There was a wolf. who had very little to eat

Had made his body thin and gaunt;

A dog was there, very well fed,

His sides were full and smooth; it's said

The wolf once met this wealthy dog,

And so it started: "Your servant, sir;

[6]I'm glad to see you looking so good,

Though I can't explain how it is;

I haven't broken my fast today;

Nor have I, I'm worried to say,

One hope in store or expectation,

And I call that a huge annoyance.

"Yeah, it is," the dog replied:

"I know no evil so great beside;

But if you don't like to be

So poorly fed, come live with me.

"Agreed," replied the wolf, "I'll go:

But seriously, what work am I supposed to do?

Oh, watch over the house, and don't let anything happen.

To bark at thieves and wag your tail.

So off they went running, and soon arrived

At the place where the friendly mastiff lived.

"Well," said the wolf, "I can't deny

You have a nicer house than I do."

"Not really," the other then replied,

"If you will stay with me."

"Oh," said the wolf, "how nice you are!

But what do you call that, hanging there?

[7]Is it an iron chain, or what?

"Friend," said the dog, "I totally forgot

To mention that; sometimes, you see,

They attach that little chain to me;

But it is only meant to keep

Us dogs dreaming while we walk,

And if you wear it, you would find,

It's not something you need to worry about.

"I'll trust you," the wolf replied.

"It's the truth to me that will never be tested;

I’ll have my freedom again,

And you, your collar and your chain.

Our neighbors sometimes seem to be

A lot better off than we are;

Yet they're rarely like that.

Since they have struggles to bear,

Which, if the truth were really known,

Are just as serious as our own.

A shepherd, who lived in a time and place

Which, if you didn't know, is barely a disgrace,

Discovering one morning, while counting his stock,

That a sheep was stolen that night from the flock.

[9]"Oh, I wish I had caught you, whoever you are,

I'd have quickly let you know, I'd have quickly let you see,

What he should expect," said the herdsman, "I think;

But I've come up with a plan that will bother you now."

So what did he do, sir, but put up a sign,

Describing the thief and suggesting a reward

Of a lamb, to the person who would provide information

Concerning the thief and what he's really called.

The project succeeded; for soon there applied

A nearby neighbor, along with others.

"But tell me, thief," said the herdsman, "at least;"

"Come here," they said, "and we'll show you the beast!"

[10]"The beast!" said the country man, who thought he was about to die on

The moment he realized the thief was a lion!

"Bad luck for my rush, what should I do now?"

I promised a lamb to find you, it's true;

But now I'd give up everything to pay,

If only I could safely get out of your way.

Silly people ask things that would cause trouble if they were sent;

They ask for things quickly and later regret them.

Some boys, next to a pond or lake,

Were playing once at duck and drake?

When, surely to their heart's content,

Volleys of stones were quickly thrown.

But there were some (there will be some)

Who didn't seem very amused;

[12]These were the frogs, to whom the game,

In terms of sports, it wasn't the same.

For hardly a stone arrived, it is said,

But gave some frog a broken head;

And scores in under half an hour,

Perished under the terrible rain.

At last, one of them said, "You silly people, I mean,

Do throw your stones somewhere else;

Though sport to you, to throw them like this,

"Remember, pray, it's death to us!"

From this, we can learn this lesson:

Let play be play for all involved.

There was a chicken.: he was wise

(If we can trust Esop,)

Who wanted to make a meal, you see,

Like other wise people should.

With this intention, as before,

When searching for grain;

Our hero scratched the litter over

With all his strength and effort.

[14]But hardly a minute had he scratched,

When, to his shock,

A gem attached to a golden chain,

He saw with his own eyes.

"Wow!" he said, "what do we have here?

A diamond, I insist!

Which lords and ladies buy so dearly,

And hold that request.

But one good barley grain to me

Has greater intrinsic value

Than all the pearls currently in the sea,

Or gold now in the ground."

The moral here, in Aesop's view,

No doubt about it:

Things have the most value, which we find

We can't do without.

A guy and a lion once had an argument,

Which was considered greater, the man or the beast;

The lion talked about his side for quite a while,

And greatly expanded on his bravery and power.

[16]The man, it seemed, had plenty to say.

On his side was a question that no one could deny;

But like many others who pretend,

He talked complete nonsense and believed it was good sense.

"So," he says, "don't be talking nonsense—look over there, please,

At that marble sculpture, what will you say now?

The lion is defeated; but as for the man

He is stepping boldly towards him; who can deny that?

"But can you tell me," said the lion, "who carved that stone?"

"One of us," said the man, "I have to honestly admit."

"But when we are sculptors," the other replied,

"You will then see the man riding the lion."

The man might have added, if he had been smart,

"But a beast can't sculpt a stone, if it tries."

That clearly shows where the difference is.

"I totally think," said a fox to a crane,

"That face of yours, ma'am, is quite ordinary;

That beak you have is such a terrifying feature,

It makes you seem like a very unique person.

The crane, really upset by what she had heard,

March'd off at full speed, without saying a word:

[19]"Oh no!" said the fox, "Mrs. Crane, I must object

You misunderstood me, it was just a joke.

"Come on, don’t be offended—stay with me and have dinner;

You know very well it's this temper of mine

To say such strange things to my close friends;

But you know that poor Reynard means no harm.

So the crane thought it was best not to completely sever ties with him,

But to see his comments in a friendly way.

So she put on the most cheerful face she could.

When he asked her to dinner, she answered that she would.

But unfortunately! she realized that his jokes weren't finished yet,

When Reynard took the cover off the food

[20]It was neither a game, butcher's meat, chicken, nor fish;

But simple gravy soup, in a wide, shallow bowl.

Now the fox licked it up really quickly,

While the crane could hardly dip the tip of her beak;

"You’re not serving a great dinner," he said to his guest;

"Oh, no way!" said the bird. "I refuse."

