suspended head downward in the air. The Crow flew on, holding the Mouse in
its beak, and lower still the Frog hanging head downward. People witnessing that
extraordinary sight were uttering in the road various jokes and sarcasms: "A
strange thing this, that contrary to his wont, a crow has made a prey of a frog!"
and "Never before was a frog the prey of a crow!"
The Frog was howling out in reply: "Now, too, a Frog is not the prey of a Crow,
but from the bad luck of associating with a Mouse, I have been caught in this
calamity, and he who associates with a different species deserves a thousand
times as much."
And this story carries with it this beneficial advice: That no one ought to
associate with one of a different race, in order that, like the Frog, he may not be
suspended on the string of calamity.
The Crow and the Partridge
It is related that one day a Crow was flying and saw a Partridge, which was
walking gracefully on the ground with a quick step and graceful gait that
enchanted the heart of the looker-on.
The Crow was pleased with the gait of the Partridge, and amazed at its agility.
The desire of walking in the same manner fixed itself in his mind, and the insane
longing to step proudly, after this fascinating fashion, made its appearance. He
forthwith girt his loins in attendance on the Partridge, and abandoning sleep and
food, gave himself up to that arduous occupation, and kept continually running
in the traces of the Partridge and gazing on its progress.
One day the Partridge said: "O crazy, black-faced one! I observe that thou art
ever hovering about me, and art always watching my motions. What is it that
thou dost want?"
The Crow replied: "O thou of graceful manners and sweet smiling face, know
that having conceived a desire to learn thy gait, I have followed thy steps for a
long time past, and wish to acquire thy manner of walking, in order that I may
place the foot of preeminence on the head of my fellows."
The Partridge uttered a merry laugh, and said: "Alack! alack! My walking