驴子和战马

The Ass and the Charger

驴子看到马的饲料精美，即使不劳动也能得到无微不至的照顾，因此非常羡慕他。同时不由得为自己的不幸命运而痛哭流涕。战争爆发了，全副武装的士兵骑上了马背，驱使他在战场上拼杀。一次，战马受到袭击，遍体鳞伤，倒地而亡。驴子得知这一切后，改变了原来的想法，开始对战马起了恻隐之心。

满足于自己现在的位置。

An Ass congratulated a Horse on being so ungrudgingly and carefully provided for，while he himself had scarcely enough to eat and not even that without hard work. But when war broke out，a heavily armed soldier mounted the Horse，and riding him to the charge，rushed into the very midst of the enemy. The Horse was wounded and fell dead on the battlefield. Then the Ass，seeing all these things，changed his mind，and commiserated the Horse.

Be content with your station.

驴子、公鸡和狮子

The Ass，the Cock，and the Lion

牲口棚里住着一头驴子和一只公鸡。一天，有一头饥肠辘辘的狮子悄悄地靠近这里，想把驴子吃掉。在这危急时刻，公鸡大声啼叫起来，狮子（据说狮子非常害怕公鸡的啼鸣声）顿时吓得趴在地上，随后拔腿就跑。驴子以为狮子是怕了自己才逃跑的，就毫不犹豫地追赶狮子。当他们跑了很远的时候，狮子转过身把自以为是的驴子吃掉了。

盲目自信通常会自取灭亡。

An Ass and a Cock were in a straw-yard together. When a Lion，desperate from hunger，approached the spot. He was about to spring upon the Ass，when the Cock（to the sound of whose voice the Lion，it is said，has a singular aversion）crowed loudly，and the Lion fled away as fast as he could. The Ass，observing his trepidation at the mere crowing of a Cock summoned courage to attack him，and galloped after him for that purpose. He had run no long distance，when the Lion，turning about，seized him and tore him to pieces.

False confidence often leads into danger.

驴子与蚱蜢

The Ass and the Grasshopper

一只蝉在唱歌，他那悦耳悠扬的声音令驴子非常着迷。于是，驴子就向蝉请教：“你们究竟吃了什么，能唱出如此动听的歌声？”蝉回答道：“露水。”从此之后，驴子就每天只喝露水，最终悲惨地饿死了。

如果我们执意追求非分之物，最终不仅两手空空，而且会招揽灾祸。

An Ass having heard some Grasshoppers chirping，was highly enchanted；and，desiring to possess the same charms of melody，demanded what sort of food they lived on to give them such beautiful voices. They replied，“The dew.” The Ass resolved that he would live only upon dew，and in a short time died of hunger.

Even a fool is wise-when it is too late.

贪玩的驴子

The Playful Ass

一头驴子爬到屋顶上，活蹦乱跳，踏坏了很多砖瓦。愤怒的主人出来把驴子赶下来，用木棍狠狠地把他教训了一顿。驴子委屈地说：“为什么昨天猴子在房顶上四处乱跑，你却开怀大笑，而今天却这样责打我呢？”

谨慎选择自己学习的榜样。

An Ass climbed up to the roof of a building，and frisking about there，broke in the tiling. The owner went up after him and quickly drove him down，beating him severely with a thick wooden cudgel. The Ass said，“Why，I saw the Monkey do this very thing yesterday，and you all laughed heartily，as if it afforded you very great amusement.”

People that live by example need to look closely at the example they are following.

驮着雕像的驴子

The Ass carrying the Image

一头驴子驮着一尊木质的雕像走在大都市的街道上。这尊雕像将要被安放在寺庙中。路旁的行人看到雕像纷纷跪地膜拜。自以为是的驴子认为人们是在向自己表达敬意，就扬扬得意起来，不再往前走。气愤的赶驴人，一边拿着鞭子狠狠地抽打驴子，一边教训他：“你这个傻瓜，难道真的认为人们会愚蠢到向一头驴子膜拜的地步吗？”

依靠别人的功劳炫耀自己是不明智的举动。

An Ass once carried through the streets of a city a famous wooden Image，to be placed in one of its Temples. As he passed along，the crowd made lowly prostration before the Image. The Ass，thinking that they bowed their heads in token of respect for himself，bristled up with pride，gave himself airs，and refused to move another step. The driver，seeing him thus stop，laid his whip lustily about his shoulders and said，“Oh you perverse dull-head！ It is not yet come to this，that men pay worship to an Ass.”

They are not wise who give to themselves the credit due to others.

