without fear, for it's only a crow and that means nothing."

Those who pretend to be something they are not only make themselves ridiculous.

｛中文阅读｝

一只乌鸦非常妒忌渡鸦，因为渡鸦被人类当做一种能预测未来的神鸟，故而得到了人类的尊敬。乌鸦十分羡慕，也想得到同样的声望。有一天，看见几个行人路过，她便飞到路边的一棵
树上，用力地大声叫了起来。听到乌鸦的声音，行人都很郁闷，他们担心这是一个不好的预兆。其中一个人看到了乌鸦，就对同伴说：“没事了，朋友们，我们可以不用担心了，因为这是一只乌鸦，没什么特别的。”

假装成位高权重之流的人，只会让自己变得荒谬可笑。

258

THE WITCH

女　巫

A Witch professed to be able to avert the anger of the gods by means of charms, of which she alone possessed the secret; and she drove a brisk trade, and made a fat livelihood out of it. But certain persons accused her of black magic and carried her before the judges, and demanded that she should be put to death for dealings with the Devil. She was found guilty and condemned to death: and one of the judges said to her as she was leaving the dock, "You say you can avert the anger of the gods. How comes it, then, that you have failed to disarm the enmity of men?"

｛中文阅读｝

有个女巫声称自己能用某种方式使神灵息怒，只有她才拥有这个秘诀。她四处招摇撞骗，因此得到了不少酬金。但是，后来有人控告她乱用巫术，便将她送上了法庭，并要求将她处死，因为她与魔鬼打交道。后来，她被定了罪，并判处了死刑。在离开被告席时，其中一个法官对她说：“你自称能平息神灵的愤怒，那么，现在为何连凡人的愤怒也平息不了呢？”

259

THE OLD MAN AND DEATH

老人与死神

An Old Man cut himself a bundle of faggots in a wood and started to carry them home. He had a long way to go, and was tired out before he had got much more than half-way. Casting his burden on the ground, he called upon Death to come and release him from his life of toil. The words were scarcely out of his mouth when, much to his dismay, Death stood before him and professed his readiness to serve him. He was almost frightened out of his wits, but he had enough presence of mind to stammer out, "Good sir, if you'd be so kind, pray help me up with my burden again."

｛中文阅读｝

有一个老人在森林里砍了一些柴，准备运回家。他十分吃力地挑着走了很远的路，还没走到一半，就已经累得走不动了。他便将担子放在地上，要求死神快点来，让他尽快摆脱这个痛苦的生命。更令他沮丧的是，还没等话说出口，死神便站在他面前，声称已经准备好为他服务了。老人几乎吓呆了，但却保持着沉着镇定，结结巴巴地说：“好人呀，你行行好，帮忙把那担子再放到我肩上吧。”

260

THE MISER

吝啬鬼

A Miser sold everything he had, and melted down his hoard of gold into a single lump, which he buried secretly in a field. Every day he went to look at it, and would sometimes spend long hours gloating over his treasure. One of his men noticed his frequent visits to the spot, and one day watched him and discovered his secret. Waiting his opportunity, he went one night and dug up the gold and stole it. Next day the Miser visited the place as usual, and, finding his treasure gone, fell to tearing his hair and groaning over his loss. In this condition he was seen by one of his neighbours, who asked him what his trouble was. The Miser told him of his misfortune; but the other replied, "Don't take it so much to heart, my friend; put a brick into the hole, and take a look at it every day: you won't be any worse off than before, for even when you had your gold it was of no earthly use to you."

｛中文阅读｝

有一个守财奴变卖了所有家产，并将所有金器全部熔成了一个大金块，秘密埋在一个地方。他每天都会走过去看看，有时还会花很长时间得意洋洋地欣赏自己的宝藏。一个仆人注意到他
经常去那个地方，便在某一天监视着他，发现了他的秘密。那人在一个夜晚伺机挖出了金块，并偷走了。第二天，当守财奴又像往常一样到那里来看宝贝时，发现自己的宝藏不翼而飞了，便捶胸顿足地痛哭起来。一个邻居见他如此悲痛，便问他遇上了什么麻烦。守财奴告诉他自己的不幸，可是，邻居却说：“朋友，别太放在心上了，找一块石头放进洞里，然后每天都来看看它，只要你心里想着那是块金子，就不会再如此难过了。因为即使那是一块真的金子，对你来说也没什么用呀。”

