2. 狼篇#
2.1. 蝙蝠和黄鼠狼#
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。
THE BAT AND THE WEASELS
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.
Moral
Look and see which way the wind blows before you commit yourself.
👇 Listen to this fable
2.2. 狼和小羊#
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。
THE WOLF AND THE LAMB
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.
Moral
The unjust will not listen to the reasoning of the innocent.
👇 Listen to this fable
2.3. 披着羊皮的狼#
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。
THE WOLF IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING
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.
Moral
The evil doer often comes to harm through his own deceit.
👇 Listen to this fable
2.4. 牧童和狼#
一个牧童正赶着羊群走回村子，心想通过假装狼袭击羊群就能愚弄一下村民，这样就更好玩了。于是，他大喊道：”狼来了！狼来了！”人们听到喊声纷纷跑来，而牧童却冲着他们大笑，嘲弄他们的感受。之后，牧童再次如法炮制，这次村民又被骗了，因为根本没有什么狼。最后，真的来了一只狼，牧童拼命大喊：”狼来了！狼来了！”此时，先前听过他叫喊的那些人再也不把他当一回事了。于是，狼悠闲自在地杀死了所有的羊。
THE SHEPHERD’S BOY AND THE WOLF
A Shepherd’s Boy was tending his flock near a village, and thought it would be great fun to hoax the villagers by pretending that a Wolf was attacking the sheep: so he shouted out, “Wolf! wolf!” and when the people came running up he laughed at them for their pains. He did this more than once, and every time the villagers found they had been hoaxed, for there was no Wolf at all. At last a Wolf really did come, and the Boy cried, “Wolf! wolf!” as loud as he could: but the people were so used to hearing him call that they took no notice of his cries for help. And so the Wolf had it all his own way, and killed off sheep after sheep at his leisure.
Moral
You cannot believe a liar even when he tells the truth.
👇 Listen to this fable
2.5. 站在屋顶的小山羊与狼#
被青草和其它东西所吸引的一只小山羊，爬到了屋外的草棚顶上。就在他四处观望时，看见一只狼从底下经过，便嘲笑他抓不到自己。狼只是抬眼看了一下，说道：“嘿，伙计，笑话我的可不是你，而是你所处的地势。”
THE KID ON THE HOUSETOP
A Kid climbed up on to the roof of an outhouse, attracted by the grass and other things that grew in the thatch; and as he stood there browsing away, he caught sight of a Wolf passing below, and jeered at him because he couldn’t reach him. The Wolf only looked up and said, “I hear you, my young friend; but it is not you who mock me, but the roof on which you are standing.”
Moral
Be humble and mindful of your circumstances, as you never know when you may be the one who needs help.
👇 Listen to this fable
2.6. 老鼠和黄鼠狼#
老鼠和黄鼠狼打起仗来，老鼠每次都处于劣势，大量老鼠都被黄鼠狼杀死并吃掉了。于是，他们召开了一次战事会议，其中，一个年长的老鼠站起来发言：”毫无疑问，我们总是被打败的一方，因为没有统领来规划我们的战斗，在战场上指挥我们的行动，所以才会屡次失败。”根据他的建议，老鼠们推选出那些个头大的老鼠作为带队将领，并且，为了在老鼠群中区分这些将领，还让他们戴上用草编成的头盔。然后，老鼠带着必胜的信心再次投入到战斗中。可是，他们依旧被打败了，鼠群纷纷逃回洞中。除了那些将领之外，所有老鼠都轻易地逃进了洞里，因为头盔妨碍他们钻进小小的老鼠洞，所以将领们都被黄鼠狼吃掉了。
THE MICE AND THE WEASELS
There was war between the Mice and the Weasels, in which the Mice always got the worst of it, numbers of them being killed and eaten by the Weasels. So they called a council of war, in which an old Mouse got up and said, “It’s no wonder we are always beaten, for we have no generals to plan our battles and direct our movements in the field.” Acting on his advice, they chose the biggest Mice to be their leaders, and these, in order to be distinguished from the rank and file, provided themselves with helmets bearing large plumes of straw. They then led out the Mice to battle, confident of victory: but they were defeated as usual, and were soon scampering as fast as they could to their holes. All made their way to safety without difficulty except the leaders, who were so hampered by the badges of their rank that they could not get into their holes, and fell easy victims to their pursuers.
2.7. 狼、妈妈和孩子#
一只饥饿的狼四处寻觅食物。走着走着，他被小孩子的哭声吸引，来到了一个农舍。他在窗下屏息而立，只听到母亲对小孩子说：”别哭了，不然我就把你扔出去喂狼。”狼信以为真，以为她真会这样做，便站在门外等着，期待着快点能满足自己的食欲。直到傍晚来临，他又听见母亲在哄小孩子：”要是狼真的来了，爸爸就会杀死他的。”狼听了这话后，气愤地赶紧跑开了，他边跑边想：“那个房子里的人说的话，一句也不能信。”
THE WOLF, THE MOTHER, AND HER CHILD
A hungry Wolf was prowling about in search of food. By and by, attracted by the cries of a Child, he came to a cottage. As he crouched beneath the window, he heard the Mother say to the Child, “Stop crying, do! or I’ll throw you to the Wolf.” Thinking she really meant what she said, he waited there a long time in the expectation of satisfying his hunger. In the evening he heard the Mother fondling her Child and saying, “If the naughty Wolf comes, he shan’t get my little one: Daddy will kill him.” The Wolf got up in much disgust and walked away: “As for the people in that house,” said he to himself, “you can’t believe a word they say.”
Moral
Moral of the story: Do not trust what people say - actions speak louder than words.
👇 Listen to this fable
2.8. 狼和狮子#
一次，狼从羊群中抢走一只羊，正叼着小羊往回走时，碰上了一只狮子。狮子立刻从狼口里抢走羊，大摇大摆地走了。狼不敢反抗，只好乖乖等着狮子走远了，才说：”你抢走属于我的猎物，太不正当了。”狮子笑着说：“那么，这东西是你正当获得的吗，无疑是朋友送给你的，对吗？”
THE WOLF AND THE LION
A wolf stole a lamb from the flock, and was carrying it off to devour it at his leisure when he met a Lion, who took his prey away from him and walked off with it. He dared not resist, but when the Lion had gone some distance he said, “It is most unjust of you to take what’s mine away from me like that.” The Lion laughed and called out in reply, “It was justly yours, no doubt! The gift of a friend, perhaps, eh?”
Moral
Always be thankful for what you have, because it can easily be taken away.
👇 Listen to this fable
2.9. 鹿、狼和羊#
一只鹿跑去请求羊借给他一斗麦子，并说他的朋友——狼可以作担保。然而，羊担心他们俩合伙欺骗自己，便找了个借口，说：“狼有个坏习惯，抢完他想要的东西后便跑了，从不归还；而你则跑得比我快多了，所以等到你们该还账时，我怎么能追得上你们呀？”
THE SHEEP, THE WOLF, AND THE STAG
A Stag once asked a Sheep to lend him a measure of wheat, saying that his friend the Wolf would be his surety. The Sheep, however, was afraid that they meant to cheat her; so she excused herself, saying, “The Wolf is in the habit of seizing what he wants and running off with it without paying, and you, too, can run much faster than I. So how shall I be able to come up with either of you when the debt falls due?”
