Fables by Aesop (e book reader pdf txt) ๐
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Whether itโs the benefits of taking it slow and steady (โThe Tortoise and the Hareโ), the necessity of invention (โThe Crow and the Pitcherโ), or the problems of cognitive dissonance (โThe Fox and the Grapesโ), Aesop has a fable for every occasion. Aesop lived in Greece in the 6th century BCE, far enough in the past that itโs become impossible to ascribe all these fables to him. Some were certainly retellings of older myths, some share their roots in collections of fables from India and further afield, and many were added well after his time. However, they all share a certain quality of prose that marks them out as belonging to the collection regardless of authorship. Itโs that quality, combined with their insight into the human character, that has meant that theyโve stood the test of time for twenty-five centuries.
This collection is the 1912 translation by V. S. Vernon Jones, comprising two hundred and eighty-four of the fables.
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- Author: Aesop
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G. K. Chesterton
Fables The Fox and the GrapesA 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, โI thought those Grapes were ripe, but I see now they are quite sour.โ
The Goose That Laid the Golden EggsA 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.
The Cat and the MiceThere was once a house that was overrun with Mice. A Cat heard of this, and said to herself, โThatโs the place for me,โ 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. โThatโs awkward,โ said the Cat to herself: โthe only thing to do is to coax them out by a trick.โ 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. โAha!โ it cried, โyouโre very clever, madam, no doubt: but you may turn yourself into a bag of meal hanging there, if you like, yet you wonโt catch us coming anywhere near you.โ
If you are wise you wonโt be deceived by the innocent airs of those whom you have once found to be dangerous.
The Mischievous DogThere was once a Dog who used to snap at people and bite them without any provocation, and who was a great nuisance to everyone who came to his masterโs 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, โThe fewer airs you give yourself the better, my friend. You donโt think, do you, that your bell was given you as a reward of merit? On the contrary, it is a badge of disgrace.โ
Notoriety is often mistaken for fame.
The Charcoal-Burner and the FullerThere was once a Charcoal-burner who lived and worked by himself. A Fuller, however, happened to come and settle in the same neighbourhood; 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: โWe shall get to know one another better that way,โ he said, โand, beside, our household expenses will be diminished.โ The Fuller thanked him, but replied, โI couldnโt think of it, sir: why, everything I take such pains to whiten would be blackened in no time by your charcoal.โ
The Mice in CouncilOnce 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, โI 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.โ This proposal was warmly applauded, and it had been already decided to adopt it, when an old Mouse got upon his feet and said, โI agree with you all that the plan before us is an admirable one: but may I ask who is going to bell the cat?โ
The Bat and the WeaselsA 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 couldnโt do that because he was an enemy of all birds on principle. โOh, but,โ said the Bat, โIโm not a bird at all: Iโm a mouse.โ โSo you are,โ said the Weasel, โnow I come
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