// ************************************************************************************ // ** This file has been created with the Rotating Content Tool by Randy Hoyt. ** // ** For more information, visit us on the web: ** // ** ** // ** Rotating Content Tool -- http://www.rotatecontent.com/ ** // ** Author: Randy Hoyt -- http://www.randyhoyt.com/ ** // ************************************************************************************ today = new Date() month = today.getMonth() + 1 year = today.getFullYear() selectedDate = new Date("01/01/1900") selectedContent = "" varLength = 366 var entryDate = new Array(varLength) var entryContent = new Array(varLength) entryDate[0] = "01/01/" + year entryContent[0] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). DEMADES AND THE ATHENIANS. More online.
The orator Demades was trying to address his Athenian audience. When he failed to get their attention, he asked if he might tell them an Aesop's fable. The audience agreed, so Demades began his story. 'The goddess Demeter, a swallow, and an eel were walking together down the road. When they reached a river, the swallow flew up in the air and the eel jumped into the water.' Demades then fell silent. The audience asked, 'And what about the goddess Demeter?' 'As for Demeter,' Demades replied, 'she is angry at all of you for preferring Aesop's fables to politics!' " entryDate[1] = " 01/02/" + year entryContent[1] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). A CAT AND A COCK. More online.
It was the hard fortune once of a Cock to fall into the clutches of a Cat. Puss had a Month's mind to be upon the Bones of him, but was not willing to pick a quarrel, however, without some plausible colour for't. Sirrah (says he) what do you keep such a bauling and screaming a Nights for, that no body can sleep near you? Alas, says the Cock, I never wake any body, but when 'tis time for People to rise and go about their Business. Nay, says the Cat, and then there never was such an incestuous Rascal: Why, you make no more conscience of lying with your own Mother, and your Sisters.--In truth, says the Cock, again, that's only to provide Eggs for my Master and Mistress. Come, come, says Puss, without any more ado, 'tis time for me to go to Breakfast, and Cats don't live upon Dialogues. At which word she gave him a Pinch, and so made an end both of the Cock and of the Story. " entryDate[2] = " 01/03/" + year entryContent[2] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Cock and the Pearl. More online.
A cock was once strutting up and down the farmyard among the hens when suddenly he espied something shinning amid the straw. \"Ho! ho!\" quoth he, \"that's for me,\" and soon rooted it out from beneath the straw. What did it turn out to be but a Pearl that by some chance had been lost in the yard? \"You may be a treasure,\" quoth Master Cock, \"to men that prize you, but for me I would rather have a single barley-corn than a peck of pearls.\" " entryDate[3] = " 01/04/" + year entryContent[3] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE DONKEY AND HIS MASTERS . More online.
There was a donkey who worked for a gardener. Because the gardener made the donkey work very hard but gave him very little food, the donkey prayed to Zeus to take him away from the gardener and give him to another master, so Zeus sent Hermes to sell the donkey to a potter. The donkey also found this situation unbearable, since he was forced to carry even heavier loads than before. He called upon Zeus again, and this time Zeus arranged for the donkey to be purchased by a tanner. When the donkey saw the kind of work the tanner did, he said, 'Oh, it would have been better for me to have kept on working for my previous masters in a state of starvation! Now I have ended up in a place where I won't even get a proper burial after I die.' " entryDate[4] = " 01/05/" + year entryContent[4] = " George Townsend (1887). The Wolf and the Lamb. More online.
WOLF, meeting with a Lamb astray from the fold, resolved not to lay violent hands on him, but to find some plea to justify to the Lamb the Wolf's right to eat him. He thus addressed him: 'Sirrah, last year you grossly insulted me.' 'Indeed,' bleated the Lamb in a mournful tone of voice, 'I was not then born.' Then said the Wolf, 'You feed in my pasture.' 'No, good sir,' replied the Lamb, 'I have not yet tasted grass.' Again said the Wolf, 'You drink of my well.' 'No,' exclaimed the Lamb, 'I never yet drank water, for as yet my mother's milk is both food and drink to me.' Upon which the Wolf seized him and ate him up, saying, 'Well! I won't remain supperless, even though you refute every one of my imputations.' " entryDate[5] = " 01/06/" + year entryContent[5] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE WOLF AND THE GOAT ON THE CLIFF . More online.
There was a goat grazing up high on a cliff. At the bottom of the cliff there was a wolf who wanted to catch the goat and eat her. Since it was impossible for the wolf to climb up the cliff, he stood down below and said to the goat, 'You poor creature! Why have you left the level plains and meadows in order to graze upon the cliff? Are you trying to tempt death from that height?' The goat said to the wolf in response, 'I know how often I have managed to frustrate you! What makes you think that you can now get me to come down off this cliff so that you can eat me for dinner?' " entryDate[6] = " 01/07/" + year entryContent[6] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). A FOX AND A BRAMBLE. More online.
A Fox that was close pursued, took a Hedge, the Bushes gave way, and in catching hold of a Bramble to break his Fall, the Prickles ran into his Feet; upon this, he laid himself down, and fell to licking his Paws, with bitter Exclamation against the Bramble. Good Words, Reynard, says the Bramble, one would have thought you had known better Things, than to expect a Kindness from a common Enemy, and to lay hold on that for Relief, that catches every thing else for Mischief. " entryDate[7] = " 01/08/" + year entryContent[7] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE DOGS AND THE CROCODILES . More online.
Legend has it that when dogs drink from the Nile they do so on the run to avoid being caught by the crocodiles. So when a certain dog started to lap some water as he ran, a crocodile said, 'Drink as much as you want, take your time, don't be afraid!' The dog then said to the crocodile, 'By god, I would do just that, if I didn't already know that you have a craving for my flesh!' " entryDate[8] = " 01/09/" + year entryContent[8] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Miser and His Gold. More online.
Once upon a time there was a Miser who used to hide his gold at the foot of a tree in his garden; but every week he used to go and dig it up and gloat over his gains. A robber, who had noticed this, went and dug up the gold and decamped with it. When the Miser next came to gloat over his treasures, he found nothing but the empty hole. He tore his hair, and raised such an outcry that all the neighbours came around him, and he told them how he used to come and visit his gold. \"Did you ever take any of it out?\" asked one of them. \"Nay,\" said he, \"I only came to look at it.\" \"Then come again and look at the hole,\" said a neighbour; \"it will do you just as much good.\" " entryDate[9] = " 01/10/" + year entryContent[9] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE WOLF AND THE SHEEP IN THE SHEEPFOLD . More online.
A solitary sheep suddenly caught sight of a wolf and fled into the sheepfold, which by chance had been left open since there was a sacrifice was being readied for the holiday. The wolf did not come within the walls of the sheepfold but stood outside and tried to win the sheep's trust. 'Don't you see that altar there covered with blood?' said the wolf. 'Come out, or else they will seize you and sacrifice you too.' The sheep replied, 'Don't you worry about my place of refuge; I'm doing just fine. And even if things turn out as you say, I would rather become an offering for the god than a meal for a wolf!' " entryDate[10] = " 01/11/" + year entryContent[10] = " George Townsend (1887). The Wolf and the Crane. More online.
A WOLF who had a bone stuck in his throat hired a Crane, for a large sum, to put her head into his mouth and draw out the bone. When the Crane had extracted the bone and demanded the promised payment, the Wolf, grinning and grinding his teeth, exclaimed: 'Why, you have surely already had a sufficient recompense, in having been permitted to draw out your head in safety from the mouth and jaws of a wolf.' " entryDate[11] = " 01/12/" + year entryContent[11] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE FOX AND THE RAVEN . More online.
The raven seized a piece of cheese and carried his spoils up to his perch high in a tree. A fox came up and walked in circles around the raven, planning a trick. 'What is this?' cried the fox. 'O raven, the elegant proportions of your body are remarkable, and you have a complexion that is worthy of the king of the birds! If only you had a voice to match, then you would be first among the fowl!' The fox said these things to trick the raven and the raven fell for it: he let out a great squawk and dropped his cheese. By thus showing off his voice, the raven let go of his spoils. The fox then grabbed the cheese and said, 'O raven, you do have a voice, but no brains to go with it!' " entryDate[12] = " 01/13/" + year entryContent[12] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). A FOX AND HUNTSMEN. More online.
A Fox that had been hard run, begg'd of a Countryman that he saw at work in a Wood, to help him to some Hiding-Place. The Man directed him to his Cottage, and thither he went. He was no sooner got in, but the Huntsmen were presently at the Heels of him, and asked the Cottager if he did not see a Fox that way? No truly, says he, I saw none: but pointed at the same time with his Finger to the place where he lay. The Huntsmen did not take the Hint, it seems, but the Fox spy'd him, however, through a Peeping-Hole he had found out to see what News: So the Fox-Hunters went their way , and then out-steals the Fox without one Word speaking. Why how now, says the Man, han't ye the Manners to take leave of your Host before you go? Yes, yes, says the Fox, if you had been as honest of your Fingers, as you were of your Tongue, I should not have gone without bidding ye farewel. " entryDate[13] = " 01/14/" + year entryContent[13] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE CAT AND THE STORK . More online.
The cat saw a stork carrying an eel. Now, the cat is a creature who dearly loves fish although he doesn't like to get his feet wet. So the cat said to the stork, 'O most beautiful bird! You have such a red beak and such white feathers! Could it be that your beak is just as red on the inside as it is on the outside?' The stork refused to answer the cat, keeping her mouth shut so that she wouldn't lose her eel. The angry mouser then began insulting the stork, 'Why, you must be deaf or dumb! Why don't you answer me, you wretched creature? You do eat snakes sometimes, don't you? Snakes are poisonous and filthy! A nice animal likes to eat nice things, but you like to eat filthy things that are not nice at all! That means you are the most filthy bird in the world!' The stork didn't say anything, and just kept on walking, carrying her eel. " entryDate[14] = " 01/15/" + year entryContent[14] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Ass and the Lapdog. More online.
A Farmer one day came to the stables to see to his beasts of burden: among them was his favourite Ass, that was always well fed and often carried his master. With the Farmer came his Lapdog, who danced about and licked his hand and frisked about as happy as could be. The Farmer felt in his pocket, gave the Lapdog some dainty food, and sat down while he gave his orders to his servants. The Lapdog jumped into his master's lap, and lay there blinking while the Farmer stroked his ears. The Ass, seeing this, broke loose from his halter and commenced prancing about in imitation of the Lapdog. The Farmer could not hold his sides with laughter, so the Ass went up to him, and putting his feet upon the Farmer's shoulder attempted to climb into his lap. The Farmer's servants rushed up with sticks and pitchforks and soon taught the Ass that: Clumsy jesting is no joke. " entryDate[15] = " 01/16/" + year entryContent[15] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE LION, THE BULL AND HIS HORNS . More online.
A lion once saw a bull and, although he was extremely hungry, he feared being gored by the bull's horns. The lion had found the remedy for his disease, but could not administer the cure. Hunger eventually won out, and prompted him to grapple with the bull. Still, the size of the bull's horns deterred him. Finally he heeded his hunger, pretended to be friends, and prepared to trick the bull (when trouble is at hand, even valour quails; if it sees a risk in attempting to prevail by force, subterfuge is used). 'I commend your strength,' said the lion, 'and how I admire your beauty - your head, your whole physique! And what wonderful feet and hooves! But what a heavy burden you carry on your head! Take that useless contraption off! Your head will look better without it, and you will be free of the weight - the change will be altogether an improvement. Why do you need horns when you live at peace with the lion?' The bull was convinced. But as soon as he put aside the strength of his armour, he was easy prey for the lion dined without fear. " entryDate[16] = " 01/17/" + year entryContent[16] = " George Townsend (1887). The Eagle and the Arrow. More online.
AN EAGLE sat on a lofty rock, watching the movements of a Hare whom he sought to make his prey. An archer, who saw the Eagle from a place of concealment, took an accurate aim and wounded him mortally. The Eagle gave one look at the arrow that had entered his heart and saw in that single glance that its feathers had been furnished by himself. 'It is a double grief to me,' he exclaimed, 'that I should perish by an arrow feathered from my own wings.' " entryDate[17] = " 01/18/" + year entryContent[17] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE OLD MAN AND THE DONKEY . More online.
A cowardly old man had led his donkey out to pasture. At the unexpected sound of the enemy approaching, the old man was stricken with terror and tried to persuade the donkey to run away so that he wouldn't be captured. The donkey obstinately asked the old man, 'Tell me, do you suppose the victor will make me carry two pack saddles instead of one?' The old man said he did not think so. 'I rest my case,' concluded the donkey. 'What difference does it make who my master is, if I always carry one saddle at a time?' " entryDate[18] = " 01/19/" + year entryContent[18] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). A MAN AND A WOODEN GOD . More online.
A Man that had a great Veneration for an Image he had in his House, found, that the more he pray'd to't to prosper him in the World, the more he went down the wind still. This put him into such a Rage, to lie dogging at his Prayers so much and so long, to so little purpose, that at last he dash'd the Head on't to pieces against the Wall: and out comes a considerable Quantity of Gold. Why this ‘tis, says he, to adore a perverse and insensible Deity, that will do more for Blows than for Worship. " entryDate[19] = " 01/20/" + year entryContent[19] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE FOX AND THE GOAT . More online.
A fox had unwittingly fallen down a well and found herself trapped inside its high walls. Meanwhile, a thirsty goat had made his way to that same place and asked the fox whether the water was fresh and plentiful. The fox set about laying her trap. 'Come down, my friend,' said the fox. 'The water is so good that I cannot get enough of it myself!' The bearded billy-goat lowered himself into the well, whereupon that little vixen leaped up on his lofty horns and emerged from the hole, leaving the goat stuck inside the watery prison. " entryDate[20] = " 01/21/" + year entryContent[20] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Fox Without a Tail . More online.
It happened that a Fox caught its tail in a trap, and in struggling to release himself lost all of it but the stump. At first he was ashamed to show himself among his fellow foxes. But at last he determined to put a bolder face upon his misfortune, and summoned all the foxes to a general meeting to consider a proposal which he had to place before them. When they had assembled together the Fox proposed that they should all do away with their tails. He pointed out how inconvenient a tail was when they were pursued by their enemies, the dogs; how much it was in the way when they desired to sit down and hold a friendly conversation with one another. He failed to see any advantage in carrying about such a useless encumbrance. \"That is all very well,\" said one of the older foxes; \"but I do not think you would have recommended us to dispense with our chief ornament if you had not happened to lose it yourself.\" " entryDate[21] = " 01/22/" + year entryContent[21] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE DONKEY AND THE HORSE . More online.
A donkey asked a horse to give him a nibble of barley. The horse replied, 'If only I could, I would do so gladly! Indeed, I would give you a great deal of barley, since I am a noble and generous character. When we return to the stable together this evening, I promise to give you an entire sack of grain.' The donkey then said to the horse, 'If you refuse to do me even this small favour now, why should I expect a still bigger favour in the future?' " entryDate[22] = " 01/23/" + year entryContent[22] = " George Townsend (1887). The Lion and the Boar . More online.
ON A SUMMER DAY, when the great heat induced a general thirst among the beasts, a Lion and a Boar came at the same moment to a small well to drink. They fiercely disputed which of them should drink first, and were soon engaged in the agonies of a mortal combat. When they stopped suddenly to catch their breath for a fiercer renewal of the fight, they saw some Vultures waiting in the distance to feast on the one that should fall first. They at once made up their quarrel, saying, 'It is better for us to make friends, than to become the food of Crows or Vultures.' " entryDate[23] = " 01/24/" + year entryContent[23] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE MOTHER DOG AND HER PUPPIES . More online.
A dog who was about to give birth to puppies asked another dog if she could deliver the litter in her kennel. The owner of the kennel agreed. Later on, when the owner asked for her house back, the mother dog begged her to let her stay just a little while longer, until her puppies were strong enough to follow her. When this new deadline had passed, the owner of the kennel began to assert her claim more forcefully, but the mother dog retorted, 'If you think you are a match for me and all my brood, then come and get it!' " entryDate[24] = " 01/25/" + year entryContent[24] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). A FISHERMAN AND HIS PIPE. More online.
A Fisherman that understood Piping better than Netting, set himself down upon the side of a River, and touch'd his Flute, but not a Fish came near him. Upon this, he laid down his Pipe and cast his Net, which brought him a very great Draught. The Fish fell a frisking in the Net, and the Fisherman observing it; what Sots are these (says he) that would not dance when I play'd to ‘em, and will be dancing now without Musick! " entryDate[25] = " 01/26/" + year entryContent[25] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE WOLF AND THE SLEEPING DOG . More online.
A dog was sleeping in front of the barn when a wolf noticed him lying there. The wolf was ready to devour the dog, but the dog begged the wolf to let him go for the time being. 'At the moment I am thin and scrawny,' said the dog, 'but my owners are about to celebrate a wedding, so if you let me go now, I'll get fattened up and you can make a meal of me later on.' The wolf trusted the dog and let him go. When he came back a few days later, he saw the dog sleeping on the roof. The wolf shouted to the dog, reminding him of their agreement, but the dog simply said, 'Wolf, if you ever catch me sleeping in front of the barn again, don't wait for a wedding!' " entryDate[26] = " 01/27/" + year entryContent[26] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Lion and the Mouse . More online.
Once when a Lion was asleep a little Mouse began running up and down upon him; this soon wakened the Lion, who placed his huge paw upon him, and opened his big jaws to swallow him. \"Pardon, O King,\" cried the little Mouse: \"forgive me this time, I shall never forget it: who knows but what I may be able to do you a turn some of these days?\" The Lion was so tickled at the idea of the Mouse being able to help him, that he lifted up his paw and let him go. Some time after the Lion was caught in a trap, and the hunters who desired to carry him alive to the King, tied him to a tree while they went in search of a waggon to carry him on. Just then the little Mouse happened to pass by, and seeing the sad plight in which the Lion was, went up to him and soon gnawed away the ropes that bound the King of the Beasts. \"Was I not right?\" said the little Mouse. " entryDate[27] = " 01/28/" + year entryContent[27] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE CAT AND THE MOUSE . More online.
There was once a mouse who had fallen into the foam of some fermenting wine or ale. A cat was passing by and heard the mouse squeaking because he couldn't get out. The cat said, 'Why are you making such a ruckus?' The mouse answered, 'Because I cannot get out of here.' The cat said, 'What will you give me if I get you out of there?' The mouse said, 'Whatever you want!' The cat said, 'If I set you free this time, will you come when I call you?' The mouse replied, 'You have my solemn promise.' The cat said, 'Swear an oath!' So the mouse swore an oath. The cat then rescued the mouse and let him go. Then one day the cat was hungry. He went to the mouse's hole and told him to come out. The mouse said, 'I refuse.' The cat said, 'Didn't you swear to me that you would come when I called you?' The mouse said, 'Brother, I was drunk when I swore that oath!' " entryDate[28] = " 01/29/" + year entryContent[28] = " George Townsend (1887). The Shepherd and the Sea. More online.
A SHEPHERD, keeping watch over his sheep near the shore, saw the Sea very calm and smooth, and longed to make a voyage with a view to commerce. He sold all his flock, invested it in a cargo of dates, and set sail. But a very great tempest came on, and the ship being in danger of sinking, he threw all his merchandise overboard, and barely escaped with his life in the empty ship. Not long afterwards when someone passed by and observed the unruffled calm of the Sea, he interrupted him and said, 'It is again in want of dates, and therefore looks quiet.' " entryDate[29] = " 01/30/" + year entryContent[29] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE ABBOT AND THE FLEA . More online.
This is the story of the flea that was caught by the abbot. The abbot said, 'Now I've got you! You have bitten me many times, making it impossible for me to get a good night's sleep. I will never let you go; in fact, I am going to kill you right now!' The flea said, 'Holy Father, since you intend to kill me, please hold me in the palm of your hand so that I will be able to freely confess my sins to you. Let me make my confession, and then you can kill me.' The abbot was moved by the flea's piety so he placed the insect in the middle of his palm. The flea immediately leaped up into the air and flew away. The abbot yelled loudly at the flea, but the he refused to come back. " entryDate[30] = " 01/31/" + year entryContent[30] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). A FATHER AND HIS SONS . More online.
A Countryman that liv'd handsomly in the World himself upon his honest Labour and Industry, was desirous his Sons should do so after him; and being now upon his Death-bed: "My dear Children" (says he) I reckon myself bound to tell you before I depart, that there is a considerable Treasure hid in my Vineyard; wherefore pray be sure to dig, and search narrowly for't when I am gone." The Father dies, and the Sons fall immediately to work upon the Vineyard. They turn'd it up and over, and not one penny of Money to be found there, but the Profit of the next Vintage expounded the Riddle. " entryDate[31] = " 02/01/" + year entryContent[31] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE FROGS AND THE BATTLE OF THE BULLS . More online.
A frog looked out from her pond and saw a battle taking place between the bulls. 'Oh no!' she said, 'There is terrible danger in store for us.' Another frog asked her why she said this, since the bulls were fighting for control of the herd in their home far away from the frogs. The first frog explained, 'While their habitat may be separate from ours and our species not the same, the bull who is driven from the lordship of the meadow will come to find a secret hiding place here in the marsh, crushing us beneath his heavy hooves. That is why their frenzy is a matter of life and death for us!' " entryDate[32] = " 02/02/" + year entryContent[32] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The One-Eyed Doe. More online.
A Doe had had the misfortune to lose one of her eyes, and could not see any one approaching her on that side. So to avoid any danger she always used to feed on a high cliff near the sea, with her sound eye looking towards the land. By this means she could see whenever the hunters approached her on land, and often escaped by this means. But the hunters found out that she was blind of one eye, and hiring a boat rowed under the cliff where she used to feed and shot her from the sea. \"Ah,\" cried she with her dying voice, \"You cannot escape your fate.\" " entryDate[33] = " 02/03/" + year entryContent[33] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE MAN AND THE FLEA . More online.
A man finally caught a flea that had been bothering him terribly. He shouted at the flea, 'Just who do you think you are, feeding on all the limbs of my body here and there, eating me up as you please?' The flea responded, 'That is how we live! Please don't kill me; I cannot be causing you too much harm.' The man laughed at the flea and said, 'I'm going to kill you here and now with my very own hands: any kind of evil, whether it is big or small, should not be allowed to exist under any circumstances whatsoever!' " entryDate[34] = " 02/04/" + year entryContent[34] = " George Townsend (1887). The Fisherman Piping. More online.
A FISHERMAN skilled in music took his flute and his nets to the seashore. Standing on a projecting rock, he played several tunes in the hope that the fish, attracted by his melody, would of their own accord dance into his net, which he had placed below. At last, having long waited in vain, he laid aside his flute, and casting his net into the sea, made an excellent haul of fish. When he saw them leaping about in the net upon the rock he said: 'O you most perverse creatures, when I piped you would not dance, but now that I have ceased you do so merrily.' " entryDate[35] = " 02/05/" + year entryContent[35] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE ROOSTER AND THE THIEVES . More online.
Thieves broke into a certain house and didn't find anything inside except a rooster. The thieves grabbed the rooster and made their escape. Later, when they were ready to kill him, the rooster begged the thieves to let him go, claiming that he was useful to people because he woke them to go about their tasks in the dark. The thieves said, 'All the more reason to kill you: when you wake them up, you prevent us from robbing their houses!' " entryDate[36] = " 02/06/" + year entryContent[36] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). DEATH AND AN OLD MAN. More online.
An old man that had travell'd a great way under a huge Burden of Sticks found himself so weary that he cast it down, and call'd upon Death to deliver him from a more miserable Life. Death came presently at his call, and asked him his business. Pray, good Sir, says he, Do me but the Favour to help me up with my burden again. " entryDate[37] = " 02/07/" + year entryContent[37] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE ANT AND THE CRICKET . More online.
During the wintertime, an ant was living off the grain that he had stored up for himself during the summer. The cricket came to the ant and asked him to share some of his grain. The ant said to the cricket, 'And what were you doing all summer long, since you weren't gathering grain to eat?' The cricket replied, 'Because I was busy singing I didn't have time for the harvest.' The ant laughed at the cricket's reply, and hid his heaps of grain deeper in the ground. 'Since you sang like a fool in the summer,' said the ant, 'you better be prepared to dance the winter away!' " entryDate[38] = " 02/08/" + year entryContent[38] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Swallow and the Other Birds. More online.