2.10. 狼与鹤#
有一次，一只狼的喉咙被骨头哽住了，便去找鹤，求她将长喙伸进自己的喉咙，取出那块骨头。随后，他又补充了一句：”我会好好犒劳你的。”鹤按照狼的吩咐做了，很轻松地取出了那块骨头。狼热情地感谢了她，然后转身就走了。这时，鹤大喊道：“你说好的报酬呢？””你说什么？”狼龇牙咧嘴地说，“你可以大肆宣传自己的头曾经伸到一只狼的嘴巴里，并且安全地拔出来了，这难道不就是给你的奖赏吗？”
THE WOLF AND THE CRANE
A Wolf once got a bone stuck in his throat. So he went to a Crane and begged her to put her long bill down his throat and pull it out. “I’ll make it worth your while,” he added. The Crane did as she was asked, and got the bone out quite easily. The Wolf thanked her warmly, and was just turning away, when she cried, “What about that fee of mine?” “Well, what about it?” snapped the Wolf, baring his teeth as he spoke; “you can go about boasting that you once put your head into a Wolf’s mouth and didn’t get it bitten off. What more do you want?”
Moral
Beware of false promises- they may cost you more than you think.
👇 Listen to this fable
2.11. 狼和绵羊#
一只狼被狗咬了，伤势很严重，他非常担心，昏倒在地上很长时间。不久，他苏醒过来，感觉饿了，正好看见一只羊从此经过，便说：”你能发发善心，帮我到旁边的小河里取一点水来吗？如果你能给我一点水解渴，我就能去找点肉吃了。”可是，这只羊并不傻。”我完全明白，”他回答说，“要是我给你送来水，那你就能毫不费力地找到肉吃了。”
THE WOLF AND THE SHEEP
A Wolf was worried and badly bitten by dogs, and lay a long time for dead. By and by he began to revive, and, feeling very hungry, called out to a passing Sheep and said, “Would you kindly bring me some water from the stream close by? I can manage about meat, if only I could get something to drink.” But this Sheep was no fool. “I can quite understand”, said he, “that if I brought you the water, you would have no difficulty about the meat. Good-morning.”
Moral
Be careful of who you trust, even if they appear to be asking for help.
👇 Listen to this fable
2.12. 狼和牧羊人#
一只狼跟在羊群后面很长时间了，但是却没有打扰他们。起先，牧羊人一直提心吊胆地盯着狼，因为他本能地以为狼是个坏蛋。可是随着时间的推移，狼却丝毫没有要攻击羊群的迹象，牧羊人便以为这是一个保护者，而非敌对者。终于有一天，牧羊人要进城办事，便把羊群留给狼守护。然而，就在牧羊人刚转身走开时，狼就袭击了羊群，并且杀死了大部分羊。牧羊人回来后，见此情景十分后悔，哭喊道：“我竟然把羊群托付给一只狼，真是活该呀！”
THE WOLF AND THE SHEPHERD
A Wolf hung about near a flock of sheep for a long time, but made no attempt to molest them. The Shepherd at first kept a sharp eye on him, for he naturally thought he meant mischief: but as time went by and the Wolf showed no inclination to meddle with the flock, he began to look upon him more as a protector than as an enemy: and when one day some errand took him to the city, he felt no uneasiness at leaving the Wolf with the sheep. But as soon as his back was turned the Wolf attacked them and killed the greater number. When the Shepherd returned and saw the havoc he had wrought, he cried, “It serves me right for trusting my flock to a Wolf.”
Moral
Trust can be earned, but it should never be assumed, as even those with seemingly good intentions can do great harm.
👇 Listen to this fable
2.13. 驴和狼#
一头驴正在牧场里吃草，看见远处有一只狼向他跑来，便装出瘸腿的样子，独自徐徐前行。狼走过来，问驴为何一瘸一拐，驴则回答说自己在越过篱笆时脚掌被刺扎伤，并且还请求狼用牙齿帮他拔掉刺。”只是以防万一，”驴说，”你吃我的时候，这根刺有可能会卡在你的喉咙里，会弄疼你的。”狼信以为真，便让驴抬起腿来，好让他全力拨出那根刺。然而，驴突然抬腿用脚后跟对准狼的嘴使劲一蹬，踢碎了狼的牙齿，接着便全速跑开了。刚能开口讲话，狼就咆哮道：“我真活该！爸爸教我要杀死它，我真应该乖乖听话，怎么还想去救他呢？”
THE ASS AND THE WOLF
An Ass was feeding in a meadow, and, catching sight of his enemy the Wolf in the distance, pretended to be very lame and hobbled painfully along. When the Wolf came up, he asked the Ass how he came to be so lame, and the Ass replied that in going through a hedge he had trodden on a thorn, and he begged the Wolf to pull it out with his teeth, “In case,” he said, “when you eat me, it should stick in your throat and hurt you very much.” The Wolf said he would, and told the Ass to lift up his foot, and gave his whole mind to getting out the thorn. But the Ass suddenly let out with his heels and fetched the Wolf a fearful kick in the mouth, breaking his teeth; and then he galloped off at full speed. As soon as he could speak the Wolf growled to himself, “It serves me right: my father taught me to kill, and I ought to have stuck to that trade instead of attempting to cure.”
Moral
The moral of the story is: Stick to the skills you have and do not be tempted to try something new that you are unfamiliar with.
👇 Listen to this fable
2.14. 狼和男孩#
刚刚饱餐了一顿的狼正欣喜万分，这时，他看见一个男孩平躺在地上，并且意识到男孩正想藏起来，因为男孩害怕狼。他走到男孩跟前，说：”啊哈，你注意到我发现你了，不过，如果你能对我说出三件无可争议的事情来，我就饶了你的命。”男孩鼓起勇气，想了一会儿，说：”首先，很可惜，你看见了我；其次，我很傻，竟然被你看见了；第三，我们都讨厌狼，因为他们总会无端攻击我们的羊群。”狼回答说：“嗯，从你的角度来看，你所说的都是事实，所以你可以走了。”
THE WOLF AND THE BOY
A Wolf, who had just enjoyed a good meal and was in a playful mood, caught sight of a Boy lying flat upon the ground, and, realising that he was trying to hide, and that it was fear of himself that made him do this, he went up to him and said, “Aha, I’ve found you, you see; but if you can say three things to me, the truth of which cannot be disputed, I will spare your life.” The Boy plucked up courage and thought for a moment, and then he said, “First, it is a pity you saw me; secondly, I was a fool to let myself be seen; and thirdly, we all hate wolves because they are always making unprovoked attacks upon our flocks.” The Wolf replied, “Well, what you say is true enough from your point of view; so you may go.”
Moral
The moral of this story is that it pays to be brave and use logic to solve problems. Even if it seems like the odds are against you, you can use wisdom and courage to get you out of difficult situations.
