The Laborer and the Snake

英语自学网

The Laborer and the Snake
        A SNAKE, having made his hole close to the porch of a cottage,
        inflicted a mortal bite on the Cottager's infant son.  Grieving
        over his loss, the Father resolved to kill the Snake.  The next
        day, when it came out of its hole for food, he took up his axe,
        but by swinging too hastily, missed its head and cut off only the
        end of its tail.  After some time the Cottager, afraid that the
        Snake would bite him also, endeavored to make peace, and placed
        some bread and salt in the hole.  The Snake, slightly hissing,
        said:  "There can henceforth be no peace between us; for whenever
        I see you I shall remember the loss of my tail, and whenever you
        see me you will be thinking of the death of your son."
       
        No one truly forgets injuries in the presence of him
        who caused the injury.