目 录
1 THE FOX AND THE GRAPES 狐狸和葡萄
2 THE GOOSE THAT LAID THE GOLDEN EGGS 下金蛋的鹅
3 THE CAT AND THE MICE 猫和老鼠
4 THE MISCHIEVOUS DOG 恶狗
5 THE CHARCOAL-BURNER AND THE FULLER 烧炭工和漂洗工
6 THE MICE IN COUNCIL 老鼠开会
7 THE BAT AND THE WEASELS 蝙蝠和黄鼠狼
8 THE DOG AND THE SOW 狗和母猪
9 THE FOX AND THE CROW 狐狸和乌鸦
10 THE HORSE AND THE GROOM 马和马夫
11 THE WOLF AND THE LAMB 狼和小羊
12 THE PEACOCK AND THE CRANE 孔雀与鹤
13 THE CAT AND THE BIRDS 猫和鸟
14 THE SPENDTHRIFT AND THE SWALLOW 败家子与燕子
15 THE OLD WOMAN AND THE DOCTOR 老太婆与医生
16 THE MOON AND HER MOTHER 月亮和妈妈
17 MERCURY AND THE WOODMAN 墨丘利和樵夫
18 THE ASS, THE FOX, AND THE LION 驴、狐狸和狮子
19 THE LION AND THE MOUSE 狮子与报恩的老鼠
20 THE CROW AND THE PITCHER 乌鸦和水罐
21 THE BOYS AND THE FROGS 男孩和青蛙
22 THE NORTH WIND AND THE SUN 北风与太阳
23 THE MISTRESS AND HER SERVANTS 女主人和仆人
24 THE GOODS AND THE ILLS 善与恶
25 THE HARES AND THE FROGS 野兔与青蛙
26 THE FOX AND THE STORK 狐狸与鹤
27 THE WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING 披着羊皮的狼
28 THE STAG IN THE OX-STALL 牛棚里的雄鹿
29 THE MILKMAID AND HER PAIL 挤奶女孩和她的桶
30 THE DOLPHINS, THE WHALES, AND THE SPRAT 海豚、鲸和西鲱鱼
31 THE FOX AND THE MONKEY 狐狸和猴子
32 THE ASS AND THE LAP-DOG 驴和哈巴狗
33 THE FIR-TREE AND THE BRAMBLE 冷杉与荆棘
34 THE FROGS' COMPLAINT AGAINST THE SUN 抱怨太阳的青蛙
35 THE DOG, THE COCK, AND THE FOX 狗、公鸡和狐狸
36 THE GNAT AND THE BULL 蠓虫和公牛
37 THE BEAR AND THE TRAVELLERS 熊和旅人
38 THE SLAVE AND THE LION 奴隶和狮子
39 THE FLEA AND THE MAN 跳蚤和人
40 THE BEE AND JUPITER 蜜蜂与朱庇特
41 THE OAK AND THE REEDS 橡树与芦苇
42 THE BLIND MAN AND THE CUB 盲人与小野兽
43 THE BOY AND THE SNAILS 男孩和蜗牛
44 THE APES AND THE TWO TRAVELLERS 猿猴和两个旅人
45 THE ASS AND HIS BURDENS 驴和他的担子
46 THE SHEPHERD'S BOY AND THE WOLF 牧童和狼
47 THE FOX AND THE GOAT 狐狸和山羊
48 THE FISHERMAN AND THE SPRAT 渔夫和小鲱鱼
49 THE BOASTING TRAVELLER 吹牛的路人
50 THE CRAB AND HIS MOTHER 小螃蟹和他的妈妈
51 THE ASS AND HIS SHADOW 驴和他的影子
52 THE FARMER AND HIS SONS 农夫和儿子
53 THE DOG AND THE COOK 狗和厨师
54 THE MONKEY AS KING 当上国王的猴子
55 THE THIEVES AND THE COCK 小偷和公鸡
56 THE FARMER AND FORTUNE 农夫和命运之神
57 JUPITER AND THE MONKEY 朱庇特和猴子
58 FATHER AND SONS 父亲和儿子
59 THE LAMP 油灯
60 THE OWL AND THE BIRDS 猫头鹰和百鸟
61 THE ASS IN THE LION'S SKIN 披着狮皮的驴
62 THE SHE-GOATS AND THEIR BEARDS 母山羊和她们的胡须
63 THE OLD LION 老狮子
64 THE BOY BATHING 洗澡的小男孩
65 THE QUACK FROG 庸医青蛙
66 THE SWOLLEN FOX 胀肚的狐狸
67 THE MOUSE, THE FROG, AND THE HAWK 老鼠、青蛙和老鹰
68 THE BOY AND THE NETTLES 男孩和荨麻
69 THE PEASANT AND THE APPLE-TREE 农夫和苹果树
70 THE JACKDAW AND THE PIGEONS 寒鸦与鸽子
71 JUPITER AND THE TORTOISE 朱庇特与乌龟
72 THE DOG IN THE MANGER 狗占牛槽
73 THE TWO BAGS 两个口袋
74 THE OXEN AND THE AXLETREES 公牛和车轴
75 THE BOY AND THE FILBERTS 男孩和榛子
76 THE FROGS ASKING FOR A KING 青蛙求王
77 THE OLIVE-TREE AND THE FIG-TREE 橄榄树与无花果树
78 THE LION AND THE BOAR 狮子和野猪
79 THE WALNUT-TREE 核桃树
80 THE MAN AND THE LION 人和同行的狮子
81 THE TORTOISE AND THE EAGLE 乌龟和老鹰
82 THE KID ON THE HOUSETOP 站在屋顶的小山羊与狼
83 THE FOX WITHOUT A TAIL 断尾巴狐狸
84 THE VAIN JACKDAW 爱慕虚荣的寒鸦
85 THE TRAVELLER AND HIS DOG 旅人和他的狗
86 THE SHIPWRECKED MAN AND THE SEA 遇难者与海
87 THE WILD BOAR AND THE FOX 野猪与狐狸
88 MERCURY AND THE SCULPTOR 墨丘利与雕刻家
89 THE FAWN AND HIS MOTHER 小鹿和妈妈
90 THE FOX AND THE LION 狐狸和狮子
91 THE EAGLE AND HIS CAPTOR 鹰与捕鹰者
92 THE BLACKSMITH AND HIS DOG 铁匠与小狗
93 THE STAG AT THE POOL 池边的雄鹿
94 THE DOG AND THE SHADOW 叼着肉的狗
95 MERCURY AND THE TRADESMEN 墨丘利与商人
96 THE MICE AND THE WEASELS 老鼠和黄鼠狼
97 THE PEACOCK AND JUNO 孔雀和朱诺
98 THE BEAR AND THE FOX 熊与狐狸
99 THE ASS AND THE OLD PEASANT 驴和老农夫
100 THE OX AND THE FROG 牛和青蛙
101 THE MAN AND THE IMAGE 人和神像
102 HERCULES AND THE WAGGONER 赫刺克勒斯和车夫
103 THE POMEGRANATE, THE APPLE-TREE, AND THE BRAMBLE 石榴树、苹果树和野蔷薇
104 THE LION, THE BEAR, AND THE FOX 狮子、熊和狐狸
105 THE TWO SOLDIERS AND THE ROBBER 两个士兵和强盗
106 THE LION AND THE WILD ASS 狮子和野驴
107 THE MAN AND THE SATYR 人与森林之神萨堤罗斯
108 THE IMAGE-SELLER 卖神像的人
109 THE EAGLE AND THE ARROW 老鹰与箭
110 THE RICH MAN AND THE TANNER 富人和制皮匠
111 THE WOLF, THE MOTHER, AND HER CHILD 狼、妈妈和孩子
112 THE OLD WOMAN AND THE WINE-JAR 老太婆和酒瓶
113 THE LIONESS AND THE VIXEN 母狮与雌狐
114 THE VIPER AND THE FILE 毒蛇和锉刀
115 THE CAT AND THE COCK 猫和公鸡
116 THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE 野兔与乌龟
117 THE SOLDIER AND HIS HORSE 士兵和战马
118 THE OXEN AND THE BUTCHERS 公牛和屠夫
119 THE WOLF AND THE LION 狼和狮子
120 THE SHEEP, THE WOLF, AND THE STAG 鹿、狼和羊
121 THE LION AND THE THREE BULLS 狮子和三头公牛
122 THE HORSE AND HIS RIDER 马和骑手
123 THE GOAT AND THE VINE 母山羊与葡萄藤
124 THE TWO POTS 两口锅
125 THE OLD HOUND 老猎狗
126 THE CLOWN AND THE COUNTRYMAN 小丑和乡下人
127 THE LARK AND THE FARMER 百灵鸟和农夫
128 THE LION AND THE ASS 狮子和驴
129 THE PROPHET 算命人
130 THE HOUND AND THE HARE 猎狗和野兔
131 THE LION, THE MOUSE, AND THE FOX 狮子、老鼠和狐狸
132 THE TRUMPETER TAKEN PRISONER 被捕的号兵
133 THE WOLF AND THE CRANE 狼与鹤
134 THE EAGLE, THE CAT,AND THE WILD SOW 鹰、猫和野猪
135 THE WOLF AND THE SHEEP 狼和绵羊
136 THE TUNNY-FISH AND THE DOLPHIN 金枪鱼和海豚
137 THE THREE TRADESMEN 三个工匠
138 THE MOUSE AND THE BULL 老鼠和公牛
139 THE HARE AND THE HOUND 野兔和猎狗
140 THE TOWN MOUSE AND THE COUNTRY MOUSE 城市鼠和乡下鼠