It happened that a Countryman was sowing some hemp seeds in a field where a Swallow and some other birds were hopping about picking up their food. \"Beware of that man,\" quoth the Swallow. \"Why, what is he doing?\" said the others. \"That is hemp seed he is sowing; be careful to pick up every one of the seeds, or else you will repent it.\" The birds paid no heed to the Swallow's words, and by and by the hemp grew up and was made into cord, and of the cords nets were made, and many a bird that had despised the Swallow's advice was caught in nets made out of that very hemp. \"What did I tell you?\" said the Swallow. " entryDate[39] = " 02/09/" + year entryContent[39] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE CAT AND THE ROOSTER . More online.
A cat had seized a rooster and wanted to find a reasonable pretext for devouring him. He began by accusing the rooster of bothering people by crowing at night, making it impossible for them to sleep. The rooster said that this was actually an act of kindness on his part, since the people needed to be woken up in order to begin their day's work. The cat then made a second accusation, 'But you are also a sinner who violates nature's own laws when you mount your sisters and your mother.' The rooster said that this also was something he did for his masters' benefit, since this resulted in a large supply of eggs. The cat found himself at a loss and said, 'Well, even if you have an endless supply of arguments, I am still going to eat you anyway!' " entryDate[40] = " 02/10/" + year entryContent[40] = " George Townsend (1887). The Wolf and the Housedog. More online.
A WOLF, meeting a big well-fed Mastiff with a wooden collar about his neck asked him who it was that fed him so well and yet compelled him to drag that heavy log about wherever he went. 'The master,' he replied. Then said the Wolf: 'May no friend of mine ever be in such a plight; for the weight of this chain is enough to spoil the appetite.' " entryDate[41] = " 02/11/" + year entryContent[41] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE PARTRIDGE AND THE ROOSTERS . More online.
A man who kept roosters also bought himself a partridge and let it loose to live among his other birds. When the roosters pecked at the partridge and chased him away, the partridge became very dejected, thinking that the roosters were attacking him because he was an outsider. After a little while, however, the partridge saw the roosters fighting and attacking one another. The partridge then put aside his grief and said, 'Well, I am certainly not going to grieve over this any longer, now that I see the way they fight with one another. " entryDate[42] = " 02/12/" + year entryContent[42] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). TWO COCKS FIGHTING . More online.
Two Cocks fought a Duel for the Mastery of a Dunghill. He that was worsted slunk away into a Corner, and hid himself; t'other takes his Flight up to the Top of the House, and there, with crowning and clapping of his Wings, makes Proclamation of his Victory. An Eagle made a stoop at him in the middle of his Exultation, and carry'd him away. By this Accident, the other Cock had a good riddance of his Rival; took Possession of the Providence they contended for, and had all his Mistresses to himself again. " entryDate[43] = " 02/13/" + year entryContent[43] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). ZEUS AND THE SNAKE . More online.
Zeus was getting married and all the animals brought gifts to the wedding. The snake also came creeping along, holding a rose in his mouth. When Zeus saw him, he said, 'I am willing to take gifts from all the other animals, even when they carry them in their feet, but from your mouth, I will take nothing.' " entryDate[44] = " 02/14/" + year entryContent[44] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). Belling the Cat. More online.
Long ago, the mice had a general council to consider what measures they could take to outwit their common enemy, the Cat. Some said this, and some said that; but at last a young mouse got up and said he had a proposal to make, which he thought would meet the case. \"You will all agree,\" said he, \"that our chief danger consists in the sly and treacherous manner in which the enemy approaches us. Now, if we could receive some signal of her approach, we could easily escape from her. I venture, therefore, to propose that a small bell be procured, and attached by a ribbon round the neck of the Cat. By this means we should always know when she was about, and could easily retire while she was in the neighbourhood.\" This proposal met with general applause, until an old mouse got up and said: \"That is all very well, but who is to bell the Cat?\" The mice looked at one another and nobody spoke. Then the old mouse said: \"It is easy to propose impossible remedies.\" " entryDate[45] = " 02/15/" + year entryContent[45] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE BIRD CATCHER AND THE VIPER . More online.
The bird catcher took his birdlime and reeds and went out to catch some birds. When he saw a thrush perched up high in a tree, he set up his reeds, attaching them one to another until they were fully extended. He then stared up into the tree, intent on catching the bird, while unawares he stepped on top of a viper that was lying at his feet. The viper was enraged and bit the man. As he breathed his last, the bird catcher said, 'Woe is me! I was intent on stalking someone else, while I myself have been hunted to death by another.' " entryDate[46] = " 02/16/" + year entryContent[46] = " George Townsend (1887). The Master and His Dogs. More online.
A CERTAIN MAN, detained by a storm in his country house, first of all killed his sheep, and then his goats, for the maintenance of his household. The storm still continuing, he was obliged to slaughter his yoke oxen for food. On seeing this, his Dogs took counsel together, and said, 'It is time for us to be off, for if the master spare not his oxen, who work for his gain, how can we expect him to spare us?' " entryDate[47] = " 02/17/" + year entryContent[47] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE FROG AND THE MOUSE . More online.
A mouse asked a frog to help her get across the river. The frog tied the mouse's front leg to her own back leg using a piece of string and they swam out to the middle of the stream. The frog then turned traitor and plunged down into the water, dragging the mouse along with her. The mouse's dead body floated up to the surface and was drifting along when a kite flew by and noticed something he could snatch. When he grabbed the mouse he also carried off her friend the frog. Thus the treacherous frog who had betrayed the mouse's life was likewise killed and eaten. " entryDate[48] = " 02/18/" + year entryContent[48] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). A LYON IN LOVE. More online.
A Lyon was in Love with a Country Lass, and desir'd her Father's Consent to have her in Marriage. The Answer he gave was churlish enough. He'd never agree to't he said, upon any Terms, to marry his Daughter to a Beast. The Lyon gave him a sour Look upon't, which brought the Bumpkin, upon second Thoughts, to strike a Bargain with him, upon these Conditions: that his Teeth should be drawn, and his Nails pair'd; for those were things, he said, that the foolish Girl was terribly afraid of. The Lyon sends for a Surgeon immediately to do the Work; (as what will not Love make a body do?) and so soon as ever the Operation was over, he goes and challenges the Father upon his Promise. The Countryman seeing the Lyon disarm'd, pluck'd up a good Heart, and with a swinging Cudgel so order'd the matter, that he brake off the Match. " entryDate[49] = " 02/19/" + year entryContent[49] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE LION, THE COW, THE SHE-GOAT AND THE SHEEP . More online.
A cow and a she-goat and a long-suffering sheep decided to become the lion's companions. They went into the forest together and there they caught an extremely large stag which they divided into four portions. Then the lion said, 'I claim the first portion by right of my title, since I am called the king; the second portion you will give me as your partner; then, because I am strongest, the third portion is mine ... and woe betide anyone who dares to touch the fourth!' In this way the wicked lion carried off all the spoils for himself. " entryDate[50] = " 02/20/" + year entryContent[50] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Frogs Desiring a King. More online.
The Frogs were living as happy as could be in a marshy swamp that just suited them; they went splashing about caring for nobody and nobody troubling with them. But some of them thought that this was not right, that they should have a king and a proper constitution, so they determined to send up a petition to Jove to give them what they wanted. \"Mighty Jove,\" they cried, \"send unto us a king that will rule over us and keep us in order.\" Jove laughed at their croaking, and threw down into the swamp a huge Log, which came downrplashto the swamp. The Frogs were frightened out of their lives by the commotion made in their midst, and all rushed to the bank to look at the horrible monster; but after a time, seeing that it did not move, one or two of the boldest of them ventured out towards the Log, and even dared to touch it; still it did not move. Then the greatest hero of the Frogs jumped upon the Log and commenced dancing up and down upon it, thereupon all the Frogs came and did the same; and for some time the Frogs went about their business every day without taking the slightest notice of their new King Log lying in their midst. But this did not suit them, so they sent another petition to Jove, and said to him, \"We want a real king; one that will really rule over us.\" Now this made Jove angry, so he sent among them a big Stork that soon set to work gobbling them all up. Then the Frogs repented when too late. " entryDate[51] = " 02/21/" + year entryContent[51] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE HARE AND THE SPARROW . More online.
A hare had been seized by an eagle and was weeping bitter tears. Meanwhile, a sparrow was making fun of the hare and said, 'So, what became of your fabled swiftness? How did your feet happen to fail you?' While the sparrow was still speaking, he was caught off guard by a hawk who killed the sparrow as he was still shrieking his useless cries of protest. The hare, by now no more than half-alive, remarked, 'Ah, this makes my dying easier: a moment ago you were making fun of my misfortune, confident in your own safety, but now you are bewailing your fate with a lament that matches my own.' " entryDate[52] = " 02/22/" + year entryContent[52] = " George Townsend (1887). The Wolf and the Shepherds. More online.
A WOLF, passing by, saw some Shepherds in a hut eating a haunch of mutton for their dinner. Approaching them, he said, 'What a clamor you would raise if I were to do as you are doing!' " entryDate[53] = " 02/23/" + year entryContent[53] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE KITE AND THE SNAKE . More online.
A kite seized a snake and flew up high in the sky carrying the snake along with him. The snake then twisted around and struck the kite, so that they both fell down to the ground. As the kite was about to die from the force of the impact, the snake remarked, 'You have no right to get angry, you scoundrel, since you plotted destruction for someone who had done you no wrong! You deserve to suffer, and this is a fitting punishment for what you planned to do.' " entryDate[54] = " 02/24/" + year entryContent[54] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). JUPITER AND A BEE. More online.
A Bee made Jupiter a Present of a Pot of Honey, which was so kindly taken, that he bad her ask what she would, and it should be granted to her. The Bee desir'd it, that wherever she should set her Sting, it should be mortal. Jupiter was loth to leave Mankind at the Mercy of a little spiteful Insect, and so bad her have a care how she kill'd any body; for what Person soever she attack'd, if she left her Sting behind her, it should cost her her Life. " entryDate[55] = " 02/25/" + year entryContent[55] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE SHEPHERD AND THE HONEYBEES . More online.
Some honeybees were making honey in the hollow of an oak tree. A shepherd discovered the bees' work and attempted to carry away some of the honey. The honeybees flew all around him, stinging the man with their stings. In the end the shepherd exclaimed, 'I give up! I don't need the honey if it means dealing with the bees.' " entryDate[56] = " 02/26/" + year entryContent[56] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Hare With Many Friends . More online.
A Hare was very popular with the other beasts who all claimed to be her friends. But one day she heard the hounds approaching and hoped to escape them by the aid of her many Friends. So, she went to the horse, and asked him to carry her away from the hounds on his back. But he declined, stating that he had important work to do for his master. \"He felt sure,\" he said, \"that all her other friends would come to her assistance.\" She then applied to the bull, and hoped that he would repel the hounds with his horns. The bull replied: \"I am very sorry, but I have an appointment with a lady; but I feel sure that our friend the goat will do what you want.\" The goat, however, feared that his back might do her some harm if he took her upon it. The ram, he felt sure, was the proper friend to apply to. So she went to the ram and told him the case. The ram replied: \"Another time, my dear friend. I do not like to interfere on the present occasion, as hounds have been known to eat sheep as well as hares.\" The Hare then applied, as a last hope, to the calf, who regretted that he was unable to help her, as he did not like to take the responsibility upon himself, as so many older persons than himself had declined the task. By this time the hounds were quite near, and the Hare took to her heels and luckily escaped. " entryDate[57] = " 02/27/" + year entryContent[57] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE GOAT AND THE DONKEY . More online.
There was a man who kept a goat and a donkey. The goat was jealous of the donkey because he was given more to eat, so she made a deceptive proposal to the donkey, under the guise of giving him advice. 'Look,' said the goat, 'you are always being punished, constantly having to turn the millstone or carry burdens on your back. Why don't you pretend to have a seizure and throw yourself into a ditch?' The donkey trusted the goat and did what she told him to do. As a result of the fall, the donkey was badly scraped and bruised. The donkey's owner summoned a doctor to recommend a remedy. The doctor said that the donkey could be cured by a potion made from the lungs of a goat. So they slaughtered the unfortunate goat, who was thus trapped in her own snare while the donkey was saved. " entryDate[58] = " 02/28/" + year entryContent[58] = " George Townsend (1887). The Ass Carrying the Image. More online.
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, 'O you perverse dull-head! it is not yet come to this, that men pay worship to an Ass.' " entryDate[59] = " 02/29/" + year entryContent[59] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE FOX AND THE PARTRIDGE . More online.
A partridge had seated herself high on a perch when a fox came up to her and said, 'How beautiful you are to look at: your legs are so red! your mouth is like coral! Ah, if only you were sleeping, you would be even more lovely...' The partridge believed the fox and closed her eyes, and the fox immediately grabbed her. In a voice choked with sobs, the partridge said to the fox, 'I beg you, in the name of all your artful wiles, please say my name before you eat me up.' As the fox's mouth opened to pronounce the word 'partridge,' the partridge flew out and escaped. The fox said sadly, 'Woe is me, what need was there for me to speak?' The partridge likewise said, 'Woe is me, what reason was there for me to close my eyes, when I wasn't even sleepy?' " entryDate[60] = " 03/01/" + year entryContent[60] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). A YOUNG MAN AND A SWALLOW. More online.
A prodigal young Fellow that had sold his Clothes to his very Shirt, upon the Sight of a Swallow that came before her Time, made Account that Summer was now at Hand, and away went that too. There happen'd after this, a Fit of bitter cold Weather, that almost starv'd the Bird and the Spendthrift. Well (says the Fellow to himself) this Sot of a Swallow has been the Ruin of us both. " entryDate[61] = " 03/02/" + year entryContent[61] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE FOX, THE ROOSTER AND THE DOG . More online.
A dog and a rooster had become friends and were making a journey together. When night fell, they came to a place in the woods. The rooster took his seat up in the branches of a tree while the dog went to sleep in a hollow at the foot of the tree. The night passed and day was dawning when the rooster crowed loudly, as roosters usually do. A fox heard the rooster and wanted to make a meal of him, so she came running up and stood at the foot of the tree and shouted to the rooster, 'You are an excellent bird and so useful to people! Why don't you come down and we'll sing some songs together, delighting in one another's company.' The rooster replied, 'Go over to the foot of the tree, my dear, and tell the watchman to let you in.' When the fox went to announce herself, the dog suddenly leaped up and grabbed the fox, tearing her to pieces. " entryDate[62] = " 03/03/" + year entryContent[62] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Mountains in Labour . More online.
One day the Countrymen noticed that the Mountains were in labour; smoke came out of their summits, the earth was quaking at their feet, trees were crashing, and huge rocks were tumbling. They felt sure that something horrible was going to happen. They all gathered together in one place to see what terrible thing this could be. They waited and they waited, but nothing came. At last there was a still more violent earthquake, and a huge gap appeared in the side of the Mountains. They all fell down upon their knees and waited. At last, and at last, a teeny, tiny mouse poked its little head and bristles out of the gap and came running down towards them, and ever after they used to say: \"Much outcry, little outcome.\" " entryDate[63] = " 03/04/" + year entryContent[63] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE BOY WHO CRIED 'WOLF' . More online.
There was a boy tending the sheep who would continually go up to the embankment and shout, 'Help, there's a wolf!' The farmers would all come running only to find out that what the boy said was not true. Then one day there really was a wolf but when the boy shouted, they didn't believe him and no one came to his aid. The whole flock was eaten by the wolf. " entryDate[64] = " 03/05/" + year entryContent[64] = " George Townsend (1887). The Old Hound . More online.
A HOUND, who in the days of his youth and strength had never yielded to any beast of the forest, encountered in his old age a boar in the chase. He seized him boldly by the ear, but could not retain his hold because of the decay of his teeth, so that the boar escaped. His master, quickly coming up, was very much disappointed, and fiercely abused the dog. The Hound looked up and said, 'It was not my fault. master: my spirit was as good as ever, but I could not help my infirmities. I rather deserve to be praised for what I have been, than to be blamed for what I am.' " entryDate[65] = " 03/06/" + year entryContent[65] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE EAGLE AND THE FOX . More online.
The eagle befriended the fox but he later devoured the fox's pups. Since she had no power over the eagle, the fox prayed to the gods for justice. Then one day when a sacrifice was burning upon an altar, the eagle flew down and grabbed the sizzling meat to carry it off to his chicks. The meat was so hot that as soon as the chicks ate it, they died. " entryDate[66] = " 03/07/" + year entryContent[66] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). WASPS IN A HONEY POT. More online.
There was a whole swarm of Wasps got into a Honey-Pot, and there they cloy'd and clamm'd themselves, till there was not getting out again; which brought them to understand in the Conclusion, that they had paid dear for their Sweetmeats. " entryDate[67] = " 03/08/" + year entryContent[67] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE FOX AND THE STORK . More online.
The fox is said to have started it by inviting the stork to dinner and serving a liquid broth on a marble slab which the hungry stork could not so much as taste. The stork, in turn, invited the fox to dinner and served a narrow-mouthed jug filled with crumbled food. The stork was able to thrust her beak inside and eat as much as she wanted, while her guest was tormented with hunger. As the fox was licking the neck of the jug in vain, the stork is supposed to have said, 'When others follow your example, you have to grin and bear it.' " entryDate[68] = " 03/09/" + year entryContent[68] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Lion in Love. More online.
A Lion once fell in love with a beautiful maiden and proposed marriage to her parents. The old people did not know what to say. They did not like to give their daughter to the Lion, yet they did not wish to enrage the King of Beasts. At last the father said: \"We feel highly honoured by your Majesty's proposal, but you see our daughter is a tender young thing, and we fear that in the vehemence of your affection you might possibly do her some injury. Might I venture to suggest that your Majesty should have your claws removed, and your teeth extracted, then we would gladly consider your proposal again.\" The Lion was so much in love that he had his claws trimmed and his big teeth taken out. But when he came again to the parents of the young girl they simply laughed in his face, and bade him do his worst. " entryDate[69] = " 03/10/" + year entryContent[69] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE GOAT AND THE VINE . More online.
The vine was covered with clusters of grapes and its shoots were as vigorous as its fruit. A goat began to eat the vine, indulging his outrageous appetite. He had already wreaked havoc on the fresh shoots when the vine said to him, 'You will pay for this outrage! The time will soon come when you will be sent as a holy victim to be sacrificed, and I myself will be the one to supply the wine for the libation!' " entryDate[70] = " 03/11/" + year entryContent[70] = " George Townsend (1887). The Milk-Woman and Her Pail. More online.
A FARMER'S daughter was carrying her Pail of milk from the field to the farmhouse, when she fell a-musing. 'The money for which this milk will be sold, will buy at least three hundred eggs. The eggs, allowing for all mishaps, will produce two hundred and fifty chickens. The chickens will become ready for the market when poultry will fetch the highest price, so that by the end of the year I shall have money enough from my share to buy a new gown. In this dress I will go to the Christmas parties, where all the young fellows will propose to me, but I will toss my head and refuse them every one.' At this moment she tossed her head in unison with her thoughts, when down fell the milk pail to the ground, and all her imaginary schemes perished in a moment. " entryDate[71] = " 03/12/" + year entryContent[71] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE TWO ENEMIES . More online.
There were two enemies who had set sail on the same ship. They wanted to keep their distance from one another, so one went up on the prow while the other took the stern. Each man then stayed where he was. Soon a fierce storm began to blow and the ship foundered. The man standing at the stern asked the helmsman which part of the ship was likely to sink first. 'It will be the prow,' said the helmsman. 'So be it!' said the man. 'The thought of death does not trouble me so long as I will see my enemy die before me!' " entryDate[72] = " 03/13/" + year entryContent[72] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). A BOY AND A SNAKE. More online.
A Boy was groping for Eels, and laid his hand upon a Snake, but the Snake, finding that it was pure Simplicity, and not Malice, admonish'd him of his Mistake: Keep your self well while you are well, says the Snake; for if you meddle with me, you'll repent your Bargain. " entryDate[73] = " 03/14/" + year entryContent[73] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE DOG IN THE MANGER . More online.
There was a wicked dog lying in a manger full of hay. When the cattle came and wanted to eat, the dog barred their way, baring his teeth. The cattle said to the dog, 'You are being very unfair by begrudging us something we need which is useless to you. Dogs don't eat hay, but you will not let us near it.' The same thing happened when a dog was holding a bone in his mouth: the dog couldn't chew on the bone that way, but no other dog was able to chew on it either. " entryDate[74] = " 03/15/" + year entryContent[74] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Hares and the Frogs. More online.
The Hares were so persecuted by the other beasts, they did not know where to go. As soon as they saw a single animal approach them, off they used to run. One day they saw a troop of wild Horses stampeding about, and in quite a panic all the Hares scuttled off to a lake hard by, determined to drown themselves rather than live in such a continual state of fear. But just as they got near the bank of the lake, a troop of Frogs, frightened in their turn by the approach of the Hares scuttled off, and jumped into the water. \"Truly,\" said one of the Hares, \"things are not so bad as they seem: \"There is always someone worse off than yourself.\" " entryDate[75] = " 03/16/" + year entryContent[75] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE MURDERER AND THE MULBERRY TREE . More online.
A robber had murdered someone along the road. When the bystanders began to chase him, he dropped the bloody corpse and ran away. Some travellers coming from the opposite direction asked the man how he had stained his hands. The man said that he had just climbed down from a mulberry tree, but as he was speaking, his pursuers caught up with him. They seized the murderer and crucified him on a mulberry tree. The tree said to him, 'It does not trouble me at all to assist in your execution, since you tried to smear me with the murder that you yourself committed!' " entryDate[76] = " 03/17/" + year entryContent[76] = " George Townsend (1887). The Ass and His Shadow . More online.
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. " entryDate[77] = " 03/18/" + year entryContent[77] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE MURDERER AND THE NILE . More online.
A man had committed a murder and was being pursued by the victim's relatives. He reached the river Nile and when he found a lion there, he was afraid and climbed up a tree; in the tree, he saw a snake and was practically scared to death, so he threw himself into the river, where a crocodile devoured him. " entryDate[78] = " 03/19/" + year entryContent[78] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). A HARE AND A TORTOISE . More online.
What a dull heavy Creature (says a Hare) is this same Tortoise! And yet (says the Tortoise) I'll run with you for a Wager. ‘Twas done and done, and the Fox, by Consent, was to be the Judge. They started together, and the Tortoise kept jogging on still till he came to the End of the Course. The Hare laid himself down about Midway, and took a Nap; for, says he, I can fetch up the Tortoise when I please: But he over-slept himself, it seems, for when he came to wake, though he scudded away as fast as ‘twas possible, the tortoise got to the Post before him, and won the Wager. " entryDate[79] = " 03/20/" + year entryContent[79] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). HERMES, THE MAN AND THE ANTS . More online.
There was once a ship that sank with all hands on board. A man who saw what had happened said that the gods' judgment was unfair: because of just one sinner who was on board the ship, many men had died together with him, even though they were innocent. While the man was speaking, a swarm of ants started crawling over him as they rushed in their usual frenzy to feed on some bits of wheat chaff. When one of the ants bit the man, he proceeded to trample a considerable number of them underfoot. Hermes then appeared and struck the man with his wand as he said, 'So, are you going to let the gods pass judgment on you humans just as you have passed judgment on the ants?' " entryDate[80] = " 03/21/" + year entryContent[80] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Bundle of Sticks. More online.
An old man on the point of death summoned his sons around him to give them some parting advice. He ordered his servants to bring in a faggot of sticks, and said to his eldest son: \"Break it.\" The son strained and strained, but with all his efforts was unable to break the Bundle. The other sons also tried, but none of them was successful. \"Untie the faggots,\" said the father, \"and each of you take a stick.\" When they had done so, he called out to them: \"Now, break,\" and each stick was easily broken. \"You see my meaning,\" said their father. " entryDate[81] = " 03/22/" + year entryContent[81] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). APOLLO AND THE SNAKE . More online.
A creeping snake who had been stepped on by many people made his way to the temple of Apollo and went inside. Apollo immediately explained to the snake, 'If you had simply killed the first person who stepped on you, no one would ever have dared to step on you again!' " entryDate[82] = " 03/23/" + year entryContent[82] = " George Townsend (1887). The Ass and His Masters. More online.
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.' " entryDate[83] = " 03/24/" + year entryContent[83] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE MAN BITTEN BY THE DOG . More online.