But the crane asked the fox on a later day,

When it seems like they had nothing for dinner

But some ground meat served in a narrow-necked jar;

Too long and too narrow for Reynard by a lot.

"You make a terrible dinner, I’m afraid," said the bird;

"Well, I think," said the fox, "it would be really ridiculous

[21]To reject what you say, but I can’t really complain,

But admit it, even if I'm clever like a fox, I'm still outmatched by a crane.

Cunning people who pull off tricks that good manners disapprove of,

Often find that their own tricks are played back on them.

A luckless soul, slow in winter,

Traveling through a forest once

Cold and hungry, tired and wet,

Began with worries expressed in these words:

"Oh, what an extremely cold and unpleasant day!

And what a bleak, miserable way!

No welcoming bed, no joyful fields,

No food comes from this howling forest;

[23]I have nothing in store or to look forward to!

"There's nothing in front of me but starvation."

"Not that bad," a voice replied;

The traveler quickly turned aside,

And saw the forest spirit,

Who stood close next to his home.

"Here is my cave nearby," he said,

"Come on in, you're welcome, please feel free."

The traveler didn’t hesitate,

Hoping for something tasty to eat,

But followed to his heart's content,

Blowing on his finger as he walked.

"Please," said the satyr, "can I know

For what are you blowing your fingers for?

"What! Do you really need to be told?" said the man.

To warm my fingers, numb with cold.

"Absolutely!" was all his host replied,

Plan to make some soup,

Which heated well, with spices mixed in,

Was brought to his shivering guest:

[24]It was so hot, as Esop sang,

It made our traveler burn his tongue;

And not wanting to do it again,

Our hero couldn't wait and messed it up.

"What?" said his host, in a rough voice,

"Is your stew not hot enough?"

"Yeah," said the man, "I know it very well,

'It's far too hot, that's why I blow it.'

"You clever villain! Is that how you do it?"

His host responded, with an angry look;

"My cave will not hold for a moment

A man who can be both friendly and unfriendly!

By only rogues can that be done,

You two-faced jerk, get out!"

The traveler hardly deserved such anger,

For warm fingers—chilled broth.

No old or new laws prohibit it,

Although he did it with the same mouth:

Yet this warns both the old and the young,

What Esop meant—a double-tongued;

Which now flatters with smooth chatter,

And people quickly talk behind your back.

Two friends were once walking and chatting comfortably,

When someone spotted a purse on the ground;

"Oh, look!" he said, (thank my luck for that,)

"What a huge amount of money I've discovered!"

[26]"No, don't say I," his friend said, "because you know

'It's just friendship to share it with me;'

"I share it with you," said the other. "How come?"

He who finds it should be the owner."

"Okay," said his friend, "but what sound am I hearing?

'Stop thief!' someone is shouting at you;

He’s coming with a cop right behind him!

Said the other, "Oh, what are we going to do?"

"Nah, don’t say we,” said his friend, “because you know

You claimed exclusive rights to the prize!

And since you took all the money,

With you, the dishonesty lies.

When people are self-centered, dishonest, and unkind,

Their true character will be clear in how they act.

In ancient times, they say, it was then

When everything expressed its thoughts;

The arms and legs of some men,

Felt inclined to treason.

These arms and legs came together,

As comfortably as they could,

With knees and elbows, hands and feet,

In a bad mood.

[28]They said, "It’s neither right nor fair,

Nor is there any need.

To work with so much effort and concern,

"The greedy mouth to feed."

"This we're determined not to do anymore,

Though we've been doing it for so long;

"Ah!" said the knees and elbows too,

"And we're determined to do it."

"I," said the tongue, "can definitely speak,

Since I am his inmate;

And for his faults while you look,

I'll share his virtues.

"You say the mouth takes in everything,

The result of your effort;

But I am calling on this gathering

To prove the main claim.

"The food that you work hard for,

He also works hard;

Nor does he keep the food for long,

But gives it for your use.

[29]"But he has resigned from his position.

To whom it may concern;

He asks you now to find

Some other treasurer.

"Alright, that's how it is," they all responded;

"His wish will be fulfilled;"

We believe the hands can now be tested.

As treasurers in his place.

The hands joyfully agreed to this,

And everything was paid to them;

But they really kept the treasure,

And no payments made.

Once again, the noisy members gathered,

A slim and eager crowd;

When everything is allowed, from head to toe,

That what they had done was wrong.

To reclaim his office,

The mouth they all begged;

Who quickly accepted it, and then

Health was restored again.

This story about government matters is intended,

No need to discuss it;

At the moment, we will be satisfied,

To find a lesson:

The mouth has claims of a large amount,

From arms, legs, feet, and hands;

But let them not, for that reason,

Pay more than necessary.

Said a hare to a tortoise, "Hey there, it’s been a while

You have just been crossing the street;

Why I really believe that going half a mile,

You need to travel for two nights and one day.

"I am very happy," the creature replied,

"Even though I move at a snail's pace,

[32]But if you think it’s right to make the decision,

We will run half a mile in a race.

"Very good," said the hare; the tortoise replied, "Go ahead,

And the fox will determine who has won,"

Then the hare took off at lightning speed;

But the tortoise walked slowly along.

"Come on, tortoise, my friend, let's go," said the hare,

"Well, I’ll stay here for my dinner;

Why, it will take you a month at that pace to get there,

Then how can you expect to be a winner?

But the tortoise couldn't hear a word she said.

For he was very far behind;

So the hare felt safe while she relaxed and ate,

And took a good nap when she had dinner.

[33]So finally this slow walker caught up with the hare,

And there, fast asleep, he saw her;

And he carefully sneaked with such caution and attention,

That she didn't wake up, even though he walked past her.

"Well now," thought the hare, when she opened her eyes,

"For the race—and I’ll finish it soon;"

But who can express her frustration and shock,

When she discovered that the tortoise had won it!