驴子、狐狸和狮子

The Ass，the Fox，and the Lion

为了各自的安全，驴子和狐狸决定和平相处。有一天，他们一起去森林里打猎，不料，还没走多远，就遇到了一头狮子。狐狸见情况危急，连忙跑到狮子面前表示只要狮子保证他的安全，他就设法诱骗驴子上当。狮子答应了。于是，狐狸把驴子骗入了陷阱。狮子见驴子已经无法逃脱，就立刻把狐狸吃了，然后再悠闲地享用驴子。

千万不要轻信你的敌人。

The Ass and the Fox，having entered into partnership together for their mutual protection，went out into the forest to hunt. They had not proceeded far when they met a Lion. The Fox，seeing imminent danger，approached the Lion and promised to contrive for him the capture of the Ass if the Lion would pledge his word not to harm the Fox. Then，upon assuring the Ass that he would not be injured，the Fox led him to a deep pit and arranged that he should fall into it. The Lion，seeing that the Ass was secured，immediately clutched the Fox，and attacked the Ass at his leisure.

Never trust your enemy.

野驴和狮子

The Wild Ass and the Lion

为了能够更轻易地获取食物，狮子和野驴结成同盟去打猎。狮子力气大，驴子速度快，他们相辅相成。当他们猎取到足够多的猎物后，狮子按需要把食物分成了三份。“这第一份嘛，”狮子说，“理所当然归我所有，因为我是’百兽之王’；第二份也应该是我的，因为全靠了我才能得到这么多食物；至于第三份，如果你不尽快离开这里的话，相信我，你会付出很大的代价。”

弱肉强食，适者生存。

A Wild Ass and a Lion entered into an alliance so that they might capture the beasts of the forest with greater ease. The Lion agreed to assist the Wild Ass with his strength，while the Wild Ass gave the Lion the benefit of his greater speed. When they had taken as many beasts as their necessities required，the Lion undertook to distribute the prey，and for this purpose divided it into three shares. “I will take the first share，” he said，“because I am King: and the second share，as a partner with you in the chase: and the third share（believe me）will be a source of great evil to you，unless you willingly resign it to me，and set off as fast as you can.”

Might makes right.

披着狮子皮的驴子

The Ass in the Lion’s Skin

一头驴子，偶然间找到一张狮子皮，就披上它在森林里四处闲逛，看到那些被他吓得惊慌逃窜的无知的小动物们，驴子就哈哈大笑起来。最后，他遇到了一只狐狸，也想吓唬他一下，但是狐狸一下子就听出了驴子的声音，就对他说：“请相信，如果我不是听出了你的声音，我真会被你吓坏的！”

漂亮的外衣可以包装傻瓜，但蠢话总会露出马脚。

An Ass，having put on the Lion’s skin，roamed about in the forest and amused himself by frightening all the foolish animals he met in his wanderings. At last coming upon a Fox，he tried to frighten him also，but the Fox no sooner heard the sound of his than he exclaimed，“I might possibly have been frightened myself，if I had not heard your bray.”

Fine clothes may disguise，but silly words will disclose a fool.

驴子和老牧人

The Ass and the Old Shepherd

一位老牧人看着驴子在牧场里吃草。突然他听到了敌军喧哗的声音，就马上招呼驴子和他一起逃跑，以免沦为俘虏。谁知驴子懒洋洋地说：“敌人占领这个地方以后，难道我就会负担双倍的东西吗？”“不是这样的。”老牧人说。接着驴子又说道：“既然我的负担和原来一样，那么给谁服务又有什么差别呢？”

在国家政权变更的时候，穷人改变的只是主人的名字。

A Shepherd，watching his Ass feeding in a meadow，was alarmed all of a sudden by the cries of the enemy. He appealed to the Ass to fly with him，lest they should both be captured，but the animal lazily replied，“Why should I，pray？ Do you think it likely the conqueror will place on me two sets of panniers？”“No，”rejoined the Shepherd. “Then，” said the Ass，“as long as I carry the panniers，what matters it to me whom I serve？”

In a change of government the poor change nothing beyond the name of their master.

驴子和他的影子

The Ass and His Shadow

行人雇了一头驴子去一个很远的地方。天气热极了，太阳热辣辣地照在人身上，行人决定停下来休息。他很快就发现驴子的影子是个凉快的地方。可是，驴子在地上的影子只能站一个人，因此行人和驴子的主人就因谁有权利占有驴子影子的问题而大肆争吵起来。后来，争吵演变为打斗。就在双方大打出手的时候，驴子乘机挣脱缰绳逃走了。

猴子捞月一场空。

A Traveler hired an Ass to convey him to a distant place. The day being intensely hot，and the sun shining in its strength，the Traveler stopped to rest，and sought shelter from the heat under the Shadow of the Ass. As this afforded only protection for one，and as the Traveler and the owner of the Ass both claimed it，a violent dispute arose between them as to which of them had the right to the Shadow. The owner maintained that he had let the Ass only，and not his Shadow. The Traveler asserted that he had，with the hire of the Ass，hired his Shadow also. The quarrel proceeded from words to blows，and while the men fought，the Ass galloped off.

In quarreling about the shadow we often lose the substance.

