Lectura 3: dos fábulas de Esopo

The Crow and the Pitcher

It had not rained for a long time, and the birds could find very little to drink. A thirsty crow found a pitcher – a tall jug – with a little water at the bottom. But the pitcher was high and had a narrow neck, and however hard he tried, the crow couldn't reach the water. The poor bird felt he was going to die of thirst.

Then he had an idea. He picked up some small stones and dropped them into the pitcher, one by one. With each stone, the water rose a little higher, until at last it was near enough for him to drink.

Moral: When you are in trouble, using your brain can help you.

The Ants and the Grasshopper

One sunny day in late autumn, a family of ants were busy drying the grain they had collected during the summer. Then a hungry grasshopper, with his violin under his arm, came up to them and politely asked for something to eat.

“What!” said the ants in surprise. “Haven't you saved any food for the winter? What were you doing all summer?”

“I didn't have time to collect any food,” said the grasshopper sadly. “I was so busy making music that the summer was over before I knew it.”

The ants shrugged their shoulders. “Making music, were you?” they said. “Very well, now dance!” And they turned their backs on the grasshopper and went on with their work.

Moral: There is a time for work and a time for play.