Thus, simple, hardworking people, we often find,

Will leave impulsive, overconfident people behind.

A dairy farmer, who balanced a full bucket on her head,

Thus, she reflected on her life prospects, it is said:

"Let's see—I think this milk will get"

One hundred good eggs, or eighty for sure.

[35]"Well then—hold on a second,—it shouldn't be overlooked,

Some of these might be damaged, and some might be decayed;

But if twenty for accidents should be detached,

It will leave me just sixty healthy eggs to hatch.

"Well, sixty healthy eggs—no; healthy chickens, I mean;

Of these, some might die—we'll say seventeen—

Seventeen!—not too many—let’s say ten at most,

Which will leave fifty chickens to boil or roast.

"But then there's their barley; how much will they need?"

Why do they take only one grain at a time when they eat?

[36]So that's just a small thing; now let's see,

At a fair market price, how much money will there be?

"6 shillings a pair—5—4—3.6,"

To avoid any mistakes, I'll set that low price.

Now what will that make? Fifty chickens, I said,

Fifty times three-and-sixpence—I'll ask my brother Ned.

"Oh! but wait—three-and-sixpence a pair I have to sell them;"

Well, a pair is a couple—now let's tell them;

A couple out of fifty will go—(my poor brain!)

Why only twenty times, and five pairs will stay.

"Twenty-five pairs of birds—now how embarrassing it is,

I can't believe I can't add up this much money!

[37]Well, there's no point in trying; so let's take a guess;

I will say twenty pounds, and it can't be any less.

"Twenty pounds, I’m sure, will buy me a cow,

Thirty geese, two turkeys, eight pigs, and a sow;

Now if these go well, at the end of the year,

I will clearly fill both my pockets with gold coins.

"Then I'll say goodbye to that old run-down shack;

My mom will yell, and my sisters will cry:

But I won't care at all for anything they say;

I won't hang out with beggars like them!

But putting aside her worries, once she spoke this,

The maid arrogantly tossed her head back.

[38]When suddenly! for her hopes—the milk pail fell!

And so all her plans for the future were over.

This moral, I believe, can surely be attached:

Do not count your chickens before they hatch.

A carefree person that had her nest hidden,

Says Aesop, in a barley field;

Started, as harvest time neared,

The harvest of the corn to fear;

Afraid they would discover her nest,

Before her young ones could fly.

She demanded that they do it every day,

Before she flew away for food,

To watch the farmer in her place,

And pay close attention to everything he said.

[40]One day it happened, she had barely left,

Before the farmer and his son arrived.

The farmer carefully surveyed his field,

And other observations made;

At last, "I'll tell you what," he said,

"This corn is ready to be harvested, I see;

But we must borrow our neighbor's help,

So let them know we start tomorrow."

Just after this, the lark came back,

When she heard this news from her family.

"Ah! dear mother," then, said they,

"Please, let’s all leave now."

"My dears," she said, "you don't need to worry,

I won't be anxious just yet;

For if he waits for his neighbor's help,

The business will be delayed for a long time.

At dawn, she left her nest again,

And encouraged her young ones as before.

At five, the farmer showed up again,

And waited for his friends in vain,

[41]"Well," said the man, "I think, son,

These friends we can't rely on;

Tomorrow morning, remember to go,

And let our own friends know.

Again the lark approached her nest,

When all her little ones crowded around her,

And told their mom, exactly what they said,

The latest intel they heard.

"Hey, kids, chill out," she said.

"We're safe for another day, I see;

For these relationships, you will find,

Just like his friends, he'll stay behind."

At dawn, the lark flew away again,

And she renewed her duties once more.

Once again, the farmer arrived early,

And found that the situation was exactly the same.

The day went on, and the sun was high;

But not a single help came nearby.

Then said the farmer, "Listen up, son—

I see this job won't get done,

[42]While we wait for friends and neighbors;

So you and I will start our work:

Tomorrow morning, we'll start

Ourselves, and collect our harvest."

"Now," said the lark when she heard this,

"Our movement must not be delayed;

For if the farmer and his son

Themselves start, 'it'll be done soon.'

The next day showed that the lark was right;

For everything was cut and stored away at night.

Hence, while we wait for someone else's help,

Our business needs must be postponed.

Which could be done with half the effort

It would take a while to go and call a neighbor.

A thinker, proud of his intelligence and reasoning,

Sat him under an oak tree in the hot summer.

On the oak tree, there were a few acorns growing, or so it's said:

On the ground was a pumpkin that was as big as his head.

Thought the sage, "Why is this oak so strong?

A few acorns that are barely an inch long;

[44]While this weak little plant has a burden to bear,

Which should hang better on the tree, it's obvious?

But just at the moment the philosopher spoke

An acorn dropped on his head from the oak;

Then, he said, who just a moment ago thought his plan was so smart,

"I’m glad that this wasn’t a pumpkin, though."

The wise person would definitely have seemed incredibly boring,

Had a pumpkin fallen hard on his skull.

Of his foolishness, let us be cautious in the future,

And believe that these matters are best as they are:

Leave the behaviors and habits of oak trees alone,

Of acorns and pumpkins—and look to ourselves.

A wolf, once forgetting the size of his swallow,

Tried to pass a big marrow bone through it.

"Oh no," said the beast, thinking death was imminent,

"How careless and dumb to do that!"

His mouth was held open with a bone,

And it was really hard for him to breathe,

[46]But as a crane approached, he figured out how to let it be known

What kind of help he needed.

"How are you?" said the bird; the beast replied, "Not well at all,

For a bone has gone down the wrong pipe;

But if you can get it through your invoice,

"I'll repay the service fully."

Thought the crane, "I'm no surgeon, but everyone has to agree,

That my bill will make great forceps;

And as for the money, I don't see

Why I need to refuse taking his worship's.

