"Nothing," he answered.
"Nothing? How is that?"
"Because, since these other slaves do everything, there is nothing left for me to perform," said Aesop.
This answer pleased the rich man so well that he bought Aesop at once, and took him to his home on the island of Samos.
In Samos the little slave soon became known for his wisdom and courage. He often amused his master and his master's friends by telling droll fables about birds and beasts that could talk. They saw that all these fables taught some great truth, and they wondered how Aesop could have thought of them.
Many other stories are told of this wonderful slave. His master was so much pleased with him that he gave him his freedom. Many great men were glad to call him their friend, and even kings asked his advice and were amused by his fables.
ONE OF AESOP'S FABLES
An old Cat was in a fair way to kill all the Mice in the barn.
One day the Mice met to talk about the great harm that she was doing them. Each one told of some plan by which to keep out of her way.
"Do as I say," said an old gray Mouse that was thought to be very wise. "Do as I say. Hang a bell to the Cat's neck. Then, when we hear it ring, we shall know that she is coming, and can scamper out of her way." "Good! good!" said all the other Mice; and one ran to get the bell. "Now which of you will hang this bell on the Cat's neck?" said the old gray Mouse.