In a ploughman's field there was a tree that bore no fruit and served only as a refuge for sparrows and chirping cicadas. The ploughman, seeing it barren, went to cut it down, and already, axe in hand, was striking his blow. The cicadas and sparrows begged him not to fell their shelter, but to leave it for them, so that they could sing there and charm the ploughman himself. He, paying them no heed, struck a second and then a third blow. But, having made a hollow in the tree, he found a swarm of bees and honey. He tasted it, threw down his axe, and from then on honoured the tree as if it were sacred and took great care of it.
This shows that people by nature have less love and respect for justice than eagerness for gain.
Nº 2The Statue SellerA man carved a wooden statue of the god Hermes and took it to the market, but no buyer came near. Hoping to attract one, he began to call out that he…Read the fable →
Nº 3The Eagle and the FoxAn eagle and a fox became friends and chose to live near one another. But the eagle, from her high nest, swooped down, carried off the fox's cubs,…Read the fable →
Nº 10The Athenian DebtorIn Athens a debtor, pressed by his creditor to pay, first begged for more time, pleading hardship. When that failed, he brought out the one sow he…Read the fable →