Hukumusume fairy tale collection > Story Top > Aesop’s Fables

The Hare and the Tortoise
(Aesop’s Fables)

Translation　ちいさな翻訳屋さん

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　A fir-tree was boasting to a bramble and said.

"Now look at me. I am useful for all sorts of things.

　for example, I am everywhere used for hall's roof or large ship.

　And I am straight and tall. It makes me look very beautiful.

　Definitely, I am a great fir-tree.

　… Oh?

　Look at you growing on my foot, you mere thorny bramble. Everyone doesn't like you.

　I have a question. What is special about you?"

　The bramble answered.

"You are right. I have nothing special, but..."

"But what?"

　"Oh, here, look!

　Here comes a man with an ax.

　He is coming straight toward us, isn’t he?

　What does he want from us?

　Well, I am a disliked thorny bramble. So he may need something from you, not me.

　I guess being a star must be hard.

　…Oh?

　What's the matter with you all of a sudden?

　You look you are shivering without wind."



　Be modest even if people fall all over you.

　You may be in trouble if you are too conspicuous.

The end

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