Aesop's Fables: Townsend (1867)
267. The Two Soldiers and the Robber (Perry
524)
TWO SOLDIERS traveling together were set upon by a Robber. The one fled
away; the other stood his ground and defended himself with his stout right
hand. The Robber being slain, the timid companion ran up and drew his
sword, and then, throwing back his traveling cloak said, 'I'll at him,
and I'll take care he shall learn whom he has attacked.' On this, he who
had fought with the Robber made answer, 'I only wish that you had helped
me just now, even if it had been only with those words, for I should have
been the more encouraged, believing them to be true; but now put up your
sword in its sheath and hold your equally useless tongue, till you can
deceive others who do not know you. I, indeed, who have experienced with
what speed you run away, know right well that no dependence can be placed
on your valor.'
George Fyler Townsend's translation of the fables, first published in 1867, is
in the public domain and can be found at many websites, including Project
Gutenberg.
Illustrations come from: Aesop's Fables, by George Fyler Townsend, with
illustrations by Harrison Weir, 1867, at Google
Books. |