Aesop Fables

Childrens Story – The Gnat And The Lion A Gnat came and said to a Lion: “I do not the least fear you, nor are you stronger than I am. For in what does your strength consist? You can scratch with your claws, and bite with your teeth-so can a woman in her quarrels. I […]

Childrens Story – The Charcoal-burner And The Fuller A Charcoal-burner carried on his trade in his own house. One day he met a friend, a Fuller, and entreated him to come and live with him, saying that they should be far better neighbors, and that their housekeeping expenses would be lessened. The Fuller replied: “The […]

Childrens Story – The Two Soldiers And The Robber Two Soldiers, traveling together, were set upon by a Robber. The one fled away; the other stood his ground, and defended himself with his stout right hand. The Robber being slain, the timid companion runs up and draws his sword, and then, throwing back his traveling […]

Childrens Story – The Buffoon And The Countryman A rich nobleman once opened the theater to the public without charge, and gave notice that he would handsomely reward any one who would produce a new amusement. A Buffoon, well known for his jokes, said that he had a kind of entertainment that had never been […]

Childrens Story – The Horse And The Groom A Groom used to spend whole days in currycombing and rubbing down his Horse, but at the same time stole his oats, and sold them for his own profit. “Alas!” said the Horse, “if you really wish me to be in good condition, you should groom me […]

Childrens Story – The Thrush And The Swallow A young Thrush, who lived in an orchard once became acquainted with a Swallow. A friendship sprang up between them; and the Swallow, after skimming the orchard and the neighboring meadow, would every now and then come and visit the Thrush. The Thrush, hopping from branch to […]

Childrens Story – The Lion And The Gnat As a Gnat was buzzing around a Lion, the Lion said to him: “How dare you approach so near? Be off, or I will kill you with the least stroke of my paw.” The Gnat, knowing the advantage of his small size, and his alertness, immediately challenged […]

Childrens Story – The Milkmaid And Her Pot Of Milk A Maid was carrying her pail of milk to the farm-house, when she fell a-musing. “The money for which this milk will be sold will buy at least three hundred eggs. The eggs, allowing for all mishaps, will produce two hundred and fifty chickens. The […]

Childrens Story – The Sea-gull And The Kite A Sea-gull, who was more at home swimming on the sea than walking on the land, was in the habit of catching live fish for its food. One day, having bolted down too large a fish, it burst its deep gullet-bag, and lay down on the shore […]

Childrens Story – The Geese And The Cranes The Geese and the Cranes fed in the same meadow. A bird-catcher came to ensnare them in his nets. The Cranes, being light of wing, fled away at his approach; while the Geese, being slower of flight and heavier in their bodies, were captured. Those who are […]