261

THE FOXES AND THE RIVER

狐狸与河

A number of Foxes assembled on the bank of a river and wanted to drink; but the current was so strong and the water looked so deep and dangerous that they didn't dare to do so, but stood near the edge encouraging one another not to be afraid. At last one of them, to shame the rest, and show how brave he was, said, "I am not a bit frightened! See, I'll step right into the water!" He had no sooner done so than the current swept him off his feet. When the others saw him being carried down-stream they cried, "Don't go and leave us! Come back and show us where we too can drink with safety." But he replied, "I'm afraid I can't yet: I want to go to the seaside, and this current will take me there nicely. When I come back I'll show you with pleasure."

｛中文阅读｝

一群狐狸聚集在河畔，想要喝河里的水。但是，河里的水流很急，而河水似乎又很深、很危险，于是，他们都不敢下去喝水，只是站在河边，鼓动其他不害怕的狐狸下去喝水。其中有一只狐狸，嘲笑同伴们太胆小，为显示自己的勇敢，他说道：“我才不害怕呢！看吧，我马上就走进河里去！”他刚步入河中，就
被湍急的河水冲得站不稳脚跟。眼看他就要被河水冲到下游去了，站在河边的其他狐狸冲他大喊：“别走呀，不要留下我们！快回来，告诉我们从哪里可以安全地下去喝水。”然而，被水冲走的狐狸却回答说：“恐怕我不能回去了，我想到海边去，河水会带我过去的。等我回来后，再告诉你们吧。”

262

THE HORSE AND THE STAG

马和雄鹿

There was once a Horse who used to graze in a meadow which he had all to himself. But one day a Stag came into the meadow, and said he had as good a right to feed there as the Horse, and moreover chose all the best places for himself. The Horse, wishing to be revenged upon his unwelcome visitor, went to a man and asked if he would help him to turn out the Stag. "Yes," said the man, "I will by all means; but I can only do so if you let me put a bridle in your mouth and mount on your back." The Horse agreed to this, and the two together very soon turned the Stag out of the pasture: but when that was done, the Horse found to his dismay that in the man he had got a master for good.

｛中文阅读｝

从前，有一匹马曾经独自占有一片草场。有一天，一只雄鹿闯入了他的领地，说自己也像马一样有权利分享这里的草，不仅如此，还为自己选了一个最好的地方吃草。马一心想报复这只不请自来的鹿，便来到人那里询问是否能帮助自己惩罚鹿。人回答说：“是的，我可以尽力帮你，不过，除非你愿意让我把一根勒马的缰绳放在你嘴里，并且骑在你的背上，我才能这么做。”马同意了人的要求，于是这两个合作者很快就把鹿赶出了草场。然而，一切结束后，马才发现自己永远成了人的奴隶。

263

THE FOX AND THE BRAMBLE

狐狸与荆棘

In making his way through a hedge a Fox missed his footing and caught at a Bramble to save himself from falling. Naturally, he got badly scratched, and in disgust he cried to the Bramble, "It was your help I wanted, and see how you have treated me! I'd sooner have fallen outright." The Bramble, interrupting him, replied, "You must have lost your wits, my friend, to catch at me, who am myself always catching at others."

｛中文阅读｝

一只狐狸爬越篱笆时，差一点失足跌落下去，他拼命地抓住了一根荆棘，以防掉下去摔死。狐狸自然被荆棘刺伤了，他厌恶地冲着荆棘大喊：“我只想得到你的帮助，可你却如此对待我！还不如直接摔下去呢。”荆棘打断了他的话，说：“朋友，向来都是我拉扯别人的，而你却来抓住我，那可就是你的愚蠢了。”