141 THE LION AND THE BULL 狮子和公牛
142 THE WOLF, THE FOX, AND THE APE 狼、狐狸和猿猴
143 THE EAGLE AND THE COCKS 老鹰和公鸡
144 THE ESCAPED JACKDAW 逃跑的寒鸦
145 THE FARMER AND THE FOX 农夫和狐狸
146 VENUS AND THE CAT 维纳斯和猫
147 THE CROW AND THE SWAN 乌鸦和天鹅
148 THE STAG WITH ONE EYE 独眼鹿
149 THE FLY AND THE DRAUGHT-MULE 苍蝇和拉车的骡子
150 THE COCK AND THE JEWEL 公鸡和宝石
151 THE WOLF AND THE SHEPHERD 狼和牧羊人
152 THE FARMER AND THE STORK 农夫和鹳
153 THE CHARGER AND THE MILLER 战马和磨坊主
154 THE GRASSHOPPER AND THE OWL 蚂蚱和猫头鹰
155 THE GRASSHOPPER AND THE ANTS 蚂蚱和蚂蚁
156 THE FARMER AND THE VIPER 农夫与蛇
157 THE TWO FROGS 两只青蛙
158 THE COBBLER TURNED DOCTOR 修鞋匠行医
159 THE ASS, THE COCK, AND THE LION 驴、公鸡和狮子
160 THE BELLY AND THE MEMBERS 胃和体内的各器官
161 THE BALD MAN AND THE FLY 秃子和苍蝇
162 THE ASS AND THE WOLF 驴和狼
163 THE MONKEY AND THE CAMEL 猴子和骆驼
164 THE SICK MAN AND THE DOCTOR 病人和医生
165 THE TRAVELLERS AND THE PLANE-TREE 旅人和法国梧桐树
166 THE FLEA AND THE OX 跳蚤和公牛
167 THE BIRDS, THE BEASTS, AND THE BAT 鸟、兽和蝙蝠
168 THE EAGLE, THE JACKDAW, AND THE SHEPHERD 老鹰、寒鸦和牧羊人
169 THE WOLF AND THE BOY 狼和男孩
170 THE MILLER, HIS SON, AND THEIR ASS 父亲、儿子和驴
171 THE STAG AND THE VINE 牡鹿和葡萄藤
172 THE LAMB CHASED BY A WOLF 被狼追赶的羊羔
173 THE ARCHER AND THE LION 射手和狮子
174 THE WOLF AND THE GOAT 狼和山羊
175 THE SICK STAG 病 鹿
176 THE ASS AND THE MULE 驴和骡子
177 BROTHER AND SISTER 哥哥和妹妹
178 THE HEIFER AND THE OX 小母牛和公牛
179 THE KINGDOM OF THE LION 狮子的王国
180 THE ASS AND HIS DRIVER 驴和赶驴人
181 THE LION AND THE HARE 狮子和野兔
182 THE WOLVES AND THE DOGS 一群狼和一群狗
183 THE BULL AND THE CALF 公牛和小牛
184 THE TREES AND THE AXE 树和斧头
185 THE ASTRONOMER 天文学家
186 THE LABOURER AND THE SNAKE 工人和蛇
187 THE CAGE-BIRD AND THE BAT 笼子里的鸟与蝙蝠
188 THE ASS AND HIS PURCHASER 驴和他的买主
189 THE KID AND THE WOLF 小山羊和狼
190 THE DEBTOR AND HIS SOW 欠债人和母猪
191 THE BALD HUNTSMAN 秃头的猎人
192 THE HERDSMAN AND THE LOST BULL 牧人和丢失的公牛
193 THE MULE 骡 子
194 THE HOUND AND THE FOX 猎狗和狐狸
195 THE FATHER AND HIS DAUGHTERS 父亲和他的女儿
196 THE THIEF AND THE INNKEEPER 小偷和店主
197 THE PACK-ASS AND THE WILD ASS 家驴和野驴
198 THE ASS AND HIS MASTERS 驴和他的主人们
199 THE PACK-ASS, THE WILD ASS, AND THE LION 家驴、野驴和狮子
200 THE ANT 蚂 蚁
201 THE FROGS AND THE WELL 青蛙和水井
202 THE CRAB AND THE FOX 螃蟹和狐狸
203 THE FOX AND THE GRASSHOPPER 狐狸和蚂蚱
204 THE FARMER, HIS BOY, AND THE ROOKS 农夫、伙计和白嘴鸦
205 THE ASS AND THE DOG 驴和狗
206 THE ASS CARRYING THE IMAGE 背着神像的驴
207 THE ATHENIAN AND THE THEBAN 雅典人和底比斯人
208 THE GOATHERD AND THE GOAT 牧羊人和山羊
209 THE SHEEP AND THE DOG 羊群和狗
210 THE SHEPHERD AND THE WOLF 牧羊人和狼
211 THE LION, JUPITER, AND THE ELEPHANT 狮子、朱庇特和大象
212 THE PIG AND THE SHEEP 猪和绵羊
213 THE GARDENER AND HIS DOG 花匠和他的狗
214 THE RIVERS AND THE SEA 河流和大海
215 THE LION IN LOVE 恋爱的狮子
216 THE BEE-KEEPER 养蜂人
217 THE WOLF AND THE HORSE 狼和马
218 THE BAT, THE BRAMBLE, AND THE SEAGULL 蝙蝠、荆棘和海鸥
219 THE DOG AND THE WOLF 狗和狼
220 THE WASP AND THE SNAKE 黄蜂和蛇
221 THE EAGLE AND THE BEETLE 老鹰和甲虫
222 THE FOWLER AND THE LARK 捕鸟人和百灵鸟
223 THE FISHERMAN PIPING 吹笛子的渔夫
224 THE WEASEL AND THE MAN 黄鼠狼和人
225 THE PLOUGHMAN, THE ASS, AND THE OX 农夫、驴和公牛
226 DEMADES AND HIS FABLE 狄马德斯和他的寓言
227 THE MONKEY AND THE DOLPHIN 猴子和海豚
228 THE CROW AND THE SNAKE 乌鸦和蛇
229 THE DOGS AND THE FOX 狗和狐狸
230 THE NIGHTINGALE AND THE HAWK 夜莺和老鹰
231 THE ROSE AND THE AMARANTH 玫瑰花和苋菜
232 THE MAN, THE HORSE, THE OX, AND THE DOG 人、马、牛、狗
233 THE WOLVES, THE SHEEP, AND THE RAM 狼群、羊群和公羊
234 THE SWAN 天 鹅
235 THE SNAKE AND JUPITER 蛇和朱庇特
236 THE WOLF AND HIS SHADOW 狼和他的影子
237 THE PLOUGHMAN AND THE WOLF 农夫和狼
238 MERCURY AND THE MAN BITTEN BY AN ANT 墨丘利和被蚂蚁所咬的人
239 THE WILY LION 狡猾的狮子
240 THE PARROT AND THE CAT 鹦鹉和猫
241 THE STAG AND THE LION 雄鹿和狮子
242 THE IMPOSTOR 说谎的人
243 THE DOGS AND THE HIDES 狗和牛皮
244 THE LION, THE FOX, AND THE ASS 狮子、狐狸和驴
245 THE FOWLER, THE PARTRIDGE, AND THE COCK 捕鸟人、鹧鸪和公鸡
246 THE GNAT AND THE LION 蚊子和狮子
247 THE FARMER AND HIS DOGS 农场主和他的狗
248 THE EAGLE AND THE FOX 老鹰和狐狸
249 THE BUTCHER AND HIS CUSTOMERS 屠夫和他的顾客
250 HERCULES AND MINERVA 赫拉克勒斯和密涅瓦
251 THE FOX WHO SERVED A LION 为狮子服务的狐狸
252 THE QUACK DOCTOR 江湖郎中
253 THE LION, THE WOLF, AND THE FOX 狮子、狼和狐狸
254 HERCULES AND PLUTUS 赫拉克勒斯和财神
255 THE FOX AND THE LEOPARD 狐狸与豹
256 THE FOX AND THE HEDGEHOG 狐狸与刺猬
257 THE CROW AND THE RAVEN 乌鸦与渡鸦
258 THE WITCH 女 巫
259 THE OLD MAN AND DEATH 老人与死神
260 THE MISER 吝啬鬼
261 THE FOXES AND THE RIVER 狐狸与河
262 THE HORSE AND THE STAG 马和雄鹿
263 THE FOX AND THE BRAMBLE 狐狸与荆棘
264 THE LION, THE FOX, AND THE STAG 狮子、狐狸和雄鹿
265 THE MAN WHO LOST HIS SPADE 丢了铁锹的人
266 THE PARTRIDGE AND THE FOWLER 鹧鸪和捕鸟人
267 THE HUNTER AND THE WOODMAN 猎人和樵夫
268 THE SERPENT AND THE EAGLE 毒蛇和鹰
269 THE ROGUE AND THE ORACLE 无赖和圣人
270 THE HORSE AND THE ASS 马和驴
271 THE DOG CHASING A WOLF 追赶狼的狗
272 GRIEF AND HIS DUE 悲伤和他被指派的份额
273 THE WOMAN AND THE FARMER 女人和农夫
274 PROMETHEUS AND THE MAKING OF MAN 普罗米修斯与造人
275 THE SWALLOW AND THE CROW 燕子和乌鸦
276 THE HUNTER AND THE HORSEMAN 猎人和骑手
277 THE GOATHERD AND THE WILD GOATS 牧羊人和野山羊
278 THE NIGHTINGALE AND THE SWALLOW 夜莺和燕子
279 THE TRAVELLER AND FORTUNE 旅人和命运女神
1
THE FOX AND THE GRAPES
