猴子和兩個旅行者
The Apes and the Two travelers
有那么兩個人,一個很誠實,另一個總是說謊。一天,兩人誤闖入猴子的領地,猴王叫手下把他們帶來,問這兩對它的看法。說謊的人吹捧猴王,獲得了獎賞;誠實的人說了實話,卻遭到了懲罰。
Two men, one who always spoke the truth and the other who told nothing but lies, were traveling together and by chance came to the land of Apes. One of the Apes, who had raised himself to be king, commanded them to be seized and brought before him, that he might know what was said of him among. He ordered at the same time that all the Apes be arranged in a long tow on his right hand and on his left, and that a throne be placed for him , as was the custom among men.
After these preparations he signified that the two men should be brought before him, and him, and greeted them with this salutation:” What sort of a king do I seem to you to be, O strangers/” The lying traveler replied, “ You seem to me a most mighty king.” And what is your estimate of those you see around me?”“These,” he made answer,”” are worthy companions of yourself, fit at least to be ambassadors and leaders of 阿若” the Ape and all his court, gratified with the lie, commanded that a handsome present be given to the flatterer.
On this the truthful Traveler thought to himself, “If so great a reward be given for a lie, with what gift may not I be rewarded, if, occording to my custom, I tell the truth?” The Ape quickly turned to him. “ And pray how do I and thest my friends around me seem to you?” Thou art,” he said,” a most excellent Ape, and all these thy companions after thy example are excellent Apes too.” The King of the Apes, enraged at hearing these truths, gave him over to the teeth and claws of his companious.