骡子

The Mule

一头刚刚饱餐一顿又无所事事的骡子扬扬得意地奔跑起来，还自言自语：“我的父亲一定是一匹高大、勇敢的马，作为他的儿子我遗传了他的速度和品行。”到了第二天，干了一天活的骡子早已筋疲力尽。他闷闷不乐地说：“我想我搞错了，我的父亲很有可能是一头驴子。”

A Mule，frolicsome from lack of work and from too much corn，galloped about in a very extravagant manner，and said to himself，“My father surely was a highmettled racer，and I am his own child in speed and spirit.” On the next day，being driven a long journey，and feeling very wearied，he exclaimed in a disconsolate tone，“I must have made a mistake；my father，after all，could have been only an ass.”

驴子和赶驴人

The Ass and His Driver

一个人赶着一头驴子在崎岖的山路上行进。可是没走多远，驴子就向悬崖的方向飞奔而去。眼看驴子就要掉下去，赶驴人急忙拉着驴子的尾巴。但是固执的驴子并不理会他，坚持要往前冲。无可奈何的赶驴人只好放手，对他说：“随你吧，你会为自己的选择付出代价的。”

那些顽固不化的总是坚持自己的道路。

An Ass，being driven along a high road，suddenly started off and bolted to the brink of a deep precipice. While he was in the act of throwing himself over，his Dviver seized him by the tail，endeavoring to pull him back. When the Ass persisted in his effort，the man let him go and said，“Conquer，but conquer to your cost.”

A willful beast must go his own way.

盐商和他的驴子

The Salt Merchant and His Ass

一个小贩赶着他的驴子去海边买盐。要跨过小溪的时候，驴子不小心迈错了步子，摔倒在河里。由于河水溶化了一部分盐，因此驴子感到轻松多了。发现了这一点的驴子暗自高兴。又一次，他假装跌倒，背上的负担果然减轻了不少。小贩明白了他的小计谋后决心给他一个教训。他们再次出发去海边，可是这次小贩买的是遇水膨胀的海绵，而不是会溶化的盐。到了小溪边，自作聪明的驴子故技重施。结果，背上的海绵浸了水，重量是原来的两倍，可怜的驴子只能自食苦果。

一个人不可能永远被蒙在鼓里。

A Peddler drove his Ass to the seashore to buy salt. His road home lay across a stream into which his Ass，making a false step，fell by accident and rose up again with his load considerably lighter，as the water melted the sack. The Peddler retraced his steps and refilled his panniers with a larger quantity of salt than before.

When he came again to the stream，the Ass fell down on purpose in the same spot，and，regaining his feet with the weight of his load much diminished，brayed triumphantly as if he had obtained what he desired.

The Peddler saw through his trick and drove him for the third time to the coast，where he bought a cargo of sponges instead of salt. The Ass，again playing the fool，fell down on purpose when he reached the stream，but the sponges became swollen with water，greatly increasing his load. And thus his trick recoiled on him，for he now carried on his back a double burden.

You can fool someone only so many times.

骡子和强盗

The Mules and the Robbers

两头骡子驮着满满的货物长途跋涉，其中一个驮着满包的金银珠宝，另一匹驮着满包的谷物。驮着珠宝的骡子高傲地昂着头，不断晃动自己的铃铛，不断发出清脆的声音。他趾高气扬地走在前面，似乎自己也因为身上的财物而身价百倍。而另外一头骡子则很安静地走在后面。突然，一群强盗从路边隐蔽的树林里冲出来。他们凶狠地用短刀将骡子刺倒，把财宝抢劫一空。而那驮着谷物的骡子丝毫没有引起强盗的注意。受伤的骡子向他的同伴哭诉他的不幸。驮着谷物的骡子说：“我很庆幸强盗没有注意到我，我的货物没有一点儿损失，我自己也没有受伤。”

财富并不值得夸耀，反而倒是要小心那些觊觎财富的人。

Two Mules well-laden with packs were trudging along. One carried panniers filled with money，the other sacks weighted with grain. The Mule carrying the treasure walked with head erect，as if conscious of the value of his burden，and tossed up and down the clear-toned bells fastened to his neck. His companion followed with quiet and easy step. All of a sudden Robbers rushed upon them from their hiding-places，and in the scuffle with their owners，wounded with a sword the Mule carrying the treasure，which they greedily seized while taking no notice of the grain. The Mule which had been robbed and wounded bewailed his misfortunes. The other replied，“I am indeed glad that I was thought so little of，for I have lost nothing，nor am I hurt with any wound.”

Flaunt wealth and thieves will know you have wealth.