Said the bird, "It's a deal;" said his patient, "Go ahead,

And please take the bone away; I'm asking you.

Which, after a while, and with endless effort,

The crane finally managed to reach.

[47]"Thank my lucky stars!" said the creature, free from his fears,

"Thank you too, sir," he said to the bird;

"Wow!" said the crane, "is this all I'm going to get,

I was waiting for the promised reward.

Said the wolf, "You forget, I haven't taken on any debt,

Since the service was provided by me;

Your head, I freed from the jaws of a beast,

And now you’re asking for a payment!”

Give your help to a wolf if he asks for your assistance,

But you shouldn't expect to get paid once you've finished.

A dog getting skinnier, because it hasn't had dinner,

Once he stole a joint from a tray,

"How happy I am with this lamb shoulder,"

Thought the dog as he trotted away.

But the path he chose crossed a stream,

Which he found he needed to cross;

[49]So without further delay, he jumped in to get started,

Not worrying about danger or loss.

But what should show up, in this clear stream,

As he thought calmly,

But a worthless man like him, who uses stolen wealth,

Had run off in that exact direction.

Thought the dog, by the way! but that moment lost grip

(As he grabbed at this same water spaniel)

The piece he owned:—so distressed by hunger

He slowly walked home to his doghouse.

Hence, when we're in need, let's not be greedy,

Sorry for the tangent.

Lest in trying to grab everything, like the dog, we let things slip.

The good that we have in our possession.

Two travelers one morning set out from their home,

It could be from Sparta, Athens, or Rome;

It doesn't matter which one, but it's agreed, it is said,

Should danger come up, to help each other out.

But barely was this done when, rushing out quickly,

Sprung a bear from a woods towards these two travelers;

[51]Then one of our heroes, filled with immense courage,

Climbed into a tree and found his shelter there.

The other fell to the ground in fear,

When the bear showed up and smelled him, thinking he was dead;

So he didn't like the carcass, so he trotted away,

When our brave hero climbed down the tree.

Then, he said, "I can't figure out what the bear could be suggesting,

When he was so close to your ear, he turned his nose towards you.

"Why this," said the other, "he told me to do,

To be cautious about the future for cowards like you.

Those people who distance themselves from their friends in tough times,

Will be left when they are in trouble, I guess.

A Bull once walking near a swamp,

Displaced the insides of a frog,

Who trusted them near his feet;

In fact, the bruise was so big,

And created such turmoil within him,

No art could change them.

It happened that some who witnessed his fate,

Did a friend tell the story,

With croaks, groans, and hisses;

"The beast," they said, "was larger than anything else."

All the other animals," their neighbors added,

And asked, "Is it really this big?"

"Oh, much bigger than that," they said,

"Please don't do that, ma'am;"

But still the frog puffed up,

And said, "I'll explode, but I'll go beyond,"

She tried, and really strained herself!

And that's how it ended.

Should you proudly boast and exaggerate,

As the frog did: then who can say!

Your sides might split from laughter, as has been shown,

And we laugh as we break our own.

Some mice who decided it was important to get together once every three months,

To organize the issues of their city;

Thought it was necessary to choose, as is usual for us,

First a chairperson, and then a committee.

When the chairman took his seat, the thing he mentioned

For which they sat at that meeting:

[55]It appeared to be the planning of a scheme

To overcome the plans of the cat.

Dr. Nibblecheese stood up and said, "I would like to suggest,

To this cat, we attach a bell;

He who agrees with what I’ve said will now stand tall;

He who doesn't may show his tail.

So out of respect, they held their noses high,

Except for the one whose order was reversed;

Yes, everyone agreed except for one person, but still nothing could be accomplished,

Until he had his reasons all figured out.

"I won't," said this mouse, "waste the time of the house,

In long arguments; because, as I see it,

The plan would definitely succeed if

We could find any mouse that would do it."

[56]"Listen up!" was the shout, and "we won't bother with bells,

Unless you attach them;

So feeling very heartbroken, the members left,

For the bill was rejected without objection.

Then don't be too quick to give advice,

Lest your plans remind me of the council of mice;

You should probably hold off on your opinion for a year,

Than put forth a ridiculous one, it is clear.

A wolf and a lamb once happened to meet,

Beside a stream, whose waters are sweet

Brought together different types of animals,

When the weather was dry and hot;

Now the wolf came there to drink,

Of food, he began to think,

As soon as he got close to the lamb,

And immediately decided to kill it;

[58]Yet thought it was better to start,

With threatening words and an angry expression.

"And so," he said to the person below,

"How dare you stir the water like that?"

Making the refreshing cool flood,

As brown as beer and as thick as mud.

"Sir," said the lamb, "that can't be,

The water flows from you to me;

So, it's impossible, I think,

That what I do can ruin your drink.

"I say it does, you sassy cat:

How dare you contradict me like this;

But more than this, you aimless chatter,

You complained about me behind my back.

Two years ago, I was told;

"How come? I'm not a year old,"

The lamb replied, "So I suspect

Your honor is not entirely correct.

"If not, it must be your mother,"

And that doesn't make a difference to me,

Rejoined the wolf—who didn’t wait

But they killed and ate him right there.

Some, like the wolf, go along with the plan,

To start a fight if they can;

But no one can argue with you,

If you're set on being mute;

For sure, this saying must be true,

That every quarrel has two.

This firm once existed, just so you know,

Messrs. Lion, Wolf, Tiger, Fox, Leopard, and Co.;

These in business were joined, and of course it was implied,

They should combine their resources and share the profits.

[61]Now the fable goes, one day,

That their combined efforts made a bullock their target:

But they agreed that the Lion should handle the division,

And patiently waited for the monarch's decision.

"My friends," said the Lion, "I've separated, as you can see,

The whole into six, which is right, you'll agree;

One part I can claim as my share in the business.

"Oh, take it and enjoy," they all said.

