Inspirational Stories #124 - Aesop's tales # 9 - The Boy who cried Wolf

There once was a boy who kept sheep not far from the village. He would often become bored and to amuse himself he would call out, "Wolf! Wolf," although there was no wolf about.

The villagers would stop what they were doing and run to save the sheep from the wolf's jaw. Once they arrived at the pasture, the boy just laughed. The naughty boy played this joke over and over until the villagers  got tired of him.

One day while the boy was watching the sheep, a wolf did come into the fold. The boy cried and cried, "Wolf! Wolf!"

No one came. The wolf had a feast of sheep that day.

Moral: No one will believe a habitual liar even when he is telling the truth

Inspirational Stories #123 - Aesop's tales # 8 - The Tree and the Reed

"Well, little one," said a Tree to a Reed that was growing at its foot, "why do you not plant your feet deeply in the ground, and raise your head boldly in the air as I do?"

I am contented with my lot," said the Reed. "I may not be so grand, but I think I am safer." 

"Safe!" sneered the Tree. "Who shall pluck me up by the roots or bow my head to the ground?" But it soon had to repent of its boasting, for a hurricane arose which tore it up from its roots, and cast it a useless log on the ground. while the little Reed, bending to the force of the wind, soon stood upright again when the storm had passed over.

Moral: Obscurity often brings safety

Inspirational Stories #122 - Aesop's tales #7 - The Milkmaid and her Pail

Patty, the milkmaid was going to market carrying her milk in a pail on her head. As she went along, she began calculating what she would do with the money she would get for the milk.

"I'll buy some fowls from farmer Brown, she said. They will lay eggs each morning, which I will sell to the parson's wife. With the money that I get from the sale of these eggs, I'll buy myself a new dimity frock, and a chip hat. When I go to the market, won't all the men come up and speak to me! Polly Shaw will be very jealous. But. I don't care. I shall just look at her and toss my head like this". As she spoke, she tossed her head back, the pail fell off, and all the milk was spilt.

Moral: Do not count your chickens before they are hatched.

Inspirational Stories #121 - Aesop's tales # 6 - The City Mouse and the Country Mouse

A country mouse invited his cousin who lived in the city to come visit him. The city mouse was so disappointed with the sparse meal which was nothing more than a few kernels of corn and couple of dried berries.

"My poor cousin, said the city mouse. You hardly have anything to eat! I do believe that an ant could eat better! Please do come to the city and visit me, and I will show you such rich feasts, readily available for the taking".

So, the country mouse left with his city cousin who brought him to a splendid feast in the city's alley. The country mouse could not believe his eyes. He had never seen so much food in one place. There was bread, cheese, cereals, and grains of all sorts scattered about in a warm cozy portion of the alley.

The two mice settled down to eat their wonderful dinner, but before they barely took their first bites, a cat approached their dining area. The two mice scampered away and hid in a small uncomfortable hole until the cat left. Finally, it was quiet, and the unwelcome visitor went to prowl somewhere else. The two mice came out of the hole and resumed their abundant feast. Before they could get a proper taste in their mouth, another visitor intruded on their dinner, and the two little mice had to scuttle away quickly.

"Goodbye, said the country mouse. You do indeed live in a plentiful city, but I am going home where I can enjoy my dinner in peace".

Moral: A modest life with peace and quiet is better than a richly one with danger and strife.

Inspirational Stories #120 - Aesop's tales # 5 - The Peacock's complaint

A peacock was very unhappy with his ugly voice, and he spent most of his days complaining about it.

"It's true that you cannot sing", said the fox. "But look how beautiful you are!"

"Oh, but what good is all this beauty," moaned the disheartened bird. "I have such an unpleasant voice!"

"Listen, said the fox. Each one has their own special gift. You have such beauty, the nightingale has his song, the owl his eyes, and the eagle his strength. Even if you had an eloquent voice, you would still complain about another thing". 

Moral: Do not envy the gifts of others. Make the most of your own.