👇 Listen to this fable
2.15. 被狼追赶的羊羔#
一只狼正在追赶一只小羊，而羊逃进了一个神庙里。狼为了怂恿小羊出来，便说：”要是你不赶快出来，祭司就会抓住你，把你放到神坛上当祭祀品。”小羊则回答说：“谢谢你，我会一直待在这里，宁愿有一天能成为祭祀品，也比被你吃掉好。”
THE LAMB CHASED BY A WOLF
A Wolf was chasing a Lamb, which took refuge in a temple. The Wolf urged it to come out of the precincts, and said, “If you don’t, the priest is sure to catch you and offer you up in sacrifice on the altar.” To which the Lamb replied, “Thanks, I think I’ll stay where I am: I’d rather be sacrificed any day than be eaten up by a Wolf.”
Moral
Treat others as you wish to be treated. No matter what the circumstances, it is in our best interest to show kindness and respect to those around us.
👇 Listen to this fable
2.16. 狼和山羊#
一只狼看见山羊在陡峭的山崖上啃着稀疏的草，自己根本无法捉到她，便怂恿她赶快下来。”你站在那里会有生命危险的，女士，你太冒险了，”狼喊道，”还是听我的话，快点下来吧，这里的草更嫩更多，足够你吃的了。”山羊带着精明的眼神看着狼，回答说：“你并非真关心我在吃什么样的草，你不过是想吃掉我而已。”
THE WOLF AND THE GOAT
A Wolf caught sight of a Goat browsing above him on the scanty herbage that grew on the top of a steep rock; and being unable to get at her, tried to induce her to come lower down. “You are risking your life up there, madam, indeed you are,” he called out: “pray take my advice and come down here, where you will find plenty of better food.” The Goat turned a knowing eye upon him. “It’s little you care whether I get good grass or bad,” said she: “what you want is to eat me.”
Moral
Trust nobody and be wary of those who promise you something too good to be true.
👇 Listen to this fable
2.17. 一群狼和一群狗#
从前，有一群狼对一群狗说：”为什么我们要一直成为敌人呢？从各方面来看，你们和我们都很相像，咱们之间唯一的区别仅仅是受驯不同而已。我们过着自由自在的日子，而你们却成了人类的奴隶，他们不仅鞭打你们，还给你们套上沉重的颈圈，迫使你们去看守羊群和牲畜。总而言之，除了让你们啃骨头之外，人类什么也没给你们。别再忍受他们的折磨了，直接把羊群交给我们，我们一起到肥沃的草场里生活吧，我们一起去享受。”那群狗被狼的一番话说动了心，跟随狼群来到他们的窝里。结果，刚一进去，狼群就向狗群发起进攻，杀得他们片甲不留。
THE WOLVES AND THE DOGS
Once upon a time the Wolves said to the Dogs, “Why should we continue to be enemies any longer? You are very like us in most ways: the main difference between us is one of training only. We live a life of freedom; but you are enslaved to mankind, who beat you, and put heavy collars round your necks, and compel you to keep watch over their flocks and herds for them, and, to crown all, they give you nothing but bones to eat. Don’t put up with it any longer, but hand over the flocks to us, and we will all live on the fat of the land and feast together.” The Dogs allowed themselves to be persuaded by these words, and accompanied the Wolves into their den. But no sooner were they well inside than the Wolves set upon them and tore them to pieces.
2.18. 小山羊和狼#
一只从羊群里掉队的小山羊，被狼所追赶。当小山羊感觉自己就快被抓住了时，他回过头来，对狼说：”狼啊，我知道逃不掉了，很快就会成为你的盘中餐，因为我的生命很短暂，求求你让我尽可能地灿烂一回吧。你能在我死之前吹一曲，让我跳一次舞吗？”狼心想在晚餐前听一支曲子也不错，于是，他拿出自己的笛子来，开始吹奏，而小山羊则在他面前跳起舞来。还没过几分钟，守护羊群的牧羊犬闻声而至，想探个究竟。牧羊犬一看到狼，便马上赶走了他。狼一边跑，一边回过头来对小山羊说：“我真活该，我本该杀了你，根本没有义务为你吹笛子取悦你呀。”
THE KID AND THE WOLF
A Kid strayed from the flock and was chased by a Wolf. When he saw he must be caught he turned round and said to the Wolf, “I know, sir, that I can’t escape being eaten by you: and so, as my life is bound to be short, I pray you let it be as merry as may be. Will you not play me a tune to dance to before I die?” The Wolf saw no objection to having some music before his dinner: so he took out his pipe and began to play, while the Kid danced before him. Before many minutes were passed the gods who guarded the flock heard the sound and came up to see what was going on. They no sooner clapped eyes on the Wolf than they gave chase and drove him away. As he ran off, he turned and said to the Kid, “It’s what I thoroughly deserve: my trade is the butcher’s, and I had no business to turn piper to please you.”
Moral
The moral of this story is: Do not use your own skill or knowledge to take advantage of others.
👇 Listen to this fable
2.19. 牧羊人和狼#
牧羊人在牧场里捡到一只失散了的小狼崽，于是把它带回家，和狗一起喂养。小狼崽长大以后，倘若有狼来偷羊吃，它就会和狗一起去追赶狼。有一次，狗没追上就回去了，那只狼却继续追捕，待追上后，他看了看自己的同类，便与其一同分享了羊肉，然后回到牧羊人家里。从此以后，即便有时狼并没有来偷羊，他也会偷偷咬死一只羊，和狗一起分享战利品。后来，牧羊人对它产生了怀疑，有一天终于发现了事实真相，便用绳子套住狼的脖子，将它吊死在旁边的树上。
THE SHEPHERD AND THE WOLF
A Shepherd found a Wolf’s Cub straying in the pastures, and took him home and reared him along with his dogs. When the Cub grew to his full size, if ever a wolf stole a sheep from the flock, he used to join the dogs in hunting him down. It sometimes happened that the dogs failed to come up with the thief, and, abandoning the pursuit, returned home. The Wolf would on such occasions continue the chase by himself, and when he overtook the culprit, would stop and share the feast with him, and then return to the Shepherd. But if some time passed without a sheep being carried off by the wolves, he would steal one himself and share his plunder with the dogs. The Shepherd’s suspicions were aroused, and one day he caught him in the act; and, fastening a rope round his neck, hung him on the nearest tree.
Moral
What’s bred in the bone is sure to come out in the flesh.
👇 Listen to this fable
2.20. 狼和马#
一只狼溜达着来到了一个麦田，然而，狼并不吃大麦，看见一匹马走过来，他便让开了。狼对马说：”看吧，这是一块上好的麦田。为了给你留着，我都没敢动。而且，我非常喜欢听你牙齿咀嚼成熟麦穗的声音。”然而，马却回答说：“朋友，如果狼能吃大麦，你就未必喜欢听我吃麦穗的声音了。”
THE WOLF AND THE HORSE
A Wolf on his rambles came to a field of oats, but, not being able to eat them, he was passing on his way when a Horse came along. “Look,” said the Wolf, “here’s a fine field of oats. For your sake I have left it untouched, and I shall greatly enjoy the sound of your teeth munching the ripe grain.” But the Horse replied, “If wolves could eat oats, my fine friend, you would hardly have indulged your ears at the cost of your belly.”
Moral
There is no virtue in giving to others what is useless to oneself.