"I also claim the second; because no one denies"

It was my courage and behavior that won you the prize:

And for the third; you know that's great

To the Lord of the manor, and so it's mine."

[62]"Wow!" said the fox; "Hold on a second," said the lion,

"I haven't finished yet," he said, focusing his gaze on

The other three parts; "you know all about,

That, as tribute, another part comes to me.

"And I think it would be wise, the next to set aside"

Somewhere safe in my space for a future stash,

And the other, you know, will hardly be enough,

To cover those expenses that always come up.

"If that's the case," said the fox, "I see

That the business to us is not profitable;

If that's the case, I think it would be best to withdraw;

"Oh, totally! Let's break up the company," said the rest;

[63]So, you might not have heard about it yet—

It was quickly dissolved, but not in the gazette.

Some people in their interactions, like him in the fable,

Will take others' shares if they think they can;

But they shouldn't be surprised by those who behave like this,

If they find that no one will join them in work or fun.

A lion, feeling the heat weigh him down,

One day, he settled down to rest;

But while he dozed, as he planned,

A mouse climbed up his royal back;

Nor did I think of harm, as Aesop says,

Confusing him for someone else,

And traveled over him and around him,

And might have left him the way he was,

[65]Had he not, shake when you hear,

Tried to explore the king's ear!

Who immediately woke up feeling extremely angry,

And shook his head to send him away.

"You little troublemaker, what are you up to?"

Said he, when he had kicked him out.

"I'll teach you soon," the lion said,

"To create a mouse hole in my head!"

So saying, he got ready to step,

To crush the shaking little creature;

But he, the mouse, with a tearful eye,

Begged the lion for mercy,

Who thought it was best at least to give

His little prisoner a reprieve.

'Twas almost a year after this,

The lion managed to avoid it;

When moving forward: reckless yet,

He got caught in a net.

With terrible fury, he stomped and ripped,

And immediately started a powerful roar;

When the poor mouse heard the noise,

Attended, because she recognized his voice.

[66]Then what the lion's greatest strength

Could not accomplish, she finally did:

With careful effort she applied

Her teeth, the mesh that divides;

And so at last he stepped out,

A lion, freed by a mouse.

Few are so small or weak, I guess,

But might help us in tough times;

Nor shall we ever, if we're smart,

The cruelest, or the least, look down on others.

"There lived," says friend Esop, "some ages ago,

An ass who had strong feelings, you should know;

This donkey to be jealous felt really inclined,

And for reasons that will be explained, he felt hurt in his mind.

[68]It seems that his master, from what I understand,

Had a favorite dog that he fed by hand.

No, the dog was allowed to jump on his lap:

An honor that annoyed our poor donkey to witness.

"Now," he thought, "what's the reason? I can't see any,

That I have no advantages while he has so many?

If all of this is achieved by just wagging his tail,

Why I have one, and I’ll definitely wave it around.

So the donkey decided to see what he could accomplish.

And, determined to show unusual attention,

When his boss was having dinner, he entered the room.

"Hey there!" said his friends, "your donkey has arrived!"

[69]"Absolutely!" said their host, looking extremely surprised,

When he saw the donkey approaching, while its tail was wagging;

But who can describe his shock or fear,

When the donkey stood up and brayed loudly in his ear!

"You little rascal, get down—John, Edward, or Dick!"

Where are you? Hurry up and come here with a stick.

The man shouted—the guests laughed—the dog barked—the bell rang:

Coals, a poker, and tongs were thrown at the donkey,

Till the punches and the kicks, with combined display,

Convinced him that this was a bad investment;

So, deeply embarrassed, he retraced his steps,

Hurt a lot in his mind, but even more in his body.

So some silly kids, as dumb as they might be,

Will cry for kid-friendly treats.

Had they entered the room while the donkey backed away,

They would have recognized their own mistakes and consequences as well:

Let them consider this fable and what happened;

Nor forget, the one who played this fine game was an idiot.

Simple, but honest, country mouse,

Living in a miller's house;

Once upon a time, invited down

An old acquaintance from the town:

And soon he brought out his treats;

The best he had, there’s no doubt about it.

A bowl of oatmeal and green peas,

With half a candle and some cheese;

[72]Some beans, and if I’m right,

A lovely piece of Yorkshire bacon.

And then to prove he was skilled

In such matters, a nice dessert

Was next produced, all of which he pressed,

With rustic freedom, on his guest.

But he, the city foodie,

This simple meal wouldn't last.

Indeed, he hardly had his breakfast.

By what he took, but said, at last,

"Old buddy, let me tell you this:"

I don't like this lonely place;

This terrible, gloomy, dirty place,

Seems more suited for a mole

Than 'tis for you; Oh! could you see

My place, how charmed you'd be.

Instead of parenting your kids

In the wind, rain, and loneliness,

Come bring them all to town at once,

We'll turn a clown into a courtier.

I think that, for your kids' sake,

'Tis proper my advice to take.

[73]"Well," said his host, "I can only give it a shot,

And so, goodbye, you poor, quiet little hole!

Then off they jogged for many miles,

Talking about amazing things all the time;

At last, they all arrived in town—

Found where the city mouse had lived—

Entered at midnight through a crack,

And took a break from their exhausting journey.

"Now," said the city mouse, "I'll show

What kind of food I've brought you to:

On which he guided the country mice

Into a pantry, cozy and neat,

Where everything a mouse could enjoy,

Did every shelf and corner decorate.

"Isn’t this better?"

To your green peas?" "I swear,

It is," the country mouse replied,

"All this must decisively point out the answer."

Scarce had they spoken these words, when suddenly!

A group of servants hurried through,

And two giant cats,

Who spotted our country mouse and kids.

Then, by a timely exit, she

Just saved herself and her family.

"Oh, please don’t ask me," she said quickly,

"Your tempting treats are more for tasting;"

I much prefer my simple peas,

To incredible dangers like these.