264

THE LION, THE FOX, AND THE STAG

狮子、狐狸和雄鹿

A Lion lay sick in his den, unable to provide himself with food. So he said to his friend the Fox, who came to ask how he did, "My good friend, I wish you would go to yonder wood and beguile the big Stag, who lives there, to come to my den: I have a fancy to make my dinner off a stag's heart and brains." The Fox went to the wood and found the Stag and said to him, "My dear sir, you're in luck. You know the Lion, our King: well, he's at the point of death, and has appointed you his successor to rule over the beasts. I hope you won't forget that I was the first to bring you the good news. And now I must be going back to him; and, if you take my advice, you'll come too and be with him at the last." The Stag was highly flattered, and followed the Fox to the Lion's den, suspecting nothing. No sooner had he got inside than the Lion sprang upon him, but he misjudged his spring, and the Stag got away with only his ears torn, and returned as fast as he could to the shelter of the wood. The Fox was much mortified, and the Lion, too, was dreadfully disappointed, for he was getting very hungry in spite of his illness. So he begged the Fox to have another try at coaxing the Stag to his den. "It'll be almost impossible this time," said the Fox, "but I'll try"; and off he went to the wood a second time, and found the Stag resting
and trying to recover from his fright. As soon as he saw the Fox he cried, "You scoundrel, what do you mean by trying to lure me to my death like that? Take yourself off, or I'll do you to death with my horns." But the Fox was entirely shameless. "What a coward you were," said he; "surely you didn't think the Lion meant any harm? Why, he was only going to whisper some royal secrets into your ear when you went off like a scared rabbit. You have rather disgusted him, and I'm not sure he won't make the wolf King instead, unless you come back at once and show you've got some spirit. I promise you he won't hurt you, and I will be your faithful servant." The Stag was foolish enough to be persuaded to return, and this time the Lion made no mistake, but overpowered him, and feasted right royally upon his carcase. The Fox, meanwhile, watched his chance and, when the Lion wasn't looking, filched away the brains to reward him for his trouble. Presently the Lion began searching for them, of course without success: and the Fox, who was watching him, said, "I don't think it's much use your looking for the brains: a creature who twice walked into a Lion's den can't have got any."

｛中文阅读｝

一只生病的狮子躺在自己的洞里，没办法亲自去寻找食物。于是，他对前来探望自己的朋友——狐狸说：“我的好朋友，我希望你能到那片森林里去，用花言巧语把住在那里的一只最大的鹿骗到这里来，我很想吃掉他的心和脑子。”狐狸来到树林里，看见了那只雄鹿，便对他说：“亲爱的朋友，你走运了。你知道
我们的国王狮子吧，是的，他快要死了，可是却指名要你去继承他的王位，来统治百兽。我希望你别忘了，我可是第一个向你报告好消息的。现在，我必须得回到狮子那里去了，如果你肯听我的话，就和我一起去，看他最后一眼吧。”雄鹿非常高兴，毫不设防地跟着狐狸来到了狮子的洞里。刚一进来，狮子猛然朝鹿扑过来，然而，他错误地估计了自己的实力。雄鹿仅仅被撕扯掉了耳朵，他拼命地逃回树林里的避难处。狐狸很难过，狮子也很失望，因为生了病的他正在忍饥挨饿。于是，狮子请求狐狸再想想办法，用诡计哄骗雄鹿再一次到洞里来。“这次不太可能了，”狐狸说，“不过，我会再试试。”他又一次来到树林里，发现雄鹿正在休息疗伤。一见到狐狸，雄鹿就哭喊道：“你这个大坏蛋，像那样骗我去送死，你到底什么意思？快走开，不然我就用鹿角刺死你。”可是，狐狸却恬不知耻地说：“你可真是个懦夫，你难道真的认为狮子要伤害你吗？他只是想在你耳边说一些关于王位的秘密罢了，可你却像只受了惊吓的兔子一样跑开了。你已经激怒了他，我不确定他是否要将王位传给狼，除非你立刻回去告诉狮子，你不是这样的胆小鬼。我向你保证，狮子决不会伤害你，而且我也会做你的忠实奴仆。”愚蠢的雄鹿又被说服了，再次跟着狐狸回到狮子的洞里。这一次，狮子没有再犯错误，轻易地制服了雄鹿，美美地享受了一顿。在一旁静候的狐狸，瞅准了机会，趁狮子不注意时，偷走了雄鹿的脑子，以此犒劳自己。一会儿，狮子开始寻找鹿的脑子，当然找不到了。这时，在一旁观望的狐狸说：“我认为寻找鹿的脑子是白费工夫，因为能两次走进狮子洞里来的动物，不可能有脑子。”

265

THE MAN WHO LOST HIS SPADE

丢了铁锹的人

A Man was engaged in digging over his vineyard, and one day on coming to work he missed his Spade. Thinking it may have been stolen by one of his labourers, he questioned them closely, but they one and all denied any knowledge of it. He was not convinced by their denials, and insisted that they should all go to the town and take oath in a temple that they were not guilty of the theft. This was because he had no great opinion of the simple country deities, but thought that the thief would not pass undetected by the shrewder gods of the town. When they got inside the gates the first thing they heard was the town crier proclaiming a reward for information about a thief who had stolen something from the city temple. "Well," said the Man to himself, "it strikes me I had better go back home again. If these town gods can't detect the thieves who steal from their own temples, it's scarcely likely they can tell me who stole my Spade."