驴子和骡子

The Ass and the Mule

赶牲口的人让驴子和骡子驮上货物出发了。在路面平坦的时候，驴子感觉很轻松。当他们走到崎岖的山路时，驴子已经累得筋疲力尽，于是恳求骡子能够帮他分担一部分货物，这样他可以把剩余部分驮到目的地。可是，倔犟的骡子根本不理会同伴的请求。结果，不堪重负的驴子从山上滚落摔死了。赶牲口的人没有办法，只好把驴子那部分货物也放到了骡子身上，另外，把驴皮也放了上去。承受着过重负担的骡子，嘴里嘀咕道：“我真是自作自受啊！如果我答应了驴子的请求，帮他驮一小部分的话，我现在就用不着背负双倍的货物了。”

一盎司的拒绝相当于一磅的残忍。

A Muleteer set forth on a journey，driving before him an Ass and a Mule，both well laden. The Ass，as long as he traveled along the plain，carried his load with ease，but when he began to ascend the steep path of the mountain，felt his load to be more than he could bear. He entreated his companion to relieve him of a small portion，that he might carry home the rest；but the Mule paid no attention to the request. The Ass shortly afterwards fell down dead under his burden. Not knowing what else to do in so wild a region，the Muleteer placed upon the Mule the load carried by the Ass in addition to his own，and at the top of all placed the hide of the Ass，after he had skinned him. The Mule，groaning beneath his heavy burden，said to himself，“I am treated according to my deserts. If I had only been willing to assist the Ass a little in his need，I should not now be bearing，together with his burden，himself as well.”

A ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cruel.

驴子和买主

The Ass and His Purchaser

一个人想买一头驴子，但又不知道驴子是否勤劳能干，于是就和卖主达成协议，等他试验之后再决定是否购买。他把驴子带回家后就把他和其他驴子一起喂养。这头驴看见别的驴子都躲得远远的，唯独和一头最是好吃懒做的驴子待在一起。

看到这些，这人就给驴子带上笼头还把他送回到原先的主人身边。主人问他：“在这么短的时间内，真的可以试验出结果吗？”这人回答说：“我已经不需要试验了，只要看他挑选什么样的伙伴，就知道他是什么品行了。”

看其友知其人。

A Man wished to purchase an Ass，and agreed with its owner that he should try out the animal before he bought him. He took the Ass home and put him in the strawyard with his other Asses，upon which the new animal left all the others and at once joined the one that was most idle and the greatest eater of them all.

Seeing this，the man put a halter on him and led him back to his owner. On being asked how，in so short a time，he could have made a trial of him，he answered，“I do not need a trial；I know that he will be just the same as the one he chose for his companion.”

A man is known by the company he keeps.

驴子和主人

The Ass and His Masters

驴子的主人以卖草药为生，每天都让驴子做很多工作，可是只给他很少的食物。满腹委屈的驴子就向朱庇特请求能够给他换一个主人。朱庇特对他说：“我可以答应你的请求，但是到时候你可千万不要后悔！”这样，驴子的主人换成了一个砖瓦匠。不久之后，驴子就发现自己要承担的工作比原来还要繁重。于是，他再次向朱庇特请求换一个主人。朱庇特应答他请求的同时警告他这是最后一次机会。这一次，驴子被卖给了皮革匠，沦落到了更糟糕的境地。可怜的驴子抱怨道：“我宁愿在第一个主人那里挨饿，或者继续在砖瓦匠那里忍受没完没了的工作，也不想面对我现在的主人，即使我死之后还要成为他手中的制作材料。”

对一个地方不满意，并不意味着在另一个地方一定可以找到幸福。

An Ass，belonging to an herb-seller who gave him too little food and too much work made a petition to Jupiter to be released from his present service and provided with another master. Jupiter，after warning him that he would repent his request，caused him to be sold to a tile-maker. Shortly afterwards，finding that he had heavier loads to carry and harder work in the brick-field，he petitioned for another change of master. Jupiter，telling him that it would be the last time that he could grant his request，ordained that he be sold to a tanner. The Ass found that he had fallen into worse hands，and noting his master’s occupation，said，groaning，“It would have been better for me to have been either starved by the one，or to have been overworked by the other of my former masters，than to have been bought by my present owner，who will even after I am dead tan my hide，and make me useful to him.”

He that finds discontentment in one place is not likely to find happiness in another.

驴子和狼

The Ass and the Wolf

驴子在牧场里吃草，看到狼正在悄悄朝他逼近。急中生智的驴子就假装跛脚，走路一瘸一瘸的。狼来到他面前，就假惺惺地询问他为什么瘸着走路。驴子回答说：“我在跨过篱笆的时候，不小心脚上扎了刺！”接着，驴子就恳求狼在吃他之前先把他脚上的刺拔掉，以免也被扎伤。狼相信了驴子的说法，于是就抬起驴子的脚，认真地查看驴的蹄子。这时，驴子突然用蹄子对准狼的脸狠狠地踢去，把狼所有的牙齿都踹掉了。得不偿失的狼，痛苦地呻吟：“我真是自作自受啊！我生来就是以食肉为生，为什么偏要去做医生呢！”

做好自己力所能及的事情。

An Ass feeding in a meadow saw a Wolf approaching to seize him，and immediately pretended to be lame. The Wolf，coming up，inquired the cause of his lameness. The Ass replied that passing through a hedge he had trod with his foot upon a sharp thorn. He requested that the Wolf pull it out，lest when he ate him it should injure his throat. The Wolf consented and lifted up the foot，and was giving his whole mind to the discovery of the thorn，when the Ass，with his heels，kicked his teeth into his mouth and galloped away. The Wolf，being thus fearfully mauled，said，“I am rightly served，for why did I attempt the art of healing，when my father only taught me the trade of a butcher？”

Keep to your trade.