👇 Listen to this fable
2.21. 狗和狼#
在阳光照耀下，一条狗躺在农院门前睡着了。一只狼窥见后，冲上去袭击他，正想吃掉他时，狗乞求狼饶了自己，说：”我现在骨瘦如柴，还不够你塞牙缝的呢。不过，如果你再多等几天，我的主人就要举办宴会了，到时，所有的佳肴美食都会给我吃，而我也会变得肥肥胖胖的，然后，你再来吃我，不是更好吗。”狼听信了狗的话，便放了他。过了几天，狼又来到农院，发现狗躺在他够不到的屋顶上。”下来，”狼喊道，”快让我吃了你，你不记得我们的协议了吗？”而狗却从容地说：“朋友，要是你上次在门口抓住了躺在地上的我，就不用等待什么宴会了呀。”
THE DOG AND THE WOLF
A Dog was lying in the sun before a farmyard gate when a Wolf pounced upon him and was just going to eat him up; but he begged for his life and said, “You see how thin I am and what a wretched meal I should make you now: but if you will only wait a few days my master is going to give a feast. All the rich scraps and pickings will fall to me and I shall get nice and fat: then will be the time for you to eat me.” The Wolf thought this was a very good plan and went away. Some time afterwards he came to the farmyard again, and found the Dog lying out of reach on the stable roof. “Come down,” he called, “and be eaten: you remember our agreement?” But the Dog said coolly, “My friend, if ever you catch me lying down by the gate there again, don’t you wait for any feast.”
2.22. 黄鼠狼和人#
从前，有一个人抓住了一只黄鼠狼，它总是在房子里偷偷摸摸。这人正要用一盆水淹死它时，黄鼠狼苦苦哀求人饶了自己的性命，并且对人说：“你一定不忍心杀了我！想想我对你们家做的贡献吧，我可是一直在清理你家里的老鼠和蜥蜴，为了显示你对我的感激之情，就饶我一命吧。””我也承认，你并非完全无用，”男人说，“但是，是谁杀了鸡？是谁偷了肉？不，不！你做了太多坏事，理应去死。”
THE WEASEL AND THE MAN
A Man once caught a Weasel, which was always sneaking about the house, and was just going to drown it in a tub of water, when it begged hard for its life, and said to him, “Surely you haven’t the heart to put me to death? Think how useful I have been in clearing your house of the mice and lizards which used to infest it, and show your gratitude by sparing my life.” “You have not been altogether useless, I grant you,” said the Man: “but who killed the fowls? Who stole the meat? No, no! You do much more harm than good, and die you shall.”
Moral
Gratitude should be shown when it is earned, but it shouldn’t be extended when bad deeds outweigh the good.
👇 Listen to this fable
2.23. 狼群、羊群和公羊#
狼群派了一个使者到羊群那里去送一份缔结永久和平的建议书，其中提出，只要羊群放弃牧羊犬的看护，并把他处死，狼群便愿意与羊群和平相处。愚蠢的羊群同意了狼群的提议，但是一只上了年纪的公羊因年长而颇具智慧，他说：“即便眼前有狗在保护我们，我们尚且不能平安地逃出你们的魔爪，还怎么敢期望着与你们和平相处呢？”
THE WOLVES, THE SHEEP, AND THE RAM
The Wolves sent a deputation to the Sheep with proposals for a lasting peace between them, on condition of their giving up the sheep-dogs to instant death. The foolish Sheep agreed to the terms; but an old Ram, whose years had brought him wisdom, interfered and said, “How can we expect to live at peace with you? Why, even with the dogs at hand to protect us, we are never secure from your murderous attacks!”
Moral
A lasting peace cannot be achieved by simply giving up the tools of defense; trust must be earned over time.
👇 Listen to this fable
2.24. 狼和他的影子#
一只狼在日落时漫步于平原上，看到自己的影子那么长，他得意洋洋地自言自语道：”我还不知道自己的身体居然有这么大。难以想象我竟然还怕一只狮子！不，我不应该害怕他，我应该做百兽之王。”他沉醉于其中，忽视了身边的危险。这时，一只狮子向他扑来，开始撕咬他。”哎呀！”狼大声喊道，“若不是沉醉于虚幻之中，我就不会被自己的幻想毁了呀。”
THE WOLF AND HIS SHADOW
A Wolf, who was roaming about on the plain when the sun was getting low in the sky, was much impressed by the size of his shadow, and said to himself, “I had no idea I was so big. Fancy my being afraid of a lion! Why, I, not he, ought to be King of the beasts”; and, heedless of danger, he strutted about as if there could be no doubt at all about it. Just then a lion sprang upon him and began to devour him. “Alas,” he cried, “had I not lost sight of the facts, I shouldn’t have been ruined by my fancies.”
Moral
A moral of this story is that it is important to consider reality before getting carried away with one’s own ideas and ambition.
👇 Listen to this fable
2.25. 农夫和狼#
农夫松开牛脖子上挂着的牛轭，牵着它们到水边去喝水。这时，一只饿得半死的狼出现了，他走到犁旁边，开始咀嚼牛轭上的皮套。为了能够填饱肚子，狼拼命地啃那皮套，不知不觉就将头伸进了牛轭中，惊慌中的狼拼命挣扎着想重获自由，结果只好拉着犁跑，就像要去田里耕地似的。恰巧农夫回来了，看到眼前发生的一切，便说：“啊，你这个可恶的东西，但愿你弃恶从善，干点正经事。”
THE PLOUGHMAN AND THE WOLF
A Ploughman loosed his oxen from the plough, and led them away to the water to drink. While he was absent a half-starved Wolf appeared on the scene, and went up to the plough and began chewing the leather straps attached to the yoke. As he gnawed away desperately in the hope of satisfying his craving for food, he somehow got entangled in the harness, and, taking fright, struggled to get free, tugging at the traces as if he would drag the plough along with him. Just then the Ploughman came back, and seeing what was happening, he cried, “Ah, you old rascal, I wish you would give up thieving for good and take to honest work instead.”
Moral
The moral of this story is that honest work is always better than relying on dishonest means to fulfill one’s desires.
👇 Listen to this fable
2.26. 追赶狼的狗#
一条狗正在追赶一只狼，他边跑边想，自己是一条多么好的狗呀，腿多么健壮，跑得又是多么的快。狗自言自语道：”现在，看看这只狼，多么可怜呀，他根本不是我的对手，他很有自知之明，所以才会逃跑。”然而，狼却回过头来对他说：“朋友，不要以为我因为惧怕你才逃跑，让我害怕的是你身后的主人。”
THE DOG CHASING A WOLF
A Dog was chasing a Wolf, and as he ran he thought what a fine fellow he was, and what strong legs he had, and how quickly they covered the ground. “Now, there’s this Wolf,” he said to himself, “what a poor creature he is: he’s no match for me, and he knows it and so he runs away.” But the Wolf looked round just then and said, “Don’t you imagine I’m running away from you, my friend: it’s your master I’m afraid of.”
Moral
Never overestimate your abilities and always be aware of potential consequences.