狐狸和葡萄
A hungry Fox saw some fine bunches of grapes hanging from a vine that was trained along a high trellis, and did his best to reach them by jumping as high as he could into the air. But it was all in vain, for they were just out of reach: so he gave up trying, and walked away with an air of dignity and unconcern, remarking, "I thought those grapes were ripe, but I see now they are quite sour."
｛中文阅读｝
一只饥肠辘辘的狐狸，看见缠绕在高架上的葡萄枝挂着几串成熟的葡萄，就尽力向上跳，想要摘下那些葡萄。但无论他怎么努力，也是徒劳无功，因为他始终够不着那些葡萄。于是他放弃了，反而带着不屑一顾的样子走开了，边走边说：“还以为那些葡萄已经熟透了呢，现在看来根本就是酸葡萄。”
2
THE GOOSE THAT LAID THE GOLDEN EGGS
下金蛋的鹅
A Man and his wife had the good fortune to possess a Goose which laid a golden egg every day. Lucky though they were, they soon began to think they were not getting rich fast enough, and imagining the bird must be made of gold inside, they decided to kill it in order to secure the whole store of precious metal at once. But when they cut it open they found it was just like any other goose. Thus, they neither got rich all at once, as they had hoped, nor enjoyed any longer the daily addition to their wealth.
Much wants more and loses all.
｛中文阅读｝
有一对夫妇非常幸运，他们有一只每天下一枚金蛋的母鹅。尽管非常幸运，可他们很快就觉着财富增加得还不够快，不仅如此，他们还以为这只鹅的内脏肯定也是金的。于是，他们决定杀掉它，这样就能立刻得到全部珍宝了。然而，他们把鹅开膛破肚之后，却发现和其它鹅没什么两样。如此，他们既没有像当初希望得那样一夜暴富，也不能再享有财富与日俱增的好运气了。
贪多必失。
3
THE CAT AND THE MICE
猫和老鼠
There was once a house that was overrun with Mice. A Cat heard of this, and said to herself, "That's the place for me," and off she went and took up her quarters in the house, and caught the Mice one by one and ate them. At last the Mice could stand it no longer, and they determined to take to their holes and stay there. "That's awkward," said the Cat to herself: "the only thing to do is to coax them out by a trick." So she considered a while, and then climbed up the wall and let herself hang down by her hind legs from a peg, and pretended to be dead. By and by a Mouse peeped out and saw the Cat hanging there. "Aha!" it cried, "you're very clever, madam, no doubt: but you may turn yourself into a bag of meal hanging there, if you like, yet you won't catch us coming anywhere near you."
If you are wise you won't be deceived by the innocent airs of those whom you have once found to be dangerous.
｛中文阅读｝
从前，有一座房子，里面的老鼠泛滥成灾。一只猫听到此 事，便自言自语：“那正是我要去的地方。”于是她走到那座房子里住下来，一只接一只地抓老鼠，然后吃掉他们。最后，老鼠们再也无法忍受下去，决定躲到自己的洞里，再也不出来。“这还真不好办了，”猫自言自语道，“若想骗他们出来，只能耍个花招了。”她琢磨了一会儿，然后爬上墙，用后腿钩住木桩倒挂下来，假装已经死了。过了一会儿，一只老鼠向外窥探，看到了挂在那里的猫。“啊哈！”老鼠大叫，“夫人，你还真聪明，不过，就算你假装成一袋粮食挂在那里，你也骗不了我们去接近你。”
如果有足够的智慧，面对那些曾认定的危险人物所假装出的无辜，你也不会上当受骗。
4
THE MISCHIEVOUS DOG
恶狗
There was once a Dog who used to snap at people and bite them without any provocation, and who was a great nuisance to every one who came to his master's house. So his master fastened a bell round his neck to warn people of his presence. The Dog was very proud of the bell, and strutted about tinkling it with immense satisfaction. But an old dog came up to him and said, "The fewer airs you give yourself the better, my friend. You don't think, do you, that your bell was given you as a reward of merit? On the contrary, it is a badge of disgrace."
Notoriety is often mistaken for fame.
｛中文阅读｝
从前，有一条狗经常无缘无故地抓人、咬人，去他主人家做客的每个人都很讨厌他。主人在他的脖子上系了一个铃铛，以此提醒人们提防他的出现。这条狗对脖子上戴着的铃铛引以为傲，大摇大摆地戴着它走来走去，十分满意这种叮当声。但是，一条老狗却走过来对他说：“我的朋友，姿态越低，对你越好。你不会真的以为这个铃铛是对你的奖赏吧？事实恰恰相反，它是耻辱的标志呀。”
恶名常被误认为美誉。
5
THE CHARCOAL-BURNER AND THE FULLER
烧炭工和漂洗工
There was once a Charcoal-burner who lived and worked by himself. A Fuller, however, happened to come and settle in the same neighborhood; and the Charcoal-burner, having made his acquaintance and finding he was an agreeable sort of fellow, asked him if he would come and share his house: "We shall get to know one another better that way," he said, "and, beside, our household expenses will be diminished." The Fuller thanked him, but replied, "I couldn't think of it, sir: why, everything I take such pains to whiten would be blackened in no time by your charcoal."
｛中文阅读｝
从前，有一个自力更生的烧炭工人独自在家工作。碰巧，一个漂洗工搬至隔壁，与他成了邻居。结识漂洗工后，烧炭工人经过了解发现，这个邻居将是一个很好的合作伙伴，就问漂洗工愿不愿意搬到他的铺子里一起工作。“那样我们会变得更加亲密，”烧炭人说，“不仅如此，我们还可以节省生活开销呢。”漂洗工却谢绝了他，回答说：“我可不这样看，先生，因为不管我把衣服漂洗得多么白，都会立刻被你的木炭染黑了。”
6
THE MICE IN COUNCIL
老鼠开会
Once upon a time all the Mice met together in Council, and discussed the best means of securing themselves against the attacks of the cat. After several suggestions had been debated, a Mouse of some standing and experience got up and said, "I think I have hit upon a plan which will ensure our safety in the future, provided you approve and carry it out. It is that we should fasten a bell round the neck of our enemy the cat, which will by its tinkling warn us of her approach." This proposal was warmly applauded, and it had been already decided to adopt it, when an old Mouse got upon his feet and said, "I agree with you all that the plan before us is an admirable one: but may I ask who is going to bell the cat?"
