1. The Ant and the Dove

When thirsty, an ant walked to the river’s edge to drink, but it almost drowned in the swift current, as the rushing water swept over its tiny body, threatening to pull it into the depths of the river. The ant, struggling against the force, felt a surge of panic as it desperately tried to reach the safety of the shore. With a powerful stroke of its legs, it managed to cling to a nearby reed, using all its strength to pull itself up and away from the perilous waters. Once safely on dry ground, the ant took a moment to catch its breath and reflect on the dangers of its surroundings, realizing that while the river offered a refreshing drink, it also hid the potential for great peril.

A Dove perched on a sprawling tree that gently swayed in the soft breeze, overlooking the shimmering river below. As she surveyed her surroundings, she plucked a vibrant green leaf from one of the branches and let it fall gracefully into the stream adjacent to her. To her surprise, an Ant quickly scurried onto the leaf, finding a sturdy spot to anchor itself. With a mix of hope and determination, the Ant found itself floating downstream, riding the gentle currents as the sunlight danced upon the water’s surface. It skillfully maneuvered, navigating small ripples and eddies, and ultimately made its way to the bank, all while remaining dry and safe, far from the water’s chilly embrace.

Shortly thereafter a bird hunter arrived and stood beneath the tree, and put his lime-twigs for the Dove, which sat on the branches. The Ant, realising his purpose, bit him in the foot.

The bird-catcher flung the twigs down in frustration, his exasperation mounting as he realized his efforts were in vain, and the Dove, startled by the sudden noise, took off at the sound and flew away into the vast, azure sky, its wings beating gracefully against the gentle breeze as it soared higher and higher, leaving the scene of his setbacks behind.

2. The Ants and the Grasshopper *

The ants took advantage of a beautiful day in the middle of winter to finish drying the grain that they had gathered throughout the summer. A grasshopper that was almost starving to death came by and pleaded with everyone, who would listen, for some food. The ants confronted him with the question,

“Why did you not store food away throughout the summer?”

He said, “I did not have sufficient leisure.” “Singing helped me get through the days.”

Then, in a mocking tone, they replied, “If you were stupid enough to sing all summer, you must dance supperless to bed in the winter.”

3. The Ape and the two Travellers.

Two men were traveling together when they happened across the realm of apes by complete accident. One of the men was known for telling the truth at all times, while the other never said anything but falsehoods. One of the apes, who had self-promoted to the position of the king of the apes, gave the order for them to be apprehended and brought before him so that he could find out what people thought of him among humans.

At the same time, he gave the order for all of the apes to be lined up in a long row on his right hand and on his left, and he also ordered that a throne be set up for himself, as was the norm for men. After all of these preparations, he gave the signal for the two men to be brought before him, and he welcomed them by asking, “What kind of a king do I appear to you to be, O strangers?”

The Lying Traveler responded by saying, “You strike me as the most powerful ruler.”

“And how would you rate the people who are in close proximity to me?”

He responded by saying, “These are honourable associates of yourselves, suitable at the very least to be ambassadors and commanders of armies.”

Because the ape and all of his court were pleased with the deception, they issued a directive that a magnificent gift be presented to the flatterer. As a result of this, the true traveler had the following thought:

“If such a large prize may be granted for a falsehood, with what gift may I not be rewarded if, according to my tradition, I speak the truth?”

The ape instantly switched its attention to the human. “And, Lord, tell me how I and these friends of mine around me seem to you.”

The honest traveller told so, “Thou art a highly excellent ape, and all these of thy comrades following thy example are good apes too.” “Thou art,” he added, “a most excellent ape.”

When the King of the Apes heard these things, he became furious and handed him over to be ripped apart by the fangs and claws of his comrades.