The pack-ass and the wild ass 家驴和野驴
A wild ass, who was wandering idly about, one day came upon a pack-ass lying at full length in a sunny spot and thoroughly enjoying himself. Going up to him, he said, "What a lucky beast you are! Your sleek coat shows how well you live. How I envy you!" Not long after the wild ass saw his acquaintance again, but this time he was carrying a heavy load, and his driver was following behind and beating him with a thick stick. "Ah, my friend," said the Wild Ass, "I don't envy you any more, for I see you pay dear for your comforts." Advantages that are dearly bought are doubtful blessings. 有一天,一头无所事事的野驴,看见一头家驴正舒适地躺在阳光充足的地方自娱自乐。他走了过去,说:“你可真幸运呀!从你那光滑的皮肤就能看出来,你的日子过得很舒服呀,我真羡慕你!”不久,野驴又看见家驴驮着沉重的货物,驴夫还跟在后面不停地用鞭子抽打他,这一次,野驴说:“我的朋友,我不再羡慕你了,因为我知道你付出了惨痛的代价。” 用昂贵代价换来的优势是令人怀疑的服气。 |