｛中文阅读｝
从前，所有的老鼠聚集在一起，开会商讨免受猫攻击的良策。几个建议相继都被否决之后，一只很有威望且经验丰富的老鼠站起来，说：“我忽然想到一个办法，可以确保大家未来的安全，假如你们赞成的话，我们就这么办。这个办法是，我们应该在敌人的脖子上挂一个铃铛，猫走路时发出的叮当声，就会警告我们——猫要来了。”他的提议受到了大家的赞同，都决定采用这个办法，就在这时，一只年长的老鼠伸出他的前爪，说：“我也赞同这是一个绝妙的好办法，但是，我想问一下，谁去给猫系铃铛呢？”
7
THE BAT AND THE WEASELS
蝙蝠和黄鼠狼
A Bat fell to the ground and was caught by a Weasel, and was just going to be killed and eaten when it begged to be let go. The Weasel said he couldn't do that because he was an enemy of all birds on principle. "Oh, but," said the Bat, "I'm not a bird at all: I'm a mouse." "So you are," said the Weasel, "now I come to look at you"; and he let it go. Some time after this the Bat was caught in just the same way by another Weasel, and, as before, begged for its life. "No," said the Weasel, "I never let a mouse go by any chance." "But I'm not a mouse," said the Bat; "I'm a bird." "Why, so you are," said the Weasel; and he too let the Bat go.
Look and see which way the wind blows before you commit yourself.
｛中文阅读｝
蝙蝠落到地上，被黄鼠狼捉住了，就在快要被杀死、吃掉之前，他乞求黄鼠狼放了他。黄鼠狼说不能放了他，因为他向来是所有鸟类的敌人。蝙蝠说：“噢，我根本不是鸟儿，只不过 是一只老鼠。”黄鼠狼说：“原来你是老鼠呀，现在我才看清你。”于是，黄鼠狼放走了蝙蝠。不久，蝙蝠又以同样方式被另一只黄鼠狼捉住了，像从前那样，他又求黄鼠狼放了自己。“不行，”黄鼠狼说，“我绝不放过任何一只老鼠。”“可我不是老鼠呀，”蝙蝠说，“我是一只鸟儿。”“哎呀，原来你是一只鸟儿呀，”黄鼠狼说着，也放走了蝙蝠。
见风使舵。
8
THE DOG AND THE SOW
狗和母猪
A Dog and a Sow were arguing and each claimed that its own young ones were finer than those of any other animal. "Well," said the Sow at last, "mine can see, at any rate, when they come into the world: but yours are born blind."
｛中文阅读｝
狗和母猪争辩，都说自己的孩子更加出色。“嗯，”母猪最后说，“至少我的孩子一生下来就能看见东西，你的孩子生下来却是个瞎子。”
9
THE FOX AND THE CROW
狐狸和乌鸦
A Crow was sitting on a branch of a tree with a piece of cheese in her beak when a Fox observed her and set his wits to work to discover some way of getting the cheese. Coming and standing under the tree he looked up and said, "What a noble bird I see above me! Her beauty is without equal, the hue of her plumage exquisite. If only her voice is as sweet as her looks are fair, she ought without doubt to be Queen of the Birds." The Crow was hugely flattered by this, and just to show the Fox that she could sing she gave a loud caw. Down came the cheese, of course, and the Fox, snatching it up, said, "You have a voice, madam, I see: what you want is wits."
｛中文阅读｝
乌鸦坐在树枝上，嘴里叼着一块奶酪。这时，狐狸在观察乌鸦，转动鬼脑筋想得到那块奶酪。于是，狐狸走过去，站在树下，仰起头说道：“我的头上有一只多么高贵的鸟儿呀！她的美貌天下无双，她的羽毛精致纤美。要是她的声音也像外貌和羽毛那样美好，毫无疑问，她真该成为鸟类的女王！”听到这番恭维，乌鸦简直受宠若惊，一心只想着向狐狸炫耀一下自己的歌喉，就“呱”地大叫了一声。理所当然，她嘴里的那块奶酪就掉了下去，狐狸立刻抓起奶酪，说：“乌鸦夫人，我知道你的歌喉很不错，可你需要的是智慧。”
10
THE HORSE AND THE GROOM
马和马夫
There was once a Groom who used to spend long hours clipping and combing the Horse of which he had charge, but who daily stole a portion of his allowance of oats, and sold it for his own profit. The Horse gradually got into worse and worse condition, and at last cried to the Groom, "If you really want me to look sleek and well, you must comb me less and feed me more."
｛中文阅读｝
从前，有一个马夫，常常花费几个钟头来为他负责照管的马修剪和梳理毛发，可是他却每天都会偷一部分喂马的燕麦，拿去卖了以谋私利。逐渐地，马的健康状况越来越糟糕，最后忍不住对马夫大叫：“你要是真想让我看上去光滑闪亮，就应该少给我梳毛，多喂我燕麦。”
11
THE WOLF AND THE LAMB
狼和小羊
A Wolf came upon a Lamb straying from the flock, and felt some compunction about taking the life of so helpless a creature without some plausible excuse; so he cast about for a grievance and said at last, "Last year, sirrah, you grossly insulted me." "That is impossible, sir," bleated the Lamb, "for I wasn't born then." "Well," retorted the Wolf, "you feed in my pastures." "That cannot be," replied the Lamb, "for I have never yet tasted grass." "You drink from my spring, then," continued the Wolf. "Indeed, sir," said the poor Lamb, "I have never yet drunk anything but my mother's milk." "Well, anyhow," said the Wolf, "I'm not going without my dinner": and he sprang upon the Lamb and devoured it without more ado.
｛中文阅读｝
狼偶然碰见一只离群的小羊，似乎觉着平白无故杀死这么弱小无助的生命有点良心不安，于是他竭力寻找自己受过的各 种委屈，最后说：“小子，去年你可是侮辱过我。”“这不可能，先生。”小羊低声说，“那时，我还没出生呢。”狼反驳道：“嗯，你在我的牧场里吃草来着。”“这更不可能啦，”小羊回答说，“我到现在还没尝过草的滋味呢。”“那么，你喝过我的泉水。”狼继续编造借口。“说实在的，先生，”可怜的小羊说，“除了妈妈的奶水，我从没喝过其它东西呢。”“好吧，不管怎么说，”狼说，“我总不能不吃晚饭。”于是，他扑向小羊，干脆痛快地把他吞了下去。
12
THE PEACOCK AND THE CRANE
孔雀与鹤
A Peacock taunted a Crane with the dullness of her plumage. "Look at my brilliant colors," said she, "and see how much finer they are than your poor feathers." "I am not denying," replied the Crane, "that yours are far gayer than mine; but when it comes to flying I can soar into the clouds, whereas you are confined to the earth like any dunghill cock."
｛中文阅读｝
孔雀嘲讽鹤的羽毛色泽暗淡，她奚落道：“看看我的羽毛，多么鲜艳华丽呀，比你那灰暗难看的羽毛强出百倍。”“我不否认，”鹤说道，“你的羽毛比我的华丽，可是，要说到飞行能力，我翅膀上的羽毛能在空中翱翔，而你却只能像公鸡一样，在地上行走。”
13
THE CAT AND THE BIRDS
猫和鸟
A Cat heard that the Birds in an aviary were ailing. So he got himself up as a doctor, and, taking with him a set of the instruments proper to his profession, presented himself at the door, and inquired after the health of the Birds. "We shall do very well," they replied, without letting him in, "when we've seen the last of you."
A villain may disguise himself, but he will not deceive the wise.
｛中文阅读｝
有一只猫，闻言某处鸟舍里的鸟儿们全都生病了。于是，他便扮作医生，带着医生所使用的专业器具，装模作样地来到鸟房前，假装问候里面的鸟儿身体状况。“我们都很健康，”鸟儿们回答说，并没有让猫进去，“一看到你的大尾巴，我们就全好了。”
骗子会伪装自己，但决骗不过聪明人。
14
THE SPENDTHRIFT AND THE SWALLOW
败家子与燕子
A Spendthrift, who had wasted his fortune, and had nothing left but the clothes in which he stood, saw a Swallow one fine day in early spring. Thinking that summer had come, and that he could now do without his coat, he went and sold it for what it would fetch. A change, however, took place in the weather, and there came a sharp frost which killed the unfortunate Swallow. When the Spendthrift saw its dead body he cried, "Miserable bird! Thanks to you I am perishing of cold myself."