驴和哈巴狗

The Ass and the Lapdog

一个人喂养了一只马耳他哈巴狗和一头驴子。哈巴狗非常漂亮，很会讨主人喜欢。主人也经常从外面带回好吃的食物给狗食用。而驴子只能吃一些寻常的大麦。

驴子经常抱怨自己悲惨的命运，因为他总有做不完的工作，不是整天围着磨盘转，就是去森林里拉木材或者去农田拉粮食。他非常羡慕整天无所事事的哈巴狗。直到有一天，他弄断了拴着他的绳索和笼头，飞快地跑到主人的房间，尽情地跳跃，并模仿哈巴狗努力讨主人的欢心，可是他笨重的身体压坏了桌子，还把盘子打得粉碎。他还跳到主人面前表示亲昵，结果踢到了主人。闻声赶来的仆人慌忙把主人救下。勃然大怒的主人立刻把驴子狠狠地打了一顿。受伤的驴子就这样悲惨地死去了，在奄奄一息时，他悲叹道：“我这真是咎由自取，我为什么不能像伙伴们一样任劳任怨地工作，而要去羡慕一事无成的哈巴狗呢？”

要看到自己的价值，而不要去羡慕对他人毫无贡献的人。

A Man had an Ass，and a Maltese Lapdog，a very great beauty. The Ass was left in a stable and had plenty of oats and hay to eat，just as any other Ass would. The Lapdog knew many tricks and was a great favorite with his master，who often fondled him and seldom went out to dine without bringing him home some tidbit to eat.

The Ass，on the contrary，had much work to do in grinding the corn-mill and in carrying wood from the forest or burdens from the farm. He often lamented his own hard fate and contrasted it with the luxury and idleness of the Lapdog，till at last one day he broke his cords and halter，and galloped into his master’s house，kicking up his heels without measure，and frisking and fawning as well as he could. He next tried to jump about his master as he had seen the Lapdog do，but he broke the table and smashed all the dishes upon it to atoms. He then attempted to lick his master，and jumped upon his back.

The servants，hearing the strange hubbub and perceiving the danger of their master，quickly relieved him，and drove out the Ass to his stable with kicks and clubs and cuffs. The Ass，as he returned to his stall beaten nearly to death，thus lamented，“I have brought it all on myself！ Why could I not have been contented to labor with my companions，and not wish to be idle all the day like that useless little Lapdog！”

To be satisfied with one’s lot is better than to desire something which one is not fitted to receive.

磨坊主、他的儿子和驴子

The Miller，His Son，and Their Ass

磨坊主和他的儿子一起赶着他们家的驴子，到附近的市场上去卖。没走多远，他们就看到了一群妇女聚集在井边聊天。其中有一个说：“你们快看啊，竟然还有人放着驴子不骑自己非要走路的。”磨坊主听到之后，马上把驴子让儿子骑着，自己愉快地走在旁边。就这样他们继续赶路，过了没多久，又遇到了几个在激烈争吵的老头，只听其中一个说道：“啊哈，这就是我的观点的证明啊！现在的社会哪里还有什么尊老爱老的风气啊？你们看看，身强力壮的儿子骑在上面，却让年老力衰的父亲在下面行走。快滚下来，你这个无可救药的家伙！让你的父亲歇歇脚吧！”于是，儿子就把驴子让给了老人，自己走着。他们没走多远，看见一群妇女和孩子迎面走来。有几个人立刻大喊：“怎么可以这样做啊，你这懒惰的老头！可怜的孩子已经一点儿儿力气也没有了。”老实的磨坊主只好让儿子也骑到驴子背上。

快要到达目的地了，一个市民看到他们问道：“朋友，我可以问一下这驴子是你们自己的吗？”老人说：“是啊！”这时另外的一个人说：“天哪，这头可怜的驴子！你们怎么可以这样做？照我看，你们两个人一起抬驴子走，也许要比骑驴子好得多。”老人说：“那就按照你的意见试一下。”于是，他和儿子从驴子背上下来，将驴子的腿捆起来，用一根木棍抬上驴子往前走。在经过市场出口的桥时，很多人围过来看热闹，人群中不断有人取笑他们。吵闹声和这种别扭的摆弄让驴子很不舒服，它使劲挣脱了绳索和棍子，摔到河里去了。这时，老人羞愧难当，急忙从小路逃回家去了。本来是要所有人满意，结果所有的人都不满意，还白白损失了一头驴子。