A man who had just been badly bitten by a dog was looking for someone who could heal his wound. He ran into someone who told him, 'Here is what you need to do: let the blood from your wound drip onto a piece of bread and then feed the bread to the dog who bit you. If you do that, your wound will be cured.' The man who had been bitten by the dog replied, 'But if I do that, every single dog in the city will want to bite me!' " entryDate[84] = " 03/25/" + year entryContent[84] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). A FOWLER AND A PARTRIDGE. More online.
A Fowler had taken a Partridge, and the Bird offer'd her self to decoy as many of her Companions into the Snare as she could, upon Condition that he would give her Quarter. No, says he, you shall die the rather for that very Reason, because you would be so base as to betray your Friends to save your self. " entryDate[85] = " 03/26/" + year entryContent[85] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE SHEEP, THE DOG AND THE WOLF . More online.
A dog made false accusations against the sheep, demanding that she pay him back a loaf of bread which, he insisted, the sheep had supposedly borrowed from him. The dog summoned the wolf as his witness and the wolf testified that the sheep didn't owe the dog just one loaf of bread: he swore that she owed him ten! Based on this false evidence, the sheep was found guilty and was sentenced to pay what she did not owe. A few days later the sheep found the same wolf lying dead in a ditch. 'This,' said the sheep, 'is the reward that gods give to liars.' " entryDate[86] = " 03/27/" + year entryContent[86] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Wolf and the Kid. More online.
A Kid was perched up on the top of a house, and looking down saw a Wolf passing under him. Immediately he began to revile and attack his enemy. \"Murderer and thief,\" he cried, \"what do you here near honest folks' houses? How dare you make an appearance where your vile deeds are known?\" \"Curse away, my young friend,\" said the Wolf. \"It is easy to be brave from a safe distance.\" " entryDate[87] = " 03/28/" + year entryContent[87] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE SHEEP, THE STAG AND THE WOLF . More online.
A stag asked the sheep to loan him a peck of wheat, with the wolf vouching for his good credit. The sheep, however, saw that there was trouble ahead, so she said, 'The wolf always just takes what he wants and vanishes, while you are the sort who turns tail and runs. How can I hope to find either of you when it comes time to collect?' " entryDate[88] = " 03/29/" + year entryContent[88] = " George Townsend (1887). The Oak and the Reeds. More online.
A VERY LARGE OAK was uprooted by the wind and thrown across a stream. It fell among some Reeds, which it thus addressed: 'I wonder how you, who are so light and weak, are not entirely crushed by these strong winds.' They replied, 'You fight and contend with the wind, and consequently you are destroyed; while we on the contrary bend before the least breath of air, and therefore remain unbroken, and escape.' " entryDate[89] = " 03/30/" + year entryContent[89] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE ROOSTERS AND THE HAWK . More online.
There was a rooster who was always quarrelling with another rooster, so he asked the hawk to judge their dispute. The rooster was actually hoping that when he brought the other rooster before the judge, the judge would devour him. Yet when they came before the judge to make their arguments, the hawk grabbed the rooster who had originally brought the case to court. The rooster shouted, 'Not me! You want the one who is running away!' The hawk replied, 'Abandon all hope of being released from my talons today! Justice demands that you yourself should suffer the punishment that you intended for another.' " entryDate[90] = " 03/31/" + year entryContent[90] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). A FLEA AND HERCULES . More online.
There was a Fellow, that upon a Flea-biting call'd out to Hercules for Help. The Flea gets away, and the Man expostulates upon the Matter. Well, Hercules; (says he) you that would not take my part against a sorry Flea, will never stand by me in a time of Need, against a more powerful Enemy. " entryDate[91] = " 04/01/" + year entryContent[91] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE FOX, THE LION AND THE FOOTPRINTS . More online.
A lion had grown old and weak. He pretended to be sick, which was just a ruse to make the other animals come pay their respects so that he could eat them all up, one by one. The fox also came to see the lion, but she greeted him from outside the cave. The lion asked the fox why she didn't come in. The fox replied, 'Because I see the tracks of those going in, but none coming out.' " entryDate[92] = " 04/02/" + year entryContent[92] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Eagle and the Arrow. More online.
An Eagle was soaring through the air when suddenly it heard the whizz of an Arrow, and felt itself wounded to death. Slowly it fluttered down to the earth, with its life-blood pouring out of it. Looking down upon the Arrow with which it had been pierced, it found that the shaft of the Arrow had been feathered with one of its own plumes. \"Alas!\" it cried, as it died, \"We often give our enemies the means for our own destruction.\" " entryDate[93] = " 04/03/" + year entryContent[93] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE SWALLOW AND THE SNAKE . More online.
Spring had arrived, and a twittering swallow (that bird who dwells in human houses) built her nest in the wall of the place which is home to the elderly jurors of the court. In that hall of justice, the mother bird gave birth to seven baby birds. But a snake came creeping out from his hole and devoured all the chicks one by one. The wretched mother bewailed the untimely demise of her children and said, 'Woe is me, and woe is my lot in life! This is the place where mankind's laws and judgments are made but I, a swallow, am the victim of injustice and have to run away.' " entryDate[94] = " 04/04/" + year entryContent[94] = " George Townsend (1887). The Fisherman and the Little Fish. More online.
A FISHERMAN who lived on the produce of his nets, one day caught a single small Fish as the result of his day's labor. The Fish, panting convulsively, thus entreated for his life: 'O Sir, what good can I be to you, and how little am I worth? I am not yet come to my full size. Pray spare my life, and put me back into the sea. I shall soon become a large fish fit for the tables of the rich, and then you can catch me again, and make a handsome profit of me.' The Fisherman replied, 'I should indeed be a very simple fellow if, for the chance of a greater uncertain profit, I were to forego my present certain gain.' " entryDate[95] = " 04/05/" + year entryContent[95] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE NORTH WIND AND THE SUN . More online.
The Sun and the North Wind were quarrelling with each other as to which of the two of them would be able to make a man disrobe. The North Wind went first, blowing fiercely against the man. Yet as the man grew colder and colder, he only wrapped himself up more snugly in his cloak, clutching at it tightly so as to keep a firm grip no matter how hard the wind might be blowing. Thus the North Wind did the man no harm at all and failed to make him strip off his clothes. Next, the Sun began to shine upon the man so brightly that the very air of the day grew hotter and hotter. The man immediately took off his cloak and bundled it up on his shoulders. " entryDate[96] = " 04/06/" + year entryContent[96] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Woodman and the Serpent . More online.
One wintry day a Woodman was tramping home from his work when he saw something black lying on the snow. When he came closer he saw it was a Serpent to all appearance dead. But he took it up and put it in his bosom to warm while he hurried home. As soon as he got indoors he put the Serpent down on the hearth before the fire. The children watched it and saw it slowly come to life again. Then one of them stooped down to stroke it, but thc Serpent raised its head and put out its fangs and was about to sting the child to death. So the Woodman seized his axe, and with one stroke cut the Serpent in two. \"Ah,\" said he, \"No gratitude from the wicked.\" " entryDate[97] = " 04/07/" + year entryContent[97] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE LION AND THE MAN DISPUTING . More online.
A man and a lion were arguing. The man proclaimed the superiority of the human race, while the lion argued on behalf of his own kind. As they were contending with one another as to who was superior, the man produced as evidence the statue of a lion being defeated by a man. The lion retorted, 'And if there were also sculptors among us lions, you would see more people being conquered by lions than lions by people!' " entryDate[98] = " 04/08/" + year entryContent[98] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). A FOX AND A RAVEN. More online.
A certain Fox spy'd out a Raven, upon a Tree with a Morsel in his Mouth, that set his Chops a watering: but how to come at it was the Question. Oh thou blessed Bird! (says he) the Delight of the Gods and of Men! and so he lays himself forth upon the Gracefulness of the Raven's Person, and the Beauty of his Plumes: his admirable Gift of Augury, etc. and now, says the Fox, if thou hast but a Voice answerable to the rest of thy excellent Qualities, the Sun in the Firmament could not shew the World such another Creature. This nauseous Flattery sets the Raven immediately a gaping as wide as he ever could stretch, to give the Fox a taste of his Pipe; but upon the opening of his Mouth, he drops his Breakfast, which the Fox presently chopt up, and then bad him remember, that whatever he had said of his Beauty, he had spoken nothing yet out of his Brains. " entryDate[99] = " 04/09/" + year entryContent[99] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). JUPITER AND THE FOX . More online.
Jupiter had turned the fox into the likeness of a human being and had seated her on the throne as his queen. But when the fox happened to notice a beetle creeping out from its hole, she leaped up and began chasing this familiar object of prey. The gods laughed at the fox as she ran, while the great father of the gods blushed and renounced his relations with the fox. As he chased her out of the chamber, Jupiter said, 'Live the life you deserve, since you clearly are not worthy of my favours!' " entryDate[100] = " 04/10/" + year entryContent[100] = " George Townsend (1887). The Hunter and the Woodman. More online.
A HUNTER, not very bold, was searching for the tracks of a Lion. He asked a man felling oaks in the forest if he had seen any marks of his footsteps or knew where his lair was. 'I will,' said the man, 'at once show you the Lion himself.' The Hunter, turning very pale and chattering with his teeth from fear, replied, 'No, thank you. I did not ask that; it is his track only I am in search of, not the Lion himself.' " entryDate[101] = " 04/11/" + year entryContent[101] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE LION AND THE FARMER'S DAUGHTER . More online.
A lion who had fallen in love with a young woman went to the woman's father to ask for her hand in marriage. The father was afraid to refuse the lion's offer, but asked him first to have his teeth and claws taken out; otherwise the lion could only arouse his daughter's terror. The lion was so in love with the woman that he agreed to the bargain. When the lion came back and approached the farmer, now naked and defenceless, the farmer clubbed him to death. " entryDate[102] = " 04/12/" + year entryContent[102] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Bald Man and the Fly. More online.
There was once a Bald Man who sat down after work on a hot summer's day. A Fly came up and kept buzzing about his bald pate, and stinging him from time to time. The Man aimed a blow at his little enemy, but acks palm came on his head instead; again the Fly tormented him, but this time the Man was wiser and said: \"You will only injure yourself if you take notice of despicable enemies.\" " entryDate[103] = " 04/13/" + year entryContent[103] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE FARMER, THE WOLF AND THE PLOW . More online.
A plowman loosed his oxen from the yoke and led them away to be watered. Meanwhile, a hungry wolf, who was looking for something to eat, discovered the plow and started to lick the yoke straps where the oxen had been tied. The unsuspecting wolf slowly but surely slipped his neck beneath the yoke, until he was not able to pull it back out. He then started dragging the plow along the furrow. When the plowman came back and saw what had happened, he said, 'O you wicked creature, if only you would give up your life of theft and crime in order to devote yourself entirely to farming!' " entryDate[104] = " 04/14/" + year entryContent[104] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). TWO FROGS THAT WANTED WATER. More online.
Upon the drying of a Lake, two Frogs were forc'd to quit, and to seek for Water elsewhere. As they were upon the Search, they discover'd a very deep Well. Come, (says one to t'other) let us e'en go down here, without looking any further. You say well, says her Companion; but what if the Water should fail us here too? How shall we get out again? " entryDate[105] = " 04/15/" + year entryContent[105] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE WOLVES AND THE HARVESTERS . More online.
Two wolves crossed paths one day and began to talk about the fact that they were an object of universal hatred. People would even start yelling at them when they had no intention of doing anything wrong. One of the wolves then said to the other, 'It's all because they've never seen us do anything good! If the people saw us do them a favour even just once, then they would be more inclined to expect us to be good later on.' The second wolf asked, 'What good thing do you think we can do that will convince the people of our good behaviour?' The first wolf replied, 'Let's leave the woods and go into the fields where we can help the people gathering sheaves!' So the wolves came out of the woods and went into the fields and gathered the sheaves, just as they had planned. But as soon as the people saw the wolves in the field, they immediately chased them away, shouting and screaming. The wolves were surprised and said, 'What do they mean by shouting at us like that, when we are not doing any harm and only trying to help them?' The other wolf replied, 'Let's go back home and act as we did in the past. Whether we help the people or harass them, they are going to hate us just the same!' " entryDate[106] = " 04/16/" + year entryContent[106] = " George Townsend (1887). The Ants and the Grasshopper . More online.
THE ANTS were spending a fine winter's day drying grain collected in the summertime. A Grasshopper, perishing with famine, passed by and earnestly begged for a little food. The Ants inquired of him, 'Why did you not treasure up food during the summer?' He replied, 'I had not leisure enough. I passed the days in singing.' They then said in derision: 'If you were foolish enough to sing all the summer, you must dance supperless to bed in the winter.' " entryDate[107] = " 04/17/" + year entryContent[107] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE RAVEN, THE STORK AND HIS BEAK . More online.
There was once a stork who quarrelled with his wife and poked out her eye with his beak. The stork was ashamed for having inflicted such an injury on his wife so he flew away to go live somewhere else. A raven ran into the stork and asked the reason for his journey. The stork said that he had poked out his wife's eye with his beak. The raven asked the stork, 'Is this the same beak that you have always had?' When the stork said it was, the raven then remarked, 'So what is the point of your running away if you carry your beak with you wherever you go?' " entryDate[108] = " 04/18/" + year entryContent[108] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Cat-Maiden. More online.
The gods were once disputing whether it was possible for a living being to change its nature. Jupiter said \"Yes,\" but Venus said \"No.\" So, to try the question, Jupiter turned a Cat into a Maiden, and gave her to a young man for a wife. The wedding was duly performed and the young couple sat down to the wedding-feast. \"See,\" said Jupiter, to Venus, \"how becomingly she behaves. Who could tell that yesterday she was but a Cat? Surely her nature is changed?\" \"Wait a minute,\" replied Venus, and let loose a mouse into the room. No sooner did the bride see this than she jumped up from her seat and tried to pounce upon the mouse. \"Ah, you see,\" said Venus, \"Nature will out.\" " entryDate[109] = " 04/19/" + year entryContent[109] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE MAGPIE AND HER TAIL . More online.
No matter how often the magpie settled down on a perch and folded her wings, her tailfeathers still kept on twitching. Hoping to rid herself of this habit by changing her homeland, she flew across no small stretch of the sea, but in vain. As soon as the magpie alighted on the distant shore, her tailfeathers started shaking as usual. The magpie then concluded, 'By changing my country I thought my habits would change, but I'm just as bad off as before, even though I have come to the other side of the world.' " entryDate[110] = " 04/20/" + year entryContent[110] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). A GOAT AND A VINE. More online.
A Goat that was hard Press'd by the Huntsmen, took Sanctuary in a Vineyard, and there he lay Close, under the covert of a Vine. So soon as he thought the Danger was Over, he fell presently to Browzing upon the Leaves; and whether it was the Rusling, or the Motion of the Boughs, that gave the Huntsmen an Occasion for stricter Search, is Uncertain: But a Search there was, and in the End he was Discover'd and Shot. He dy'd, in fine, with this Conviction upon him, that his Punishment was Just, for Offering Violence to his Protector. " entryDate[111] = " 04/21/" + year entryContent[111] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE FOX AND THE HYENA . More online.
They say that hyenas change their nature every year, so that sometimes they are male and sometimes female. So when a hyena saw a fox and criticized her for having spurned her friendly overtures, the fox replied, 'Don't blame me! Blame your own nature, which makes it impossible for me to tell whether you would be my girlfriend or my boyfriend!' " entryDate[112] = " 04/22/" + year entryContent[112] = " George Townsend (1887). The Wild Boar and the Fox. More online.
A WILD BOAR stood under a tree and rubbed his tusks against the trunk. A Fox passing by asked him why he thus sharpened his teeth when there was no danger threatening from either huntsman or hound. He replied, 'I do it advisedly; for it would never do to have to sharpen my weapons just at the time I ought to be using them.' " entryDate[113] = " 04/23/" + year entryContent[113] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE TWO HYENAS . More online.
They say that the hyena has a double nature: for a period of time the hyena is male, and then later on she is female. The story goes that when a male hyena was treating a female badly, she said to him, 'Listen here: remember how things used to be, and don't forget that I will be a male hyena the next time around!' " entryDate[114] = " 04/24/" + year entryContent[114] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Jay and the Peacock. More online.
A Jay venturing into a yard where Peacocks used to walk, found there a number of feathers which had fallen from the Peacocks when they were moulting. He tied them all to his tail and strutted down towards the Peacocks. When he came near them they soon discovered the cheat, and striding up to him pecked at him and plucked away his borrowed plumes. So the Jay could do no better than go back to the other Jays, who had watched his behaviour from a distance; but they were equally annoyed with him, and told him: \"It is not only fine feathers that make fine birds.\" " entryDate[115] = " 04/25/" + year entryContent[115] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE KITE AND HIS MOTHER . More online.
The kite was sick and had spent many months in bed. When there was no longer any hope of his recovery, he tearfully asked his mother to make the rounds of all the shrines and to offer great vows for his recovery. 'I will do what you want, my son, but I am afraid that I will not succeed. It scares and worries me, my child: since you pillaged all the temples and polluted all the altars, showing no reverence for the holy sacrifices, what can I pray for now on your behalf?' " entryDate[116] = " 04/26/" + year entryContent[116] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). A STAG AND A LYON. More online.
A Stag that was close Pursu'd by the Huntsmen, fled for Safety into a Lyon's Den; and as he was just Expiring under the Paw of the Lyon: Miserable Creature that I am, says he, to fly for Protection from Men, to the most Unmerciful of Beasts. " entryDate[117] = " 04/27/" + year entryContent[117] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE BEAR AND THE FOX . More online.
The bear boasted that he was exceptionally fond of mankind since, as he explained, bears don't pull dead people's bodies to pieces. The fox remarked, 'I'd prefer that you mangled the dead ones, if you'd leave the living alone!' " entryDate[118] = " 04/28/" + year entryContent[118] = " George Townsend (1887). The Monkey and the Fishermen. More online.
A MONKEY perched upon a lofty tree saw some Fishermen casting their nets into a river, and narrowly watched their proceedings. The Fishermen after a while gave up fishing, and on going home to dinner left their nets upon the bank. The Monkey, who is the most imitative of animals, descended from the treetop and endeavored to do as they had done. Having handled the net, he threw it into the river, but became tangled in the meshes and drowned. With his last breath he said to himself, 'I am rightly served; for what business had I who had never handled a net to try and catch fish?' " entryDate[119] = " 04/29/" + year entryContent[119] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE MAN AND THE WEASEL . More online.
A man caught a weasel but the weasel, hoping to escape her imminent demise, pleaded with the man. 'Spare me, please,' she said, 'since I am the creature who rids your house of pesky mice.' 'If you chased those mice on my behalf,' replied the man, 'I would be grateful indeed and would spare you. But the fact is that you do the work in order to enjoy the remains of what the mice are going to nibble, and also eat the mice themselves. So don't expect any gratitude from me for your so-called favours!' With these words, the man consigned the treacherous creature to her doom. " entryDate[120] = " 04/30/" + year entryContent[120] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Milkmaid and Her Pail . More online.
Patty the Milkmaid was going to market carrying her milk in a Pail on her head. As she went along she began calculating what she would do with the money she would get for the milk. \"I'll buy some fowls from Farmer Brown,\" said she, \"and they will lay eggs each morning, which I will sell to the parson's wife. With the money that I get from the sale of these eggs I'll buy myself a new dimity frock and a chip hat; and when I go to market, won't all the young men come up and speak to me! Polly Shaw will be that jealous; but I don't care. I shall just look at her and toss my head like this. As she spoke she tossed her head back, the Pail fell off it, and all the milk was spilt. So she had to go home and tell her mother what had occurred. \"Ah, my child,\" said the mother, \"Do not count your chickens before they are hatched.\" " entryDate[121] = " 05/01/" + year entryContent[121] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE FARMER, THE CATTLE AND THE MANURE . More online.
A certain farmer was using his cattle to haul manure out of the stables. The cattle complained to the farmer that their labour allowed him to harvest his wheat and barley crops, supplying his household with ample food year in and year out. Therefore, said the cattle, it was hardly fair for them to have to perform the vile task of hauling manure out of the stables. The farmer then asked, 'Is it not the case that you yourselves are the source of the substance which you are now carrying away?' The cattle replied, 'Yes, that is true.' The farmer then concluded, 'So, since you are the ones who made a mess of the stable in your spare time, it is only right that you should also make some effort to clean it up!' " entryDate[122] = " 05/02/" + year entryContent[122] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). A GARDINER AND HIS DOG. More online.
A Gardiner's Dog dropt into a Well, and his Master let himself down to help him out again. He reach'd forth his Hand to take hold of the Dog, and the Cur snapt him by the Fingers: For he thought it was only to Duck him deeper. The Master went his Way upon't, and e'en left him as he found him. Nay (says he) I'm well enough serv'd, to take so much Pains for the Saving of One that is resolv'd to make away Himself. " entryDate[123] = " 05/03/" + year entryContent[123] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE DOG AND THE BLACKSMITHS . More online.
There was a dog living in the house of some blacksmiths. When the blacksmiths were working, the dog would go to sleep, but when they sat down to a meal he would wake up and approach his masters in a friendly fashion. The blacksmiths said to the dog, 'How is that you sleep undisturbed when our heaviest hammers are clanging away, but you are immediately awakened by the slightest sound of our teeth chewing?' " entryDate[124] = " 05/04/" + year entryContent[124] = " George Townsend (1887). The Flea and the Wrestler. More online.
A FLEA settled upon the bare foot of a Wrestler and bit him, causing the man to call loudly upon Hercules for help. When the Flea a second time hopped upon his foot, he groaned and said, 'O Hercules! if you will not help me against a Flea, how can I hope for your assistance against greater antagonists?' " entryDate[125] = " 05/05/" + year entryContent[125] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE HORSE AND HIS GROOM . More online.
There was a groom who used to sell his horse's barley to the innkeepers and drink all evening long. He would then spend the whole next day combing and currying the horse. The horse said to the groom, 'If you really want me to look good, then don't sell the food that nourishes me!' " entryDate[126] = " 05/06/" + year entryContent[126] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Horse and the Ass. More online.
A Horse and an Ass were travelling together, the Horse prancing along in its fine trappings, the Ass carrying with difficulty the heavy weight in its panniers. \"I wish I were you,\" sighed the Ass; \"nothing to do and well fed, and all that fine harness upon you.\" Next day, however, there was a great battle, and the Horse was wounded to death in the final charge of the day. His friend, the Ass, happened to pass by shortly afterwards and found him on the point of death. \"I was wrong,\" said the Ass: \"Better humble security than gilded danger.\" " entryDate[127] = " 05/07/" + year entryContent[127] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE WIDOW AND HER SHEEP . More online.
There was once a widow who kept a sheep at home. Wanting to gather more wool, she sheared the sheep awkwardly, clipping the wool so close to the flesh that she made the sheep bleed. Smarting with pain, the sheep said to the woman, 'Please stop torturing me! Will my blood really add so much to the weight of the wool? If it is my flesh that you want, mistress, there is a butcher who will be able to put me to death quickly; but if it is my wool you want, rather than my flesh, then the shearer can clip me without killing me.' " entryDate[128] = " 05/08/" + year entryContent[128] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). A NIGHTINGALE AND A BAT. More online.
As a Nightingale was Singing in a Cage at a Window, up comes a Bat to her, and Asks her why she did not Sing in the Day, as well as in the Night. Why (says the Nightingale) I was catch'd Singing in the Day, and so I took it for a Warning: You should have thought of this then, says T'other, before you was Taken; for as the Case stands now, Y'are in no Danger to be Snapt Singing again. " entryDate[129] = " 05/09/" + year entryContent[129] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE GOATHERD AND THE GOAT . More online.
A goatherd tried to induce a goat who had strayed from the flock to join the other goats. He was not able to accomplish anything by shouting or whistling, so he threw a rock at the goat, and the rock broke one of her horns. The goatherd begged the goat not to tell the master what had happened, but the goat replied, 'You must be the stupidest goatherd in the world! The horn itself will proclaim the deed, even if I remain silent.' " entryDate[130] = " 05/10/" + year entryContent[130] = " George Townsend (1887). The Two Frogs. More online.
TWO FROGS dwelt in the same pool. When the pool dried up under the summer's heat, they left it and set out together for another home. As they went along they chanced to pass a deep well, amply supplied with water, and when they saw it, one of the Frogs said to the other, 'Let us descend and make our abode in this well: it will furnish us with shelter and food.' The other replied with greater caution, 'But suppose the water should fail us. How can we get out again from so great a depth?' " entryDate[131] = " 05/11/" + year entryContent[131] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE SHEEP, THE GOAT AND THE SOW . More online.