👇 Listen to this fable
2.27. 狼和小孩#
从前有一只小山羊小崽，它不断长出犄角，以为自己已经长大成为一只山羊大崽，可以自己照顾自己。于是有一天傍晚，羊群正准备回羊圈，母羊发出号召，小崽却不理会，继续啃食草料。一会儿，他抬起头来，原来羊群都走了，他一个人在偏僻的田野里，一无所有，不知迷路了。
THE WOLF AND THE KID
There was once a little Kid whose growing horns made him think he was a grown-up Billy Goat and able to take care of himself. So one evening when the flock started home from the pasture and his mother called, the Kid paid no heed and kept right on nibbling the tender grass. A little later when he lifted his head, the flock was gone. He was all alone. The sun was sinking. Long shadows came creeping over the ground. A chilly little wind came creeping with them making scary noises in the grass. The Kid shivered as he thought of the terrible Wolf. Then he started wildly over the field, bleating for his mother. But not half-way, near a clump of trees, there was the Wolf! The Kid knew there was little hope for him. Please, Mr. Wolf, he said trembling, I know you are going to eat me. But first please pipe me a tune, for I want to dance and be merry as long as I can. The Wolf liked the idea of a little music before eating, so he struck up a merry tune and the Kid leaped and frisked gaily. Meanwhile, the flock was moving slowly homeward. In the still evening air the Wolf’s piping carried far. The Shepherd Dogs pricked up their ears. They recognized the song the Wolf sings before a feast, and in a moment they were racing back to the pasture. The Wolf’s song ended suddenly, and as he ran, with the Dogs at his heels, he called himself a fool for turning piper to please a Kid, when he should have stuck to his butcher’s trade.
2.28. 羔羊与狼#
从前，有这么一只活泼好动的小羊羔，农夫为了保它免受伤害，就把它放在了羊圈的茅草棚顶上。这小羊正在草棚顶的边缘闲看的时候，突然注意到一只狼，就开始嘲笑它，对它吐口水（扮鬼脸），尽情地辱骂它。“我听见你了，”那只狼说，“我对你所说所做的丝毫没有怨恨。当你在那上面的时候，是屋顶在说话，而不是你。
THE KID AND THE WOLF
A frisky young Kid had been left by the herdsman on the thatched roof of a sheep shelter to keep him out of harm’s way. The Kid was browsing near the edge of the roof, when he spied a Wolf and began to jeer at him, making faces and abusing him to his heart’s content. I hear you, said the Wolf, and I haven’t the least grudge against you for what you say or do. When you are up there it is the roof that’s talking, not you.
Moral
Do not say anything at any time that you would not say at all times.
👇 Listen to this fable
2.29. 狼与鹤#
狼吞食猎物如此地贪婪以致于一根骨头卡在他的喉咙里，痛苦至极，嚎叫着跑过森林，哀求每一只动物帮他拔出骨头。他甚至给出丰厚地奖赏给任何一个成功拔出来的人。他的恳求和这笔可观的酬金感动了鹤，便将自己的长脖子伸到狼的喉咙里，取出了骨头。她谨慎地要求着那份狼允诺的报酬，但是狼只是咧嘴一笑，露出了他的牙齿。
“忘恩负义的家伙!” 他回答，似乎很气愤。“你怎敢要求除生命之外的其他回报?” 毕竟，你是为数不多的几个敢说自己把头伸进了狼嘴里，又被允许安全地把它拉出来的人之一。”
THE WOLF AND THE CRANE
A Wolf had been feasting too greedily, and a bone had stuck crosswise in his throat. He could get it neither up nor down, and of course he could not eat a thing. Naturally that was an awful state of affairs for a greedy Wolf. So away he hurried to the Crane. He was sure that she, with her long neck and bill, would easily be able to reach the bone and pull it out. I will reward you very handsomely, said the Wolf, if you pull that bone out for me. The Crane, as you can imagine, was very uneasy about putting her head in a Wolf’s throat. But she was grasping in nature, so she did what the Wolf asked her to do. When the Wolf felt that the bone was gone, he started to walk away. But what about my reward! called the Crane anxiously. What!, snarled the Wolf, whirling around. Haven’t you got it? Isn’t it enough that I let you take your head out of my mouth without snapping it off?
2.30. 牧童与狼#
一个牧童在村边放羊。好几次他大叫：“狼来了!狼来了!”村民们闻声赶来，哪里有什么狼!牧童看到他们惊慌失措的样子，不禁哈哈大笑起来。后来，狼真的来了。牧童吓坏了，他慌忙大叫：“狼来了!狼来了!快来帮忙啊，狼在吃羊了!”然而，他喊破喉咙，也没有人前来帮忙。
THE SHEPHERD BOY AND THE WOLF
A Shepherd Boy tended his master’s Sheep near a dark forest not far from the village. Soon he found life in the pasture very dull. All he could do to amuse himself was to talk to his dog or play on his shepherd’s pipe. One day as he sat watching the Sheep and the quiet forest, and thinking what he would do should he see a Wolf, he thought of a plan to amuse himself. His Master had told him to call for help should a Wolf attack the flock, and the Villagers would drive it away. So now, though he had not seen anything that even looked like a Wolf, he ran toward the village shouting at the top of his voice, Wolf! Wolf!, As he expected, the Villagers who heard the cry dropped their work and ran in great excitement to the pasture. But when they got there they found the Boy doubled up with laughter at the trick he had played on them. A few days later the Shepherd Boy again shouted, Wolf!, Wolf! Again the Villagers ran to help him, only to be laughed at again. Then one evening as the sun was setting behind the forest and the shadows were creeping out over the pasture, a Wolf really did spring from the underbrush and fall upon the Sheep. In terror the Boy ran toward the village shouting Wolf! Wolf!, But though the Villagers heard the cry, they did not run to help him as they had before. He cannot fool us again, they said. The Wolf killed a great many of the Boy’s sheep and then slipped away into the forest.
Moral
Liars are not believed even when they speak the truth.
👇 Listen to this fable
2.31. 狼和他的影子#
太阳刚刚降下，狼兴致勃勃、胃口大开，从巢穴里走出来。狼跑着，太阳的余辉把它的影子画在地上，看上去就像它有100倍大。它得意地说：“看，我有多大！好大的我，竟然连微不足道的狮子都不怕！他还是我，谁才配当王呢？”话音刚落，一个巨大的影子突然从它头顶上掠过，原来是一只鹰，远远地瞪着它，狼惊恐不已，它叹息道：哦，有时候狼的虚荣心把它领入危险。
THE WOLF AND HIS SHADOW
A Wolf left his lair one evening in fine spirits and an excellent appetite. As he ran, the setting sun cast his shadow far out on the ground, and it looked as if the wolf were a hundred times bigger than he really was. Why, exclaimed the Wolf proudly, see how big I am! Fancy me running away from a puny Lion! I’ll show him who is fit to be king, he or I. Just then an immense shadow blotted him out entirely, and the next instant a Lion struck him down with a single blow.
Moral
Do not let your fancy make you forget realities.
