Russian Fable
Krylov and his fables
Russian Literature – Children Books – Russian Poetry – Ivan. A. Krylov – Contents
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The Geese
A PEASANT, with a long rod in his hand, was driving some Geese to a town where they were to be sold ; and, to tell the truth, he did not treat them over-politely. In hopes of making a good bargain, he was hastening on so as not to lose the market-day (and when gain is concerned, geese and men alike are apt to suffer). I do not blame the peasant ; but the Geese talked about him in a different spirit, and, whenever they met any passers-by, abused him to them in such terms as these :
” Is it possible to find any Geese more unfortunate than we are ? This Moujik harasses us so terribly, and chases us about just as if we were common Geese. The ignoramus does not know that he ought to pay us reverence, seeing that we are the noble descendants of those geese to whom Rome was once indebted for her salvation, and in whose lion our even feast-days were specially appointed there.”
“And do you want to have honour paid you on that account ? ” a passer-by asked them.
”Why, our ancestors – – ”
” I know that — I have read all about it ; but I want to know this — of what use have you been yourselves ? ”
” Why, our ancestors saved Rome ! ”
” Quite so : but what have you done ? ”
” We ? Nothing.”
” Then what merit is there in you ? Let your ancestors rest in peace — they justly received honourable reward; but you, my friends, are only fit to be roasted ! ”
—–
It would be easy to make this fable still more intelligible ; but I am afraid of irritating the Geese.
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The Lion And The Panther > > >
Russian Literature – Children Books – Russian Poetry – Ivan. A. Krylov – Contents
Copyright holders – Public Domain Book
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