The Shepherd and the Sea

英语自学网

The Shepherd and the Sea
        A SHEPHERD, keeping watch over his sheep near the shore, saw the
        Sea very calm and smooth, and longed to make a voyage with a view
        to commerce.  He sold all his flock, invested it in a cargo of
        dates, and set sail.  But a very great tempest came on, and the
        ship being in danger of sinking, he threw all his merchandise
        overboard, and barely escaped with his life in the empty ship.
        Not long afterwards when someone passed by and observed the
        unruffled calm of the Sea, he interrupted him and said, "It is
        again in want of dates, and therefore looks quiet."