👇 Listen to this fable
2.32. 狼和羔羊#
一大早，一只流浪的羊在林间小溪的岸边喝水。就在那个早晨，一只饥饿的狼从更远的地方来到溪边，捕猎什么可以吃的东西。他很快就发现了这只羊。一般来说，狼先生抓住这种美味的小块肉就不管三七二十一了，但是这只羊看起来如此无助和无辜，狼觉得他应该有个机会。
THE WOLF AND THE LAMB
A stray Lamb stood drinking early one morning on the bank of a woodland stream. That very same morning a hungry Wolf came by farther up the stream, hunting for something to eat. He soon got his eyes on the Lamb. As a rule Mr. Wolf snapped up such delicious morsels without making any bones about it, but this Lamb looked so very helpless and innocent that the Wolf felt he ought to have some kind of an excuse for taking its life. How dare you paddle around in my stream and stir up all the mud!, he shouted fiercely. You deserve to be punished severely for your rashness!, But, your highness, replied the trembling Lamb, do not be angry! I cannot possibly muddy the water you are drinking up there. Remember, you are upstream and I am downstream. You do muddy it! retorted the Wolf savagely, And besides, I have heard that you told lies about me last year! How could I have done so?, pleaded the Lamb I wasn’t born until this year. If it wasn’t you, it was your brother! I have no brothers. Well, then, snarled the Wolf, It was someone in your family anyway. But no matter who it was, I do not intend to be talked out of my breakfast. And without more words the Wolf seized the poor Lamb and carried her off to the forest.
Moral
The unjust will not listen to the reasoning of the innocent.
👇 Listen to this fable
2.33. 狼和羊#
一只狼在与熊的战斗中受伤，他无法动弹，也无法满足他的饥饿和口渴。一只绵羊经过他藏身的地方，狼叫唤他：“请帮我拿水来，也许这样我能得到坚实的食物。”“坚实的食物！”羊说，“我就是食物！如果你让我给你拿水，只会把自己洗进你的肚子里！别跟
THE WOLF AND THE SHEEP
A Wolf had been hurt in a fight with a Bear. He was unable to move and could not satisfy his hunger and thirst. A Sheep passed by near his hiding place, and the Wolf called to him. Please fetch me a drink of water, he begged, that might give me strength enough so I can get me some solid food. Solid food!, said the Sheep. That means me, I suppose. If I should bring you a drink, it would only serve to wash me down your throat. Don’t talk to me about a drink!
2.34. 狼和狮子#
狼偷走了一只羔羊，正准备把它拖到它的窝里吃掉，但当他遇到一只狮子时，他的计划彻底改变了，狮子毫无理由地把羔羊从他手中抢走了。 狼急忙跑开到一个安全的距离，然后以一种受到侮辱的口吻说：你没有权利这样抢我的财产！ 狮子回头看了看，可是因为狼的言语虚无，所以他却并没有做出任何反应。
THE WOLF AND THE LION
A Wolf had stolen a Lamb and was carrying it off to his lair to eat it. But his plans were very much changed when he met a Lion, who, without making any excuses, took the Lamb away from him. The Wolf made off to a safe distance, and then said in a much injured tone: You have no right to take my property like that! The Lion looked back, but as the Wolf was too far away to be taught a lesson without too much inconvenience, he said: Your property? Did you buy it, or did the Shepherd make you a gift of it?, Pray tell me, how did you get it?
2.35. 老鼠和黄鼠狼#
鼬鼠和老鼠总是相互矛盾。每次战斗都是鼬鼠获得了胜利，而老鼠也被他们大量地吃掉作为第二天的晚餐。 绝望的老鼠召开了一次会议，在会上他们决定，老鼠军队之所以总是败在对手手中，是因为他们没有领导人。于是他们从最著名的老鼠中挑选了大量的将军和指挥官。为了帮助他们应对鼬鼠的威胁，他们还进行了军事训练。
THE MICE AND THE WEASELS
The Weasels and the Mice were always up in arms against each other. In every battle the Weasels carried off the victory, as well as a large number of the Mice, which they ate for dinner next day. In despair the Mice called a council, and there it was decided that the Mouse army was always beaten because it had no leaders. So a large number of generals and commanders were appointed from among the most eminent Mice. To distinguish themselves from the soldiers in the ranks, the new leaders proudly bound on their heads lofty crests and ornaments of feathers or straw. Then after long preparation of the Mouse army in all the arts of war, they sent a challenge to the Weasels. The Weasels accepted the challenge with eagerness, for they were always ready for a fight when a meal was in sight. They immediately attacked the Mouse army in large numbers. Soon the Mouse line gave way before the attack and the whole army fled for cover. The privates easily slipped into their holes, but the Mouse leaders could not squeeze through the narrow openings because of their head-dresses. Not one escaped the teeth of the hungry Weasels.
2.36. 狼和瘦狗#
一个晚上，一只狼在一个村庄附近游荡，遇到了一条狗。这只狗极其瘦弱，以致游狼原本要嗤之以鼻的，只是此刻他比平时更饥饿，所以他就朝狗走了过去，而狗则一直向后退。狗打断他的话说：“请阁下恕我提醒，此刻吃我是多么的不好受，看看我的肋骨多么锋利，我只是想和阁下共处，求求你考虑考虑吧！”
THE WOLF AND THE LEAN DOG
A Wolf prowling near a village one evening met a Dog. It happened to be a very lean and bony Dog, and Master Wolf would have turned up his nose at such meager fare had he not been more hungry than usual. So he began to edge toward the Dog, while the Dog backed away. Let me remind your lordship, said the Dog, his words interrupted now and then as he dodged a snap of the Wolf’s teeth, how unpleasant it would be to eat me now. Look at my ribs. I am nothing but skin and bone. But let me tell you something in private. In a few days my master will give a wedding feast for his only daughter. You can guess how fine and fat I will grow on the scraps from the table. Then is the time to eat me. The Wolf could not help thinking how nice it would be to have a fine fat Dog to eat instead of the scrawny object before him. So he went away pulling in his belt and promising to return. Some days later the Wolf came back for the promised feast. He found the Dog in his master’s yard, and asked him to come out and be eaten. Sir, said the Dog, with a grin, I shall be delighted to have you eat me. I’ll be out as soon as the porter opens the door. But the porter was a huge Dog whom the Wolf knew by painful experience to be very unkind toward wolves. So he decided not to wait and made off as fast as his legs could carry him.
Moral
Do not depend on the promises of those whose interest it is to deceive you.
👇 Listen to this fable
2.37. 狼和驴子#
一只驴在森林旁边的草坪上喂食，他看到沿着篱笆的阴影里潜伏着一只狼。他很容易猜到狼的想法，想出了一个计划来拯救自己。所以他假装自己是跛脚，开始痛苦地搖晃。当狼走近时，他问驴是什么让他变成跛脚，驴回答说他踩到一根尖刺。求求你帮我拔出来，狼同情地帮他拔除了尖刺。
THE WOLF AND THE ASS
An Ass was feeding in a pasture near a wood when he saw a Wolf lurking in the shadows along the hedge. He easily guessed what the Wolf had in mind, and thought of a plan to save himself. So he pretended he was lame, and began to hobble painfully. When the Wolf came up, he asked the Ass what had made him lame, and the Ass replied that he had stepped on a sharp thorn. Please pull it out, he pleaded, groaning as if in pain. If you do not, it might stick in your throat when you eat me. The Wolf saw the wisdom of the advice, for he wanted to enjoy his meal without any danger of choking. So the Ass lifted up his foot and the Wolf began to search very closely and carefully for the thorn. Just then the Ass kicked out with all his might, tumbling the Wolf a dozen paces away. And while the Wolf was getting very slowly and painfully to his feet, the Ass galloped away in safety. Serves me right, growled the Wolf as he crept into the bushes. I’m a butcher by trade, not a doctor.
