This fable teaches that, when we get used to fearful things, they do not frighten us so much as at first.


THE FARMER AND THE STORK

[Original]

A Farmer set a net in his field to catch the Cranes that were eating his grain. He caught the Cranes, and with them a Stork also. The Stork was lame, and begged the Farmer to let him go.

“I am not a Crane,” he said. “I am a Stork. I am a very good bird, and take care of my father and mother. Look at the color of my skin; it is not the same as the Crane’s.”

But the Farmer said: “I do not know how that is. I caught you with the Cranes, and with the Cranes you must die.”