任何事物都不可能让所有人都满意。

A Miller and his Son were driving their Ass to a neighboring fair to sell him. They had not gone far when they met with a troop of women collected round a well，talking and laughing. “Look there，” cried one of them，“did you ever see such fellows，to be trudging along the road on foot when they might ride？” The old man hearing this，quickly made his Son mount the Ass，and continued to walk along merrily by his side. Presently they came up to a group of old men in earnest debate.“There，” said one of them，“it proves what I was a-saying. What respect is shown to old age in these days？ Do you see that idle lad riding while his old father has to walk？ Get down，you young scapegrace，and let the old man rest his weary limbs.”Upon this the old man made his Son dismount，and got up himself. In this manner they had not proceeded far when they met a company of women and children，“Why，you lazy old fellow，” cried several tongues at once，“how can you ride upon the beast，while that poor little lad there can hardly keep pace by the side of you？”The good-natured Miller immediately took up his Son behind him. They had now almost reached the town. “Pray，honest friend，” said a citizen，“is that Ass your own？”“Yes，” replied the old man. “Oh，one would not have thought so，” said the other，“by the way you load him. Why，you two fellows are better able to carry the poor beast than he you.”“Anything to please you，” said the old man；“we can but try.” So，alighting with his Son，they tied the legs of the Ass together and with the help of a pole endeavored to carry him on their shoulders over a bridge near the entrance to the town. This entertaining sight brought the people in crowds to laugh at it，till the Ass，not liking the noise nor the strange handling that he was subject to，broke the cords that bound him and，tumbling off the pole，fell into the river. Upon this，the old man，vexed and ashamed，made the best of his way home again，convinced that by endeavoring to please everybody he had pleased nobody，and lost his Ass in the bargain.

You can’t please everyone.

渡鸦和天鹅

The Raven and the Swan

渡鸦梦想自己也能拥有和天鹅一样洁白美丽的羽毛。他猜想，天鹅的羽毛之所以那么洁白，一定是常常洗澡的原因。于是，他决定离开赖以生存的祭坛，搬到江湖边居住。他每天清洗自己的羽毛，可是不仅羽毛没有洗白，反而因为缺少食物而饿死了。

天生的东西是不会随生活方式的改变而改变的。

A Raven saw a Swan and desired to secure for himself the same beautiful plumage. Supposing that the Swan’s splendid white color arose from his washing in the water in which he swam，the Raven left the altars in the neighborhood where he picked up his living，and took up residence in the lakes and pools. But cleansing his feathers as often as he would，he could not change their color，while through want of food he perished.

Change of habit cannot alter Nature.

小燕子和乌鸦

The Swallow and the Crow

小燕子和乌鸦在争论谁的羽毛最美。乌鸦说道：“你的羽毛只有在春天暖和的时候才是美丽的，而我的羽毛却能帮助我抵御寒冷的冬天。”

对朋友谄媚是毫无意义的。

The Swallow and the Crow had a contention about their plumage. The Crow put an end to the dispute by saying，“Your feathers are all very well in the spring，but mine protect me against the winter.”

Fair weather friends are not worth much.

徒劳的寒鸦

The Vain Jackdaw

朱庇特决定要给鸟类指派一个国王，他定下日子，要求所有的鸟儿都要来参加。他要选择最漂亮的鸟当国王。

寒鸦知道自己的长相丑陋不堪，于是就去搜集同伴们掉在地上的羽毛，并用它们来装扮自己，希望能成为最漂亮的鸟。

预定的日子到了，鸟儿们都把自己打扮得漂漂亮亮，来到朱庇特面前。朱庇特发现寒鸦的羽毛非常漂亮，打算任命他为国王。鸟儿们非常愤慨，将寒鸦团团围住，把他身上属于自己的羽毛都拔了下来。结果，寒鸦恢复了本来面目，依旧丑陋不堪。

外表不能代表一切。

Jupiter determined，it is said，to create a sovereign over the birds，and made proclamation that on a certain day they should all present themselves before him，when he would himself choose the most beautiful among them to be king.

The Jackdaw，knowing his own ugliness，searched through the woods and fields，and collected the feathers which had fallen from the wings of his companions，and stuck them in all parts of his body，hoping thereby to make himself the most beautiful of all.

When the appointed day arrived，and the birds had assembled before Jupiter，the Jackdaw also made his appearance in his many feathered finery. But when Jupiter proposed to make him king because of the beauty of his plumage，the birds indignantly protested，and each plucked from him his own feathers，leaving the Jackdaw nothing but a Jackdaw.

A fine bird is more than fine feathers.

口渴的鸽子

The Thirsty Pigeon

有只鸽子口渴得很厉害，看到一幅画着一盆水的画，误以为是真的，就大叫一声，振翅向这幅画飞去，不料重重地撞到了贴画的木板上，头破血流，翅膀也折断了，跌倒在地，变成了别人的囊中之物。

做事冲动，只能自取灭亡。

A Pigeon，oppressed by excessive thirst，saw a goblet of water painted on a signboard. Not supposing it to be only a picture，she flew towards it with a loud whir and unwittingly dashed against the signboard，jarring herself terribly. Having broken her wings by the blow，she fell to the ground，and was caught by one of the bystanders.

Zeal should not outrun discretion.