2.38. 兔子、黄鼠狼和猫#
一天，兔子离开家出去吃甜苷草晚餐。但是他忘记锁上房门，当他不在时，黄鼠狼走了进去，悠然地在里面安了家。当兔子回来时，黄鼠狼的鼻子伸出兔子自己的门口，嗅着美妙的空气。兔子非常生气，要求黄鼠狼搬走。但是黄鼠狼很满足，他准备住下来了。一只聪明的狐狸见到了这个场景，断定这是一场比赛。
THE RABBIT, THE WEASEL, AND THE CAT
A Rabbit left his home one day for a dinner of clover. But he forgot to latch the door of his house and while he was gone a Weasel walked in and calmly made himself at home. When the Rabbit returned, there was the Weasel’s nose sticking out of the Rabbit’s own doorway, sniffing the fine air. The Rabbit was quite angry for a Rabbit, and requested the Weasel to move out. But the Weasel was perfectly content. He was settled down for good. A wise old Cat heard the dispute and offered to settle it. Come close to me, said the Cat, I am very deaf. Put your mouths close to my ears while you tell me the facts. The unsuspecting pair did as they were told and in an instant the Cat had them both under her claws. No one could deny that the dispute had been definitely settled.
Moral
The strong are apt to settle questions to their own advantage.
👇 Listen to this fable
2.39. 狼和山羊#
一只饥饿的狼窥见一只山羊在一座陡峭的悬崖顶端小心翼翼地吃草，他根本没办法企图攻击它。狼假装心疼它的安危，有礼貌的大声叫道：“你在这里太危险了！请聆听我的话，下来吧！这里有最鲜嫩的草坪，你想要的尽可以得到。”山羊从悬崖边缘看了一眼，然后继续安详的吃草。
THE WOLF AND THE GOAT
A hungry Wolf spied a Goat browsing at the top of a steep cliff where he could not possibly get at her. That is a very dangerous place for you, he called out, pretending to be very anxious about the Goat’s safety. What if you should fall! Please listen to me and come down! Here you can get all you want of the finest, tenderest grass in the country. The Goat looked over the edge of the cliff. How very, very anxious you are about me, she said, and how generous you are with your grass! But I know you!, It’s your own appetite you are thinking of, not mine!
Moral
An invitation prompted by selfishness is not to be accepted.
👇 Listen to this fable
2.40. 狼和牧羊人#
一只狼已经在羊群周围潜行了很长时间了，牧羊人十分担心担心他会把羊羔给拿走，因此十分警惕地看守着。但是狼却没有去伤害羊群，反而似乎是在帮助牧羊人照顾好羊群。最后，牧羊人习惯了看到狼追随自己，以至于忘记了狼有多么邪恶。有一天，甚至把它当成自己的宝贝。
THE WOLF AND THE SHEPHERD
A Wolf had been prowling around a flock of Sheep for a long time, and the Shepherd watched very anxiously to prevent him from carrying off a Lamb. But the Wolf did not try to do any harm. Instead he seemed to be helping the Shepherd take care of the Sheep. At last the Shepherd got so used to seeing the Wolf about that he forgot how wicked he could be. One day he even went so far as to leave his flock in the Wolf’s care while he went on an errand. But when he came back and saw how many of the flock had been killed and carried off, he knew how foolish to trust a Wolf.
2.41. 老鼠和黄鼠狼#
一天，一只又饿又累的老鼠找到一筐玉米，它不得不在筐子上的窄缝中努力挤进去。可玉米太诱人了，老鼠也决心要进去。最后它终于挤进去，痛快地吃得不亦乐乎。事实上，它的肚子鼓了起来，变得离起来有三倍那么大。最后，它觉得肚子快饱了，想拖着自己的身子爬出筐子，却发现自己的身子变得太大而无法离开。
THE MOUSE AND THE WEASEL
A little hungry Mouse found his way one day into a basket of corn. He had to squeeze himself a good deal to get through the narrow opening between the strips of the basket. But the corn was tempting and the Mouse was determined to get in. When at last he had succeeded, he gorged himself to bursting. Indeed he became about three times as big around the middle as he was when he went in. At last he felt satisfied and dragged himself to the opening to get out again. But the best he could do was to get his head out. So there he sat groaning and moaning, both from the discomfort inside him and his anxiety to escape from the basket. Just then a Weasel came by, He understood the situation quickly. My friend, he said, I know what you’ve been doing. You’ve been stuffing. That’s what you get. You will have to stay there till you feel just like you did when you went in. Good night, and good enough for you. And that was all the sympathy the poor Mouse got.
2.42. 披着羊皮的狼。#
有一只狼因为牧羊人们的警惕而难以获取充足的食物。但是有天晚上，他发现一只被遗弃并被遗忘的绵羊皮毛。第二天，狼穿上了这只绵羊皮毛，和羊一起漫步在牧场里。不久一只小羊羔就跟着他走，很快就被带走来宰杀了。那天晚上，狼和羊群一起进入羊圈里。然而，在牧羊人们的警惕之下，狼最终还是没有得到任何利益。
THE WOLF IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING
A certain Wolf could not get enough to eat because of the watchfulness of the Shepherds. But one night he found a sheep skin that had been cast aside and forgotten. The next day, dressed in the skin, the Wolf strolled into the pasture with the Sheep. Soon a little Lamb was following him about and was quickly led away to slaughter. That evening the Wolf entered the fold with the flock. But it happened that the Shepherd took a fancy for mutton broth that very evening, and, picking up a knife, went to the fold. There the first he laid hands on and killed was the Wolf.
Moral
The evil doer often comes to harm through his own deceit.
👇 Listen to this fable
2.43. 狼和牧羊人#
狼正蹲伏在牧羊人的小屋附近，看到牧羊人和他的家人正在享受烤羊肉，啧啧私语道：“要是他们看到我这么做，会有多么大的惊呼和追逐！”
THE WOLF AND THE SHEPHERD
A Wolf, lurking near the Shepherd’s hut, saw the Shepherd and his family feasting on a roasted lamb. Aha!, he muttered, What a great shouting and running about there would have been, had they caught me at just the very thing they are doing with so much enjoyment!
Moral
Men often condemn others for what they see no wrong in doing themselves.