Then let those not start to complain,

Whose fate is secure, even if it's poor and modest;

Nor envy him who is better off,

But with every good thing, there are twenty worries.

Crows eat worms: yet a writer claims

Cheshire cheese they will get if they're able;

"For," he said, "I know for sure, one dishonest crow

Once stolen, a large piece from my table.

Then she quickly ran away to the shade of a tree,

To put the treasure inside her;

[76]But it never crossed the mind of the bird,

That a fox was going to have it for dinner.

"How many mistakes happen between the cup and the lip!"

(Excuse me, I ask, the digression,)

Said a fox to himself, "I can share in the wealth,

If I act with my usual care.

So he said, "Is that you? Please, ma'am, how are you?

I have long wanted to pay you a visit;

For a year, it's been since I last heard from you.

Which isn't very friendly, is it?

"But, dear ma'am," he said, "I see you're having dinner;

On that topic, I’d like your advice;

Pray, ma'am, can you tell me where they sell supplies?

That's not an outrageous price?

[77]"Bread and meat are really expensive, and have been for a year,

That poor people can hardly stand it,

And then cheese is so expensive, that people like me,

Till it falls, cannot hope to get it."

But the poorly behaved bird didn’t say a word,

Still determined to keep her treasure;

Thought the fox, "It seems like this isn't a great plan,

What else can I think about, I wonder?

So said Reynard again, "I never knew it before,

But your feathers are whiter than snow!"

But he thought, after saying it, "she'll never believe it,

For what bird is as black as a crow?

[78]"But I've been told that your voice is really unpleasant,

Which is considered the weirdest of all sounds;

But this is ridiculous, since it’s never heard,

Since you are so incredibly modest.

If that's all, thought the crow, "I will let you know soon."

That all doubt about that can be put to rest;

Then the poor silly person joyfully chimed in,

When her dinner quickly fell!

If this biped hadn't been so vain and full of themselves,

She wouldn't have been tricked by the fox so easily.

But maybe the term biped is new to some people:

It's a two-legged creature—maybe it's you.

A lion, the bravest of the forest,

Whose title remained undisputed,

As he roamed over the vast lands,

And in the pursuit of treasure, growled,

An echo from a faraway cave

Regrowled, seriously articulate:

His Majesty, surprised, began

To think that at first it was a man;

[80]But upon further thought, the wise one realized

It sounded too much like a lion's roar.

"Whose voice is that growling at me?"

His Highness asked. Echo replied, "Mine!"

"Yours!" says the Lion. "Who are you?"

Echo, sounding serious, asked, "Who are you?"

"Know that I'm a lion; listen and be afraid!"

Replied the king. Echo shouted, "Tremble!"

"Step forward," says Lion; "reveal yourself."

Laconic Echo replied, "Elf."

"Elf, did you just call me a worthless imposter?"

Echo loudly replies, "Pretender!"

At this, feeling jealous of his rule,

He growled in rage; she growled again.

Incensed even more, he fumed and seethed,

And around the wide forest roamed

To find the opponent of his throne,

Who dared to challenge him for the crown?

A fox, who was listening the entire time,

Addressed the king with a smile:

[81]"My lord, I respectfully take the liberty,

Though the truth might not always be spoken,

That this same ghost you hear,

That really concerns you, Your Majesty,

Is not a competitor for your throne:

The voice and fears are all yours.

Imaginary fears frighten

A timid person who genuinely fears;

Nay, even the wise and brave are intimidated.

By fears from the crowd:

A frog may disturb a lion,

And yet how baseless the worry!

Once upon a time, a paper kite

Was set upon a magnificent height;

Where, excited by its height,

It thus expressed self-admiration:

"See how those crowds of people are staring

Admire my ascent above the steeple;

[83]How would they be amazed, if they knew

All that a kite, like me, could do?

Were I only free, I'd take a flight,

And break through the clouds out of their view.

But, oh! like a poor prisoner in chains,

My string keeps me close to the ground.

I'd face the eagle's massive wing,

Might I just fly without a string.

It tugged and pulled while it spoke,

To snap the string—finally, it snapped!

Deprived all at once of everything that supports it,

In vain, it tried to fly away:

Unable to support its own weight,

It fluttered down through the air;

Unable to guide its own course,

The winds soon pushed it into the tide.

Oh! silly kite, you had no wings,

How could you fly without a string?

My heart replied, "Oh, Lord, I see

How much the kite looks like me!

Forgetful that I stand by you,

Impatient with your ruling hand;

[84]How often I've wished to break free from these constraints

Your wisdom decides my fate!

How often I’ve given in to a foolish wish

For something better or something greater!

And except for grace and divine love,

A fall so terrible had been mine.

If bees are a government maintain,

Why can't smarter rats?

And greater power, as well thought

By Machiavellian principles taught?

And so they are, because lately

It happened in the rats' free state.

Their prince (his subjects more to appease)

Had gotten a huge Cheshire cheese,

In which his government advisors

Live abundantly and thrive.

A strong party united,

And their united forces joined,

To put their plans into action,

For none were as loyal as they;

And there are no patriots like that, to support

The country as well as the court.

No sooner were those Dons admitted

But all those amazing virtues abandoned

They all come up with the fastest ways

To support themselves and families.

Another party is watching closely

These entitled ones were starving,

Their ministry faced disgrace,

Expelled them and filled their spot;

These principles were well known.

The true supporters of the throne,

And for the topic of freedom

They'd willingly die.

But being firmly established in their position,

Regardless of their prince and country,

[87]Just like the others, all their skill

Was how they might fill their bellies.

On this, a rat, not entirely blind

In state intrigues as human beings,

But of more honor, he responded:

"Curse you all on either side;

All your arguments are just these,

Whose skills will best protect the cheese?