｛中文阅读｝

一个人在他的葡萄园里掘土，有一天，要开始工作时发现
铁锹没了。他以为可能是被某个工人偷走了，就过去质问他们，但工人们一个个都否认偷了铁锹。尽管工人都否认了，可他依然不相信，一再坚持所有人都应该到城里的寺庙去发誓，自己没有犯盗窃罪。这是因为他对小镇上的神灵没有什么概念，以为小偷逃不过城里寺庙精明神灵的检测。他们刚走进大门，就听到了悬赏缉拿从寺庙偷东西的小偷。“好吧，”这人自言自语地说，“我最好还是赶快回家吧。如果这些庙里的神都无法找到盗窃寺庙东西的贼，他们也不太可能告诉我是谁偷了我的铁锹。”

266

THE PARTRIDGE AND THE FOWLER

鹧鸪和捕鸟人

A Fowler caught a Partridge in his nets, and was just about to wring its neck when it made a piteous appeal to him to spare its life and said, "Do not kill me, but let me live and I will repay you for your kindness by decoying other partridges into your nets." "No," said the Fowler, "I will not spare you. I was going to kill you anyhow, and after that treacherous speech you thoroughly deserve your fate."

｛中文阅读｝

有个捕鸟的人在网里捉到一只鹧鸪，正要拧断他的脖子时，鹧鸪带着可怜的表情求他饶了自己的命，并说：“不要杀死我，让我活着吧，我会诱骗其他鹧鸪到你的网里来，以此来回报你对我的仁慈。”捕鸟人说：“不，我不能饶了你，无论如何都要杀了你。尤其是听了你这番背叛同类的宣言，你更应该去死了。”

267

THE HUNTER AND THE WOODMAN

猎人和樵夫

A Hunter was searching in the forest for the tracks of a lion, and, catching sight presently of a Woodman engaged in felling a tree, he went up to him and asked him if he had noticed a lion's footprints anywhere about, or if he knew where his den was. The Woodman answered, "If you will come with me, I will show you the lion himself." The Hunter turned pale with fear, and his teeth chattered as he replied, "Oh, I'm not looking for the lion, thanks, but only for his tracks."

｛中文阅读｝

一个猎人正在森林里搜寻狮子的踪迹，不久，他看到一个
樵夫正在砍树，于是便走上前问他有没有注意到狮子的足迹，或者是否知道狮子躲在了哪里。樵夫回答说：“要是你和我一起去，就能亲自看到狮子了。”猎人吓得脸色惨白，牙齿打着颤说道：“我只想搜寻它的踪迹，并不是在找狮子本身。”

268

THE SERPENT AND THE EAGLE

毒蛇和鹰

An Eagle swooped down upon a Serpent and seized it in his talons with the intention of carrying it off and devouring it. But the Serpent was too quick for him and had its coils round him in a moment; and then there ensued a life-and-death struggle between the two. A countryman, who was a witness of the encounter, came to the assistance of the Eagle, and succeeded in freeing him from the Serpent and enabling him to escape. In revenge the Serpent spat some of his poison into the man's drinking-horn. Heated with his exertions, the man was about to slake his thirst with a draught from the horn, when the Eagle knocked it out of his hand, and spilled its contents upon the ground.

One good turn deserves another.

｛中文阅读｝

一只老鹰朝着一条毒蛇俯冲下来，用鹰爪抓住了蛇，想要把他带走并吃掉。可是，毒蛇却迅速缠住了老鹰，接着展开了一场生死搏斗。一个农夫看到了整个过程，走过来帮老鹰解开了蛇的缠绕，让他重新获得了自由。为了报复农夫，蛇便将自己的毒液注进了农夫喝水的角杯里。忙活了半天的农夫正想去解解渴，便拿起角杯要喝水，这时，老鹰飞过来撞掉了他手中的角杯，杯子里的水全都洒在了地上。

善有善报。

269

THE ROGUE AND THE ORACLE

无赖和圣人

A Rogue laid a wager that he would prove the Oracle at Delphi to be untrustworthy by procuring from it a false reply to an inquiry by himself. So he went to the temple on the appointed day with a small bird in his hand, which he concealed under the folds of his cloak, and asked whether what he held in his hand were alive or dead. If the Oracle said "dead," he meant to produce the bird alive: if the reply was "alive," he intended to wring its neck and show it to be dead. But the Oracle was one too many for him, for the answer he got was this: "Stranger, whether the thing that you hold in your hand be alive or dead is a matter that depends entirely on your own will."

