THE CROW AND THE WATER JAR
A THIRSTY Crow found a large Water Jar, with only a little water remaining at the bottom. For some time she tried in vain to tip the Jar and pour out the water on the ground, so that she might slake her thirst. But when she found that she was only wasting her efforts, exasperation sharpened her wits. By dropping pebbles into the Jar, she gradually raised the level of the water to the brim, and was then able to drink at pleasure.
This fable teaches that it is sometimes better to imitate the Crow and attain our desires by cleverness rather than by force.
(Avianus, Fable 27.)
THE FLY AND THE CHARIOT
A FLY was seated on a racing Chariot that was being driven at full speed. In their rapid flight the feet of the horses and the rims of the whirring wheels flung up great clouds of dust. The Fly took all the credit to itself, and cried proudly:
"See what a dust I am raising!"
(Abstemius, Fable 16.)
THE EEL AND THE SNAKE
WHY is it," asked the Eel of the Snake, "that although I'm in all respects and beyond question quite like you in appearance, men are always seeking to catch me, while they leave you in peace?"
