駱駝

The Camel

人們第一次看到駱駝，都非常害怕這個身材高大的家伙。一看到他，人們就會逃得遠遠的。過了一段時間后，他們漸漸發現駱駝性格溫順，于是就有人開始壯起膽子慢慢接近駱駝。又過了一段時間，人們了解到駱駝根本不會發脾氣，于是就肆無忌憚起來，甚至把籠頭套在他的脖子上，讓小孩子來驅使。

時間可以戰勝恐懼。

When Man first saw the Camel， he was so frightened at his vast size that he ran away. After a time， perceiving the meekness and gentleness of the beast's temper， he summoned courage enough to approach him.Soon afterwards， observing that he was an animal altogether deficient in spirit， he assumed such boldness as to put a bridle in his mouth， and to let a child drive him.

Use serves to overcome dread.

駱駝和朱庇特

The Camel and Jupiter

駱駝非常嫉妒牛的雙角，希望自己可以和牛一樣神氣。于是，他就去找朱庇特，求主神可以讓他頭上也長出一對角來。朱庇特聽到他的要求后大發雷霆，呵斥道：“你已經有這么高的個子，這么大的力氣，還這么貪婪，妄想得到更多！”結果，駱駝頭上不僅沒有長出角，而且耳朵也被剪短了。

神要對付那些不尊重他們的人。

The Camel， when he saw the Bull adorned with horns， envied him and wished that he himself could obtain the same honors. He went to Jupiter， and besought him to give him horns.Jupiter， vexed at his request because he was not satisfied with his size and strength of body， and desired yet more， not only refused to give him horns， but even deprived him of a portion of his ears.

The Gods will deal with those who do not honor them.

猴子和駱駝

The Monkey and the Camel

一天，森林里的動物們舉辦了一個盛大的聚會。在聚會上，猴子登臺跳舞，深受大家的歡迎，贏得了許多鮮花和掌聲。駱駝十分嫉妒猴子，也很想得到伙伴們的稱贊，于是也站起來給大家表演舞蹈。可是駱駝的動作實在太笨拙，使動物們大為掃興。生氣的動物們用棍子把他趕走了。

不要不自量力地去模仿比自己強的人。

The Beasts of the forest gave a splendid entertainment at which the Monkey stood up and danced. Having vastly delighted the assembly， he sat down amidst universal applause.The Camel， envious of the praises bestowed on the Monkey and desiring to divert to himself the favor of the guests， proposed to stand up in his turn and dance for their amusement.He moved about in so utterly ridiculous a manner that the Beasts， in a fit of indignation， set upon him with clubs and drove him out of the assembly.

It is absurd to ape our betters.

駱駝和阿拉伯人

The Camel and the Arab

一個阿拉伯人把貨物都裝到駱駝背上后，就問駱駝喜歡上山還是下山。可憐的駱駝振振有詞地回答：“你為什么問我這么愚蠢的問題？難道途經沙漠的平坦大道都不存在了嗎？”

如果有平坦的捷徑，就要放棄艱難的險途。

An Arab camel-driver， after completing the loading of his Camel， asked him which he would like best， to go up hill or down. The poor beast replied， not without a touch of reason， "Why do you ask me？Is it that the level way through the desert is closed？"

Forsake the hard when an easier way is available.