A man had rounded up a sow, a goat and a sheep from his farm. While the donkey carried them all to the city, the goat and the sheep settled down quietly, but the sow's screams bothered their chauffeur, so the donkey said to the sow, 'Why on earth can't you go along quietly like the others?' The sow replied, 'The goat is being brought here for her milk, the sheep for his wool, but for me this is a matter of life and death!' " entryDate[132] = " 05/12/" + year entryContent[132] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). Androcles and the Lion. More online.
A slave named Androcles once escaped from his master and fled to the forest. As he was wandering about there he came upon a Lion lying down moaning and groaning. At first he turned to flee, but finding that the Lion did not pursue him, he turned back and went up to him. As he came near, the Lion put out his paw, which was all swollen and bleeding, and Androcles found that a huge thorn had got into it, and was causing all the pain. He pulled out the thorn and bound up the paw of the Lion, who was soon able to rise and lick the hand of Androcles like a dog. Then the Lion took Androcles to his cave, and every day used to bring him meat from which to live. But shortly afterwards both Androcles and the Lion were captured, and the slave was sentenced to be thrown to the Lion, after the latter had been kept without food for several days. The Emperor and all his Court came to see the spectacle, and Androcles was led out into the middle of the arena. Soon the Lion was let loose from his den, and rushed bounding and roaring towards his victim. But as soon as he came near to Androcles he recognised his friend, and fawned upon him, and licked his hands like a friendly dog. The Emperor, surprised at this, summoned Androcles to him, who told him the whole story. Whereupon the slave was pardoned and freed, and the Lion let loose to his native forest. " entryDate[133] = " 05/13/" + year entryContent[133] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE FOXES AND THEIR TAILS . More online.
A fox got caught in a trap and part of her tail was cut off as she escaped. She was so ashamed that she didn't think life was worth living. Then she realized that if she could persuade the other foxes to do the same thing her own shame would be hidden, as it would be shared by all the foxes. Accordingly, she summoned the other foxes and asked them to cut off their tails, maintaining that this was the one part of their body that was unseemly, nothing but an extra appendage which they had to carry around. One of the other foxes scoffed in reply, 'If it weren't for the fact that it is in your interest to do this thing, you never would have proposed it!' " entryDate[134] = " 05/14/" + year entryContent[134] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). A BEE- MASTER. More online.
There came a Thief into a Bee-Garden in the absence of the Master, and Robb'd the hives. The Owner discover'd it upon his Return, and stood Pausing a while to Bethink himself how this should come to pass. The Bees in this interim came Laden home out of the Fields from Feeding, and missing their Combs, they fell Powdering down in Swarms upon their Master. Well (says he) you are a Company of Senseless and Ungrateful Wretches, to let a Stranger go away Quietly that has Rifled ye, and to bend all your Spite against your Master, that is at this Instant beating his Brains how he may Repair and Preserve ye. " entryDate[135] = " 05/15/" + year entryContent[135] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE WOLF, THE HORSE AND THE BARLEY . More online.
As he was crossing through a field, a wolf found some barley. Since wolves don't eat barley, he ignored it and continued on his way. The wolf then ran into a horse. He led the horse into the field and showed him the barley, saying that instead of eating the barley himself, he had saved it for the horse, since he liked to hear the sound of the horse's teeth grinding together. The horse then said to the wolf, 'Look here, if you wolves ate barley, you would never have put the pleasure of your ears before your stomach!' " entryDate[136] = " 05/16/" + year entryContent[136] = " George Townsend (1887). The Philosopher, the Ants, and Mercury . More online.
A PHILOSOPHER witnessed from the shore the shipwreck of a vessel, of which the crew and passengers were all drowned. He inveighed against the injustice of Providence, which would for the sake of one criminal perchance sailing in the ship allow so many innocent persons to perish. As he was indulging in these reflections, he found himself surrounded by a whole army of Ants, near whose nest he was standing. One of them climbed up and stung him, and he immediately trampled them all to death with his foot. Mercury presented himself, and striking the Philosopher with his wand, said, 'And are you indeed to make yourself a judge of the dealings of Providence, who hast thyself in a similar manner treated these poor Ants?' " entryDate[137] = " 05/17/" + year entryContent[137] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE DONKEY, THE DOG AND THE LETTER . More online.
A donkey and a dog were journeying together when they found a sealed letter on the ground. The donkey took the letter, broke the seals, and opened it. The donkey then began to read the letter aloud, while the dog sat there listening. The letter happened to be about food, that is, about barley and straw and hay. As the donkey was reading, the dog grew impatient and finally he said to the donkey, 'You can skip that part, my dear; perhaps further down you will find some information about meat and bones.' The donkey scanned the rest of the letter but he didn't find what the dog was looking for. The dog then said to the donkey, 'Throw it back on the ground; it has nothing to offer!' " entryDate[138] = " 05/18/" + year entryContent[138] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Bat, the Birds, and the Beasts. More online.
A great conflict was about to come off between the Birds and the Beasts. When the two armies were collected together the Bat hesitated which to join. The Birds that passed his perch said: \"Come with us\"; but he said: \"I am a Beast.\" Later on, some Beasts who were passing underneath him looked up and said: \"Come with us\"; but he said: \"I am a Bird.\" Luckily at the last moment peace was made, and no battle took place, so the Bat came to the Birds and wished to join in the rejoicings, but they all turned against him and he had to fly away. He then went to the Beasts, but soon had to beat a retreat, or else they would have torn him to pieces. \"Ah,\" said the Bat, \"I see now, \"He that is neither one thing nor the other has no friends.\" " entryDate[139] = " 05/19/" + year entryContent[139] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE BEES AND THE BEETLES . More online.
Once upon a time, the bees invited the beetles to dinner. The beetles arrived and when dinner was served the bees offered the beetles some honey and honeycomb. The beetles barely ate anything and then flew away. Next the beetles invited the bees, and when dinner was served, they offered the bees a plate full of dung. The bees wouldn't eat even a single bite and instead they flew straight back home. " entryDate[140] = " 05/20/" + year entryContent[140] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). A HOUND AND A MASTIFF. More online.
There was a Man had Two Dogs; One for the Chase, T'other to look to the House; and whatever the Hound Took Abroad, the House-Dog had his Part on't at Home. T'other Grumbled at it, that when he took all the Pains the Mastiff should reap the Fruit of his Labours. Well, says the House-Dog, That's none of my Fault, but my Master's, that has not Train'd me up to Work for my self, but to Eat what others have Provided for me. " entryDate[141] = " 05/21/" + year entryContent[141] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE PIG AND THE WOLF . More online.
Once upon a time, the lion held a banquet for all the other animals. He invited every possible creature and gave them all kinds of meat dishes to eat and many other fine foods. When the party was over, the animals went back to their homes. Along the way, the wolf Ysengrimus found the pig eating some swill. The pig said, 'Where have you been, wolf?' The wolf said, 'I'm on my way home from the lion's royal banquet. And what about you: weren't you there too?' The pig asked, 'Were there nice things to eat and many fine foods?' The wolf replied, 'Yes indeed: there were many wonderful dishes, very well prepared.' The pig asked, 'Was there swill to eat? And chaff?' The wolf exclaimed, 'What are you talking about, you wretched creature! God forbid there would be such vile stuff placed on the table at a banquet like that!' " entryDate[142] = " 05/22/" + year entryContent[142] = " George Townsend (1887). The Lion and the Hare. More online.
A LION came across a Hare, who was fast asleep. He was just in the act of seizing her, when a fine young Hart trotted by, and he left the Hare to follow him. The Hare, scared by the noise, awoke and scudded away. The Lion was unable after a long chase to catch the Hart, and returned to feed upon the Hare. On finding that the Hare also had run off, he said, 'I am rightly served, for having let go of the food that I had in my hand for the chance of obtaining more.' " entryDate[143] = " 05/23/" + year entryContent[143] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE DONKEY AND THE LYRE . More online.
A donkey saw a lyre lying in a field. He approached the instrument and as he tried to strum it with his hoof, the strings resounded at his touch. 'What a beautiful thing,' said the donkey, 'but completely inappropriate, since I don't know anything about music. If only someone better equipped than myself had found it, my ears would have been delighted by heavenly melodies!' " entryDate[144] = " 05/24/" + year entryContent[144] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Trumpeter Taken Prisoner . More online.
A Trumpeter during a battle ventured too near the enemy and was captured by them. They were about to proceed to put him to death when he begged them to hear his plea for mercy. \"I do not fight,\" said he, \"and indeed carry no weapon; I only blow this trumpet, and surely that cannot harm you; then why should you kill me?\" \"You may not fight yourself,\" said the others, \"but you encourage and guide your men to the fight.\" " entryDate[145] = " 05/25/" + year entryContent[145] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE DOG AND THE TREASURE . More online.
While digging up dead people's bones, a dog uncovered a treasure. This outraged the spirits of the dead, and the dog was punished for his sacrilege by being stricken with a desire for wealth. Thus, while the dog stood there guarding the treasure, he took no thought for food and wasted away from starvation. A vulture perched above him is rumoured to have said, 'O you dog, you deserve to die, since all of a sudden you began to crave the wealth of a king even though you were conceived in the gutter and were raised on a dungheap!' " entryDate[146] = " 05/26/" + year entryContent[146] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). A WOLF AND A KID . More online.
A Wolf spy'd out a Stragling Kid, and pursu'd him. The Kid found that the Wolf was too Nimble for him, and so turn'd and told him: I perceive I am to be Eaten, and I would die as pleasantly as I could: Wherefore, pray give me but one Touch of your Pipe before I go to Pot. The Wolf Play'd, and the Kid Danc'd, and the Noise of the Pipe brought the Dogs in upon him. Well (says the Wolf) this ‘tis when People will be Meddling out of their Profession. My Bus'ness was to play the Butcher, not the Piper. " entryDate[147] = " 05/27/" + year entryContent[147] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE CITY MOUSE AND THE COUNTRY MOUSE . More online.
A city mouse once happened to pay a visit to the house of a country mouse where he was served a humble meal of acorns. The city mouse finished his business in the country and by means of insistent invitations he persuaded the country mouse to come pay him a visit. The city mouse then brought the country mouse into a room that was overflowing with food. As they were feasting on various delicacies, a butler opened the door. The city mouse quickly concealed himself in a familiar mouse hole, but the poor country mouse was not acquainted with the house and frantically scurried around the floorboards, frightened out of his wits. When the butler had taken what he needed, he closed the door behind him. The city mouse then urged the country mouse to sit back down to dinner. The country mouse refused and said, 'How could I possibly do that? Oh, how scared I am! Do you think that the man is going to come back?' This was all that the terrified mouse was able to say. The city mouse insisted, 'My dear fellow, you could never find such delicious food as this anywhere else in the world.' 'Acorns are enough for me,' the country mouse maintained, 'so long as I am secure in my freedom!' " entryDate[148] = " 05/28/" + year entryContent[148] = " George Townsend (1887). The Peasant and the Eagle. More online.
A PEASANT found an Eagle captured in a trap, and much admiring the bird, set him free. The Eagle did not prove ungrateful to his deliverer, for seeing the Peasant sitting under a wall which was not safe, he flew toward him and with his talons snatched a bundle from his head. When the Peasant rose in pursuit, the Eagle let the bundle fall again. Taking it up, the man returned to the same place, to find that the wall under which he had been sitting had fallen to pieces; and he marveled at the service rendered him by the Eagle. " entryDate[149] = " 05/29/" + year entryContent[149] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE CIRCUS DOG AND THE STREET DOGS . More online.
A dog who was being trained to fight in the public games snapped the collar around his neck and went dashing through the streets. The street dogs could tell that this fellow had been living the good life since he was as stout as a bull, so they asked him why he was running away. The runaway replied, 'It's true that I have been enjoying an abundance of food and living a comfortable life, but I am also forced to fight with lions and bears, risking my life in the arena.' The other dogs then said to one another, 'Our poor life must be very fine, because we don't have to fight with lions and bears!' " entryDate[150] = " 05/30/" + year entryContent[150] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Hart and the Hunter . More online.
The Hart was once drinking from a pool and admiring the noble figure he made there. \"Ah,\" said he, \"where can you see such noble horns as these, with such antlers! I wish I had legs more worthy to bear such a noble crown; it is a pity they are so slim and slight.\" At that moment a Hunter approached and sent an arrow whistling after him. Away bounded the Hart, and soon, by the aid of his nimble legs, was nearly out of sight of the Hunter; but not noticing where he was going, he passed under some trees with branches growing low down in which his antlers were caught, so that the Hunter had time to come up. \"Alas! alas!\" cried the Hart: \"We often despise what is most useful to us.\" " entryDate[151] = " 05/31/" + year entryContent[151] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE TWO MULES . More online.
Two mules were walking along, weighed down by two different loads: one mule was laden with bags full of money, while the other mule was carrying sacks stuffed with barley. The mule who was flush with money proudly lifted his head, tossing the little bell on his neck back and forth, while his companion simply followed along at a calm and quiet pace. All of a sudden, the mules were set upon by robbers who attacked them from an ambush. In the violent struggle, the rich mule was slashed with a sword and the robbers stole his money, yet they paid no attention at all to the worthless barley. When the mule who had lost all his riches began to complain, the other mule declared, 'As for me, I am quite content to have been treated with contempt: it means that I suffered no injury and lost none of my possessions!' " entryDate[152] = " 06/01/" + year entryContent[152] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). A FOX AND A CRAB. More online.
A Fox that was sharp-set, Surpriz'd a Crab, as he lay out of the Sea upon the Sands, and carried him away. The Crab, when he found that he was to be Eaten, Well (says he) this comes of Meddling where we have Nothing to do; for my Bus'ness lay at Sea, not upon the Land. " entryDate[153] = " 06/02/" + year entryContent[153] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE PIG, THE DONKEY AND THE BARLEY . More online.
There was a man who had vowed that he would sacrifice a pig in honour of Hercules if the god agreed to rescue him from danger. When the man fulfilled his vow and sacrificed the pig, he then ordered that the pig's leftover barley be given to the donkey. The donkey, however, refused to touch it. 'This is the kind of food that would normally arouse my appetite,' said the horse, 'but not when it is the result of the previous diner having had his throat cut!' " entryDate[154] = " 06/03/" + year entryContent[154] = " George Townsend (1887). The Image of Mercury and the Carpenter. More online.
A VERY POOR MAN, a Carpenter by trade, had a wooden image of Mercury, before which he made offerings day by day, and begged the idol to make him rich, but in spite of his entreaties he became poorer and poorer. At last, being very angry, he took his image down from its pedestal and dashed it against the wall. When its head was knocked off, out came a stream of gold, which the Carpenter quickly picked up and said, 'Well, I think thou art altogether contradictory and unreasonable; for when I paid you honor, I reaped no benefits: but now that I maltreat you I am loaded with an abundance of riches.' " entryDate[155] = " 06/04/" + year entryContent[155] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE SOLDIER AND HIS HORSE . More online.
War was raging, so the cavalryman was able to feed his horse with barley and give him good hay to eat, treating the horse as his noble companion in battle. Then the war came to an end and a time of peace ensued. The soldier was no longer given wages by the state so his horse now had to work all the time carrying heavy logs down out of the woods into the city. In addition, his owner hired the horse out to other people to carry their loads as well. All the while, the horse had as his food only the worst sort of chaff, and the harness he wore on his back was no longer that of a warhorse. Some time later, the clash of battle resounded once again around the city walls, and the trumpet summoned every man to dust off his shield, sharpen his sword, and ready his horse. The horse's owner put the bridle back on his steed, but when he led the horse out to be mounted, the horse collapsed and fell to his knees, having lost all his former strength. 'Go join the infantry!' the horse told his owner. 'You have transferred me from the horse regiment to the donkeys; do you really think you can just change me back again?' " entryDate[156] = " 06/05/" + year entryContent[156] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Fox and the Crow. More online.
A Fox once saw a Crow fly off with a piece of cheese in its beak and settle on a branch of a tree. \"That's for me, as I am a Fox,\" said Master Reynard, and he walked up to the foot of the tree. \"Good-day, Mistress Crow,\" he cried. \"How well you are looking to-day: how glossy your feathers; how bright your eye. I feel sure your voice must surpass that of other birds, just as your figure does; let me hear but one song from you that I may greet you as the Queen of Birds.\" The Crow lifted up her head and began to caw her best, but the moment she opened her mouth the piece of cheese fell to the ground, only to be snapped up by Master Fox. \"That will do,\" said he. \"That was all I wanted. In exchange for your cheese I will give you a piece of advice for the future .\"Do not trust flatterers.\" " entryDate[157] = " 06/06/" + year entryContent[157] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE RACE HORSE IN THE MILL . More online.
There was once a race-horse who had grown old and was sold to grind in the mill. Harnessed to the mill-stone, he ground grain all day long and into in the evening. As he was working, the old horse groaned aloud and said, 'Once I ran in the races, but now I must run in circles around this millers' course!' " entryDate[158] = " 06/07/" + year entryContent[158] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). A RAVEN AND A SNAKE. More online.
As a Snake lay Lazing at his Length, in the Gleam of the Sun, a Raven took him up, and flew away with him. The Snake kept a Twisting and a Turning, till he Bit the Raven, and made him Curse himself for being such a Fool, as to meddle with a Purchase that Cost him his Life. " entryDate[159] = " 06/08/" + year entryContent[159] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE HORSE AND THE MILLER . More online.
A horse was suffering from old age, so instead of serving in battle he was sent to the mill to turn the stones. Condemned to this daily grind and denied the glory of battle, the horse wept over his present way of life, remembering his past career. 'Woe is me!' the horse exclaimed. 'Listen, miller: when I was destined for the battlefield, I was decorated all over with armour and I had a man to serve me as my groom. As things are now, I don't know how it happened that I now have this mill to handle instead of a battle.' The miller said to the horse, 'Can't you keep quiet? I've had quite enough of your raving about the past: Luck can change people's lives for better or for worse!' " entryDate[160] = " 06/09/" + year entryContent[160] = " George Townsend (1887). The Dog and the Shadow. More online.
A DOG, crossing a bridge over a stream with a piece of flesh in his mouth, saw his own shadow in the water and took it for that of another Dog, with a piece of meat double his own in size. He immediately let go of his own, and fiercely attacked the other Dog to get his larger piece from him. He thus lost both: that which he grasped at in the water, because it was a shadow; and his own, because the stream swept it away. " entryDate[161] = " 06/10/" + year entryContent[161] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE OLD MAN AND HIS DONKEYS . More online.
There was a farmer who had grown old living in the countryside and who had never seen the city so he asked his children to let him see the city at least once before he died. His children yoked the donkeys to the wagon for him and said, 'Just drive, and they will take you to the city.' When they were halfway there, a storm blew up and the sky grew dark. The donkeys went astray and wandered to the edge of a cliff. When the old man saw the danger he was in, he said, 'O Zeus, what crime have I committed against you that I must die this way? My killers are not even horses, but only these abominable donkeys!' " entryDate[162] = " 06/11/" + year entryContent[162] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Man and the Wood. More online.
A Man came into a Wood one day with an axe in his hand, and begged all the Trees to give him a small branch which he wanted for a particular purpose. The Trees were good-natured and gave him one of their branches. What did the Man do but fix it into the axe head, and soon set to work cutting down tree after tree. Then the Trees saw how foolish they had been in giving their enemy the means of destroying themselves. " entryDate[163] = " 06/12/" + year entryContent[163] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE MOUSE IN THE POT . More online.
A mouse fell into a pot of broth which had no lid. As he was choking on the grease and gasping for breath he said, 'Well, I have had my fill of eating and drinking and I have stuffed myself with all kinds of fine food: the time has now come for me to die!' " entryDate[164] = " 06/13/" + year entryContent[164] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). A DAW WITH A STRING AT'S FOOT. More online.
A Country Fellow took a Daw, and ty'd a String to his Leg, and so gave him to a little Boy to Play withal. The Daw did not much like his Companion, and upon the first Opportunity gave him the Slip, and away into the Woods again, where he was Shackled and Starv'd. When he came to Die, he Reflected upon the Folly of exposing his Life in the Woods, rather than Live in an easy Servitude among Men. " entryDate[165] = " 06/14/" + year entryContent[165] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE SPARROW AND THE MYRTLE BERRIES . More online.
A sparrow was feeding on some myrtle berries. The berries were so sweet that the sparrow stayed right there in the tree and refused to leave. Meanwhile, a bird catcher who had been watching the sparrow caught her and killed her. As the sparrow was about to take her last breath, she exclaimed, 'What a miserable creature I am! I am going to die merely for the sake of some food and its momentary sweetness.' " entryDate[166] = " 06/15/" + year entryContent[166] = " George Townsend (1887). The Dancing Monkeys . More online.
A PRINCE had some Monkeys trained to dance. 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. 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. " entryDate[167] = " 06/16/" + year entryContent[167] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE MAIDS AND THE ROOSTER . More online.
A hard-working widow woman had some maid servants whom she would rouse up for work at the sound of the cockcrow when it was still dark outside. The maids were burdened with endless tasks, so they decided it would be a good idea to kill the household rooster since it was the rooster who made their mistress get them up while it was still dark. Yet after they had killed the rooster, their desperate situation grew even worse: now that the mistress was no longer able to tell the hour by the rooster, she woke the maids up even earlier than before. " entryDate[168] = " 06/17/" + year entryContent[168] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Belly and the Members . More online.
One fine day it occurred to the Members of the Body that they were doing all the work and the Belly was having all the food. So they held a meeting, and after a long discussion, decided to strike work till the Belly consented to take its proper share of the work. So for a day or two, the Hands refused to take the food, the Mouth refused to receive it, and the Teeth had no work to do. But after a day or two the Members began to find that they themselves were not in a very active condition: the Hands could hardly move, and the Mouth was all parched and dry, while the Legs were unable to support the rest. So thus they found that even the Belly in its dull quiet way was doing necessary work for the Body, and that all must work together or the Body will go to pieces. " entryDate[169] = " 06/18/" + year entryContent[169] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE MAN AND THE CAT . More online.
There was a certain man who had some cheese in his pantry. Then a mouse came and began to gnaw at the cheese. The man did not know what to do. Finally he put a cat in the pantry but the cat ate both the mouse and the cheese. " entryDate[170] = " 06/19/" + year entryContent[170] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). A WOLF AND A SHEEP . More online.
A Wolf that lay Licking of his Wounds, and extreamly Faint and Ill upon the Biting of a Dog, call'd out to a Sheep that was passing by. Hark ye Friend (says he) if thou wouldst but help me to a Soup of Water out of the same Brook there, I could make a Shift to get my self somewhat to Eat. Yes, said the Sheep, I make no Doubt on't; but when I bring ye Drink, my Carcase shall serve ye for Meat to't. " entryDate[171] = " 06/20/" + year entryContent[171] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE FLIES AND THE HONEY . More online.
When the honey had been spilled in the pantry, some flies flew up and landed on it. Their feet got stuck and they could not fly away. As they were drowning in the honey, the flies remarked, 'Oh, woe is us! For the sake of a brief banquet, we are going to die!' " entryDate[172] = " 06/21/" + year entryContent[172] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Sick Lion. More online.
A Lion had come to the end of his days and lay sick unto death at the mouth of his cave, gasping for breath. The animals, his subjects, came round him and drew nearer as he grew more and more helpless. When they saw him on the point of death they thought to themselves: \"Now is the time to pay off old grudges.\" So the Boar came up and drove at him with his tusks; then a Bull gored him with his horns; still the Lion lay helpless before them: so the Ass, feeling quite safe from danger, came up, and turning his tail to the Lion kicked up his heels into his face. \"This is a double death,\" growled the Lion. " entryDate[173] = " 06/22/" + year entryContent[173] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE FROGS AND THE SUN . More online.
When Aesop saw crowds of people thronging to the wedding party of his neighbour, a thief, he immediately told them the following story: 'Once upon a time, the Sun wanted to get married but the frogs raised a cry of protest up to the heavens. Jupiter, disturbed by their shouting, asked the reason for their complaint, and one of the swamp's inhabitants explained, \"Already one Sun is enough to burn up all the ponds, condemning us to a miserable death in our parched abode. What is going to happen to us when he will have sons of his own?\"' " entryDate[174] = " 06/23/" + year entryContent[174] = " George Townsend (1887). The Fox and the Leopard. More online.
