Aesop's Fables

by Aesop

One swallow does not make summer.

Do not count your chickens before they are hatched.

You cannot believe a liar even when he tells the truth.

“My sons, I am shortly about to die; I would have you know, therefore, that in my vineyard there lies a hidden treasure. Dig, and you will find it.” As soon as their father was dead, the Sons took spade and fork and turned up the soil of the vineyard over and over again, in their search for the treasure which they supposed to lie buried there. They found none, however: but the vines, after so thorough a digging, produced a crop such as had never before been seen.

Give assistance, not advice, in a crisis.

When the time came both started off together, but the Hare was soon so far ahead that he thought he might as well have a rest: so down he lay and fell fast asleep. Meanwhile the Tortoise kept plodding on, and in time reached the goal. At last the Hare woke up with a start, and dashed on at his fastest, but only to find that the Tortoise had already won the race. Slow and steady wins the race.

Kindness is thrown away upon the evil.

Think twice before you act.

Be content with your lot.

Rude shocks await those who take to themselves the credit that is due to others.

Do not promise more than you can perform.