孔雀和鹤

The Peacock and the Crane

一只孔雀得意扬扬地展示自己无比美丽的羽毛，看到正好经过的鹤，就嘲弄他那灰不溜丢的羽毛：“你看我的羽毛，就像是国王的一件礼服，采撷了天上彩虹的颜色。”鹤回答说：“你说得确实不错。但是我可以在高空翱翔，让星星听到我的歌声，而你呢，却只会像公鸡一样在地上行走。”

外在的美丽并不是一切。

A Peacock spreading its gorgeous tail mocked a Crane that passed by，ridiculing the ashen hue of its plumage and saying，“I am robed，like a king，in gold and purple and all the colors of the rainbow；while you have not a bit of color on your wings.”

“True，”replied the Crane，“but I soar to the heights of heaven and lift up my voice to the stars，while you walk below，like a cock，among the birds of the dunghill.”

Fine feathers don’t make fine birds.

乌鸦和渡鸦

The Crow and the Raven

乌鸦非常嫉妒渡鸦，因为渡鸦被人们称为灵鸟，能够预言未来吉凶，因此人们总是把关注的目光投向渡鸦。不服气的乌鸦决定也要为自己争取这份荣誉。一天，他看到路上有几个人，就在树上停下，呱呱地大声叫起来。过路人听到声音就回头看，正要靠近看时，被他的同伴拦住了。同伴说：“咱们还是赶快离开吧！你没听说过乌鸦啼叫代表将要发生不吉利的事情吗？”

不自量力只能给别人留下笑柄。

A Crow was jealous of the Raven，because he was considered a bird of good omen and always attracted the attention of men，who noted by his flight the good or evil course of future events. Seeing some travelers approaching，the Crow flew up into a tree，and perching herself on one of the branches，cawed as loudly as she could. The travelers turned towards the sound and wondered what it foreboded，when one of them said to his companion，“Let us proceed on our journey，my friend，for it is only the caw of a Crow，and her cry，you know，is no omen.”

Those who assume a character which does not belong to them，only make themselves ridiculous.

狐狸和鹤

The Fox and the Crane

狐狸邀请鹤共进晚餐，然而他并没有真心诚意地为客人准备什么精美的饭菜，只是用豆子做了一点汤，并把汤放在一个很浅的石盘子中。鹤要费很大的劲才能把汤喝到嘴里，可是汤又会马上从他的长嘴中流出来。看着鹤笨拙的样子，狐狸非常开心。后来，鹤回请狐狸吃晚餐。他把食物放在了一只长颈小口的瓶子里，自己可以很容易地吃到食物，而狐狸却只能眼睁睁地看着。狐狸受到了应得的回报。

恶有恶报。

A Fox invited a Crane to supper and provided nothing for his entertainment but some soup made of pulse，which was poured out into a broad flat stone dish. The soup fell out of the long bill of the Crane at every mouthful，and his vexation at not being able to eat afforded the Fox much amusement. The Crane，in his turn，asked the Fox to sup with him，and set before his a flagon with a long narrow mouth，so that he could easily insert his neck and enjoy its contents at his leisure. The Fox，unable even to taste it，met with a fitting requital，after the fashion of her own hospitality.

One bad turn deserves another.

乌鸦和水罐

The Crow and the Pitcher

一只乌鸦口渴难忍，看到一只水罐，就兴冲冲地飞过去了。可是飞到水罐旁边，乌鸦才发现水罐的水少得可怜。乌鸦绞尽脑汁，想了很多办法，可是依然喝不到水。这时，乌鸦已经筋疲力尽了。偶然间，他看到水罐旁边有很多小石头，乌鸦终于想到了一条妙计。他用嘴衔住小石头，然后将它们一颗颗地放进水罐里，这样石头就会占据水的空间，水面自然上升了。就这样乌鸦如愿以偿地喝到了水。

自我需要是成功的动机。

A Crow perishing with thirst saw a Pitcher，and hoping to find water，flew to it with delight. When he reached it，he discovered to his grief that it contained so little water that he could not possibly get at it. He tried everything he could think of to reach the water，but all his efforts were in vain. At last he collected as many stones as he could carry and dropped them one by one with his beak into the Pitcher，until he brought the water within his reach and thus saved his life.

Necessity is the mother of invention.

寒鸦和狐狸

The Jackdaw and the Fox

一只饥肠辘辘的寒鸦停在一棵无花果树上。无花果树上结了很多果实，但是还没有成熟。寒鸦决定待在那里等到果实成熟了再慢慢享用。狐狸看到寒鸦在树上停留了很长时间，就向他询问是怎么回事儿。狐狸得知事情的经过后，对寒鸦说：“朋友，你不要再自欺欺人了。你的希望一定会落空的。拿这种希望来填饱肚子是无论如何也办不到的。”

不要欺骗自己。

A half-famished Jackdaw seated himself on a fig-tree，which had produced some fruit entirely out of season，and waited in the hope that the figs would ripen. A Fox seeing him sitting so long and learning the reason of his doing so，said to him，“You are indeed，sir，sadly deceiving yourself；you are indulging a hope strong enough to cheat you，but which will never reward you with enjoyment.”

Don’t deceive yourself.