THE FOX and the Leopard disputed which was the more beautiful of the two. The Leopard exhibited one by one the various spots which decorated his skin. But the Fox, interrupting him, said, 'And how much more beautiful than you am I, who am decorated, not in body, but in mind.' " entryDate[175] = " 06/24/" + year entryContent[175] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE HEN AND THE EGGS . More online.
A hen came across the eggs of a snake and devoted herself to them, settling atop the eggs and brooding on them. A swallow saw what the hen was doing and said, 'O you stupid, senseless creature! They will destroy you first of all and then destroy everyone around you!' " entryDate[176] = " 06/25/" + year entryContent[176] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). THE KITE, HAWK, AND PIGEONS. More online.
The Pigeons finding themselves persecuted by the Kite, made choice of the Hawk for their Guardian. The Hawk sets up for their Protector; but under the countenance of that Authority, makes more havock in the Dove-house in two Days, than the Kite could have done in twice as many months. " entryDate[177] = " 06/26/" + year entryContent[177] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE WOLVES AND THE HIDES . More online.
Some wolves saw some cowhides in the river. They wanted to take the hides, but the depth of the river in flood prevented them from doing so. The wolves therefore decided to drink up all the water so that they could then reach the hides. A man said to the wolves, 'If you try to drink up all that water, you will immediately burst into pieces and die on the spot!' " entryDate[178] = " 06/27/" + year entryContent[178] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Dog and the Shadow . More online.
It happened that a Dog had got a piece of meat and was carrying it home in his mouth to eat it in peace. Now on his way home he had to cross a plank lying across a running brook. As he crossed, he looked down and saw his own shadow reflected in the water beneath. Thinking it was another dog with another piece of meat, he made up his mind to have that also. So he made a snap at the shadow in the water, but as he opened his mouth the piece of meat fell out, dropped into the water and was never seen more. " entryDate[179] = " 06/28/" + year entryContent[179] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE TUNA FISH AND THE DOLPHIN . More online.
A tuna fish who was being chased by a dolphin was splashing madly through the water. Just when the dolphin was about to catch him, the tuna fish heaved himself forward with a great effort and landed on an island. Matching his effort, the dolphin ran aground beside him. The tuna fish then turned to look at the gasping dolphin and said, 'I do not grieve over my own death, so long as I am able to see that the one to blame is dying together with me!' " entryDate[180] = " 06/29/" + year entryContent[180] = " George Townsend (1887). The Monkeys and Their Mother . More online.
THE MONKEY, it is said, has two young ones at each birth. The Mother fondles one and nurtures it with the greatest affection and care, but hates and neglects the other. It happened once that the young one which was caressed and loved was smothered by the too great affection of the Mother, while the despised one was nurtured and reared in spite of the neglect to which it was exposed. " entryDate[181] = " 06/30/" + year entryContent[181] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE FOX AND THE HARE IN THE WELL . More online.
A thirsty hare had gone done into a well to drink the water. He took a good long drink, and when he wanted to get back out again, he found himself trapped with no means of escape. It was a very discouraging situation. A fox then arrived on the scene and when she found the hare she said to him, 'You have made a very serious mistake indeed: you should have first decided on a way to get out and only then gone down into the well!' " entryDate[182] = " 07/01/" + year entryContent[182] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). ASSES TO JUPITER . More online.
The Asses found themselves once so Intolerably Oppressed with cruel Masters and heavy Burdens, that they sent their Ambassadors to Jupiter, with a Petition for Redress. Jupiter found the Request Unreasonable, and so gave them this Answer, That Humane Society could not be preserv'd without carrying Burdens some way or other: So that if they would but join, and Piss up a River, that the Burdens which they now carried by Land might be carried by Water, they should be Eas'd of that Grievance. This set them all a Pissing immediately, and the Humour is kept up to this very Day, that whenever One Ass Pisses, the rest Piss for Company. " entryDate[183] = " 07/02/" + year entryContent[183] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE OXEN AND THE BUTCHER . More online.
There were once some oxen who had decided to destroy all the butchers since their very profession was hostile to oxen. They banded together and sharpened their horns in preparation for the coming battle. Among them was a very elderly ox who had plowed a great deal of earth in his day. This ox said to the others, 'The butchers slaughter us with experienced hands and they kill us without unnecessary torment, but if we fall into the hands of men who lack this skill, then we will die twice over -- and there will always be someone to slaughter us, even if we get rid of the butchers!' " entryDate[184] = " 07/03/" + year entryContent[184] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Stag in the Ox-Stall . More online.
A Hart hotly pursued by the hounds fled for refuge into an ox-stall, and buried itself in a truss of hay, leaving nothing to be seen but the tips of his horns. Soon after the Hunters came up and asked if any one had seen the Hart. The stable boys, who had been resting after their dinner, looked round, but could see nothing, and the Hunters went away. Shortly afterwards the master came in, and looking round, saw that something unusual had taken place. He pointed to the truss of hay and said: \"What are those two curious things sticking out of the hay?\" And when the stable boys came to look they discovered the Hart, and soon made an end of him. He thus learnt that Nothing escapes the master's eye. " entryDate[185] = " 07/04/" + year entryContent[185] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE TWO ROOSTERS AND THE EAGLE . More online.
Two roosters were fighting with one another. The loser hid himself away in a corner, while the rooster who had won the battle flew up on top of the house and flapped his wings, crowing about his victory. An eagle then swooped down and carried the rooster away. " entryDate[186] = " 07/05/" + year entryContent[186] = " George Townsend (1887). The Oaks and Jupiter. More online.
THE OAKS presented a complaint to Jupiter, saying, 'We bear for no purpose the burden of life, as of all the trees that grow we are the most continually in peril of the axe.' Jupiter made answer: 'You have only to thank yourselves for the misfortunes to which you are exposed: for if you did not make such excellent pillars and posts, and prove yourselves so serviceable to the carpenters and the farmers, the axe would not so frequently be laid to your roots.' " entryDate[187] = " 07/06/" + year entryContent[187] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE MICE AND THE WEASELS . More online.
War had broken out between the mice and the weasels. The mice were inferior in strength and when they realized that their utter weakness and cowardice put them at a disadvantage, they elected satraps and generals who could be their leaders in war. The satraps wanted to be more remarkable and conspicuous than the other mice, so they put horns on the tops of their heads. Then the weasels attacked the mice once again and routed them completely. The other mice were able to scamper quickly and easily into the mouse holes which had been prepared for their concealment. The commanders, however, despite being the first to reach the holes in the retreat, were unable to get inside because of the horns on their heads. The weasels were thus able to seize the mouse generals and consign them to death. " entryDate[188] = " 07/07/" + year entryContent[188] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). A HEN AND A SWALLOW. More online.
There was a foolish Hen that sat Brooding upon a Nest of Snake's Eggs. A Swallow that observ'd it, went and told her the Danger on't, Little do you think, says she, what you at this Instant are a doing, and that you are now Hatching your own Destruction; for this good Office will be your Ruin. " entryDate[189] = " 07/08/" + year entryContent[189] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE HUNTER AND THE FISHERMAN . More online.
A hunter was coming down from the mountain after the hunt while a fisherman was walking along with a basket full of fish and the two men crossed paths. The hunter preferred to have fish fresh from the sea, while the fisherman preferred wild game caught in the fields so they exchanged the things that they were carrying. From then on they always traded their catch so that they could both enjoy more appetizing dinners. Eventually someone gave them this advice: 'Be careful, because too much familiarity will eventually spoil the goodness of these things, so that each of you will long to have what was originally yours.' " entryDate[190] = " 07/09/" + year entryContent[190] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Fox and the Grapes. More online.
One hot summer's day a Fox was strolling through an orchard till he came to a bunch of Grapes just ripening on a vine which had been trained over a lofty branch. \"Just the thing to quench my thirst,\" quoth he. Drawing back a few paces, he took a run and a jump, and just missed the bunch. Turning round again with a One, Two, Three, he jumped up, but with no greater success. Again and again he tried after the tempting morsel, but at last had to give it up, and walked away with his nose in the air, saying: \"I am sure they are sour.\" " entryDate[191] = " 07/10/" + year entryContent[191] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE FROG AND THE MOUSE . More online.
Back when all the animals spoke the same language, the mouse became friends with a frog and invited him to dinner. The mouse then took the frog into a storeroom filled to the rafters with bread, meat, cheese, olives, and dried figs and said, 'Eat!' Since the mouse had shown him such warm hospitality, the frog said to the mouse, 'Now you must come to my place for dinner, so that I can show you some warm hospitality too.' The frog then led the mouse to the pond and said to him, 'Dive into the water!' The mouse said, 'But I don't know how to dive!' So the frog said, 'I will teach you.' He used a piece of string to tie the mouse's foot to his own and then jumped into the pond, dragging the mouse down with him. As the mouse was choking, he said, 'Even if I'm dead and you're still alive, I will get my revenge!' The frog then plunged down into the water, drowning the mouse. As the mouse's body floated to the surface of the water and drifted along, a raven grabbed hold of it together with the frog who was still tied to the mouse by the string. After the raven finished eating the mouse he then grabbed the frog. In this way the mouse got his revenge on the frog. " entryDate[192] = " 07/11/" + year entryContent[192] = " George Townsend (1887). The Hare and the Hound. More online.
A HOUND started a Hare from his lair, but after a long run, gave up the chase. A goat-herd seeing him stop, mocked him, saying 'The little one is the best runner of the two.' The Hound replied, 'You do not see the difference between us: I was only running for a dinner, but he for his life.' " entryDate[193] = " 07/12/" + year entryContent[193] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE MAN, HERMES AND THE AXES . More online.
A man was chopping wood by a certain river when he dropped his axe and it was carried away by the current. The man then sat down on the riverbank and began to weep. The god Hermes finally took pity on the man and appeared before him. When Hermes learned the reason for his sorrow, he brought up a golden axe and asked whether that was the man's axe. The man said that it was not his. A second time, Hermes brought up a silver axe, and again asked the man if this was the axe he had lost but the man said that it was not. The third time Hermes brought up the axe that the man had lost and when the man recognized his axe, Hermes rewarded the man's honesty by giving all of the axes to him as a gift. The man took the axes and went to tell his friends what had happened. One of the men was jealous and wanted to do the same thing, so he took his axe and went to the river. He began chopping some wood and then intentionally let his axe fall into the whirling waters. As he was weeping, Hermes appeared and asked him what had happened, and the man said that he had lost his axe. When Hermes brought up the golden axe and asked the man if that was the axe he had lost, the greedy man got excited and said that it was the one. Not only did the man fail to receive any gifts from the god, he didn't even retrieve his own axe. " entryDate[194] = " 07/13/" + year entryContent[194] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). A DOG AND A THIEF . More online.
As a Gang of Thieves were at work to rob a House, a Mastiff took the Alarum, and fell a barking: One of the Company spoke him fair, and would have stopt his Mouth with a Crust. No, says the Dog, this will not do, for several Reasons. First, I'll take no Bribes to betray my Master. Secondly, I am not such a Fool neither, as to sell the Ease and Liberty of my whole Life to come, for a piece of Bread in Hand: for when you have rifled my Master, pray who shall maintain me? " entryDate[195] = " 07/14/" + year entryContent[195] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE SHEEP, THE DOG AND THE WITNESSES . More online.
A dog made false accusations against the sheep, saying, 'You must give me back the bread which I gave you on loan.' This led to an argument, since the sheep insisted that she had never taken any bread from the dog. When they took the matter to court, the dog reportedly claimed to have witnesses. The wolf was brought in and he swore, 'I know that the sheep borrowed bread from the dog.' The kite was brought in and he swore, 'I saw the sheep take it.' As the hawk came in, he said to the sheep, 'Do you deny that you took it?' Defeated by these three false witness, the sheep was hard pressed to pay back the loan; in order to return what she had not borrowed, she was forced to fleece herself of her own wool and sell it. " entryDate[196] = " 07/15/" + year entryContent[196] = " George Townsend (1887). The Traveler and Fortune. More online.
A TRAVELER wearied from a long journey lay down, overcome with fatigue, on the very brink of a deep well. Just as he was about to fall into the water, Dame Fortune, it is said, appeared to him and waking him from his slumber thus addressed him: 'Good Sir, pray wake up: for if you fall into the well, the blame will be thrown on me, and I shall get an ill name among mortals; for I find that men are sure to impute their calamities to me, however much by their own folly they have really brought them on themselves.' " entryDate[197] = " 07/16/" + year entryContent[197] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE SNAKE AND THE WASP . More online.
A wasp landed on the head of a snake and began to harass him, stinging him again and again. As he was suffering from terrible pain but couldn't get rid of his enemy, the snake crawled into the road and looked for an oncoming wagon. He then put his head under the wheel as he said, 'I die together with my enemy!' " entryDate[198] = " 07/17/" + year entryContent[198] = " George Townsend (1887). The Lamp. More online.
A LAMP, soaked with too much oil and flaring brightly, boasted that it gave more light than the sun. Then a sudden puff of wind arose, and the Lamp was immediately extinguished. Its owner lit it again, and said: 'Boast no more, but henceforth be content to give thy light in silence. Know that not even the stars need to be relit' " entryDate[199] = " 07/18/" + year entryContent[199] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE FOX, THE MONKEY AND HIS ANCESTORS . More online.
A fox and a monkey were travelling along the same road. They passed through a cemetery, and the monkey said to the fox, 'All these dead people were the freedmen of my ancestors.' The fox then said to the monkey, 'This is an opportune moment for you to tell such lies: not a single one of the people entombed in this place can rise up and refute what you say!' " entryDate[200] = " 07/19/" + year entryContent[200] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). AN ASS, AN APE, AND A MOLE. More online.
An Ass and an Ape were conferring Grievances. The Ass complain'd mightily for want of a Horns, and the Ape was as much troubled for want of a Tail. Hold your Tongues both of ye, says the Mole, and be thankful for what you have, for the poor Moles are stark blind, and in a worse Condition than either of ye. " entryDate[201] = " 07/20/" + year entryContent[201] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE LEOPARD AND THE FOX . More online.
The leopard, renowned for his spots and the fine fur of his chest, went out into the fields together with the other animals. As the coats of the mighty lions were all one colour, the leopard quickly concluded that the lions must be a wretched species indeed. Scorning the rest of the animals for their slovenly appearance, the leopard considered himself to be the only true example of nobility among them. As the leopard was rejoicing in the novelty of his apparel, the sly fox criticized him sharply and showed how useless his markings were. 'Go ahead and put your faith in the excessive embellishment of your youth,' said the fox, 'so long as my intelligence is more attractive than yours: after all, mental endowments are more impressive than the glamour of good looks!'" entryDate[202] = " 07/21/" + year entryContent[202] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Horse, Hunter, and Stag. More online.
A quarrel had arisen between the Horse and the Stag, so the Horse came to a Hunter to ask his help to take revenge on the Stag. The Hunter agreed, but said: \"If you desire to conquer the Stag, you must permit me to place this piece of iron between your jaws, so that I may guide you with these reins, and allow this saddle to be placed upon your back so that I may keep steady upon you as we follow after the enemy.\" The Horse agreed to the conditions, and the Hunter soon saddled and bridled him. Then with the aid of the Hunter the Horse soon overcame the Stag, and said to the Hunter: \"Now, get off, and remove those things from my mouth and back.\" \"Not so fast, friend,\" said the Hunter. \"I have now got you under bit and spur, and prefer to keep you as you are at present.\" " entryDate[203] = " 07/22/" + year entryContent[203] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE RAVEN AND THE SWALLOW. More online.
The swallow and the raven were quarrelling with each other about who was more beautiful. The raven said to the swallow, 'Your beauty is seen only in the springtime, and when winter comes it cannot hold out against the cold. My physique, on the other hand, holds up admirably both during the cold of winter and the summer heat.' " entryDate[204] = " 07/23/" + year entryContent[204] = " George Townsend (1887). The Bull, the Lioness, and the Wild-Boar Hunter. More online.
A BULL finding a lion's cub asleep gored him to death with his horns. The Lioness came up, and bitterly lamented the death of her whelp. A wild-boar Hunter, seeing her distress, stood at a distance and said to her, 'Think how many men there are who have reason to lament the loss of their children, whose deaths have been caused by you.' " entryDate[205] = " 07/24/" + year entryContent[205] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE CRANE AND THE PEACOCK . More online.
The peacock kept waving his golden feathers back and forth while he argued with the grey-winged crane. The crane finally exclaimed, 'You may make fun of the colour of my wings, but I can rise on them up to the stars and high into the sky. You, on the other hand, can only flap those gilded feathers of yours down there on the ground, just like a rooster. You are never seen soaring up high in the sky!' " entryDate[206] = " 07/25/" + year entryContent[206] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). AN ASS AND AN UNGRATEFUL MASTER. More online.
A Poor Ass, that what with Age, Labour, and hard Burdens, was now worn out to the Stumps in the Service of an unmerciful Master, had the ill Hap one day to make a false Step, and fall down under his Load; his Driver runs up to him immediately, and beats him almost to death for't. This (says the Ass to himself) is according to the Course of the ungrateful World. One casual Slip is enough to weigh down the faithful and affectionate Service of a long Life. " entryDate[207] = " 07/26/" + year entryContent[207] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE DOVE AND THE CROW . More online.
A dove who lived in a certain dovecote was boasting about the number of children she had given birth to. The crow heard her and said, 'Stop your bragging! The more children you have, the greater the slavery you bring into the world!' " entryDate[208] = " 07/27/" + year entryContent[208] = " George Townsend (1887). The Hen and the Golden Eggs. More online.
A COTTAGER and his wife had a Hen that laid a golden egg every day. They supposed that the Hen must contain a great lump of gold in its inside, and in order to get the gold they killed it. Having done so, they found to their surprise that the Hen differed in no respect from their other hens. The foolish pair, thus hoping to become rich all at once, deprived themselves of the gain of which they were assured day by day. " entryDate[209] = " 07/28/" + year entryContent[209] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE SOW AND THE LIONESS . More online.
The story goes that a sow who had delivered a whole litter of piglets loudly accosted a lioness, 'How many children do you breed?' asked the sow. 'I breed only one,' said the lioness, 'but he is very well bred!' " entryDate[210] = " 07/29/" + year entryContent[210] = " George Townsend (1887). The Ass and the Frogs. More online.
AN ASS, carrying a load of wood, passed through a pond. As he was crossing through the water he lost his footing, stumbled and fell, and not being able to rise on account of his load, groaned heavily. Some Frogs frequenting the pool heard his lamentation, and said, 'What would you do if you had to live here always as we do, when you make such a fuss about a mere fall into the water?' " entryDate[211] = " 07/30/" + year entryContent[211] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE WASP AND THE BUTTERFLY . More online.
A butterfly noticed a wasp flying by and exclaimed, 'What an unfair turn of events this is! In our previous lifetimes, when we inhabited the bodies from whose mortal remains we received our souls, I was the one who spoke eloquently in times of peace and fought bravely in war, and I was first among my fellows in all of the arts! Yet look at me now, an utter frivolity, crumbling into ashes as I flutter here and there. You, on the other hand, were formerly a mule, a beast of burden, yet now you stab and wound anyone you want with your sting.' The wasp then uttered words that are worth repeating: 'It does not matter what we used to be: the important thing is what we are now!' " entryDate[212] = " 07/31/" + year entryContent[212] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). A DOG, A SHEEP, AND A WOLF. More online.
A Dog brought an Action of the Case against a Sheep, for some certain Measures of Wheat, that he had lent him. The Plaintiff prov'd the Debt by three positive Witnesses, the Wolf, the Kite, and the Vulture. (Testes probi et legales.) The Defendant was cast in Costs and Damages, and forc'd to sell the Wool off his Back to satisfy the Creditor. " entryDate[213] = " 08/01/" + year entryContent[213] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). DEMOSTHENES AND THE ATHENIANS . More online.
They say that during an assembly in Athens, Demosthenes was prevented from making his speech, so he told the audience he wanted to say just a few words. When the audience had fallen silent, Demosthenes began his tale. 'It was summertime, and a young man had hired a donkey to take him from Athens to Megara. At midday, when the sun was blazing hot, the young man and the donkey's driver both wanted to sit in the donkey's shadow. They began to jostle one another, fighting for the spot in the shade. The driver maintained that the man had rented the donkey but not his shadow, while the young man claimed that he had rented both the donkey and all the rights thereto.' Having told this much of the story, Demosthenes then turned his back on the audience and began to walk away. The Athenians shouted at him to stop and begged him to finish the story. 'Indeed!' said Demosthenes. 'You want to hear all about the donkey's shadow, but you refuse to pay attention when someone talks to you about serious matters!' " entryDate[214] = " 08/02/" + year entryContent[214] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Peacock and Juno. More online.
A Peacock once placed a petition before Juno desiring to have the voice of a nightingale in addition to his other attractions; but Juno refused his request. When he persisted, and pointed out that he was her favourite bird, she said: \"Be content with your lot; one cannot be first in everything.\" " entryDate[215] = " 08/03/" + year entryContent[215] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE LION AND THE MAN DISPUTING . More online.
A man and a lion were arguing about who was best, with each one seeking evidence in support of his claim. They came to a tombstone on which a man was shown in the act of strangling a lion, and the man offered this picture as evidence. The lion then replied, 'It was a man who painted this; if a lion had painted it, you would instead see a lion strangling a man. But let's look at some real evidence instead.' The lion then brought the man to the amphitheatre and showed him so he could see with his own eyes just how a lion strangles a man. The lion then concluded, 'A pretty picture is not proof: facts are the only real evidence!' " entryDate[216] = " 08/04/" + year entryContent[216] = " George Townsend (1887). The Trees and the Axe. More online.
A MAN came into a forest and asked the Trees to provide him a handle for his axe. The Trees consented to his request and gave him a young ash-tree. No sooner had the man fitted a new handle to his axe from it, than he began to use it and quickly felled with his strokes the noblest giants of the forest. An old oak, lamenting when too late the destruction of his companions, said to a neighboring cedar, 'The first step has lost us all. If we had not given up the rights of the ash, we might yet have retained our own privileges and have stood for ages.' " entryDate[217] = " 08/05/" + year entryContent[217] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE FIR TREE AND THE BRAMBLE BUSH . More online.
The fir tree and the bramble bush were quarrelling with one another. The fir tree sang her own praises at length. 'I am beautiful and attractively tall. I grow straight up, a neighbour to the clouds. I supply the hall's roof and the ship's keel. How can you compare yourself, you mere thorn, to such a tree as myself?' The bramble bush then said to the tree, 'Just remember the axes which are always chopping away at you! Then even you can understand that it is better to be a bramble bush.' " entryDate[218] = " 08/06/" + year entryContent[218] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). A COCK AND A DIAMOND. More online.
As a Cock was turning up a Dung-hill, he spy'd a Diamond. Well (he says to himself) this sparkling Foolery now to a Lapidary in my place, would have been the making of him; but as to any Use or Purpose of mine, a Barley-Corn had been worth forty on't. " entryDate[219] = " 08/07/" + year entryContent[219] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE OAK TREE AND THE REED . More online.
A reed got into an argument with an oak tree. The oak tree marvelled at her own strength, boasting that she could stand her own in a battle against the winds. Meanwhile, she condemned the reed for being weak, since he was naturally inclined to yield to every breeze. The wind then began to blow very fiercely. The oak tree was torn up by her roots and toppled over, while the reed was left bent but unharmed. " entryDate[220] = " 08/08/" + year entryContent[220] = " George Townsend (1887). The Crab and the Fox. More online.
A CRAB, forsaking the seashore, chose a neighboring green meadow as its feeding ground. A Fox came across him, and being very hungry ate him up. Just as he was on the point of being eaten, the Crab said, 'I well deserve my fate, for what business had I on the land, when by my nature and habits I am only adapted for the sea?' " entryDate[221] = " 08/09/" + year entryContent[221] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE OLIVE TREE AND THE FIG TREE . More online.
When a fig tree lost all her leaves during the winter, a nearby olive tree made fun of her nakedness. 'In both winter and summer,' the olive tree said, 'I am beautifully adorned with leaves, ever green with new life, whereas your beauty lasts only as long as the summer.' While the olive tree was boasting, a thunderbolt suddenly fell from the sky and burned her to cinders, while the fig tree stood there safe and sound. " entryDate[222] = " 08/10/" + year entryContent[222] = " George Townsend (1887). The Woman and Her Hen . More online.
A WOMAN possessed a Hen that gave her an egg every day. She often pondered how she might obtain two eggs daily instead of one, and at last, to gain her purpose, determined to give the Hen a double allowance of barley. From that day the Hen became fat and sleek, and never once laid another egg. " entryDate[223] = " 08/11/" + year entryContent[223] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE BOASTFUL MULE . More online.
