The Town Mouse & the Field Mouse
A Mouse who lived in town one day met a Mouse who lived in the field.
“Where do you come from?” asked the Field Mouse
“I come from yonder town,” replied the Town Mouse.
“And how is life in town?”
“Very well, indeed. I am living in the lap of luxury. Whatever I want of sweets or any other good things is to be found in abundance in my master's house. But how is life in the field?”
“I have nothing to complain of. You must come and see for yourself. I have grain and nuts, and all the fruits of the trees and the field in my storehouse.”
The Town Mouse did not quite believe the story of her new friend, and driven by curiosity accompanied the Field Mouse home. How great was her surprise when she saw that the Field Mouse had spoken the truth; her storeroom was full of mouth-watering treasures.
"Oh, yes, you have here a nice snug place and something to live upon, but you should come to my house and see what riches I have,” said the Town Mouse.
The Field Mouse was rather simple by nature so she followed her friend into the town to see for herself. The Town Mouse lived in the house of the grocer and all around the storeroom there were sacks and crates full of every good thing the heart of a mouse could desire. The Field Mouse said she would never have believed it, had she not seen it with her own eyes.
While the two Mice were talking, who should come in but the Cat. As soon as the Town Mouse saw him, she slipped quietly behind a box and hid herself. Her friend, who had never seen a Cat before, turned to her and asked her who that gentleman was who had come in so quietly.
"Do you not know who he is? Why, he is our priest,” said the Town Mouse. “You must go and pay your respects to him and kiss his hand.”
Not suspecting anything, the Field Mouse did as she was told and went up to the Cat. He gave her at once his blessing, and administered her last rites as well.
Which was just what the Town Mouse intended. Seeing how rich the Field-mouse was, the Town Mouse had decided to kill her and take possession of everything she owned. She had learned the ways of the townspeople and had acted accordingly.
The Story of the Rat & His Journey to God
In a mill a Rat once lived and prospered. He took after the miller, and his belly grew bigger from day to day. He became as plump and juicy as a ripe tomato.
One day, looking at his round, sleek figure, the Rat said to himself, “Behold, I am so beautiful and strong. Why should I not go and pay a visit to God? He is sure to receive me.”
No sooner said than done. Leaving the mill, he started on his journey. After traveling a few days and not coming nearer to God, he stopped and said, “Methinks that either God lives much farther away than I imagined, or I have lost my way. I will go to the Sun and ask where God is.”
Coming to the Sun, the Rat asked: “Where is God?”
“Off with you,” yelled the Sun, “I have no time for idle talkers.”
The Rat then went to the Clouds and asked them: “Where is God?”
“We cannot stop to bandy words with the likes of you,” shouted the Clouds.
Away the Rat went and came to the Wind. “Where is God?” asked the Rat.
“There!” replied the Wind, and getting hold of the rat hurled him down onto an ant-heap.
The End.
|