The muslin ripped, from tears of sorrow

Aurelia searched for relief in vain;

In sighs and complaints, she spent the day;

The tattered dress lay neglected:

While busy with the weaving trade,

A spider heard the sighing maid

And kindly stopping in an instant,

So she offered her advice for free:

"Turn, little girl! Look at me

An incentive for industry

[89]Compare your struggles, my dear, with mine,

Then tell me who should complain the most:

This morning, before you left your room,

The maid's relentless broom

In one sad moment that destroyed,

To build which thousands were employed!

The shock was immense; however, as my life

I persevered through the continuous struggle,

I knew that complaining would be pointless,

So the patient went to work again.

By working consistently for a day or more,

My tiny mansion got restored:

And if every tear you've shed

Had been a needle's worth of thread,

If every sad sigh

Had been a bit of proper care,

Closed would have been the unfortunate lease,

Nor has the day been wasted like this.

Sitting on a tree, close to a country house,

A redbreast singing brightened the little place;

A sparrow on the roof is full of criticism.

Thus seized the opportunity to criticize the tone:

"Dare you," he shouted, "you dull, miserable thing,

Presume to imitate the spring birds?

[91]Can your weak singing even come close to the thrush?

Or the blackbird's sounds in the hawthorn bush?

Or do you try to compete, poor mimic, with the lark?

Or nightingale's unmatched melody?

These other birds with twice your passion

Have been happy to admire in silence.

"Honestly, judge," the minstrel bird replied,

"Don't mistake my efforts for arrogance or pride;

Think not that ambition makes me play this role,

I only sing because I love it:

I don’t envy, but I really respect.

Those birds whose reputation will stand the test of skill;

I don’t feel any hope coming up that could overcome,

Nor with their charming songs my own to classify;

Different goals inspire my simple effort.

Then I'm sure I can get your forgiveness,

While I try to navigate the rural valley

By imitating the songs I love.

A storyteller, whose writing had brought him more

Of fame than of the precious metal,

In a Grub Street attic often rested

With half-closed, thoughtful eyes.

Cobwebs in vintage glory,

Head of his household inventory,

Suggested to his wandering mind

Incredible variety of scenes.

[93]"This group," he said, "of murder-spinners

Who work hard for their meals,

Though lowly, it has remained unsung for too long.

By the fellow brothers of Duck Lane,

Unaware of its small plan

Holds all the knowledge about humanity.

"This one, whose bright thread

Is everywhere in the center,

Like spheres in planetary skies,

Enclosed with rounds of different sizes,

This curious frame, I fittingly call

A web of math.

"In hidden spots, that grim line,

Where the sun never dares to shine,

With straws, dirt, and time pressing in,

Where everything that gets caught is considered fish,

That old film, the Muse thinks

Figures the web of Experts.

"You, where the flashy insect sings,

Are the cobwebs in the king’s court,

[94]Where shiny threads hide the alcohol.

And scheming tricksters get caught in it.

"That holly, stuck between moldy panes,

Of a gloomy Christmas the remains

(I only dream and sing its cheer,

My Muse observes Lent all year long.

That holly, worked on again and again,

Is the tangled web of the lawyer's stories,

Where playful flies, carried on frolics,

Find out the trap when you're lost and in trouble.

"These hanging webs, covered in dirt and dust,

Display their tattered gear,

So like the antique crew,

That those in every thread I see.

"Here death spreads lies,"

In smaller bodies of flies;

And amputated limbs testify

What pests are hiding there?

A baited lure with deadly temptation,

A cobweb, not a quack.

"Those braided webs, hanging down there,"

Of dark poets a clever trap,

Of all collective attitudes,

Which feels like a painful interrogation,

May very well be,

The divine trap-webs.

But as our poet described the scene,

A bee buzzed in through a broken window pane;

Fraught with the sweetness of every flower,

On his adventurous tour,

Is there trapped. Use your sting,

Bold bee, spread your wings and fly free!

The poet graciously put down his pen,

And released the captive from its lair;

Then pondering over his empty table,

Forgot the lesson of his story.

Two hundred years ago, or more,

An heir possessed a miser's wealth;

Rejoiced to find his father dead,

Till then on cheap meals fed;

Unnumbered dishes topped his table,

With each unhealthy trinket stored.

He ate—and longed to eat again,

But sighed in vain for appetite:

His food, even though prepared in a thousand different ways,

Had lost its usual acclaim.

He enjoyed nothing—became sickly—

Yet longed to experience something new.

It happened in this unfortunate situation,

One morning early, he joined the hunt:

Swiftly across the field, the hunters speed.

Each echoing a happy shout;

A forest lay just ahead of them;

He got lost and left behind.

And rode long and alone, bewildered,

He found a peasant's shabby home;

But fasting lasted from six to four,

Felt hunger, long forgotten.

The friendly guy filled this need,

And Joan fried some eggs and bacon.

Not delicate now, the squire hurriedly

Fell to and praised their delicious flavor;

Nay, said his meal had such a gout

He never knew about tarts and mixtures.

Rejoiced to think he'd found a dish,

That fulfilled his long unanswered wish,

With gold, he paid his grateful host.

Who leads him back from where he wandered;

[98]But before they left, he had such a good meal,

His country host the squire urged

To send him home the next day, a stock

Of those same eggs and lovely hock.

He hoped this dish of flavorful meat

Would prove that it was still a pleasure to eat;

But, oh! he discovered, just like everyone else,

These eggs were pretty bland at best;

The bacon that no dog would go near,

So rank—he never tasted anything like it!

He sent a messenger to get the clown,

And so, I spoke to him with a frown:

"These eggs, this bacon, that you sent,

For Christian food was never meant;

As soon as I think the moon's made of cheese,

As those who dressed the same as you did.

Little did I think"—"Sir," says the peasant,

"I'm glad you're being so pleasant:"

You’re joking, I know: because I can promise,

The same birds that laid them are!