A mule once happened to be eating the food of idleness in his manger. Feeling his oats, so to speak, he burst into a run, whinnying and shaking his head to and fro. 'My mother is a horse,' he shouted, 'and I am no worse at racing than she is!' But suddenly he drew to a halt and hung his head in shame, remembering that his father was only a donkey. " entryDate[224] = " 08/12/" + year entryContent[224] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). A FROG AND AN OXE. More online.
As a huge over-grown Oxe was grazing in a Meadow, an old envious Frog that stood gaping at him hard by, call'd out to her little ones, to take Notice of the Bulk of that monstrous Beast; and see, says she, if I don't make myself now the bigger of the two. So she strain'd once, and twice, and went still swelling on and on, till in the Conclusion she forc'd herself, and burst. " entryDate[225] = " 08/13/" + year entryContent[225] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE BOASTFUL ATHLETE . More online.
There was a man who had been away on a journey and had then come back home. He strutted about town, talking loudly and at great length about the brave deeds he had accomplished in the various lands he had visited. In Rhodes, the man said, he had jumped such a long jump that no man alive could equal it, and he claimed that there were witnesses who could back up his story. A bystander then remarked, 'Alright! If you're telling the truth, here is your Rhodes: go on and jump!' " entryDate[226] = " 08/14/" + year entryContent[226] = " George Townsend (1887). The Ass and the Old Shepherd. More online.
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?' " entryDate[227] = " 08/15/" + year entryContent[227] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE BOASTFUL LAMP . More online.
There was a lamp drunk on his own oil who boasted one evening to everyone present that he was brighter than the Morning Star and that his splendour shone more conspicuously than anything else in the world. A sudden puff of wind blew in the lamp's direction, and its breath extinguished his light. A man lit the lamp once again and said to him, 'Shine, lamp, and be silent! The splendour of the stars is not ever extinguished.'" entryDate[228] = " 08/16/" + year entryContent[228] = " George Townsend (1887). The Wolves and the Sheepdogs . More online.
THE WOLVES thus addressed the Sheepdogs: 'Why should you, who are like us in so many things, not be entirely of one mind with us, and live with us as brothers should? We differ from you in one point only. We live in freedom, but you bow down to and slave for men, who in return for your services flog you with whips and put collars on your necks. They make you also guard their sheep, and while they eat the mutton throw only the bones to you. If you will be persuaded by us, you will give us the sheep, and we will enjoy them in common, till we all are surfeited.' The Dogs listened favorably to these proposals, and, entering the den of the Wolves, they were set upon and torn to pieces. " entryDate[229] = " 08/17/" + year entryContent[229] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE DOG AND HIS BELL . More online.
There was a dog who used to sneak up and bite people. His master forged a bell for the dog and tied it onto him so that everyone would know when he was coming. The dog then paraded about the marketplace, shaking his bell back and forth. An old dog said to him, 'You wretched creature! Why are you so proud of yourself? This is not a decoration for bravery or good behaviour. You are shamefully beating the drum of your own evil deeds!' " entryDate[230] = " 08/18/" + year entryContent[230] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). A BAT AND A WEAZLE. More online.
A Weazle had seiz'd upon a Bat, and the Bat begg'd for Life. No, no, says the Weazle, I give no Quarter to Birds. Ah, (says the Bat) but I am a Mouse you see; look on my Body else: And so she got off for that Bout. The same Bat had the Fortune to be taken a-while by another Weazle; and there the poor Bat was forc'd to beg for Mercy once again. No, says the Weazle, no Mercy to a Mouse. Well (says t'other) but you may see by my Wings that I'm a Bird; and so the Bat scap'd in both Capacities, by playing the Trimmer. " entryDate[231] = " 08/19/" + year entryContent[231] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE BULL AND THE BULLOCK . More online.
There was a bullock who had been turned loose in the fields without ever having borne the burden of the yoke. When he saw a hard-working bull who was pulling a plow, the bullock said to him, 'You poor thing! What a lot of hard work you have to endure!' The bull made no reply and continued pulling the plow. Later on, when the people were about to make a sacrifice to the gods, the old bull was unyoked and led out to pasture, while the young bullock who had never done any work was dragged away by a rope that they had tied to his horns. Seeing that the young bullock was doomed to pour his blood out upon the altar, the old bull then said to him, 'This is the reason why you were not required to do any work. Although you are young, you are setting out on this journey ahead of your elders: you are going to be sacrificed, and your neck is going to chafe not under the yoke, but under the axe!' " entryDate[232] = " 08/20/" + year entryContent[232] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Fox and the Lion. More online.
When first the Fox saw the Lion he was terribly frightened, and ran away and hid himself in the wood. Next time however he came near the King of Beasts he stopped at a safe distance and watched him pass by. The third time they came near one another the Fox went straight up to the Lion and passed the time of day with him, asking him how his family were, and when he should have the pleasure of seeing him again; then turning his tail, he parted from the Lion without much ceremony. " entryDate[233] = " 08/21/" + year entryContent[233] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE PEACOCK ELECTED KING OF THE BIRDS . More online.
There were once some birds who gathered together for a group assembly and debated amongst themselves who was best suited to rule. The peacock said to the other birds, 'The kingship suits me best, since I am remarkably beautiful and in the prime of life.' While the rest of the birds were satisfied with the peacock, the raven made his way into their midst and protested, 'Tell me, if you become king, what is going to happen when the eagle attacks us: are you strong enough to rescue us from his assault?' " entryDate[234] = " 08/22/" + year entryContent[234] = " George Townsend (1887). The Bowman and Lion. More online.
A VERY SKILLFUL BOWMAN went to the mountains in search of game, but all the beasts of the forest fled at his approach. The Lion alone challenged him to combat. The Bowman immediately shot out an arrow and said to the Lion: 'I send thee my messenger, that from him thou mayest learn what I myself shall be when I assail thee.' The wounded Lion rushed away in great fear, and when a Fox who had seen it all happen told him to be of good courage and not to back off at the first attack he replied: 'You counsel me in vain; for if he sends so fearful a messenger, how shall I abide the attack of the man himself?' " entryDate[235] = " 08/23/" + year entryContent[235] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE RAM AND THE WOLF . More online.
A wolf was walking by a wall, while a ram was peeping over the top, making all kinds of rude remarks. The wolf, gnashing his teeth, replied, 'It is only your situation that makes these insults possible. You yourself have nothing to boast about!' " entryDate[236] = " 08/24/" + year entryContent[236] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). A BAT, BIRDS AND BEASTS . More online.
Upon a desperate and a double Battel betwixt the Birds and the Beasts, the Bat stood Neuter, till she found that the Beasts had the better on't, and then went over to the stronger Side. But it came to pass afterward (as the Chance of War is various) that the Birds rally'd their broken Troops, and carry'd the Day; and away she went then to t'other Party, where she was try'd by a Council of War as a Deserter; stript, banish'd, and finally condemn'd never to see Day-light again. " entryDate[237] = " 08/25/" + year entryContent[237] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE FLY AND THE MULE . More online.
A fly alighted on a wagon pole and began to harass the mule. 'You are moving so slowly!' she said, 'Can't you walk any faster than this? Watch out, or I will pierce your neck with my sting!' The mule replied, 'I don't care what you say: the only thing that scares me is that man who sits up there in front regulating my pace with his pliant whip and keeping my head in check with the foaming bit. I've had enough of you and your silly boasting: I know full well when I am supposed go slowly and when I am supposed to run!' " entryDate[238] = " 08/26/" + year entryContent[238] = " George Townsend (1887). The Wasp and the Snake. More online.
A WASP seated himself upon the head of a Snake and, striking him unceasingly with his stings, wounded him to death. The Snake, being in great torment and not knowing how to rid himself of his enemy, saw a wagon heavily laden with wood, and went and purposely placed his head under the wheels, saying, 'At least my enemy and I shall perish together.' " entryDate[239] = " 08/27/" + year entryContent[239] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE GNAT AND THE CAMEL . More online.
A gnat happened to land on the back of a camel and lingered there on top of the baggage. When he finally decided to disembark, he said, 'I will let myself down now as fast as I can so as not to burden you any longer, weighed down as you are.' 'Much obliged,' said the camel, 'but I was not even aware that you had landed, and your departure is not going to lighten my load.' " entryDate[240] = " 08/28/" + year entryContent[240] = " George Townsend (1887). The Dog and the Hare. More online.
A HOUND having started a Hare on the hillside pursued her for some distance, at one time biting her with his teeth as if he would take her life, and at another fawning upon her, as if in play with another dog. The Hare said to him, 'I wish you would act sincerely by me, and show yourself in your true colors. If you are a friend, why do you bite me so hard? If an enemy, why do you fawn on me?' " entryDate[241] = " 08/29/" + year entryContent[241] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE FLEA AND THE OX . More online.
A flea once asked an ox, 'Given that you are so exceedingly large and strong, why do you suffer this enslavement to people day after day? Look at me: I lacerate their flesh without pity, drinking great gulps of their blood!' The ox said, 'I cannot help but be grateful to the human race, since I am cherished and loved by them to an extraordinary degree, and since they often rub my forehead and shoulders.' The flea admitted, 'Woe is me! This rubbing of which you are so fond is the worst thing that can happen to me: when they do that, I die.' " entryDate[242] = " 08/30/" + year entryContent[242] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). A STAG DRINKING. More online.
As a Stag was drinking upon the Bank of a clear Stream, he saw his Image in the Water, and enter'd into this Contemplation upon't. Well! Says he, if these pitiful Shanks of mine were but answerable to this branching Head, I can't but think how I should defy all my Enemies. The Words were hardly out of his Mouth, but he discover'd a pack of Dogs coming full Cry towards him. Away he scours cross the Fields, casts off the Dogs, and gains a Wood; but pressing thro' a Thicket, the Bushes held him by the Hors, till the Hounds came in and pluck'd him down. The last thing he said was this. What an unhappy Fool was I, to take my Friends for my Enemies, and my Enemies for my Friends! I trusted to my Head, that has betray'd me; and I found fault with my Legs, that would have otherwise brought me off. " entryDate[243] = " 08/31/" + year entryContent[243] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE SHEPHERD AND THE LION . More online.
A shepherd had lost one of his sheep and begged the god for help. The man vowed that if he succeeded in finding the sheep, he would offer up another sheep to the god as a sacrifice. As he wandered about, he saw the carcass of the missing sheep chewed to pieces by a lion, and then the man began to pray, 'O god, if I can just escape the threat of this wild animal, I will offer up yet another sheep as ransom for my life!' " entryDate[244] = " 09/01/" + year entryContent[244] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Lion and the Statue. More online.
A Man and a Lion were discussing the relative strength of men and lions in general. The Man contended that he and his fellows were stronger than lions by reason of their greater intelligence. \"Come now with me,\" he cried, \"and I will soon prove that I am right.\" So he took him into the public gardens and showed him a statue of Hercules overcoming the Lion and tearing his mouth in two. \"That is all very well,\" said the Lion, \"but proves nothing, for it was a man who made the statue.\" " entryDate[245] = " 09/02/" + year entryContent[245] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE HUNTER AND THE LION . More online.
A not very brave hunter was following the tracks of a lion in the deep dark woods of the mountain. When he came across a woodcutter near a large pine tree he said, 'In the name of the nymphs, have you noticed the tracks of a lion lurking in these parts?' The woodcutter replied, 'The gods must be with you! You have come in the nick of time: I can show you the lion himself at this very moment.' The hunter turned pale and his teeth began to chatter. 'It is very kind of you to do so much more than I asked,' said the hunter. 'Let's talk about the tracks, but please, don't show me the lion!' " entryDate[246] = " 09/03/" + year entryContent[246] = " George Townsend (1887). The Stag, the Wolf, and the Sheep. More online.
A STAG asked a Sheep to lend him a measure of wheat, and said that the Wolf would be his surety. The Sheep, fearing some fraud was intended, excused herself, saying, 'The Wolf is accustomed to seize what he wants and to run off; and you, too, can quickly outstrip me in your rapid flight. How then shall I be able to find you, when the day of payment comes?' " entryDate[247] = " 09/04/" + year entryContent[247] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE HORSE AND THE GOATS . More online.
There were three goats who saw a terrified horse running away from a lion. The goats made fun of the horse, and the horse replied, 'O you hopeless fools, if only you knew who was chasing me! Then you would be just as terrified as I am.' " entryDate[248] = " 09/05/" + year entryContent[248] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). AN AX AND A FOREST. More online.
A Carpenter that had got the iron Work of an Ax already, went to the next Forest to beg only so much Wood as would make a Handle to't. The Matter seem'd so small, that the Request was easily granted; but when the timber Trees came to find that the whole Wood was to be cut down by the Help of this Handle; There's no Remedy, they cry'd, but Patience, when People are undone by their own Folly. " entryDate[249] = " 09/06/" + year entryContent[249] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE TORTOISE AND THE HARE . More online.
The hare laughed at the tortoise's feet but the tortoise declared, 'I will beat you in a race!' The hare replied, 'Those are just words. Race with me, and you'll see! Who will mark out the track and serve as our umpire?' 'The fox,' replied the tortoise, 'since she is honest and highly intelligent.' When the time for the race had been decided upon, the tortoise did not delay, but immediately took off down the race course. The hare, however, lay down to take a nap, confident in the speed of his feet. Then, when the hare eventually made his way to the finish line, he found that the tortoise had already won. " entryDate[250] = " 09/07/" + year entryContent[250] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Fox and the Cat. More online.
A Fox was boasting to a Cat of its clever devices for escaping its enemies. \"I have a whole bag of tricks,\" he said, \"which contains a hundred ways of escaping my enemies.\" \"I have only one,\" said the Cat; \"but I can generally manage with that.\" Just at that moment they heard the cry of a pack of hounds coming towards them, and the Cat immediately scampered up a tree and hid herself in the boughs. \"This is my plan,\" said the Cat. \"What are you going to do?\" The Fox thought first of one way, then of another, and while he was debating the hounds came nearer and nearer, and at last the Fox in his confusion was caught up by the hounds and soon killed by the huntsmen. Miss Puss, who had been looking on, said: \"Better one safe way than a hundred on which you cannot reckon.\" " entryDate[251] = " 09/08/" + year entryContent[251] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE MONKEY ELECTED KING OF THE ANIMALS . More online.
At an assembly of the dumb beasts, the monkey did a dance. The performance was a great success and the animals elected the monkey to be their king. But the fox was jealous of the monkey, so when she saw some meat lying in a trap, she led the monkey there and told him that she had found a treasure. The fox explained that she had not taken it for herself because of the king's prerogative. Instead, she had guarded this royal prize just for him. She then told the monkey to go ahead and take it. The monkey recklessly put his hand in the trap and was caught. When he accused the fox of luring him into an ambush, the fox replied, 'O you monkey! How can you rule over the dumb beasts when you yourself are such an idiot?' " entryDate[252] = " 09/09/" + year entryContent[252] = " George Townsend (1887). The Peacock and the Crane. More online.
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.' " entryDate[253] = " 09/10/" + year entryContent[253] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE FISHERMAN AND THE FISH . More online.
A fisherman was pulling in the net which he had just cast and, as luck would have it, the net was filled with all kinds of sea creatures. The little fish escaped to the bottom of the net and slipped out through its many holes, but the big fish was caught and lay stretched out flat aboard the boat. " entryDate[254] = " 09/11/" + year entryContent[254] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). A TREE AND A WEDGE. More online.
A Workman was cutting down a Tree to make Wedges of it. Well! says the Tree, I cannot but be extreamly troubled at the Thought of what I am now a doing; and I do not so much complain neither, of the Ax that does the Execution, as of the Man that guides it; but it is Misery that I am to be destroy'd by the Fruit of my own Body. " entryDate[255] = " 09/12/" + year entryContent[255] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE BULL AND THE MOUSE . More online.
A bull was bitten by a mouse. Smarting from the sting, the bull began to chase the mouse but the mouse was too quick for him and managed to hide in the depths of his mouse hole. The bull came to a halt and dug his horns into the walls until finally he sank down in exhaustion and went to sleep right there in front of the hole. The mouse peeped out from inside his hole, crept up on the bull, bit him again, and ran back inside his hole. The bull leaped to his feet but he had no idea what to do. 'It's not always the big one who has the power,' said the mouse, 'in some cases being humble and small is a strength!' " entryDate[256] = " 09/13/" + year entryContent[256] = " George Townsend (1887). The Hare and the Tortoise. More online.
A HARE one day ridiculed the short feet and slow pace of the Tortoise, who replied, laughing: 'Though you be swift as the wind, I will beat you in a race.' The Hare, believing her assertion to be simply impossible, assented to the proposal; and they agreed that the Fox should choose the course and fix the goal. On the day appointed for the race the two started together. The Tortoise never for a moment stopped, but went on with a slow but steady pace straight to the end of the course. The Hare, lying down by the wayside, fell fast asleep. At last waking up, and moving as fast as he could, he saw the Tortoise had reached the goal, and was comfortably dozing after her fatigue. " entryDate[257] = " 09/14/" + year entryContent[257] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE DOVES AND THE KITE . More online.
The doves kept having to run away from the kite, eluding death on the swiftness of their wings. The rapacious kite then decided to try some deceptive advice, fooling the defenceless flock by means of a trick. 'Why do you prefer this anxious way of life,' he asked, 'when instead you could strike up an agreement with me and make me your king, so that I would keep you safe from all possible danger?' The doves were persuaded by the kite's advice and turned themselves over to his care. But as soon as he was made king, the kite began to feast on his subjects one by one, wielding supreme authority with the fierceness of his talons. Then one of the survivors said, 'This is the punishment we deserve, since we put our lives in the hands of this thieving villain!' " entryDate[258] = " 09/15/" + year entryContent[258] = " George Townsend (1887). The Fox and the Hedgehog . More online.
A FOX swimming across a rapid river was carried by the force of the current into a very deep ravine, where he lay for a long time very much bruised, sick, and unable to move. A swarm of hungry blood-sucking flies settled upon him. A Hedgehog, passing by, saw his anguish and inquired if he should drive away the flies that were tormenting him. 'By no means,' replied the Fox; 'pray do not molest them.' 'How is this?' said the Hedgehog; 'do you not want to be rid of them?' 'No,' returned the Fox, 'for these flies which you see are full of blood, and sting me but little, and if you rid me of these which are already satiated, others more hungry will come in their place, and will drink up all the blood I have left.' " entryDate[259] = " 09/16/" + year entryContent[259] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE MUSICIAN AT HOME . More online.
There was once a musician who had no talent whatsoever but he played his lyre in a room that had thick plaster upon the walls so when he heard the echoing sound, he concluded that he must be an excellent musician indeed. Puffed up with pride, he decided to perform on the stage. But when he made his debut at the theatre, his performance was so dreadful that the audience threw stones at him, driving him off the stage. " entryDate[260] = " 09/17/" + year entryContent[260] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). A FOX AND A WEAZLE. More online.
A slim thin-gutted Fox made a hard shift to wriggle his Body into a Hen-roost, and when he had stuff'd his Guts well, he squeez'd hard to get out again, but the Hole was too little for him. There was a Weazle a pretty way off, that stood leering at him all this while. Brother Reynard (says he) your Belly was empty when you went in, and you must e'en stay till your Belly be empty again, before you come out. " entryDate[261] = " 09/18/" + year entryContent[261] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE BEAUTY CONTEST OF THE ANIMALS . More online.
Zeus had decided to award prizes to the most beautiful animal babies so he inspected each and every one of them in order to reach a decision. The monkey also participated, claiming to be the mother of a very beautiful baby: a naked, snub-nosed little monkey whom she cradled in her arms. When the gods took a look at that monkey, they all started to laugh but his mother insisted, 'The winner is for Zeus to decide! But in my eyes this one is the most beautiful of all.' " entryDate[262] = " 09/19/" + year entryContent[262] = " George Townsend (1887). The Hart and the Vine. More online.
A HART, hard pressed in the chase, hid himself beneath the large leaves of a Vine. The huntsmen, in their haste, overshot the place of his concealment. Supposing all danger to have passed, the Hart began to nibble the tendrils of the Vine. One of the huntsmen, attracted by the rustling of the leaves, looked back, and seeing the Hart, shot an arrow from his bow and struck it. The Hart, at the point of death, groaned: 'I am rightly served, for I should not have maltreated the Vine that saved me.' " entryDate[263] = " 09/20/" + year entryContent[263] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE FOX AND THE GRAPES . More online.
Driven by hunger, a fox tried to reach some grapes hanging high on the vine. Although she leaped with all her strength, she couldn't manage to reach the grapes. As she went away, the fox remarked, 'Oh, you aren't even ripe yet! I don't need any sour grapes.' " entryDate[264] = " 09/21/" + year entryContent[264] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing. More online.
A Wolf found great difficulty in getting at the sheep owing to the vigilance of the shepherd and his dogs. But one day it found the skin of a sheep that had been flayed and thrown aside, so it put it on over its own pelt and strolled down among the sheep. The Lamb that belonged to the sheep, whose skin the Wolf was wearing, began to follow the Wolf in the Sheep's clothing; so, leading the Lamb a little apart, he soon made a meal off her, and for some time he succeeded in deceiving the sheep, and enjoying hearty meals. " entryDate[265] = " 09/22/" + year entryContent[265] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE RIVERS AND THE SEA . More online.
The rivers came together in order to make a complaint against the sea. They told her, 'Why is it that we come to you with waters that are sweet and fit to drink, but you change them into something salty and undrinkable?' In response to the rivers' criticism, the sea replied, 'Don't come, and you won't get salty!' " entryDate[266] = " 09/23/" + year entryContent[266] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). A BOAR AND A HORSE. More online.
A Boar happened to be wallowing in the Water where a Horse was going to drink, and there grew a Quarrel upon't. The Horse went presently to a Man, to assist him in his Revenge. They agreed upon the Conditions, and the Man immediately arm'd himself, and mounted the Horse, who carried him to the Boar, and had the Satisfaction of seeing his Enemy kill'd before his Face. The Horse thank'd the Cavalier for his Kindness, but as he was just about to take leave, the Man said he should have further occasion for him, and so order'd him to be ty'd up in the Stable. The Horse came by this time to understand, that his Liberty was gone, and no help for't, and that he had paid dear for his Revenge. " entryDate[267] = " 09/24/" + year entryContent[267] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE STAG AND HIS REFLECTION . More online.
A stag had grown thirsty and went to a spring in order to drink some water. When he saw the reflection of his body in the water, he disparaged the slenderness of his legs but revelled in the shape and size of his horns. All of a sudden, some hunters appeared and began to chase him. As the stag ran along the level ground of the plain, he outdistanced his pursuers and beat them to the marsh by the river. Without thinking about what he was doing, the stag kept on going, but his horns became tangled in the overhanging branches and he was captured by the hunters. The stag groaned and said, 'Woe is me, wretched creature that I am! The thing that I disparaged could have saved me while I have been destroyed by the very thing I boasted about.' " entryDate[268] = " 09/25/" + year entryContent[268] = " George Townsend (1887). The Crow and the Pitcher. More online.
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. " entryDate[269] = " 09/26/" + year entryContent[269] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE DOG, THE MEAT AND THE REFLECTION . More online.
A dog seized some meat from the butcher shop and ran away with it until he came to a river. When the dog was crossing the river, he saw the reflection of the meat in the water, and it seemed much larger than the meat he was carrying. He dropped his own piece of meat in order to try to snatch at the reflection. When the reflection disappeared, the dog went to grab the meat he had dropped but he was not able to find it anywhere, since a passing raven had immediately snatched the meat and gobbled it up. The dog lamented his sorry condition and said, 'Woe is me! I foolishly abandoned what I had in order to grab at a phantom, and thus I ended up losing both that phantom and what I had to begin with.' " entryDate[270] = " 09/27/" + year entryContent[270] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Dog in the Manger . More online.
A Dog looking out for its afternoon nap jumped into the Manger of an Ox and lay there cosily upon the straw. But soon the Ox, returning from its afternoon work, came up to the Manger and wanted to eat some of the straw. The Dog in a rage, being awakened from its slumber, stood up and barked at the Ox, and whenever it came near attempted to bite it. At last the Ox had to give up the hope of getting at the straw, and went away muttering: \"Ah, people often grudge others what they cannot enjoy themselves.\" " entryDate[271] = " 09/28/" + year entryContent[271] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE FOX, THE MOON AND THE RIVER . More online.