｛中文阅读｝

一个狡猾的人下赌注，他能让德尔斐（希腊古都）的圣人用错误的回答来证明自己不值得信赖。于是，到了约定好的那一天，他来到了庙里，手里拿着一只小麻雀，并将它藏在外衣里面。他问圣人自己手中拿着的东西是活的还是死的。如果圣人说“是死的”，他便把活着的麻雀拿出来;如果圣人说“是活的”，他就捏死麻雀，然后再将死的拿出来。可是，圣人远比他更高明，说道：“陌生人，不管你手里的东西是死是活，完全取决于你自己的意愿！”

270

THE HORSE AND THE ASS

马和驴

A Horse, proud of his fine harness, met an Ass on the high-road. As the Ass with his heavy burden moved slowly out of the way to let him pass, the Horse cried out impatiently that he could hardly resist kicking him to make him move faster. The Ass held his peace, but did not forget the other's insolence. Not long afterwards the Horse became broken-winded, and was sold by his owner to a farmer. One day, as he was drawing a dung-cart, he met the Ass again, who in turn derided him and said, "Aha! you never thought to come to this, did you, you who were so proud! Where are all your gay trappings now?"

｛中文阅读｝

一匹马对自己精美的马具感到自豪，他在一条小路上遇到了一头满载货物的驴。驴因货物太重，只能慢慢地走，而无法让马先过去。马不耐烦地说恨不得踢他一脚，让他快点走。驴默不作声，但是没有忘记马的傲慢无礼。不久，那匹马患了气喘病，被主人卖到了农场。有一天，当马正拉着粪车时，又遇到了驴，驴反而讥笑他说：“哈！你从没想到会来这里干这种活吧，不是吗，你那么傲慢！现在，你那华丽的马具到哪里去了？”

271

THE DOG CHASING A WOLF

追赶狼的狗

A Dog was chasing a Wolf, and as he ran he thought what a fine fellow he was, and what strong legs he had, and how quickly they covered the ground. "Now, there's this Wolf," he said to himself, "what a poor creature he is: he's no match for me, and he knows it and so he runs away." But the Wolf looked round just then and said, "Don't you imagine I'm running away from you, my friend: it's your master I'm afraid of."

｛中文阅读｝

一条狗正在追赶一只狼，他边跑边想，自己是一条多么好的狗呀，腿多么健壮，跑得又是多么的快。狗自言自语道：“现在，看看这只狼，多么可怜呀，他根本不是我的对手，他很有自知之明，所以才会逃跑。”然而，狼却回过头来对他说：“朋友，不要以为我因为惧怕你才逃跑，让我害怕的是你身后的主人。”

272

GRIEF AND HIS DUE

悲伤和他被指派的份额

When Jupiter was assigning the various gods their privileges, it so happened that Grief was not present with the rest: but when all had received their share, he too entered and claimed his due. Jupiter was at a loss to know what to do, for there was nothing left for him. However, at last he decided that to him should belong the tears that are shed for the dead. Thus it is the same with Grief as it is with the other gods. The more devoutly men render to him his due, the more lavish is he of that which he has to bestow. It is not well, therefore, to mourn long for the departed; else Grief, whose sole pleasure is in such mourning, will be quick to send fresh cause for tears.