And also be aware that all the bacon

From one of the same pieces of bacon was taken:

[99]The air, truly, around our green

Is known to make the stomach sharp."

"Is that the case?" the squire replied;

"That air will be directly tested."

He gave the command—he rented a house,

And down he goes, filled with hope,

And takes his cooks—a favorite group;

But still, they practice their craft in vain.

Perhaps it was riding that did the trick:

He rides, but he still can’t eat.

At last a friend, trained as a doctor,

Perceived his situation, and so he said:

"Follow my lead, and you'll soon have food,"

With a strong wind, the simplest meat;

A pint of milk every morning,

Procure from a cow with black horns;

Shake in three drops of morning dew

From a branch of green yew;

It has to be done by you.

Your face turned away from the sun to the west.

With this, before half an hour has passed,

Well crumbled with biscuit, start your breakfast;

[100]Once that's taken care of, without food (or everything is pointless)

For six hours and one abstain—

Then enjoy a filling meal.

If simply dressed, whether with meat or fish.

The doctor spoke seriously—

The squire wraps up the advice to take,

And, misled into moderation, discovered

The pleasure that his previous luxury drowned.

Athens thrived in freedom for long,

'Till license took control of the wild crowd.

Just laws have become tiring to follow,

They became victims of tyranny.

Pisistratus, though gentle he ruled,

Their turbulence had not calmed.

Whilst they were cursing in despair,

The burden they hadn't learned to carry,

Esop, describing their danger,

Rehearsed this story to the group:

"Some frogs, like you, tired of freedom,

A king desired from Jupiter:

One who should enforce the law,

And keep the wild ones in check.

Jove laughed and tossed them a log,

That thunder crashed and shook the swamp.

Among the reeds, the tremblers escaped:

Till one more boldly advanced his head,

And saw the king of the flood

Lying half buried in the mud.

He shouts to the croaking crowd:

"A wooden king!" the banks echo.

Fear gone, they swim around him,

And tease and insult and ridicule and make fun of him;

And send messengers to Jove,

Successfully grant their request.

A hungry stork he sent to them then,

Who soon had swallowed half the marsh.

Their troubles barely daring to show,

To Mercury they sneak by night,

[103]And ask him to plead with Jove

Remove the terrible tyrant.

'No,' says God, 'they chose their fate,

And have to deal with what they have:

So you, my friends, should head home.

In peace, to avoid something worse happening.

A rabbit, being chased closely, thought it was wise and appropriate

To a bramble for shelter for a bit to step back;

He entered the hidden area, but upon entering, found

That briars and thorns were everywhere;

And even though he was safe, he could never move.

But they would hurt his sides or rip off his fur:

[105]He shrugged his shoulders but didn’t complain:

"To complain about little troubles," said the cat, "is pointless:

That no happiness can be perfect, I knew very well—

But from the same source, good and evil flow—

And my skin hurts badly even though these thorns might tear it,

Yet they keep the dogs away, and my life will protect:

For the sake of goodness, let evil be tolerated—

For every sweet thing, there's a bit of bitterness, and for every bush, there's a thorn.

In a specific pasture,

Wild creatures lived there.

The sky was blue, the grass was green,

The weather was very mild.

Now, even though this field was big and beautiful,

They couldn't live in love:

But for the grass in one big patch

A horse and a stag once competed.

[107]The deer was at its strongest during the struggle,

And so the battle was won;

And from the field, the horse was sent

And was stung with regret.

So the horse approached the man,

For help, the stag to beat,

And his help was so effective,

The deer had to retreat.

But when he tried to leave,

The man held onto him tightly:

"Now that you are helpful," he exclaimed,

"You'll serve me till the end."

The mice overrun a house—

In every place, there was a mouse.

So the mistress went for a cat,

And the cat was sent to the kitchen.

Many were caught with diligence.

And eaten up. The mice were taught

That they must come up with some clever plan

To keep the prey out of the cat's sight.

[109]So on a particular shelf that’s really high,

To reach where the cat might try in vain,

There all the mice gathered together,

And they chose to stay.

So the cat discovered that to eat them,

She must resort to tactics.

And gripping firmly with clamps,

She was hanging upside down by her legs.

And then she lowered her head,

And looked like she was completely dead—

And so she tried to trick the mice,

And entice them from their homes.

A clever mouse, fully aware of the trap,

On her cat, her two eyes were fixated.

"Aha!" she exclaimed, " kitty, are you there?

Within your reach, I wouldn't dare—

Not even if it were proven by law,

That your entire skin was filled with straw."

A fox was out for a walk one day,

Into a toy store happened to wander;

Among the toys that stood arranged,

A visor mask was on display,

With rosy cheeks and fair skin,

And ruby lips and auburn hair,

And blue eyes, and a Greek nose;

And many beauties to reveal,

It seemed intentional. The fox, with sighs,

Gazing at it. "Oh, wow!" he exclaims,

[111]"Look at this head; it holds nothing,

It has a rare beauty, but lacks intelligence.

The accomplished gentleman, in demeanor and appearance, how fortunate.

His hat was well-made, and his hair well-styled—

But still undressed inside: to give him intelligence.

Exceeds the efforts of his hat maker or his barber.

A guy once had a goose, I've heard,

Which laid a golden egg every day.

Now, if this treasure were used wisely,

It could make anyone happy.

But no! this guy wanted more;

And even though he had plenty of eggs;

He thought that one day he would kill the goose,

And then suddenly his pockets are full.

[113]So running after the silly goose around and around,

She was quickly caught and securely tied up.

He opened her from neck to tail.

And then he regretted his mistakes.

For there wasn't a single egg,

And so he lost this rare treasure.

A fox once decided,

To step past a garden gate,

To see if there were things growing on the trees,

Some food to satisfy his hunger.

So in he went and there he spied

Some grapes. He tried hard to reach them.

Now they were big and juicy too,