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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Look and see which way the wind blows before you commit yourself.
The Dog and the SowA Dog and a Sow were arguing and each claimed that its own young ones were finer than those of any other animal. โWell,โ said the Sow at last, โmine can see, at any rate, when they come into the world: but yours are born blind.โ
The Fox and the CrowA 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, โWhat 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.โ 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, โYou have a voice, madam, I see: what you want is wits.โ
The Horse and the GroomThere 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, โIf you really want me to look sleek and well, you must comb me less and feed me more.โ
The Wolf and the LambA 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, โLast year, sirrah, you grossly insulted me.โ โThat is impossible, sir,โ bleated the Lamb, โfor I wasnโt born then.โ โWell,โ retorted the Wolf, โyou feed in my pastures.โ โThat cannot be,โ replied the Lamb, โfor I have never yet tasted grass.โ โYou drink from my spring, then,โ continued the Wolf. โIndeed, sir,โ said the poor Lamb, โI have never yet drunk anything but my motherโs milk.โ โWell, anyhow,โ said the Wolf, โIโm not going without my dinnerโ: and he sprang upon the Lamb and devoured it without more ado.
The Peacock and the CraneA Peacock taunted a Crane with the dullness of her plumage. โLook at my brilliant colours,โ said she, โand see how much finer they are than your poor feathers.โ โI am not denying,โ replied the Crane, โthat 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.โ
The Cat and the BirdsA 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. โWe shall do very well,โ they replied, without letting him in, โwhen weโve seen the last of you.โ
A villain may disguise himself, but he will not deceive the wise.
The Spendthrift and the SwallowA 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, โMiserable bird! Thanks to you I am perishing of cold myself.โ
One swallow does not make summer.
The Old Woman and the DoctorAn 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 defence. โThe claimant,โ said she, โhas 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,
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