Twistales

A cock was scratching the ground in a farmyard in search of food for himself and his hens, when he happened to turn up a jewel. Feeling quite sure that it was something precious, but not knowing exactly what to do with it, he remarked, “You’re undoubtedly a very fine thing for those who appreciate…

A dog and a cock set out on their travels together, and by nightfall they found themselves in a forest. So the cock flew up into a tree and perched himself on a high branch, while the dog dozed below at the foot. When day finally dawned, the cock, as usual, crowed very loudly and…

While drinking water at the head of a running brook, a wolf noticed a stray lamb some distance down the stream. Once he made up his mind to attack her, he began thinking of a plausible excuse for making her his prey “Scoundrel!” he cried, running up to her. “How dare you muddle the water…

Many years ago a mighty rumbling was heard from a mountain, which was said to be in labour. Thousands of people flocked from far and near to see what it would produce. After a long time of waiting in anxious expectation-out popped a mouse! Old Learning: A magnificent and promising beginning often ends in paltry…

An eagle and a fox had lived together for a long time as good neighbours. The eagle’s nest was on top of a high tree; the fox’s lair, at the foot of it. One day however, while the fox was away, the eagle could not find any food for her young ones. So she swooped…

Some pigeons had long lived in fear of a hawk, but since they had always kept on the alert and stayed near their dovecote, they had consistently managed to escape their enemy’s attacks. Finding his sallies unsuccessful, the hawk now sought to use cunning to trick the pigeons. “Why,” he once asked, “do you prefer…

A woman owned a hen that laid an egg every morning. Since the hen’s eggs were of excellent quality they sold for a good price. So, at one point, the woman thought to herself, “If I double my hen’s allowance of barley, she’ll lay twice a day.” Therefore, she put her plan to work, and…

An archer, known for his skill with a bow and arrow, went to the mountains in search of sport. When he entered the forest, all the animals in the forest were frightened and took flight. Only the lion challenged him to counter, after which the archer immediately shot an arrow and cried. “My messenger has…

A hungry fox was crossing a vineyard, where ripe, juicy grapes were hanging much higher. In his attempt to win the delicious fruits, the fox leapt and sprang several times, but was unsuccessful in all his attempts. When he finally had to give up, he backed down and smiled to himself, “Well, what does it…

A fox had never seen a lion before, and when he finally encountered one for the first time, he was so terrified that he almost died of fright. When he met him the second time, he was still afraid but managed to conceal his fear. When he saw him the third time, he was so…