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AESOP'S FABLES
The Ant and the Chrysalis
An Ant nimbly running about in the sunshine in search of food came
across a Chrysalis that was very near its time of change. The
Chrysalis moved its tail, and thus attracted the attention of
the Ant, who then saw for the first time that it was alive. "Poor,
pitiable
animal!" cried the Ant disdainfully. "What a sad fate is
yours!
While I can run hither and thither, at my pleasure, and, if I
wish,
ascend the tallest tree, you lie imprisoned here in your
shell, with
power only to move a joint or two of your scaly tail."
The
Chrysalis heard all this, but did not try to make any reply. A
few days after, when the Ant passed that way again, nothing
but the shell remained. Wondering what had become of its
contents, he felt himself suddenly shaded and fanned by the
gorgeous wings of a beautiful Butterfly. "Behold in me," said
the Butterfly, "your much-pitied friend! Boast now of your
powers to run and climb as long as you can get me to listen."
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So saying, the Butterfly rose in the air,
and, borne along and aloft on the summer breeze, was soon
lost to the sight of the Ant forever.
Moral:
Appearances are deceptive
Aesop, The Ant and the
Chrysalis
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