A fox was out walking one night next to a river. She saw the light of the moon reflected in the water and mistook it for a piece of cheese. The fox started to lap at the water, thinking that if she could drink up all the water, she would find the cheese in the dry riverbed. The fox lapped and lapped at the water until finally she choked and died. " entryDate[272] = " 09/29/" + year entryContent[272] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). A DOG AND A SHADOW. More online.
As a dog was crossing a River with a Morsel of good Flesh in his Mouth, he saw (as he thought) another Dog under the Water upon the very same Adventure. He never consider'd that the one was only the Image of the other, but out of a Greediness to get both, he chops at the Shadow, and loses the Substance. " entryDate[273] = " 09/30/" + year entryContent[273] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE WOLF AND HIS SHADOW . More online.
There was once a wolf who went wandering in the desert as the sun was sinking and about to set. Seeing his long shadow, the wolf exclaimed, 'Should someone as great as myself be afraid of a lion? I'm a hundred feet tall! Clearly I should be the king of all the animals in the world!' As the wolf was boasting, a mighty lion seized and devoured him. Realizing his mistake after the fact, the wolf exclaimed, 'My self-conceit has been my undoing!' " entryDate[274] = " 10/01/" + year entryContent[274] = " George Townsend (1887). The Two Frogs. More online.
TWO FROGS were neighbors. One inhabited a deep pond, far removed from public view; the other lived in a gully containing little water, and traversed by a country road. The Frog that lived in the pond warned his friend to change his residence and entreated him to come and live with him, saying that he would enjoy greater safety from danger and more abundant food. The other refused, saying that he felt it so very hard to leave a place to which he had become accustomed. A few days afterwards a heavy wagon passed through the gully and crushed him to death under its wheels. " entryDate[275] = " 10/02/" + year entryContent[275] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE DOG IN WINTER AND SUMMER . More online.
It was winter time and the dog was lying all curled up in a ball because of the cold. This made him think about building a house, but when summer came, he was once again able to sleep stretched out at full length. In fact, the dog was so impressed by his own size that he decided not to build himself a house after all, seeing as it would be no small job to make a house big enough to fit him. " entryDate[276] = " 10/03/" + year entryContent[276] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Man and the Wooden God. More online.
In the old days men used to worship stocks and stones and idols, and prayed to them to give them luck. It happened that a Man had often prayed to a wooden idol he had received from his father, but his luck never seemed to change. He prayed and he prayed, but still he remained as unlucky as ever. One day in the greatest rage he went to the Wooden God, and with one blow swept it down from its pedestal. The idol broke in two, and what did he see? An immense number of coins flying all over the place. " entryDate[277] = " 10/04/" + year entryContent[277] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE FOX AND THE LION . More online.
The fox had never seen a lion before, so when she happened to met the lion for the first time she all but died of fright. The second time she saw him, she was still afraid, but not as much as before. The third time, the fox was bold enough to go right up to the lion and speak to him. " entryDate[278] = " 10/05/" + year entryContent[278] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). A CAT AND VENUS . More online.
A young Fellow that was passionately in Love with a Cat made it his humble Suit to Venus to turn Puss into a Woman. The Transformation was wrought in the twinkling of an Eye, and out she comes, a very bucksome Lass. The doating Sot took her home to his Bed; and bad fair for a Litter of Kittens by her that Night: But as the loving Couple lay snugging together, a Toy took Venus in the Head, to try if the Cat had chang'd her Manners with her Shape; and so for Experiment, turn'd a Mouse loose into the Chamber. The Cat, upon this Temptation, started out of the Bed, and without any regard to the Marriage-Joys, made a leap at the Mouse, which Venus took for so high an Affront, that she turn'd the Madam into a Puss again. " entryDate[279] = " 10/06/" + year entryContent[279] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE LION AND THE FROG . More online.
A lion heard a frog croaking loudly and turned towards the sound, thinking that this must be the sound of some huge beast. After a while, the lion saw the frog come up out of the swamp. He went over to the frog and as he crushed him underfoot, the lion said, 'No one should be worried about a sound before the thing itself has been examined.' " entryDate[280] = " 10/07/" + year entryContent[280] = " George Townsend (1887). The Jackdaw and the Doves . More online.
A JACKDAW, seeing some Doves in a cote abundantly provided with food, painted himself white and joined them in order to share their plentiful maintenance. The Doves, as long as he was silent, supposed him to be one of themselves and admitted him to their cote. But when one day he forgot himself and began to chatter, they discovered his true character and drove him forth, pecking him with their beaks. Failing to obtain food among the Doves, he returned to the Jackdaws. They too, not recognizing him on account of his color. expelled him from living with them. So desiring two ends, he obtained neither. " entryDate[281] = " 10/08/" + year entryContent[281] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE SHEPHERD AND THE SEA . More online.
There was a shepherd tending his flocks in a place beside the sea. When he saw that the sea was calm and mild, he decided that he wanted to make a voyage. He sold his flocks and bought some dates which he loaded onto a ship. He then set sail, but a fierce storm blew up and capsized the ship. The shepherd lost everything and barely managed to get to shore. Later on, when the sea had grown calm again, the shepherd saw a man on the beach praising the sea for her tranquillity. The shepherd remarked, 'That's just because she's after your dates!' " entryDate[282] = " 10/09/" + year entryContent[282] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Fisher. More online.
A Fisher once took his bagpipes to the bank of a river, and played upon them with the hope of making the fish rise; but never a one put his nose out of the water. So he cast his net into the river and soon drew it forth filled with fish. Then he took his bagpipes again, and, as he played, the fish leapt up in the net. \"Ah, you dance now when I play,\" said he. \"Yes,\" said an old Fish: \"When you are in a man's power you must do as he bids you.\" " entryDate[283] = " 10/10/" + year entryContent[283] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE STAKE AND THE WALL . More online.
A wall who was being gouged by a stake exclaimed, 'Hey! Why are you making this gash in me, when I never did you any harm?' The stake answered, 'It's not my fault! Blame the man who is pounding me so hard from behind.' " entryDate[284] = " 10/11/" + year entryContent[284] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). A FATHER AND HIS SONS. More online.
It was the Hap of a very honest Man to be the Father of a contentious Brood of Children. He call'd for a Rod, and bad ‘em take it, and try one after another with all their Force, if they could break it. They try'd, and could not. Well (says he) unbind it now, and take every Twig of it apart, and see what you can do that Way. They did so, and with great ease, by one and one, and they snap'd it all to pieces. This (says he) is the true Emblem of your Condition: Keep together and y'are safe, divide and y'are undone. " entryDate[285] = " 10/12/" + year entryContent[285] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE DONKEY WHO CARRIED THE GOD . More online.
A man had placed a carved image on his donkey and was leading him along. Many people bowed down when they met them along the way. The donkey grew arrogant, thinking that the country folk were bowing down before him, so he began to leap and prance. As he did so, the donkey almost threw the image of the god from his back. The donkey's master beat him with a stick and said, 'You are a donkey carrying a god on your back, but that does not mean you deserve to be worshipped as a god!' " entryDate[286] = " 10/13/" + year entryContent[286] = " George Townsend (1887). The Horse and the Stag . More online.
AT ONE TIME the Horse had the plain entirely to himself. Then a Stag intruded into his domain and shared his pasture. The Horse, desiring to revenge himself on the stranger, asked a man if he were willing to help him in punishing the Stag. The man replied that if the Horse would receive a bit in his mouth and agree to carry him, he would contrive effective weapons against the Stag. The Horse consented and allowed the man to mount him. From that hour he found that instead of obtaining revenge on the Stag, he had enslaved himself to the service of man. " entryDate[287] = " 10/14/" + year entryContent[287] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE PIECE OF DRIFTWOOD . More online.
Some men were making their way along the beach and reached a lookout point. From there, they could see a piece of driftwood floating far off in the distance, and they thought that it must be an enormous ship. They waited for a long time, thinking that the ship would put in to shore nearby. As the driftwood was blown closer to shore by the wind, they kept on waiting, but they no longer thought it was a great ship as before; they were now expecting some kind of smaller boat. As it was carried in even closer, they saw that it was just a piece of driftwood. The men then said to one another, 'How foolish of us! We had high expectations for something that was actually nothing.' " entryDate[288] = " 10/15/" + year entryContent[288] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Shepherd's Boy. More online.
There was once a young Shepherd Boy who tended his sheep at the foot of a mountain near a dark forest. It was rather lonely for him all day, so he thought upon a plan by which he could get a little company and some excitement. He rushed down towards the village calling out \"Wolf, Wolf,\" and the villagers came out to meet him, and some of them stopped with him for a considerable time. This pleased the boy so much that a few days afterwards he tried the same trick, and again the villagers came to his help. But shortly after this a Wolf actually did come out from the forest, and began to worry the sheep, and the boy of course cried out \"Wolf, Wolf,\" still louder than before. But this time the villagers, who had been fooled twice before, thought the boy was again deceiving them, and nobody stirred to come to his help. So the Wolf made a good meal off the boy's flock, and when the boy complained, the wise man of the village said: \"A liar will not be believed, even when he speaks the truth.\" " entryDate[289] = " 10/16/" + year entryContent[289] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE MONK AND THE ABBOTS . More online.
A certain abbot gave his monks three-course meals but the monks said, 'This abbot gives us too little to eat. Let us pray to God that he will die soon.' Whether for this reason or for some other reason, the abbot soon died. He was replaced by another abbot, and this new abbot gave them two-course meals. The monks were angry and upset, so they said 'Now we must pray even harder that God will deprive this man of his life, because he has deprived us of one of our courses.' The abbot then died. He was replaced by a third abbot, who took away yet another course. The angry monks said, 'This one is the worst of all: he is starving us to death! Let us pray to God that he will die soon.' Then one of the monks said, 'Meanwhile, I will pray to God that he give this abbot a long life and keep him safe on our behalf.' The others were surprised and asked him why he said this. The monk explained, 'I see that our first abbot was bad, the second one worse, and this third abbot is the worst of all. I am afraid that when this one dies, he will be replaced by one who is even worse, and then we really will die of starvation!' " entryDate[290] = " 10/17/" + year entryContent[290] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). A TRUMPETER TAKEN PRISONER. More online.
Upon the Rout of an Army there was a Trumpeter made a Prisoner, and as the Soldiers were about to cut his Throat, Gentlemen (says he) Why should you kill a Man that kills No-body? You shall die rather for that, cries the one of the Company, for being so mean a Rascal, as to set other People together by the ears without fighting for your self. " entryDate[291] = " 10/18/" + year entryContent[291] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE WOLF AND THE NURSE . More online.
There was a rustic nurse whose baby kept on crying, so she made the following threat: 'Be quiet, or else I will throw you to the wolf!' A wolf heard this and took the woman's words literally, so he sat there, waiting as if dinner were about to be served. At evening time the baby finally fell asleep, so the wolf went away hungry, his mouth gaping open, after having waited with high hopes for something that was never going to happen. When he got home, the she-wolf asked him, 'Why have you come back home without bringing anything? You always used to bring something with you!' The wolf said in reply, 'How could it be otherwise, since I believed the words of a woman?' " entryDate[292] = " 10/19/" + year entryContent[292] = " George Townsend (1887). The Kid and the Wolf. More online.
A KID, returning without protection from the pasture, was pursued by a Wolf. Seeing he could not escape, he turned round, and said: 'I know, friend Wolf, that I must be your prey, but before I die I would ask of you one favor you will play me a tune to which I may dance.' The Wolf complied, and while he was piping and the Kid was dancing, some hounds hearing the sound ran up and began chasing the Wolf. Turning to the Kid, he said, 'It is just what I deserve; for I, who am only a butcher, should not have turned piper to please you.' " entryDate[293] = " 10/20/" + year entryContent[293] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE KITE AND THE PARTRIDGES . More online.
One day the kite happened to consider his wings and feet and talons. 'Indeed,' he exclaimed, 'Am I not just as well armed as the hawk and the falcon? Look at what wings and what feet and what talons I have! Why shouldn't I go catch some partridges?' The kite knew a place where he could find many partridges so he went there and launched his attack: he seized one partridge with his beak, another with his wings, and one more in each foot. But the kite couldn't keep hold of that many partridges, so in the end he had none. Hence the saying: Seize all, lose all. From then on, the kite never tried to hunt wild birds again. " entryDate[294] = " 10/21/" + year entryContent[294] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Man and His Two Wives. More online.
In the old days, when men were allowed to have many wives, a middle-aged Man had one wife that was old and one that was young; each loved him very much, and desired to see him like herself. Now the Man's hair was turning grey, which the young Wife did not like, as it made him look too old for her husband. So every night she used to comb his hair and pick out the white ones. But the elder Wife saw her husband growing grey with great pleasure, for she did not like to be mistaken for his mother. So every morning she used to arrange his hair and pick out as many of the black ones as she could. The consequence was the Man soon found himself entirely bald. " entryDate[295] = " 10/22/" + year entryContent[295] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE WOLF, THE DOG AND THE COLLAR . More online.
A comfortably plump dog happened to run into a wolf. The wolf asked the dog where he had been finding enough food to get so big and fat. 'It is a man,' said the dog, 'who gives me all this food to eat.' The wolf then asked him, 'And what about that bare spot there on your neck?' The dog replied, 'My skin has been rubbed bare by the iron collar which my master forged and placed upon my neck.' The wolf then jeered at the dog and said, 'Keep your luxury to yourself then! I don't want anything to do with it, if my neck will have to chafe against a chain of iron!' " entryDate[296] = " 10/23/" + year entryContent[296] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). A LADEN ASS AND A HORSE. More online.
As a Horse and an Ass were upon the Way together, the Ass cry'd out to his Companion, to ease him of his Burden, tho' never so little, he should fall down dead else. The Horse would not; and so his fellow Servant sunk under his Load. The Master, upon this, had the Ass flaid, and laid his whole Pack, Skin and all, upon the Horse: Well (says he) this Judgement is befall'n me for my ill Nature, in refusing to help my Brother in the Depth of his Distress. " entryDate[297] = " 10/24/" + year entryContent[297] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE CHICKENS AND THE CAT . More online.
A cat laid a trap for the chickens by hanging himself from a peg as if he were a sack. When the quick-witted rooster with his hooked spurs noticed the cat, he made this sharp remark: 'I've seen many sacks in my life, so I know what they look like -- and not one of them ever had the teeth of a living cat!' " entryDate[298] = " 10/25/" + year entryContent[298] = " George Townsend (1887). The Prophet. More online.
A WIZARD, sitting in the marketplace, was telling the fortunes of the passers-by when a person ran up in great haste, and announced to him that the doors of his house had been broken open and that all his goods were being stolen. He sighed heavily and hastened away as fast as he could run. A neighbor saw him running and said, 'Oh! you fellow there! you say you can foretell the fortunes of others; how is it you did not foresee your own?' " entryDate[299] = " 10/26/" + year entryContent[299] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE FARMER AND HIS DOGS . More online.
There was a farmer who was trapped on his country estate by a winter storm. He didn't have any food, so first he ate his sheep, then his goats. When the storm got worse, he even slaughtered the oxen who pulled his plow. When the dogs saw what was happening, they said to one another, 'Let's get out of here now! Since we can see that the master didn't even spare the oxen who labour on his behalf, how can we expect to be spared?' " entryDate[300] = " 10/27/" + year entryContent[300] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Tortoise and the Birds. More online.
A Tortoise desired to change its place of residence, so he asked an Eagle to carry him to his new home, promising her a rich reward for her trouble. The Eagle agreed and seizing the Tortoise by the shell with her talons soared aloft. On their way they met a Crow, who said to the Eagle: \"Tortoise is good eating.\" \"The shell is too hard,\" said the Eagle in reply. \"The rocks will soon crack the shell,\" was the Crow's answer; and the Eagle, taking the hint, let fall the Tortoise on a sharp rock, and the two birds made a hearty meal of the Tortoise. " entryDate[301] = " 10/28/" + year entryContent[301] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE FARMER'S BOY AND THE SNAILS . More online.
A farmer's boy was roasting snails. When he heard them sizzling in the fire, he said, 'You wretched creatures! Your homes are on fire and all you can do is sing!' " entryDate[302] = " 10/29/" + year entryContent[302] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). A FARMER AND HIS DOGS . More online.
A certain Farmer was put to such a pinch in a hard Winter for Provisions, that he was forc'd to feed himself and his Family upon the main Stock. The Sheep went first to pot; the Goats next; and after them the Oxen, and all little enough to keep Life and Soul together. The Dogs call'd a Council upon't, and resolv'd to shew their Master a fair pair of Heels for't, before it came to be their turn; for, (said they) after he has cut the Throats of our Fellow-Servants, that are so necessary for his Business, it cannot be expected that he will ever spare us. " entryDate[303] = " 10/30/" + year entryContent[303] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE FISHERMAN AND HIS PIPE . More online.
There was once a fisherman who saw some fish in the sea and played on his pipe, expecting them to come out onto the land. When his hopes proved false, he took a net and used it instead, and in this way he was able to haul in a huge catch of fish. As the fish were all leaping about, the fisherman remarked, 'I say, enough of your dancing, since you refused to dance when I played my pipe for you before!' " entryDate[304] = " 10/31/" + year entryContent[304] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Two Crabs . More online.
One fine day two Crabs came out from their home to take a stroll on the sand. \"Child,\" said the mother, \"you are walking very ungracefully. You should accustom yourself, to walking straight forward without twisting from side to side.\" \"Pray, mother,\" said the young one, \"do but set the example yourself, and I will follow you.\" " entryDate[305] = " 11/01/" + year entryContent[305] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE DROWNING BOY . More online.
A boy had gone down to the river to bathe but because he didn't know how to swim, he was in danger of drowning. The boy then saw a man walking by and called to him for help. As the man was pulling the boy out of the water, he said, 'If you don't know how to swim, why on earth did you dare to try these swollen river waters?' The drowning boy replied, 'Right now I just need your help; you can lecture me about it afterwards!' " entryDate[306] = " 11/02/" + year entryContent[306] = " George Townsend (1887). The Horse and the Ass. More online.
A HORSE, proud of his fine trappings, met an Ass on the highway. The Ass, being heavily laden, moved slowly out of the way. 'Hardly,' said the Horse, 'can I resist kicking you with my heels.' The Ass held his peace, and made only a silent appeal to the justice of the gods. Not long afterwards the Horse, having become broken-winded, was sent by his owner to the farm. The Ass, seeing him drawing a dungcart, thus derided him: 'Where, O boaster, are now all thy gay trappings, thou who are thyself reduced to the condition you so lately treated with contempt?' " entryDate[307] = " 11/03/" + year entryContent[307] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE LION, THE HARE AND THE DEER . More online.
A lion had found a hare as he was sleeping. But just as he was about to devour the creature, the lion happened to catch sight of a passing deer whereupon he abruptly abandoned the hare and ran off chasing after the deer. Awakened by the noise, the hare leaped up and bounded away. Meanwhile, the lion spent a long time chasing the deer but in the end he didn't catch her. He came back to where he had left the hare and discovered that the hare had also slipped away. At this point, the lion exclaimed, 'It serves me right! Since I preferred the possibility of something more, I lost the food that was already within my grasp.' " entryDate[308] = " 11/04/" + year entryContent[308] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Ass in the Lion's Skin. More online.
An Ass once found a Lion's skin which the hunters had left out in the sun to dry. He put it on and went towards his native village. All fled at his approach, both men and animals, and he was a proud Ass that day. In his delight he lifted up his voice and brayed, but then every one knew him, and his owner came up and gave him a sound cudgelling for the fright he had caused. And shortly afterwards a Fox came up to him and said: \"Ah, I knew you by your voice.\" " entryDate[309] = " 11/05/" + year entryContent[309] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE WOLVES AND THE DOGS . More online.
The wolves wanted to make friends with the dogs, so they said, 'Since we have so much in common, why don't you treat us as your brothers and friends? It is merely our attitude that divides us. We wolves all live a life of freedom, while you dogs are the slaves of people who make you wear collars around your necks and who beat you with sticks whenever it pleases them. And that is not your only hardship: you even have to guard their flocks and, what's worse, when they are eating their dinner, they toss you nothing but the bones as your share. If you will agree to our bargain, you can turn everything over to us and we'll eat our fill together.' Right away the dogs agreed, so the wolves attacked the flock and killed the dogs, so that the flock could not call out for help against the wolves. " entryDate[310] = " 11/06/" + year entryContent[310] = " George Townsend (1887). The Fox and the Monkey. More online.
A FOX and a Monkey were traveling together on the same road. As they journeyed, they passed through a cemetery full of monuments. 'All these monuments which you see,' said the Monkey, 'are erected in honor of my ancestors, who were in their day freedmen and citizens of great renown.' The Fox replied, 'You have chosen a most appropriate subject for your falsehoods, as I am sure none of your ancestors will be able to contradict you.' " entryDate[311] = " 11/07/" + year entryContent[311] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE VIPER AND THE FILE . More online.
A viper entered a blacksmith's workshop and bit the file, testing it to see if this was something she could eat. The file protested fiercely, 'You fool! Why are you trying to wound me with your teeth, when I am able to gnaw through every sort of iron?' " entryDate[312] = " 11/08/" + year entryContent[312] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Two Fellows and the Bear . More online.
Two Fellows were travelling together through a wood, when a Bear rushed out upon them. One of the travellers happened to be in front, and he seized hold of the branch of a tree, and hid himself among the leaves. The other, seeing no help for it, threw himself flat down upon the ground, with his face in the dust. The Bear, coming up to him, put his muzzle close to his ear, and sniffed and sniffed. But at last with a growl he shook his head and slouched off, for bears will not touch dead meat. Then the fellow in the tree came down to his comrade, and, laughing, said \"What was it that Master Bruin whispered to you?\" \"He told me,\" said the other, \"Never trust a friend who deserts you at a pinch.\" " entryDate[313] = " 11/09/" + year entryContent[313] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE FOX AND THE BRAMBLE . More online.
A fox climbing up over a fence was about to slip and fall, so she reached out and grabbed hold of a bramble bush but the brambles scratched the soft padding of the fox's paws. Stung by the sharp pain, the fox asked the bramble bush why she had acted so cruelly, when the fox had simply grabbed onto her for help. The bramble replied, 'My dear, you must be out of your mind to grab hold of someone like me, since I am the one who always grabs everyone else!' " entryDate[314] = " 11/10/" + year entryContent[314] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). A LION, AN ASS, ETC. A HUNTING. More online.
A Lion, an Ass, and some other of their Fellow-Foresters, went a hunting one day; and every one to go share and share-like in what they took. They pluck'd down a Stag, and cut him into so many Parts; but as they were entring upon the dividend, Hands off, says the Lion, This Part is mine by the Privilege of my Quality; this, because I'll have it in spite of your teeth; this again, because I took most pains for't; and if you dispute the fourth, we must e'en pluck a Crow about it. So the Confederates Mouths were all stopt, and they went away as mute as Fishes. " entryDate[315] = " 11/11/" + year entryContent[315] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE MAN AND THE NEW DONKEY . More online.
There was a man who wanted to buy a donkey. He selected one donkey for further examination and led him to where his own donkeys were, leaving him by the feeding trough. The new donkey went and stood next to the donkey who was the laziest and greediest of them all, ignoring all the others. As the new donkey showed no signs of any better behaviour, the man led him away again, returning him to his former master. When asked whether he had given the donkey a fair chance, the man explained, 'I don't even need to put him to the test: I know what kind of donkey he is because of the company he keeps.' " entryDate[316] = " 11/12/" + year entryContent[316] = " George Townsend (1887). The Farmer and the Stork. More online.
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.' " entryDate[317] = " 11/13/" + year entryContent[317] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE FOX AND THE FROG . More online.
There was a frog who claimed to be trained in the physician's art, acquainted with all the medicinal plants of the earth, the only creature who could cure the animals' ailments. The fox listened to the frog's announcement and exposed his lies by the colour of his skin. 'How can it be,' said the fox, 'that you are able to cure others of their illnesses, but the signs of sickness can still be seen in your own face?' " entryDate[318] = " 11/14/" + year entryContent[318] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Two Pots. More online.
Two Pots had been left on the bank of a river, one of brass, and one of earthenware. When the tide rose they both floated off down the stream. Now the earthenware pot tried its best to keep aloof from the brass one, which cried out: \"Fear nothing, friend, I will not strike you.\" \"But I may come in contact with you,\" said the other, \"if I come too close; and whether I hit you, or you hit me, I shall suffer for it.\" " entryDate[319] = " 11/15/" + year entryContent[319] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE WEASEL AND THE FILE . More online.