｛中文阅读｝

朱庇特正在给不同的神灵指派特权，恰巧悲伤没有到场。但是，当所有神灵都得到了指派的份额后，悲伤进来了，也声称想要他应得的份额。朱庇特有点不知所措，因为什么都没有留给他。然而，朱庇特最后决定，悲伤应该属于为亡人而流下的泪水。因此，悲伤与其他神灵一样，也得到了属于自己的份额。越发虔诚地回报给悲伤，悲伤就会越发大方地赋予你属于他的份额。所以，长久地为逝者而悲伤并不好。悲伤的唯一乐趣就在这样的哀悼中，否则，他会迅速为泪水寻找新的原因。

273

THE WOMAN AND THE FARMER

女人和农夫

A Woman, who had lately lost her husband, used to go every day to his grave and lament her loss. A Farmer, who was engaged in ploughing not far from the spot, set eyes upon the Woman and desired to have her for his wife: so he left his plough and came and sat by her side, and began to shed tears himself. She asked him why he wept; and he replied, "I have lately lost my wife, who was very dear to me, and tears ease my grief." "And I," said she, "have lost my husband." And so for a while they mourned in silence. Then he said, "Since you and I are in like case, shall we not do well to marry and live together? I shall take the place of your dead husband, and you, that of my dead wife." The Woman consented to the plan, which indeed seemed reasonable enough: and they dried their tears. Meanwhile, a thief had come and stolen the oxen which the Farmer had left with his plough. On discovering the theft, he beat his breast and loudly bewailed his loss. When the Woman heard his cries, she came and said, "Why, are you weeping still?" To which he replied, "Yes, and I mean it this time."

｛中文阅读｝

有一个女人刚刚失去了丈夫，她每天都要到丈夫的坟上痛哭一场。有一个农夫在不远处耕地，一直观察着这个女人，想娶她为妻。于是，农夫放下自己的犁，来到她身边坐下，也痛哭起来。女人问他为什么哭，农夫回答说：“我的妻子最近也死了，她和我非常恩爱，也许眼泪能够减轻我的悲伤。”女人说：“我丈夫也是刚刚去世。”两人就这样默然哀伤了一阵子。接着，农夫说：“既然你我遭遇相同，我们为何不结为夫妻，在一起生活呢？我替代你死去的丈夫，而你则替代我死去的妻子。”这个想法听起来的确很有道理，那女人高兴地同意了。这时候，有一个贼偷走了农夫丢下的公牛。看到自己的牛被偷了，农夫不禁捶胸顿足地悲叹自己的损失。此刻，女人听见了他的哭声，走过来问道：“为什么，你还在哭吗？”农夫回答：“是的！这一次是真心的。”

274

PROMETHEUS AND THE MAKING OF MAN

普罗米修斯与造人

At the bidding of Jupiter, Prometheus set about the creation of Man and the other animals. Jupiter, seeing that Mankind, the only rational creatures, were far outnumbered by the irrational beasts, bade him redress the balance by turning some of the latter into men. Prometheus did as he was bidden, and this is the reason why some people have the forms of men but the souls of beasts.

｛中文阅读｝

遵照朱庇特的命令，普罗米修斯创造了人和其他动物。其中，只有人是理性的生灵，朱庇特看到不理性的动物数量远远超过了人，便命令他更改一下比例，把一部分动物变成人。普罗米修斯奉命行事。因此，正是这个原因，有些人虽然有着人的外形，内心却仍与动物一样。

275

THE SWALLOW AND THE CROW

燕子和乌鸦

A Swallow was once boasting to a Crow about her birth. "I was once a princess," said she, "the daughter of a King of Athens, but my husband used me cruelly, and cut out my tongue for a slight fault. Then, to protect me from further injury, I was turned by Juno into a bird." "You chatter quite enough as it is," said the Crow. "What you would have been like if you hadn't lost your tongue, I can't think."

｛中文阅读｝

有一次，燕子冲着乌鸦吹嘘自己的出生多么显赫。“我曾经是一个公主，”燕子说，“是雅典国王的女儿，但是我的丈夫却因为我的一个小过失而割掉了我的舌头。为了以免再次受到伤害，朱诺就把我变成了一只鸟。”“你可真会搬弄是非，”乌鸦说，“要是你没有损失舌头，又会变成什么样呢？我简直不敢想象。”

276

THE HUNTER AND THE HORSEMAN

猎人和骑手

A Hunter went out after game, and succeeded in catching a hare, which he was carrying home with him when he met a man on horseback, who said to him, "You have had some sport I see, sir," and offered to buy it. The Hunter readily agreed; but the Horseman had no sooner got the hare in his hands than he set spurs to his horse and went off at full gallop. The Hunter ran after him for some little distance; but it soon dawned upon him that he had been tricked, and he gave up trying to overtake the Horseman, and, to save his face, called after him as loud as he could, "All right, sir, all right, take your hare: it was meant all along as a present."

