The Peasant and the Apple-Tree

英语自学网

The Peasant and the Apple-Tree
        A PEASANT had in his garden an Apple-Tree which bore no fruit but
        only served as a harbor for the sparrows and grasshoppers.  He
        resolved to cut it down, and taking his axe in his hand, made a
        bold stroke at its roots.  The grasshoppers and sparrows
        entreated him not to cut down the tree that sheltered them, but
        to spare it, and they would sing to him and lighten his labors.
        He paid no attention to their request, but gave the tree a second
        and a third blow with his axe.  When he reached the hollow of the
        tree, he found a hive full of honey.  Having tasted the
        honeycomb, he threw down his axe, and looking on the tree as
        sacred, took great care of it.
       
        Self-interest alone moves some men.