👇 Listen to this fable
2.44. 狼和家里的狗#
曾经有只狼得不到多少东西吃，因为村里的狗太警惕又看得太清楚。他几乎没有肉了，这让他非常沮丧。有一天晚上，这只狼碰巧遇到一只精壮的驯养家狗，它离家太远了。狼很想当场吃掉它，但是这只家狗看起来很强壮，可以把它的痕迹留在狼身上。所以狼就谦卑地和狗讲道理，他主动把自己的外表搞得更弱小一些，让它知道他不是一个威胁。这样它就可以勇敢地离开自己的家，而狼也得到了一顿美餐。
THE WOLF AND THE HOUSE DOG
There was once a Wolf who got very little to eat because the Dogs of the village were so wide awake and watchful. He was really nothing but skin and bones, and it made him very downhearted to think of it. One night this Wolf happened to fall in with a fine fat House Dog who had wandered a little too far from home. The Wolf would gladly have eaten him then and there, but the House Dog looked strong enough to leave his marks should he try it. So the Wolf spoke very humbly to the Dog, complimenting him on his fine appearance. You can be as well-fed as I am if you want to, replied the Dog. Leave the woods; there you live miserably. Why, you have to fight hard for every bite you get. Follow my example and you will get along beautifully. What must I do? asked the Wolf Hardly anything, answered the House Dog. Chase people who carry canes, bark at beggars, and fawn on the people of the house. In return you will get tidbits of every kind, chicken bones, choice bits of meat, sugar, cake, and much more beside, not to speak of kind words and caresses. The Wolf had such a beautiful vision of his coming happiness that he almost wept. But just then he noticed that the hair on the Dog’s neck was worn and the skin was chafed. What is that on your neck? Nothing at all, replied the Dog. What! nothing! Oh, just a trifle!, But please tell me. Perhaps you see the mark of the collar to which my chain is fastened. What! A chain!,cried the Wolf. Don’t you go wherever you please? Not always! But what’s the difference? replied the Dog. All the difference in the world!, I don’t care a rap for your feasts and I wouldn’t take all the tender young lambs in the world at that price. And away ran the Wolf to the woods.
2.45. 蝙蝠和黄鼠狼#
老鼠确乎遭遇了麻烦，它不小心跌进一只黄鼠狼的巢穴里，黄鼠狼急忙来抓它，准备把它吃掉。老鼠求饶道：“请放过我吧！”但是黄鼠狼却不听。它说：“你是只老鼠，我可是老鼠的死敌！每一只老鼠我都要抓来吃掉！”老鼠否认道：“我不是老鼠，你看看我的衣服，我不是老鼠，我是一只穿着衣服的人类。”
THE BAT AND THE WEASELS
A Bat blundered into the nest of a Weasel, who ran up to catch and eat him. The Bat begged for his life, but the Weasel would not listen. You are a Mouse, he said, and I am a sworn enemy of Mice. Every Mouse I catch, I am going to eat! But I am not a Mouse! cried the Bat. Look at my wings. Can Mice fly? Why, I am only a Bird! Please let me go! The Weasel had to admit that the Bat was not a Mouse, so he let him go. But a few days later, the foolish Bat went blindly into the nest of another Weasel. This Weasel happened to be a bitter enemy of Birds, and he soon had the Bat under his claws, ready to eat him. You are a Bird, he said, and I am going to eat you! What, cried the Bat, I, a Bird! Why, all Birds have feathers! I am nothing but a Mouse. ‘Down with all Cats,’ is my motto! And so the Bat escaped with his life a second time.
2.46. 母亲和狼#
清晨，一只饥饿的狼在村子边缘的一个小屋子四处游走，就在这个时候，他听到家里有孩子在哭泣。接着，他听到母亲说：“安静，孩子，安静！别哭了，否则我就把你给狼了！”一想到有如此美味的美食可以享用，狼十分欣喜，便蹲在一扇窗户下，满心期待。
THE MOTHER AND THE WOLF
Early one morning a hungry Wolf was prowling around a cottage at the edge of a village, when he heard a child crying in the house. Then he heard the Mother’s voice say: Hush, child, hush! Stop your crying, or I will give you to the Wolf! Surprised but delighted at the prospect of so delicious a meal, the Wolf settled down under an open window, expecting every moment to have the child handed out to him. But though the little one continued to fret, the Wolf waited all day in vain. Then, toward nightfall, he heard the Mother’s voice again as she sat down near the window to sing and rock her baby to sleep. There, child, there! The Wolf shall not get you. No, no! Daddy is watching and Daddy will kill him if he should come near! Just then the Father came within sight of the home, and the Wolf was barely able to save himself from the Dogs by a clever bit of running.
2.47. 鹿、绵羊、和狼#
一天，一只鹿来到一只羊身边，要求她借给它一升小麦。羊知道它是一只非常快的奔跑者，一旦有意愿，便可以轻易逃脱。所以她问它是否知道有人可以替它保证。是的，老狼已经答应我作担保。狼！羊气愤地喊道，你认为我会拿着你的担保相信你？我知道这个狼！它只会食言！
THE STAG, THE SHEEP, AND THE WOLF
One day a Stag came to a Sheep and asked her to lend him a measure of wheat. The Sheep knew him for a very swift runner, who could easily take himself out of reach, were he so inclined. So she asked him if he knew someone who would answer for him. Yes, yes, answered the Stag confidently, the Wolf has promised to be my surety. The Wolf! exclaimed the Sheep indignantly. Do you think I would trust you on such security? I know the Wolf! He takes what he wants and runs off with it without paying. As for you, you can use your legs so well that I should have little chance of collecting the debt if I had to catch you for it!
2.48. 狼、小孩和山羊#
母山羊一个早上正要去市场采买家中的杂货，只有她和一只小山羊。“儿子，你要小心家里，”她在关紧门闩的时候告诉小山羊，“如果有人来，你只有考察到这句密码才让他们进来：‘把狼及其一切摆脱！’”可是，命运就是这么有意思，一只狼正好藏在附近，听到了小山羊的密码。
THE WOLF, THE KID, AND THE GOAT
Mother Goat was going to market one morning to get provisions for her household, which consisted of but one little Kid and herself. Take good care of the house, my son, she said to the Kid, as she carefully latched the door. Do not let anyone in, unless he gives you this password: ‘Down with the Wolf and all his race!’ Strangely enough, a Wolf was lurking near and heard what the Goat had said. So, as soon as Mother Goat was out of sight, up he trotted to the door and knocked. Down with the Wolf and all his race, said the Wolf softly. It was the right password, but when the Kid peeped through a crack in the door and saw the shadowy figure outside, he did not feel at all easy. Show me a white paw, he said, or I won’t let you in. A white paw, of course, is a feature few Wolves can show, and so Master Wolf had to go away as hungry as he had come. You can never be too sure, said the Kid, when he saw the Wolf making off to the woods.
2.49. 狼与羊#
狼群潜伏在羊圈附近，但狗们一直把它们都拉开了一段距离，羊群安全地吃着草。但现在狼群想出一个欺骗羊的计划：“我们为什么总是有敌意？”它们说，“如果不是那些老是捣乱的狗，我们一定可以友好相处。叫它们走，你就会看到我们会成为多么好的朋友。”羊群不能控制狗，但可以拒绝被狼欺骗。
THE WOLVES AND THE SHEEP
A pack of Wolves lurked near the Sheep pasture. But the Dogs kept them all at a respectful distance, and the Sheep grazed in perfect safety. But now the Wolves thought of a plan to trick the Sheep. Why is there always this hostility between us? they said. If it were not for those Dogs who are always stirring up trouble, I am sure we should get along beautifully. Send them away and you will see what good friends we shall become. The Sheep were easily fooled. They persuaded the Dogs to go away, and that very evening the Wolves had the grandest feast of their lives.