｛中文阅读｝

有个猎人出外打猎后，扛着一只兔子归来，途中遇见一个骑马的人，那人停下来说：“你已经收获猎物回来了，先生。”而且还假装要买兔子。猎人很高兴地同意了，可是骑马人一拿到兔子，立刻就用鞭子抽了马一下，飞奔而去。猎人拼命地在后面追赶了一阵子，但是很快就明白自己上当了，不再去追骑马人。为了挽回自己的颜面，猎人在骑马人身后大声喊道：“好吧，好吧，拿走吧！那只兔子送给你了。”

277

THE GOATHERD AND THE WILD GOATS

牧羊人和野山羊

A Goatherd was tending his goats out at pasture when he saw a number of Wild Goats approach and mingle with his flock. At the end of the day he drove them home and put them all into the pen together. Next day the weather was so bad that he could not take them out as usual: so he kept them at home in the pen, and fed them there. He only gave his own goats enough food to keep them from starving, but he gave the Wild Goats as much as they could eat and more; for he was very anxious for them to stay, and he thought that if he fed them well they wouldn't want to leave him. When the weather improved, he took them all out to pasture again; but no sooner had they got near the hills than the Wild Goats broke away from the flock and scampered off. The Goatherd was very much disgusted at this, and roundly abused them for their ingratitude. "Rascals!" he cried, "to run away like that after the way I've treated you!" Hearing this, one of them turned round and said, "Oh, yes, you treated us all right—too well, in fact; it was just that that put us on our guard. If you treat newcomers like ourselves so much better than your own flock, it's more than likely that, if another lot of strange goats joined yours, we should then be neglected in favour of the last comers."

｛中文阅读｝

牧羊人赶着羊群去牧场吃草，他看到几只野山羊混进了羊群里。傍晚，他将所有的羊都赶回家，关进了羊圈。第二天，天气很不好，无法像往常那样到牧场里去放牧了，于是，他只好让羊群待在羊圈里，在那里喂它们吃草。他只给自己的羊一点点刚够果腹的草，却给那些野山羊更多的草吃，因为他希望让那些野山羊留下来。他心想，只要给它们多吃点草，野山羊可能就不想离开他了。等天气转好，牧羊人又赶着所有的羊来到了牧场。刚来到山下，那些野山羊立刻冲出羊群，四散而逃。牧羊人十分生气，指责它们忘恩负义。“你们这些混蛋！”他喊道，“我对你们那么好，竟然以这种方式纷纷逃跑了！”野山羊听到他的话，回过头来说：“是的，你对我们很好，实际上是太好了，正因如此，我们才会更加小心。你对待我们这些新来的羊比你自己的羊群还要好，那么很有可能，当另外一群陌生的羊再加入进来时，我们也会受到冷落，而你却只偏爱它们了。”

278

THE NIGHTINGALE AND THE SWALLOW

夜莺和燕子

A Swallow, conversing with a Nightingale, advised her to quit the leafy coverts where she made her home, and to come and live with men, like herself, and nest under the shelter of their roofs. But the Nightingale replied, "Time was when I too, like yourself, lived among men: but the memory of the cruel wrongs I then suffered makes them hateful to me, and never again will I approach their dwellings."

The scene of past sufferings revives painful memories.

｛中文阅读｝

一只燕子在和一只夜莺聊天，燕子劝她不要在茂密的树丛上做窝了，像自己一样与人住在一起。可是，夜莺却回答说：“我过去也曾像你一样和人住在一起，但是我所遭受的那份痛苦回忆让他们都不喜欢我，我永远都不想再接近他们的住所。”

痛苦的回忆使得过去的痛苦体验历历在目。

279

THE TRAVELLER AND FORTUNE

旅人和命运女神

A Traveller, exhausted with fatigue after a long journey, sank down at the very brink of a deep well and presently fell asleep. He was within an ace of falling in, when Dame Fortune appeared to him and touched him on the shoulder, cautioning him to move further away. "Wake up, good sir, I pray you," she said; "had you fallen into the well, the blame would have been thrown not on your own folly but on me, Fortune."

｛中文阅读｝

经过一段长途跋涉，一个疲劳过度的旅行者倒在一口深井的边缘，酣然入睡。他差一点就掉到井里去，这时，命运女神出现在他面前，并且摸着他的肩膀，提醒他离井远一点。“朋友，拜托你，快醒醒，”女神说，“你若是掉到井里去，一定会责怪我，而不会责怪自己的愚蠢。”