One swallow does not make summer.
｛中文阅读｝
一个败家子因为挥霍无度而白白耗费了所有的财产。在一个早春的日子里，除了身上的衣服之外，已经别无所有的他，看到一只燕子。他心里想着，应该是夏天来临，可以不再需要身上的外套了。于是，他出去想卖掉外套，换点什么东西。不料，天气骤变，忽然降临的一场霜冻冻死了不幸的燕子。败家子看到燕子的尸体后，大喊道：“可怜的小鸟！都是因为你，我才会也跟着挨冻呀。”
一燕不成夏。
15
THE OLD WOMAN AND THE DOCTOR
老太婆与医生
An Old Woman became almost totally blind from a disease of the eyes, and, after consulting a Doctor, made an agreement with him in the presence of witnesses that she should pay him a high fee if he cured her, while if he failed he was to receive nothing. The Doctor accordingly prescribed a course of treatment, and every time he paid her a visit he took away with him some article out of the house, until at last, when he visited her for the last time, and the cure was complete, there was nothing left. When the Old Woman saw that the house was empty she refused to pay him his fee; and, after repeated refusals on her part, he sued her before the magistrates for payment of her debt. On being brought into court she was ready with her defense. "The claimant," said she, "has stated the facts about our agreement correctly. I undertook to pay him a fee if he cured me, and he, on his part, promised to charge nothing if he failed. Now, he says I am cured; but I say that I am blinder than ever, and I can prove what I say. When my eyes were bad I could at any rate see well enough to be aware that my house contained a certain amount of furniture and other things; but now, when according to him I am cured, I am entirely unable to see anything there at all."
｛中文阅读｝
有个老太婆，几乎因为眼疾而失明了，在咨询过医生之后，他们达成了协议——如果医生能治好她的病，她将支付高额费用；如果医生治不好她的病，她就分文不给。根据疗程计划，医生定期来她家里进行治疗，而且，每次来时总会顺手牵羊地偷走一些物品。终于，当他来做最后一次治疗时，老太婆家里的东西已经所剩无几了。虽然眼疾治好了，但是看到家里空荡荡的，老太婆便拒绝支付医疗费，几次三番地拒付之后，医生便起诉了老太婆，让法官帮他追讨欠款。被带到法官那里时，老太婆已经准备好为自己辩护了。她说：“原告的确如实地陈述了我们之间的协议，我曾经许诺过，如果他能治好我的病，就会支付给他治疗费，而且，他也曾应允过我，如果治不好我的病，就分文不取。现在，他说我已经痊愈了，可是我认为我的眼睛比以前更瞎了，就此而言，我完全能证明情况属实。以前，当我的视力下降之后，尚且能看见家里的一些家具和物品，可是现在，当医生说我已经痊愈时，我却看不见任何东西了。”
16
THE MOON AND HER MOTHER
月亮和妈妈
The Moon once begged her Mother to make her a gown. "How can I?" replied she; "there's no fitting your figure. At one time you're a New Moon, and at another you're a Full Moon; and between whiles you're neither one nor the other."
｛中文阅读｝
有一次，月亮祈求妈妈给她做一件长袍。“怎么做呀？”妈妈回答说，“根本没有适合你的尺寸呀。你有时是新月，有时又是满月，而且你时常变化着。”
17
MERCURY AND THE WOODMAN
墨丘利和樵夫
A Woodman was felling a tree on the bank of a river, when his axe, glancing off the trunk, flew out of his hands and fell into the water. As he stood by the water's edge lamenting his loss, Mercury appeared and asked him the reason for his grief; and on learning what had happened, out of pity for his distress he dived into the river and, bringing up a golden axe, asked him if that was the one he had lost. The Woodman replied that it was not, and Mercury then dived a second time, and, bringing up a silver axe, asked if that was his. "No, that is not mine either," said the Woodman. Once more Mercury dived into the river, and brought up the missing axe. The Woodman was overjoyed at recovering his property, and thanked his benefactor warmly; and the latter was so pleased with his honesty that he made him a present of the other two axes. When the Woodman told the story to his companions, one of these was filled with envy of his good fortune and determined to try his luck for himself. So he went and began to fell a tree at the edge of the river, and presently contrived to let his axe drop into the water. Mercury appeared as before, and, on learning that his axe had fallen in, he dived and brought up a golden axe, as he had done on the previous occasion. Without waiting to be asked whether it was his or not the fellow cried, "That's mine, that's mine," and stretched out his hand eagerly for the prize: but Mercury was so disgusted at his dishonesty that he not only declined to give him the golden axe, but also refused to recover for him the one he had let fall into the stream.
Honesty is the best policy.
｛中文阅读｝
有一个樵夫正在河边砍树，突然，就在他将斧子抽离树干的一刹那，斧子从他的手中滑落，掉进了水里。他站在水边悲叹那丢失了的斧子时，墨丘利出现了，问他为什么如此伤心。问清缘由之后，出于对樵夫的同情，墨丘利跳进河里，举起一把金灿灿的斧子问他，这是不是他丢失了的那一把。樵夫说这不是他丢的。于是，墨丘利又跳进河中，捞起一把银光闪闪的斧子，问他是不是这一把。“不是，这也不是我丢的。”樵夫回答道。墨丘利再一次跳进河里，捞起那把樵夫真正丢失了的斧子。看到失而复得的斧子，樵夫喜出望外，对墨丘利感激万分。然而，墨丘利也很赞赏樵夫的忠厚老实，就将另外两把斧子作为礼物送给了他。樵夫把自己的经历讲给同伴听，其中一个人十分羡慕他的好运气，决定也去碰一碰运气。于是，他也来到河畔砍树，并故意将自己的斧子丢入河中。墨丘利像以前一样出现了，知道樵夫的斧子落入水中之后，他像上次一样跳进河里捞起一把金斧子。还没等到墨丘利开口问他，这个人就大喊道：“是我的，这就是我的斧子。”并且迫切地伸手想去拿那把斧子，但墨丘利对他的不诚实很气愤，不仅拒绝把金斧子送给他，而且还拒绝帮他寻找掉入水中的那把斧子。
正直诚实才是上策。
18
THE ASS, THE FOX, AND THE LION
驴、狐狸和狮子
An Ass and a Fox went into partnership and sallied out to forage for food together. They hadn't gone far before they saw a Lion coming their way, at which they were both dreadfully frightened. But the Fox thought he saw a way of saving his own skin, and went boldly up to the Lion and whispered in his ear, "I'll manage that you shall get hold of the Ass without the trouble of stalking him, if you'll promise to let me go free." The Lion agreed to this, and the Fox then rejoined his companion and contrived before long to lead him by a hidden pit, which some hunter had dug as a trap for wild animals, and into which he fell. When the Lion saw that the Ass was safely caught and couldn't get away, it was to the Fox that he first turned his attention, and he soon finished him off, and then at his leisure proceeded to feast upon the Ass.
Betray a friend, and you'll often find you have ruined yourself.
｛中文阅读｝
驴和狐狸商量好一起去觅食。还没走出多远，突然看见一只狮子走过来，他们俩都吓得不得了。然而，狐狸却想出一条 妙计，可以保全自己的性命。他立即跑到狮子面前，附耳小声地说：“如果你答应放我走，我就能保证让你毫不费力地抓住那头驴。”狮子应允了他的提议，狐狸便引诱驴掉进了一个陷阱里，这是某些猎人为捕获野生动物而事先挖掘出的洞。狮子见驴已被俘获，再也逃不掉了，于是便转向刚才和他说话的那只狐狸，很快便抓住狐狸吃掉了，然后再慢慢地去享受陷阱里的驴。
背叛朋友，你也不会有好下场。
19
THE LION AND THE MOUSE
狮子与报恩的老鼠
A Lion asleep in his lair was waked up by a Mouse running over his face. Losing his temper he seized it with his paw and was about to kill it. The Mouse, terrified, piteously entreated him to spare its life. "Please let me go," it cried, "and one day I will repay you for your kindness." The idea of so insignificant a creature ever being able to do anything for him amused the Lion so much that he laughed aloud, and good-humouredly let it go. But the Mouse's chance came, after all. One day the Lion got entangled in a net which had been spread for game by some hunters, and the Mouse heard and recognized his roars of anger and ran to the spot. Without more ado it set to work to gnaw the ropes with its teeth, and succeeded before long in setting the Lion free. "There!" said the Mouse, "you laughed at me when I promised I would repay you: but now you see, even a Mouse can help a Lion."