A weasel went into a blacksmith's shop and there she came across an iron file. She began to lick the file with delight, scraping her tongue in a mad effort to overpower the instrument of iron. The weasel's tongue started to bleed, making her even happier; the taste of blood made her think she was actually devouring the file. So the weasel kept on licking until her tongue was completely gone. " entryDate[320] = " 11/16/" + year entryContent[320] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). A FOX AND A LION. More online.
A Fox had the hap to fall into the Walk of a Lion, (the first of the kind that he ever saw) and he was ready to drop down at the very Sight of him. He came a-while after to see another, and was frighted still, but nothing to what he was before. It was his Chance, after this, to meet a third Lion, and he had the Courage, then, to accost him, and to make a kind of an Acquaintance with him. " entryDate[321] = " 11/17/" + year entryContent[321] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE WOLF AND THE DONKEY . More online.
The wolf paid a visit to the ailing donkey. He began to touch the donkey's body and to ask him in what part of his body he felt the greatest pain. The donkey answered, 'Wherever you touch me!' " entryDate[322] = " 11/18/" + year entryContent[322] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Four Oxen and the Lion. More online.
A Lion used to prowl about a field in which Four Oxen used to dwell. Many a time he tried to attack them; but whenever he came near they turned their tails to one another, so that whichever way he approached them he was met by the horns of one of them. At last, however, they fell a-quarrelling among themselves, and each went off to pasture alone in a separate corner of the field. Then the Lion attacked them one by one and soon made an end of all four. " entryDate[323] = " 11/19/" + year entryContent[323] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING . More online.
A wolf once decided to change his nature by changing his appearance, and thus get plenty to eat. He put on a sheepskin and accompanied the flock to the pasture. The shepherd was fooled by the disguise. When night fell, the shepherd shut up the wolf in the fold with the rest of the sheep and as the fence was placed across the entrance, the sheepfold was securely closed off. But when the shepherd wanted a sheep for his supper, he took his knife and killed... the wolf. " entryDate[324] = " 11/20/" + year entryContent[324] = " George Townsend (1887). The Wolf and the Shepherd . More online.
A WOLF followed a flock of sheep for a long time and did not attempt to injure one of them. The Shepherd at first stood on his guard against him, as against an enemy, and kept a strict watch over his movements. But when the Wolf, day after day, kept in the company of the sheep and did not make the slightest effort to seize them, the Shepherd began to look upon him as a guardian of his flock rather than as a plotter of evil against it; and when occasion called him one day into the city, he left the sheep entirely in his charge. The Wolf, now that he had the opportunity, fell upon the sheep, and destroyed the greater part of the flock. When the Shepherd returned to find his flock destroyed, he exclaimed: 'I have been rightly served; why did I trust my sheep to a Wolf?' " entryDate[325] = " 11/21/" + year entryContent[325] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE FARMERS, THE DONKEY AND THE LION SKIN . More online.
A donkey wanted to appear to be a lion. Since he could not change his nature, he tried to realize his dreams by a change of costume, and like a lion he wreaked havoc on the fruits of the farmers' labour. But when a gust of wind blew up, it stripped the lion bare of his disguise. As soon as the farmers whose crops he had eaten saw that he was just a donkey, they came and clubbed him to death. " entryDate[326] = " 11/22/" + year entryContent[326] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). AN EAGLE AND A DAW. More online.
An Eagle made a stoop and a Lamb; truss'd it, and took it cleverly away with her. A mimical Daw, that saw this Exploit, would needs try the same Experiment upon a Ram: But his claws were so shackled in the Fleece with lugging to get him up, the Shepherd came in, and caught him, before he could clear himself; he clipt his Wings, and carried him home to his Children to play withal. They came gaping about him, and ask'd their Father what strange Bird that was? Why, says he, he'll tell you himself that he's an Eagle; but if you'll take my word for't; I know him to be a Daw. " entryDate[327] = " 11/23/" + year entryContent[327] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE SOOTHSAYER AND THE THEFT . More online.
There was a soothsayer who used to sit in the marketplace and predict the future. Someone suddenly appeared and told the soothsayer that the doors of his house had been forced open and that everything inside had been stolen. The soothsayer groaned and sprang to his feet, rushing off to his house. Someone saw him running and said, 'Hey you! You claim to be able to tell what is going to happen to other people in advance, so why were you not able to predict your own future?' " entryDate[328] = " 11/24/" + year entryContent[328] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Fisher and the Little Fish. More online.
It happened that a Fisher, after fishing all day, caught only a little fish. \"Pray, let me go, master,\" said the Fish. \"I am much too small for your eating just now. If you put me back into the river I shall soon grow, then you can make a fine meal off me.\" \"Nay, nay, my little Fish,\" said the Fisher, \"I have you now. I may not catch you hereafter.\" " entryDate[329] = " 11/25/" + year entryContent[329] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE SHEPHERD AND THE WOLF CUB . More online.
A shepherd found a little wolf cub and raised it. Then, when the cub was bigger he taught it to steal from his neighbours' flocks. Once he had learned how to do this, the wolf said to the shepherd, 'Now that you have shown me how to steal, take care that many of your own sheep don't go missing!' " entryDate[330] = " 11/26/" + year entryContent[330] = " George Townsend (1887). The Hares and the Lions. More online.
THE HARES harangued the assembly, and argued that all should be equal. The Lions made this reply: 'Your words, O Hares! Are good; but they lack both claws and teeth such as we have.' " entryDate[331] = " 11/27/" + year entryContent[331] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE MERCHANT AND THE RAVENS . More online.
Some merchants were making a journey when they happened to meet a raven who was blind in one eye. The travellers halted and one of them said that the sign given to them by the raven meant that they should turn back home. Another member of the company protested, 'But how can such a bird predict what is going to happen to us, when he couldn't even predict the loss of his own eye in time to take preventive measures?' " entryDate[332] = " 11/28/" + year entryContent[332] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). A HUSBANDMAN AND A STORK. More online.
A poor innocent Stork had the ill Hap to be taken in a Net that was laid for Geese and Cranes. The Stork's Plea for herself was Simplicity and Piety: The Love she bare to Mankind, and the Service she did in picking up venomous Creatures. This is all true, says the Husbandman; but they that keep ill Company, if they be catch'd with ill Company, must expect to suffer with ill Company. " entryDate[333] = " 11/29/" + year entryContent[333] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE JACKDAW AND THE PEACOCKS . More online.
A jackdaw, puffed up with foolish pride, found some peacock feathers that had fallen on the ground. He picked up the feathers and, putting them on, he tried to join the lovely peacock flock, scorning his fellow jackdaws. The peacocks, however, tore the feathers off that presumptuous bird and pecked at him until he went away. After having been badly mauled by the peacocks, the jackdaw then sadly returned to his own folk, but he was cast out once again and suffered the pain of public humiliation. One of the jackdaws whom he had originally scorned said to him, 'If you had been content to dwell among us, satisfied with what Nature had bestowed on you, then you would not have been humiliated by the peacocks, nor would your disgrace have met with our rebuff.' " entryDate[334] = " 11/30/" + year entryContent[334] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). Avaricious and Envious. More online.
Two neighbours came before Jupiter and prayed him to grant their hearts' desire. Now the one was full of avarice, and the other eaten up with envy. So to punish them both, Jupiter granted that each might have whatever he wished for himself, but only on condition that his neighbour had twice as much. The Avaricious man prayed to have a room full of gold. No sooner said than done; but all his joy was turned to grief when he found that his neighbour had two rooms full of the precious metal. Then came the turn of the Envious man, who could not bear to think that his neighbour had any joy at all. So he prayed that he might have one of his own eyes put out, by which means his companion would become totally blind. " entryDate[335] = " 12/01/" + year entryContent[335] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE ASTRONOMER AND THE THRACIAN WOMAN . More online.
When Thales the astronomer was gazing up at the sky, he fell into a pit. A Thracian slave woman, who was both wise and witty, is said to have made fun of him for being eager to know what was happening over his head while failing to notice what was right there at his feet. " entryDate[336] = " 12/02/" + year entryContent[336] = " George Townsend (1887). The Lark and Her Young Ones. More online.
A LARK had made her nest in the early spring on the young green wheat. The brood had almost grown to their full strength and attained the use of their wings and the full plumage of their feathers, when the owner of the field, looking over his ripe crop, said, 'The time has come when I must ask all my neighbors to help me with my harvest.' One of the young Larks heard his speech and related it to his mother, inquiring of her to what place they should move for safety. 'There is no occasion to move yet, my son,' she replied; 'the man who only sends to his friends to help him with his harvest is not really in earnest.' The owner of the field came again a few days later and saw the wheat shedding the grain from excess of ripeness. He said, 'I will come myself tomorrow with my laborers, and with as many reapers as I can hire, and will get in the harvest.' The Lark on hearing these words said to her brood, 'It is time now to be off, my little ones, for the man is in earnest this time; he no longer trusts his friends, but will reap the field himself.' " entryDate[337] = " 12/03/" + year entryContent[337] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE LION AND THE HORSE . More online.
A mighty lion saw a horse grazing in a field. In order to sneakily deceive the horse, the lion approached him in a friendly fashion and said he was a doctor. The horse suspected a trick, but he did not reject the lion's claims. When the lion drew closer, the horse quickly thought up an escape. He pretended that he had a splinter in his hoof, so he lifted up his foot and said, 'Help me, brother; I am so glad you are here! Save me from the splinter that I have stepped on.' The lion approached with feigned deference, concealing his true intentions, whereupon the horse suddenly kicked the lion in the face. Down fell the deadly foe! The lion lay there on the ground for quite a while and when he came to, he saw that the horse was gone and he realized that his head and face and whole body had been wounded. 'It serves me right for approaching the horse in a gentle and friendly way,' said the lion. 'I came to him in the guise of a doctor but I should have approached him like an enemy, as I always did before!' " entryDate[338] = " 12/04/" + year entryContent[338] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). A WOLF AND A CRANE . More online.
A Wolf had got a Bone in's Throat, and could think of no better Instrument to ease him of it, than the Bill of a Crane; so he went and treated with a Crane to help him out with it, upon condition of a very considerable Reward for his Pains. The Crane did him the good Office, and then claim'd his Promise. Why how now Impudence! (says t'other) Do you put your head into the Mouth of a Wolf, and then, when you've brought it out again safe and sound, do you talk of a Reward? Why Sirrah, you have your Head again, and is that not a sufficient Recompence. " entryDate[339] = " 12/05/" + year entryContent[339] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE CROW, THE EAGLE AND THE FEATHERS . More online.
There was a crow who saw that she was ugly and black, so she complained to the eagle. The eagle told her to borrow some feathers from her fellow birds. The crow did as the eagle suggested, taking feathers from the tail of the peacock, from the wings of the dove, and so on and so forth, appropriating the other birds' feathers. When the crow decided that she was sufficiently well-dressed, she began to laugh at the other birds and yell at them. The other birds then went and complained to the eagle about the boastful crow. The eagle replied, 'Let every bird take back her feathers, and thus humiliate the crow.' This is what they did, and so the crow was left ugly and naked. " entryDate[340] = " 12/06/" + year entryContent[340] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Crow and the Pitcher. More online.
A Crow, half-dead with thirst, came upon a Pitcher which had once been full of water; but when the Crow put its beak into the mouth of the Pitcher he found that only very little water was left in it, and that he could not reach far enough down to get at it. He tried, and he tried, but at last had to give up in despair. Then a thought came to him, and he took a pebble and dropped it into the Pitcher. Then he took another pebble and dropped it into the Pitcher. Then he took another pebble and dropped that into the Pitcher. Then he took another pebble and dropped that into the Pitcher. Then he took another pebble and dropped that into the Pitcher. Then he took another pebble and dropped that into the Pitcher. At last, at last, he saw the water mount up near him, and after casting in a few more pebbles he was able to quench his thirst and save his life. " entryDate[341] = " 12/07/" + year entryContent[341] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE SHEEP AND THE INJURED WOLF . More online.
A wolf had been mauled by dogs and had cast himself down on the ground. Because of his injuries, the wolf could not go in search of food, so when he saw a sheep, he begged her to bring him something to drink from the river that ran nearby. 'If you just give me something to drink,' said the wolf, 'I will find myself something to eat.' The sheep replied, 'But if I give you with something to drink, then you will make me your dinner as well!' " entryDate[342] = " 12/08/" + year entryContent[342] = " George Townsend (1887). The Ass and the Wolf. More online.
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?' " entryDate[343] = " 12/09/" + year entryContent[343] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE CRAB ON DRY LAND . More online.
A crab came up from out of the sea and was looking for food on the land. A hungry fox saw the crab, ran up, and grabbed him. As he was about to be eaten, the crab exclaimed, 'It serves me right! I am a creature of the sea but I wanted to live on dry land.' " entryDate[344] = " 12/10/" + year entryContent[344] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). A CAMEL PRAYING FOR HORNS. More online.
It stuck filthily in the Camel's Stomach, that Bulls, Stags, Lions, Bears, and the like, should be armed with Horns, Teeth, and Claws, and that a Creature of his Size should be left naked and Defenceless. Upon this Thought he fell down upon his marrow-bones, and beg'd of Jupiter to give him a pair of Horns, but the Request was so ridiculous, that Jupiter, instead of horning him, order'd him to be cropt, and so punish'd him with the Loss of his Ears, which Nature had allow'd him, for being so unreasonable as to ask for Horns, that Providence had never intended him. " entryDate[345] = " 12/11/" + year entryContent[345] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). APHRODITE AND THE WEASEL . More online.
A weasel once fell in love with a handsome young man and the blessed goddess Aphrodite, the mother of desire, allowed the weasel to change her shape, so that she appeared to be a beautiful woman whom any man would be glad to take as his wife. As soon as the young man laid eyes on her, he also fell in love and wanted to marry her. While the wedding feast was in progress, a mouse ran by. The bride leaped up from her richly decorated couch and began to run after the mouse, thus bringing an end to the wedding. After having played his little joke, Eros took his leave: Nature had proved stronger than Love. " entryDate[346] = " 12/12/" + year entryContent[346] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Goose With the Golden Eggs. More online.
One day a countryman going to the nest of his Goose found there an egg all yellow and glittering. When he took it up it was as heavy as lead and he was going to throw it away, because he thought a trick had been played upon him. But he took it home on second thoughts, and soon found to his delight that it was an egg of pure gold. Every morning the same thing occurred, and he soon became rich by selling his eggs. As he grew rich he grew greedy; and thinking to get at once all the gold the Goose could give, he killed it and opened it only to find nothing. " entryDate[347] = " 12/13/" + year entryContent[347] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE BEAUTY CONTEST OF THE BIRDS . More online.
A beauty contest was held and all the birds went to be judged by Zeus. Hermes fixed the appointed day and the birds flocked to the rivers and ponds where they shed their shabby feathers and preened their finer ones. The jackdaw, however, had no natural advantages to commend his appearance, so he decorated himself with the feathers that had been cast aside by the other birds. The owl alone recognized her own feathers and took them away from the jackdaw, and she incited the other birds to do the same. When the jackdaw had been stripped bare by everyone, he went before the judgment of Zeus naked. " entryDate[348] = " 12/14/" + year entryContent[348] = " George Townsend (1887). The Farmer and the Snake. More online.
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.' " entryDate[349] = " 12/15/" + year entryContent[349] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE JACKDAW AND THE EAGLE . More online.
There was a jackdaw who saw an eagle carry away a lamb from the flock. The jackdaw then wanted to do the very same thing himself. He spied a ram amidst the flock and tried to carry it off, but his talons got tangled in the wool. The shepherd then came and struck him on the head and killed him. " entryDate[350] = " 12/16/" + year entryContent[350] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). A COUNTRYMAN AND A SNAKE. More online.
A Countryman happn'd in a hard Winter to spy a Snake under a Hedge, that was half frozen to Death. The Man was good-natur'd, and took it up, and kept it in his Bosom, till Warmth brought it to Life again; and so soon as ever it was in condition to do mischief, it bit the very Man that sav'd the Life on't. Ah thou ungrateful Wretch! Says he, Is that venomous Ill-Nature of thine to be satisfy'd with nothing less that the Ruin of thy Preserver? " entryDate[351] = " 12/17/" + year entryContent[351] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE EARTHWORM AND THE SNAKE . More online.
An earthworm saw a snake stretched out and envied his length. The earthworm wanted to be as long as that snake, so he lay down beside the snake and tried to extend himself. The worm stretched and stretched until he accidentally split into pieces. " entryDate[352] = " 12/18/" + year entryContent[352] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Man and the Serpent. More online.
A Countryman's son by accident trod upon a Serpent's tail, which turned and bit him so that he died. The father in a rage got his axe, and pursuing the Serpent, cut off part of its tail. So the Serpent in revenge began stinging several of the Farmer's cattle and caused him severe loss. Well, the Farmer thought it best to make it up with the Serpent, and brought food and honey to the mouth of its lair, and said to it: \"Let's forget and forgive; perhaps you were right to punish my son, and take vengeance on my cattle, but surely I was right in trying to revenge him; now that we are both satisfied why should not we be friends again?\" \"No, no,\" said the Serpent; \"take away your gifts; you can never forget the death of your son, nor I the loss of my tail.\" " entryDate[353] = " 12/19/" + year entryContent[353] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE JACKDAW AND THE RAVENS . More online.
There was a jackdaw who was bigger than the other jackdaws. Scorning his fellows, he joined the company of the ravens, having decided to spend his life as a member of their flock. The ravens, however, did not recognize the voice of this bird or his appearance, so they attacked him and drove him away. Rejected by the ravens, he went back again to the jackdaws. But the jackdaws were angry about his presumptuous behaviour and refused to accept him. The final result was that the jackdaw had nowhere to go. " entryDate[354] = " 12/20/" + year entryContent[354] = " George Townsend (1887). The Peacock and Juno . More online.
THE PEACOCK made complaint to Juno that, while the nightingale pleased every ear with his song, he himself no sooner opened his mouth than he became a laughingstock to all who heard him. The Goddess, to console him, said, 'But you far excel in beauty and in size. The splendor of the emerald shines in your neck and you unfold a tail gorgeous with painted plumage.' 'But for what purpose have I,' said the bird, 'this dumb beauty so long as I am surpassed in song?' 'The lot of each,' replied Juno, 'has been assigned by the will of the Fates--to thee, beauty; to the eagle, strength; to the nightingale, song; to the raven, favorable, and to the crow, unfavorable auguries. These are all contented with the endowments allotted to them.' " entryDate[355] = " 12/21/" + year entryContent[355] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE FROG AND THE OX . More online.
There was once a frog who noticed an ox standing in the meadow. The frog was seized by a jealous desire to equal the ox in size so she puffed herself up, inflating her wrinkled skin. She then asked her children if she was now bigger than the ox. They said that she was not. Once again she filled herself full of air, straining even harder than before, and asked her children which of the two of them was bigger. 'The ox is bigger,' said her children. The frog was finally so indignant that she tried even harder to puff herself up, but her body exploded and she fell down dead. " entryDate[356] = " 12/22/" + year entryContent[356] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). AN ASTROLOGER AND A TRAVELER. More online.
A certain Star-gazer had the Fortune, in the very height of his celestial Observations, to stumble into a Ditch; a sober fellow passing by, gave him a piece of wholesome Counsel. Friend, says he, make a right Use of your present Misfortunes; and pray, for the future, let the Stars go on quietly in their Courses, and do you look a little better to the Ditches. " entryDate[357] = " 12/23/" + year entryContent[357] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE JACKDAW AND THE EAGLE . More online.
When an eagle seized a sleek and glossy lamb from the flock and carried it off in his talons as a feast for his chicks, the jackdaw decided to do the same thing. Accordingly, he swooped down and clutched at a lamb but his claws got tangled in the wool on the lamb's back and he could not escape. The jackdaw said, 'It serves me right for being such a fool! Why should I, who am only a jackdaw, try to imitate eagles?' " entryDate[358] = " 12/24/" + year entryContent[358] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). The Wind and the Sun. More online.
The Wind and the Sun were disputing which was the stronger. Suddenly they saw a traveller coming down the road, and the Sun said: \"I see a way to decide our dispute. Whichever of us can cause that traveller to take off his cloak shall be regarded as the stronger. You begin.\" So the Sun retired behind a cloud, and the Wind began to blow as hard as it could upon the traveller. But the harder he blew the more closely did the traveller wrap his cloak round him, till at last the Wind had to give up in despair. Then the Sun came out and shone in all his glory upon the traveller, who soon found it too hot to walk with his cloak on. " entryDate[359] = " 12/25/" + year entryContent[359] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE DONKEY AND THE CRICKET . More online.
A donkey heard the sound of a cricket chirping and he enjoyed the sound so much that he asked, 'What kind of food gives you that sweet-sounding voice?' The cricket replied, 'My food is the air and the dew.' The donkey thought that this diet would also make him sound like a cricket, so he clamped his mouth shut, letting in only the air and having nothing but dew for his food. In the end, he died of hunger. " entryDate[360] = " 12/26/" + year entryContent[360] = " George Townsend (1887). The Lion and the Three Bulls . More online.
THREE BULLS for a long time pastured together. A Lion lay in ambush in the hope of making them his prey, but was afraid to attack them while they kept together. Having at last by guileful speeches succeeded in separating them, he attacked them without fear as they fed alone, and feasted on them one by one at his own leisure. " entryDate[361] = " 12/27/" + year entryContent[361] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE SHEPHERD AND THE WOLF CUBS . More online.
A shepherd found some wolf cubs and he brought them up, thinking that the fully grown wolves would both guard his flock and steal other people's sheep to bring back to his sheepfold. But when the cubs grew up, the first thing they did was to destroy the man's own flock. The man groaned and said, 'It serves me right! Why didn't I kill them when they were little?' " entryDate[362] = " 12/28/" + year entryContent[362] = " Roger L'Estrange (1692). TWO ENEMIES AT SEA. More online.
There were two Enemies at Sea in the same Vessel, the one at the Ship's Head, the other at the Stern. It blew a dreadful Storm, and when the Vessel was just ready to be swallow'd up, one of them ask'd the Master, which part of the Ship would be first under Water; so he told him the t'other End would sink first. Why then, says he, I shall have the Comfort of seeing my Enemy go before me. " entryDate[363] = " 12/29/" + year entryContent[363] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE MONKEY AND THE FISHING NET . More online.
A fisherman was catching fish by the sea. A monkey saw him, and wanted to imitate what he was doing. The man went away into a little cave to take a rest, leaving his net on the beach. The monkey came and grabbed the net, thinking that he too would go fishing. But since he didn't know anything about it and had not had any training, the monkey got tangled up in the net, fell into the sea, and was drowned. The fisherman seized the monkey when he was already done for and said, 'You wretched creature! Your lack of judgment and stupid behaviour has cost you your life!' " entryDate[364] = " 12/30/" + year entryContent[364] = " Joseph Jacobs (1894). Hercules and the Waggoner. More online.
A Waggoner was once driving a heavy load along a very muddy way. At last he came to a part of the road where the wheels sank half-way into the mire, and the more the horses pulled, the deeper sank the wheels. So the Waggoner threw down his whip, and knelt down and prayed to Hercules the Strong. \"O Hercules, help me in this my hour of distress,\" quoth he. But Hercules appeared to him, and said: \"Tut, man, don't sprawl there. Get up and put your shoulder to the wheel.\" " entryDate[365] = " 12/31/" + year entryContent[365] = " Laura Gibbs (2002). THE SEAGULL AND THE KITE . More online.
A seagull swallowed a fish and ruptured his throat. When a kite saw the seagull lying dead on the beach, he remarked, 'It serves you right! You were born to fly in the air and instead you lived your life on the sea.' " if (typeof display == "undefined") { var display = "date" } if (display == "random") { var randomNumber = Math.random() randomNumber *= varLength randomNumber = parseInt(randomNumber) if(isNaN(randomNumber)) randomNumber = 0 else randomNumber %= varLength selectedContent = entryContent[randomNumber] } else { for (x=0; x<(entryContent.length); x++) { tempDate = new Date(entryDate[x]) tempContent = entryContent[x] if ((tempDate <= today) && (tempDate > selectedDate)) { selectedContent = tempContent selectDate = tempDate } } } document.write (selectedContent)