Lectura 4: dos fábulas de Esopo

The Bundle of Sticks

A father had several sons who were always arguing with each other. Nothing he said made any difference, so he decided to find a clear example to show them that fighting would only bring them bad luck.

One day, when they had argued even more than usual, he asked one of them to bring him a bundle of sticks tied together. He gave the bundle to each of his sons in turn and told them to try to break it. They all tried their best, but nobody could do it.

Then the father untied the bundle and gave the sticks to his sons one by one. This time they broke them very easily.

“My sons,” said the father, “can't you see? If you agree with each other and help each other, your enemies will never be able to hurt you. But if you are divided, you will be no stronger than one single stick.”

Moral: Together we are strong.

Belling the Cat

The mice once held a meeting to find a way to protect themselves from their enemy, the cat. They wanted at least to know when she was coming, so that they would have time to run away. Something had to be done: they were so afraid of her claws that they hardly dared to leave their holes, day or night.

They discussed many plans, but none of them seemed good enough. Finally, a very young mouse stood up and said: “I have a plan that is very simple, but I know it will work. All we have to do is hang a bell round the cat's neck. When we hear the bell, we will know immediately that she is coming.”

All the mice were surprised that nobody had thought of such a plan before. But while they were celebrating, an old mouse stood up and said: “The young mouse's plan is very good. But let me ask one question: who is going to put the bell on the cat?”

Moral: It is easy to suggest a plan, but much harder to carry it out.