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The Tortoise and the Geese
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The Tortoise and the Geese and Other Fables of Bidpai |
by Maude Barrows Dutton |
Thirty-four animal fables ably retold from the Panchatantra of India. Originally written in Sanskrit, tradition attributes the fables to Bidpai, an Indian sage, who, as legend has it, wrote them to instruct the king in moral wisdom. The king was delighted with the gentle wisdom and humor of the fables, which continue to be enjoyed by children to this day. Attractive black and white illustrations complement the text. Ages 7-10 | 84 pages |
$7.95 |
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THE TORTOISE AND THE GEESE
A TORTOISE and two Geese lived together in a pond for many years.
At last there came a drought and dried up the pond. Then
the Geese said to one another,—
"We must seek a new home quickly, for we cannot live without
water. Let us say farewell to the Tortoise and start at once."
When the Tortoise heard that they were going, he trembled
with fear, and besought them by their friendship not to
desert him.
"Alas," the Geese replied, there is no help for it.
If we stay here, we shall all three die, and we cannot
take you with us, for you cannot fly."
Still the Tortoise begged so hard not to be left behind
that the Geese finally said,—
"Dear Friend, if you will promise not to speak a word
on the journey, we will take you with us. But know
beforehand, that if you open your mouth to say one single
word, you will be in instant danger of losing your life."
"Have no fear," replied the Tortoise, "but that I will
be silent until you give me leave to speak again. I
would rather never open my mouth again than be left to
die alone here in the dried-up pond."
So the Geese brought a stout stick and bade the Tortoise
grasp it firmly in the middle by his mouth. Then they took
hold of either end and flew off with him. They had gone
several miles in safety, when their course lay over a
village. As the country people saw this curious sight of a
Tortoise being carried by two Geese, they began to laugh
and cry out,—
"Oh, did you ever see such a funny sight in all your life!"
And they laughed loud and long.
The Tortoise grew more and more indignant. At last he
could stand their jeering no longer. "You stupid . . . "
he snapped, but before he could say more he had fallen to
the ground and was dashed to pieces.
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