｛中文阅读｝
狮子在自己的窝里睡着了，却被一只跑到他脸上的老鼠吵醒了。狮子非常生气，用爪子抓住老鼠，准备弄死他。战战兢兢的老鼠请求狮子饶了他的性命。“求你放了我吧，”老鼠哭喊道， “我肯定会报答你的恩情。”一个不足挂齿的小生命肯为自己做任何事，狮子被如此无意义的想法逗笑了，便随和地放他走了。不久，老鼠报恩的机会终于来了。有一天，狮子被猎人们布好的大网缠住了，愤怒地大吼起来，老鼠听到了狮子的哀嚎，迅速赶来。老鼠轻松地走过去开始噬咬绳索，很快就成功地放走了狮子。老鼠说：“看吧！当我许诺要报答你时，你还嘲笑我；现在你可看到了，即便一只小老鼠也能帮助一头大狮子。”
20
THE CROW AND THE PITCHER
乌鸦和水罐
A thirsty Crow found a Pitcher with some water in it, but so little was there that, try as she might, she could not reach it with her beak, and it seemed as though she would die of thirst within sight of the remedy. At last she hit upon a clever plan. She began dropping pebbles into the Pitcher, and with each pebble the water rose a little higher until at last it reached the brim, and the knowing bird was enabled to quench her thirst.
Necessity is the mother of invention.
｛中文阅读｝
一只口渴的乌鸦发现了一个大水罐，虽然里面没有多少水，但毕竟也能解解渴，于是她想尽办法用自己的长喙去接触水面，然而，尽管救命之水就在跟前，可她却无能为力。最后，她想出一条妙计。乌鸦开始用嘴叼着石子投到水罐里，每丢进去一粒石子，水面就会上升一点。终于，水面上升到了乌鸦的嘴边，她高兴地喝到了水，解了口渴。
需求是发明之母。
21
THE BOYS AND THE FROGS
男孩和青蛙
Some mischievous Boys were playing on the edge of a pond, and, catching sight of some Frogs swimming about in the shallow water, they began to amuse themselves by pelting them with stones, and they killed several of them. At last one of the Frogs put his head out of the water and said, "Oh, stop! stop! I beg of you: what is sport to you is death to us."
｛中文阅读｝
几个淘气的孩子在水池边玩耍，浅水中正在游泳的几只青蛙映入了他们的眼帘，他们便用石头去打青蛙，以此作为消遣娱乐。甚至于，他们还打死了几只青蛙。最后，一只青蛙从水中伸出头来，说：“住手！住手！求你们不要再打了。对你们来说，这是一个活动，可是对于我们来说，却是致命一击啊。”
22
THE NORTH WIND AND THE SUN
北风与太阳
A dispute arose between the North Wind and the Sun, each claiming that he was stronger than the other. At last they agreed to try their powers upon a traveler, to see which could soonest strip him of his cloak. The North Wind had the first try; and, gathering up all his force for the attack, he came whirling furiously down upon the man, and caught up his cloak as though he would wrest it from him by one single effort: but the harder he blew, the more closely the man wrapped it round himself. Then came the turn of the Sun. At first he beamed gently upon the traveler, who soon unclasped his cloak and walked on with it hanging loosely about his shoulders: then he shone forth in his full strength, and the man, before he had gone many steps, was glad to throw his cloak right off and complete his journey more lightly clad.
Persuasion is better than force.
｛中文阅读｝
北风与太阳争论不休，双方都在强调自己的能量更大。最后，他们一致赞同在一个行人身上试验自己的力量，看看谁能够最快速地让行人脱下衣服。北风先开始发威，他用尽全身力气攻击行人，猛烈的旋风向着行人袭来，并且拖住他的衣角以便使行人身上的衣服自行脱落；然而，风吹得越猛烈，这个行人越是紧紧裹住了自己的衣服。接下来，该太阳上场了。太阳开始温和地照耀着行人，行人很快就边走边解开衣服上的扣子，将其松散地搭在肩上；接着，太阳强烈地发光射向大地，已经走了很久的行人开心地脱掉衣服，轻装上阵。
温和的说服胜于蛮横的武力。
23
THE MISTRESS AND HER SERVANTS
女主人和仆人
A Widow, thrifty and industrious, had two servants, whom she kept pretty hard at work. They were not allowed to lie long abed in the mornings, but the old lady had them up and doing as soon as the cock crew. They disliked intensely having to get up at such an hour, especially in winter-time: and they thought that if it were not for the cock waking up their Mistress so horribly early, they could sleep longer. So they caught it and wrung its neck. But they weren't prepared for the consequences. For what happened was that their Mistress, not hearing the cock crow as usual, waked them up earlier than ever, and set them to work in the middle of the night.
｛中文阅读｝
一个寡妇，既节俭又勤劳，她对两个仆人的要求也相当严厉。每当公鸡一打鸣，这个老女人就叫她们起来去干活，不让她们多睡一会儿。仆人们都不喜欢在这么早的时间起床，尤其是在冬天里，她们以为，若是那只公鸡不在这么早的时候叫醒女主人，她们还能多睡一会儿。于是，她们捉住公鸡，拧断了它的脖子。但是，她们并没有预料到更严重的后果。女主人听不到公鸡的叫声了，却比往常更早地叫醒她们，在半夜里就让她们去干活。
24
THE GOODS AND THE ILLS
善与恶
There was a time in the youth of the world when Goods and Ills entered equally into the concerns of men, so that the Goods did not prevail to make them altogether blessed, nor the Ills to make them wholly miserable. But owing to the foolishness of mankind the Ills multiplied greatly in number and increased in strength, until it seemed as though they would deprive the Goods of all share in human affairs, and banish them from the earth. The latter, therefore, betook themselves to heaven and complained to Jupiter of the treatment they had received, at the same time praying him to grant them protection from the Ills, and to advise them concerning the manner of their intercourse with men. Jupiter granted their request for protection, and decreed that for the future they should not go among men openly in a body, and so be liable to attack from the hostile Ills, but singly and unobserved, and at infrequent and unexpected intervals. Hence it is that the earth is full of Ills, for they come and go as they please and are never far away; while Goods, alas! come one by one only, and have to travel all the way from heaven, so that they are very seldom seen.
｛中文阅读｝
世界形成之初，善与恶平等地并存于人心，这样一来，善不曾受称赞，恶也不曾遭唾弃。但是，由于人类的愚蠢，恶开始成倍增加，其力量也相继强大起来，后来似乎要剥夺所有善应占有的份额，将其驱逐出地球。因此，力量弱小的善努力回到了天上，向朱庇特（即宙斯，罗马神话中的主神）抱怨自己的遭遇，同时祈请他同意自己对恶的防卫，并且还征询重返人间的建议。朱庇特同意了他们寻求庇护的请求，并且还下令让他们将来不要公然地进入人间，因为这样易于受到心怀敌意的邪恶攻击，而是要逐一悄然地回归，不要太频繁，应在人们的意料之外。由此，这个地球上充满了邪恶，因为他们可以随意地往返，而且永远不会远离人类，而善则只能一个一个地来，他们要想方设法地从天上下来，必须悄悄地，才能不被发现。
25
THE HARES AND THE FROGS
野兔与青蛙
The Hares once gathered together and lamented the unhappiness of their lot, exposed as they were to dangers on all sides and lacking the strength and the courage to hold their own. Men, dogs, birds and beasts of prey were all their enemies, and killed and devoured them daily: and sooner than endure such persecution any longer, they one and all determined to end their miserable lives. Thus resolved and desperate, they rushed in a body towards a neighboring pool, intending to drown themselves. On the bank were sitting a number of Frogs, who, when they heard the noise of the Hares as they ran, with one accord leaped into the water and hid themselves in the depths. Then one of the older Hares who was wiser than the rest cried out to his companions, "Stop, my friends, take heart; don't let us destroy ourselves after all: see, here are creatures who are afraid of us, and who must, therefore, be still more timid than ourselves."
