A boy put his hand into a jar to take some nuts. He grasped so many that there was no room for his hand to come out. In a great fright he burst into tears.
“Be satisfied with half as many,” said a man who was watching him, “and your hand will come out easily.”
The greedy boy dropped half, and at once out came his hand.
—Æsop
DID SHE CATCH HIM?
One day a little girl said to her wisest aunt, “I wish I could catch that sparrow.”
“The next time he comes,” said her wisest aunt, “shake some salt on his tail. But be sure not to let him see nor hear you.”
The little girl went into the house and brought out some salt. Pretty soon the sparrow alighted near her. She tiptoed up behind him with the salt ready in her hand. Nearer and nearer she stole.
Just as she stooped to shake the salt on his tail, the sparrow cocked his head at her and flew away.