孝顺的百灵鸟

The Lark Burying Her Father

根据古老的传说，百灵鸟在地球出现之前就已经存在了。她的父亲生病去世了，由于当时地球还没有出现，她找不到地方来埋葬父亲。就这样她父亲的尸体在外面停放了五天，到了第六天，无可奈何的百灵鸟把父亲葬在了自己的头上。从此之后，百灵鸟的头上就有了冠毛，人们传说那就是她父亲的坟墓。

年轻人的第一责任是孝敬父母。

The Lark（according to an ancient legend）was created before the earth itself，and when her father died，as there was no earth，she could find no place of burial for him. She let him lie uninterred for five days，and on the sixth day，not knowing what else to do，she buried him in her own head. Hence she obtained her crest，which is popularly said to be her father’s grave-hillock.

Youth’s first duty is reverence to parents.

鸟、兽和蝙蝠

The Birds，the Beasts，and the Bat

鸟类和野兽相互争斗，双方各有胜负。蝙蝠害怕争斗会危及自己，因此总是依附胜利的一方。当鸟类和野兽宣告停止争斗、和睦相处的时候，大家才看清了蝙蝠的本性，对他的欺骗行为感到非常气愤。因此，蝙蝠遭到了双方的谴责，被驱逐出日光之外。从此之后，蝙蝠白天就躲在黑暗的地方，只有到了晚上才独自出来活动。

两面三刀的人是不会有朋友的。

The Birds waged war with the Beasts，and each were by turns the conquerors. The Bat，fearing the uncertain issues of the fight，always fought on the side which he felt was the strongest. When peace was proclaimed，his deceitful conduct was apparent to both combatants. Therefore being condemned by each for his treachery，he was driven forth from the light of day，and henceforth concealed himself in dark hiding-places，flying always alone and at night.

He that is neither one thing nor the other has no friends.

鸽子和乌鸦

The Dove and the Crow

一只被关在笼子里的鸽子不断地吹嘘自己养育了这么多孩子，是多么劳苦功高。乌鸦正好飞过，听到了他的话就对他说：“我的好朋友，您不要再吹牛了。你的家族成员越多，你应该感到更加悲哀才是啊！因为这意味着将有更多的成员失去自由，被关在这牢房一样的笼子里啊！”

多子多福，如果他们其中的几个非常出色，那将是更大的幸福。

A Dove shut up in a cage was boasting of the large number of young ones which she had hatched. A Crow hearing her，said，“My good friend，cease from this unseasonable boasting. The larger the number of your family，the greater your cause of sorrow，in seeing them shut up in this prison-house.”

Many children are a great blessing;but a few good ones are a greater.

挥霍者和燕子

The Spendthrift and the Swallow

有一个年轻人，在很短的时间内就把祖辈留给他的东西都挥霍一空了，只剩下身上的一件外套。一天，他碰巧看到了一只提前从暖和的地方飞回的燕子，就误以为是春天到了，于是就把身上唯一的外衣也卖掉了。不久之后，气温骤然下降，冻得他无处躲藏，正好在路上看到冻死的燕子，便对他说道：“不幸的家伙！你为什么要提前回来呢？不仅害死了你自己，也把我连累了啊！”

不要根据单一的现象就下结论。

A Young Man，a great spendthrift，had run through all his patrimony and had but one good cloak left. One day he happened to see a Swallow，which had appeared before its season，skimming along a pool and twittering gaily. He supposed that summer had come，and went and sold his cloak. Not many days later，winter set in again with renewed frost and cold. When he found the unfortunate Swallow lifeless on the ground，he said，“Unhappy bird！ what have you done？ By thus appearing before the springtime you have not only killed yourself，but you have wrought my destruction also.”

Don’t draw a conclusion based on a single observation.

斗鸡和鹌鹑

The Gamecocks and the Partridge

一个人在自己家里养了两只斗鸡。一天，一个偶然的机会，这个人在市场上看到一只非常温驯的鹌鹑。他马上把鹌鹑买下来并带回家，和斗鸡养在一起。刚开始的时候，斗鸡经常和鹌鹑争斗，因此鹌鹑觉得非常委屈，认为自己是新来的所以才会遭受这样的待遇。不久之后，鹌鹑就发现这两只斗鸡经常彼此打斗，除非有一个受了重伤，否则他们是不会分开的。这时，他才恍然大悟：“我实在不应该为自己遭受攻击而压抑了，因为他们只是为争斗而奋斗。”

有些人只是为了争吵而争吵。

A Man had two Gamecocks in his poultry-yard. One day by chance he found a tame Partridge for sale. He purchased it and brought it home to be reared with his Gamecocks. When the Partridge was put into the poultry-yard，they struck at it and followed it about，so that the Partridge became grievously troubled and supposed that he was thus evilly treated because he was a stranger. Not long afterwards he saw the Cocks fighting together and not separating before one had well beaten the other. He then said to himself，“I shall no longer distress myself at being struck at by these Gamecocks，when I see that they cannot even refrain from quarreling with each other.”

Some people quarrel just for sake of quarrelling.