｛中文阅读｝
有一次，众多野兔聚集在一起，哀悼自己的不幸命运，方方面面都遭遇危险，而他们却缺乏勇气和力量去掌握自己的命 运。人、狗、鸟类和猛兽等都是他们的敌人，整日屠杀吞噬他们。一想到要忍受这样的迫害，他们都认为还不如一死了之呢。于是，他们下定决心、不顾一切地来到附近的池塘边，准备投水自尽。有一群青蛙正围坐在池塘边，听到兔子们那急促的跑步声后，青蛙们立即纷纷跳入水中。兔子中，有一只年长的兔子比同伴们聪明一些，“朋友们，快停下来，我们应该振作起来，不要再自寻短见了！你们看，这里还有一些害怕我们的动物呢，他们肯定比我们更胆小！”
26
THE FOX AND THE STORK
狐狸与鹤
A Fox invited a Stork to dinner, at which the only fare provided was a large flat dish of soup. The Fox lapped it up with great relish, but the Stork with her long bill tried in vain to partake of the savory broth. Her evident distress caused the sly Fox much amusement. But not long after the Stork invited him in turn, and set before him a pitcher with a long and narrow neck, into which she could get her bill with ease. Thus, while she enjoyed her dinner, the Fox sat by hungry and helpless, for it was impossible for him to reach the tempting contents of the vessel.
｛中文阅读｝
狐狸请鹤来吃晚饭，然而他所款待客人的，仅仅是一个大平底盘子里盛的一点汤。狐狸津津有味地舔食平盘里的汤，而鹤却无法用他那长喙吸食香喷喷的浓汤。鹤十分气恼，这让狡猾的狐狸十分开心。然而，没过多久，鹤回请狐狸吃饭，他在狐狸面前摆放了一只颈长口小的罐子，可以让鹤轻易地将长嘴伸进去。这一次，当他从容地吃着罐子里的食物时，狐狸却只能眼巴巴地看着，因为他根本无法够到罐子里诱人的饭菜。
27
THE WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING
披着羊皮的狼
A Wolf resolved to disguise himself in order that he might prey upon a flock of sheep without fear of detection. So he clothed himself in a sheepskin, and slipped among the sheep when they were out at pasture. He completely deceived the shepherd, and when the flock was penned for the night he was shut in with the rest. But that very night as it happened, the shepherd, requiring a supply of mutton for the table, laid hands on the Wolf in mistake for a Sheep, and killed him with his knife on the spot.
｛中文阅读｝
为了不被察觉地捕食一群羊，狼下定决心要伪装自己。于是，他披上了一身羊皮，趁羊群在牧场里游荡时悄然混进去。他完全骗过了放羊倌，晚上羊群被关进栏里时，他也被一起关了进去。但是，就在那个晚上，牧羊人想要吃羊肉了，于是把手放在披着羊皮的狼身上，一刀就杀了他。
28
THE STAG IN THE OX-STALL
牛棚里的雄鹿
A Stag, chased from his lair by the hounds, took refuge in a farmyard, and, entering a stable where a number of oxen were stalled, thrust himself under a pile of hay in a vacant stall, where he lay concealed, all but the tips of his horns. Presently one of the Oxen said to him, "What has induced you to come in here? Aren't you aware of the risk you are running of being captured by the herdsmen?" To which he replied, "Pray let me stay for the present. When night comes I shall easily escape under cover of the dark." In the course of the afternoon more than one of the farm-hands came in, to attend to the wants of the cattle, but not one of them noticed the presence of the Stag, who accordingly began to congratulate himself on his escape and to express his gratitude to the Oxen. "We wish you well," said the one who had spoken before, "but you are not out of danger yet. If the master comes, you will certainly be found out, for nothing ever escapes his keen eyes." Presently, sure enough, in he came, and made a great to-do about the way the Oxen were kept. "The beasts are starving," he cried; "here, give them more hay, and put plenty of litter under them." As he spoke, he seized an armful himself from the pile where the Stag lay concealed, and at once detected him. Calling his men, he had him seized at once and killed for the table.
｛中文阅读｝
一只雄鹿被猎狗赶出了巢穴，只得躲进一个农家小院里。他闯进了一个满是公牛的牛棚里，拼命挤进空牛栏的干草堆中，藏了起来，但是他的鹿角却一直露在外面。不久，一头公牛对他说：“是什么原因让你到这里来自投罗网呢？待在这里很危险，会被牧人抓走的，你知不知道？”雄鹿回答说：“求求你，就让我在这里待一会儿吧。当夜幕降临后，我就能有机会在黑暗中逃走了。”整个下午都很平安，虽然有几个雇工来牛棚照料牛群，但是没有一个人注意到雄鹿的存在，雄鹿一边暗自庆幸可以平安逃走，一边对公牛表示感激。“我们都希望你能平安，”先前曾和雄鹿讲话的那头公牛又开口了，“但是，你还没有完全脱离危险。如果主人来了，你可能就会被发现，因为没有什么能逃出他的眼睛。”正说着，农场主来了，开始抱怨工人没有好好照料牛群。“牲口都饿着呢，”他大喊道，“这里再多加点干草，要给他们足够的铺垫。”他一边说着话，一边查看着雄鹿躲身的干草堆，立刻就认出了雄鹿。于是，他叫来帮工，立刻抓住雄鹿并杀死它美餐了一顿。
29
THE MILKMAID AND HER PAIL
挤奶女孩和她的桶
A farmer's daughter had been out to milk the cows, and was returning to the dairy carrying her pail of milk upon her head. As she walked along, she fell a-musing after this fashion: "The milk in this pail will provide me with cream, which I will make into butter and take to market to sell. With the money I will buy a number of eggs, and these, when hatched, will produce chickens, and by and by I shall have quite a large poultry-yard. Then I shall sell some of my fowls, and with the money which they will bring in I will buy myself a new gown, which I shall wear when I go to the fair; and all the young fellows will admire it, and come and make love to me, but I shall toss my head and have nothing to say to them." Forgetting all about the pail, and suiting the action to the word, she tossed her head. Down went the pail, all the milk was spilled, and all her fine castles in the air vanished in a moment!
Do not count your chickens before they are hatched.
｛中文阅读｝
一个农场主的女儿挤完牛奶后，头顶着一桶牛奶，从田野里走回农庄。她边走边开始想入非非：“从这桶牛奶里可以得到 奶酪，也能得到奶油，就可以拿到市场上去卖。用卖得的钱，我还可以买回一些鸡蛋。这些鸡蛋还可以再孵出成群的小鸡。如此算来，我就能拥有一个大型的家禽场了。然后，我再卖掉那些牲畜，用卖得的钱，我就能买一条漂亮的长裙子，可以穿着到集市上去；年轻的小伙子们都会赞美裙子，都会过来向我示爱，而我却要摇摇头，什么也不说。”想到这里，她完全忘记了头顶上的桶，配合着自己的想法，她真的摇起头来。结果，头顶上的牛奶桶掉在了地上，所有的牛奶都洒出来了，她的美妙幻想也随之消失了。
不要高兴得太早。
30
THE DOLPHINS, THE WHALES, AND THE SPRAT
海豚、鲸和西鲱鱼
The Dolphins quarreled with the Whales, and before very long they began fighting with one another. The battle was very fierce, and had lasted some time without any sign of coming to an end, when a Sprat thought that perhaps he could stop it; so he stepped in and tried to persuade them to give up fighting and make friends. But one of the Dolphins said to him contemptuously, "We would rather go on fighting till we're all killed than be reconciled by a Sprat like you!"
｛中文阅读｝
海豚与鲸争吵起来，他们之间已经争斗了很久。战争进一步升级，并且越打越猛烈，根本没有一点要停的迹象，有一条西鲱鱼认为自己或许能够调停他们的战争，便过去准备劝他们停止争斗，成为朋友。但是，海豚轻蔑地对他说：“我们宁可争斗到同归于尽，也不会让一条像你这样的西鲱鱼来调解！”
31
THE FOX AND THE MONKEY
狐狸和猴子
A Fox and a Monkey were on the road together, and fell into a dispute as to which of the two was the better born. They kept it up for some time, till they came to a place where the road passed through a cemetery full of monuments, when the Monkey stopped and looked about him and gave a great sigh. "Why do you sigh?" said the Fox. The Monkey pointed to the tombs and replied, "All the monuments that you see here were put up in honor of my forefathers, who in their day were eminent men." The Fox was speechless for a moment, but quickly recovering he said, "Oh! don't stop at any lie, sir; you're quite safe: I'm sure none of your ancestors will rise up and expose you."
Boasters brag most when they cannot be detected.
