140. The Dancing Monkeys A Prince had some Monkeys trained to danc e. Being naturally great mimics of men's actions, they showed themselves most apt pupils; and, when arrayed in their rich clothes and masks, they danced as well as any of the courtiers. The spectacle was often repeated with great applause, till on one occasion a courtier, bent on mischief, took from his pocket a handful of nuts, and threw them upon the stage. The Monkeys at the sight of the nuts forgot their dancing, and became (as indeed they were) Monkeys instead of actors, and pulling off their masks, and tearing their robes, they fought with one another for the nuts. The dancing spectacle thus came to an end, amidst the laughter and ridicule of the audience. | 140. 跳舞的猴子 一位王子拥有几只猴子,它们已被训练得很会跳舞。 猴子天生善于模仿人们的动作,他们都表现出自己是很伶俐的学生;而当它们穿起华丽的衣服,戴着假面具的时候,跳起舞来,和无论那一个大臣相比,完全没有两样。 这种表演,博得不少称赞。直到后来,有一次一个大臣,存心要作弄它们,就从衣袋里拿出一把硬壳果,向它们拋上台去。 猴子们一见硬壳果,便忘记它们的舞蹈,丑态毕露,现出原形,已不是戏子了,它们拉下假面具,扯破戏袍,为着硬壳果,互相打起架来。 这场跳舞的表演,就在观众的嘲笑声中结束了。 |