19. The Pomegranate, Apple-Tree, and Bramble



THE POMEGRANATE and Apple-Tree disputed as to which was the most beautiful.

When their strife was at its height, a Bramble from the neighboring hedge lifted up its voice, and said in a boastful tone:

"Pray, my dear friends, in my presence at least cease from such vain disputings."





20. The Farmer and the Stork



A FARMER placed nets on his newly-sown plowlands and caught a number of Cranes, which came to pick up his seed.

With them he trapped a Stork that had fractured his leg in the net and was earnestly beseeching the Farmer to spare his life.

"Pray save me, Master," he said, "and let me go free this once.

My broken limb should excite your pity.

Besides, I am no Crane, I am a Stork, a bird of excellent character; and see how I love and slave for my father and mother.

Look too, at my feathers--they are not the least like those of a Crane."

The Farmer laughed aloud and said, "It may be all as you say, I only know this:

I have taken you with these robbers, the Cranes, and you must die in their company."



Birds of a feather flock together.





21. The Farmer and the Snake



ONE WINTER a Farmer found a Snake stiff and frozen with cold.

He had compassion on it, and taking it up, placed it in his bosom.

The Snake was quickly revived by the warmth, and resuming its natural instincts, bit its benefactor, inflicting on him a mortal wound.

"Oh," cried the Farmer with his last breath, "I am rightly served for pitying a scoundrel."



The greatest kindness will not bind the ungrateful.
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