｛中文阅读｝
狐狸与猴子同行，一路上都在争吵谁的家世更高贵。他们各自坚持着夸耀自己，边说边来到一个路边满是墓碑的地方。这时，猴子停下来，四处观望，然后放声大哭。“你为什么这样 呀？”狐狸忙问道。猴子指着那些墓碑，说：“你在这里看到的所有墓碑都是我祖先的荣誉，他们当时可都是杰出的人士！”狐狸沉默了一会儿，但是很快就反驳道：“噢！接着吹吧，先生，不会有人揭穿你的——我相信，他们之中没有人能站起来反驳你。”
谎言无法被揭穿时，吹牛者便会夸夸其谈。
32
THE ASS AND THE LAP-DOG
驴和哈巴狗
There was once a man who had an Ass and a Lap-dog. The Ass was housed in the stable with plenty of oats and hay to eat and was as well off as an ass could be. The little Dog was made a great pet of by his master, who fondled him and often let him lie in his lap; and if he went out to dinner, he would bring back a tit¬ bit or two to give him when he ran to meet him on his return. The Ass had, it is true, a good deal of work to do, carting or grinding the corn, or carrying the burdens of the farm: and ere long he became very jealous, contrasting his own life of labor with the ease and idleness of the Lap-dog. At last one day he broke his halter, and frisking into the house just as his master sat down to dinner, he pranced and capered about, mimicking the frolics of the little favorite, upsetting the table and smashing the crockery with his clumsy efforts. Not content with that, he even tried to jump on his master's lap, as he had so often seen the dog allowed to do. At that the servants, seeing the danger their master was in, belabored the silly Ass with sticks and cudgels, and drove him back to his stable half dead with his beating. "Alas!" he cried, "all this I have brought on myself. Why could I not be satisfied with my natural and honorable position, without wishing to imitate the ridiculous antics of that useless little Lap-dog?"
｛中文阅读｝
有人养了一头驴和一只哈巴狗。驴被圈养在棚子里，虽然不愁温饱，有着足够的燕麦和干草供应，却每天都要尽驴子应尽的本分。小狗颇会讨好它的主人，而主人则经常抚摸它，让它坐在自己的膝盖上。假如主人出外吃饭，还会想着带一点好吃的回来，等见到小狗时给它作为奖励。驴子的确是工作繁重，他不仅要到磨坊里拉磨，还要去树林里驮木材。与哈巴狗的悠闲自在相比，驴子难免会心生嫉妒，怀有怨言。有一天，机会终于来了，驴子挣断缰绳，跑进主人的房间，模仿哈巴狗的样子围着主人跳舞，又蹦又踢，不仅撞翻了桌子，还把碗碟摔得粉碎。不仅如此，驴子甚至还试图跳到主人的膝盖上，因为他经常看到小狗如此。仆人们见此情景，都吓坏了，以为主人面临着危险，于是用棍棒把驴子赶回棚里，打了个半死。“唉！”他哭喊着，“我这不是自作自受吗，我为什么不满足于自己的现状和地位，偏要去模仿小哈巴狗那无用、滑稽的小丑样呢？”
33
THE FIR-TREE AND THE BRAMBLE
冷杉与荆棘
A Fir-tree was boasting to a Bramble, and said, somewhat contemptuously, "You poor creature, you are of no use whatever. Now, look at me: I am useful for all sorts of things, particularly when men build houses; they can't do without me then." But the Bramble replied, "Ah, that's all very well: but you wait till they come with axes and saws to cut you down, and then you'll wish you were a Bramble and not a Fir."
Better poverty without a care than wealth with its many obligations.
｛中文阅读｝
一棵冷杉树用轻蔑的口吻对着荆棘夸口道：“你这可怜的东西，一点用处也没有。你看看我，我可是对万物都有益处，尤其是当人类要盖房子的时候，没有我根本就不行。”但是荆棘回答：“是啊！那的确很好。不过，等到他们拿着斧头和锯来把你砍倒时，你就会希望自己是荆棘，而不是冷杉树了。”
宁可贫穷而无人问津，也不要富贵而责任缠身。
34
THE FROGS' COMPLAINT AGAINST THE SUN
抱怨太阳的青蛙
Once upon a time the Sun was about to take to himself a wife. The Frogs in terror all raised their voices to the skies, and Jupiter, disturbed by the noise, asked them what they were croaking about. They replied, "The Sun is bad enough even while he is single, drying up our marshes with his heat as he does. But what will become of us if he marries and begets other Suns?"
｛中文阅读｝
有一次，太阳想给自己找个老婆。青蛙们惊恐地冲着天空大喊，朱庇特听到吵闹声，就问他们在冲着谁哇哇乱叫。他们回答说：“即便是单身，太阳已经够坏了，几乎晒干了我们的沼泽地，要是他再结了婚，并且再生下一个小太阳的话，我们该怎么办呀？”
35
THE DOG, THE COCK, AND THE FOX
狗、公鸡和狐狸
A Dog and a Cock became great friends, and agreed to travel together. At nightfall the Cock flew up into the branches of a tree to roost, while the Dog curled himself up inside the trunk, which was hollow. At break of day the Cock woke up and crew, as usual. A Fox heard, and, wishing to make a breakfast of him, came and stood under the tree and begged him to come down. "I should so like," said he, "to make the acquaintance of one who has such a beautiful voice." The Cock replied, "Would you just wake my porter who sleeps at the foot of the tree? He'll open the door and let you in." The Fox accordingly rapped on the trunk, when out rushed the Dog and tore him in pieces.
｛中文阅读｝
一条狗与一只公鸡成了朋友，他们准备一起去旅行。到了晚上，公鸡一跃跳到树枝上栖息，而狗则蜷缩在下面空洞洞的树干里过夜。天将破晓时，公鸡像往常一样啼叫起来。一只狐狸听见了鸡叫，想以鸡肉作为自己的早餐，便跑来站在树下，请公鸡下来。“多么美的嗓音啊！”他说，“我很高兴能认识一位声音悦耳动听的公鸡。”而公鸡则回答说：“你能先叫醒树洞里那个看门的吗？只要他一开门，我就可以下来。”狐狸立刻跑去叫门，里面突然跳出来一只狗，把他咬住撕碎了。
36
THE GNAT AND THE BULL
蠓虫和公牛
A Gnat alighted on one of the horns of a Bull, and remained sitting there for a considerable time. When it had rested sufficiently and was about to fly away, it said to the Bull, "Do you mind if I go now?" The Bull merely raised his eyes and remarked, without interest, "It's all one to me; I didn't notice when you came, and I shan't know when you go away."
We may often be of more consequence in our own eyes than in the eyes of our neighbors.
｛中文阅读｝
一只蠓虫偶然发现了公牛头上的角，便停留在上面很长一段时间。等他歇够了脚，准备飞走时，对公牛说：“我现在飞走，你不介意吧？”公牛仅仅抬眼看了看，不感兴趣地说：“对我来说都一样。我甚至都没有注意到你过来，当然也不想知道你什么时候走。”
我们经常自视很重要，可别人往往不这样看。
37
THE BEAR AND THE TRAVELLERS
熊和旅人
Two Travelers were on the road together, when a Bear suddenly appeared on the scene. Before he observed them, one made for a tree at the side of the road, and climbed up into the branches and hid there. The other was not so nimble as his companion; and, as he could not escape, he threw himself on the ground and pretended to be dead. The Bear came up and sniffed all round him, but he kept perfectly still and held his breath: for they say that a bear will not touch a dead body. The Bear took him for a corpse, and went away. When the coast was clear, the Traveler in the tree came down, and asked the other what it was the Bear had whispered to him when he put his mouth to his ear. The other replied, "He told me never again to travel with a friend who deserts you at the first sign of danger."
Misfortune tests the sincerity of friendship.
｛中文阅读｝
两个朋友一同出游，途中突然遇到一只大熊。还没等熊看到他们，其中一个立即闪电般地抢先爬上树，躲了起来。而另 一个眼见逃生无望，便灵机一动躺倒在地上，假装死了。熊走到他跟前，用鼻子在他脸上嗅了嗅，转身就走了，但他依然屏住呼吸、安然不动，因为他们听说，熊从来不碰死人。熊还真把他当成了死人，径自走开了。躲在树上的人下来后，问躺在地上的朋友，熊在他耳边说了些什么。那人委婉地回答说：“熊告诉我，今后千万注意，别和那些不能共患难的朋友一起同行。”
不幸可以考验友谊的真诚。
38
THE SLAVE AND THE LION
奴隶和狮子