FABLES OF LA FONTAINEv

Illustrated by Jiff Trnka FABLES OF LA FONTAINE

Illustrated by Jifi Trnka

GOLDEN PLEASURE BOOKS * LONDON This version of FABLES OF LA FONTAINE is especially adapted for children by Oldiich Syrovitka and translated by I. T. Havlti

Designed and produced by Artia for Golden Pleasure Books Ltd Westbook House • Fulham Broadway • London © 1962 by Artia Printed in Czechoslovakia CONTENTS

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The Farmer and His Sons g The Jay in Peacock's Feathers 30 The Acorn and The Pumpkin io The Mouse Who Ate Too Much 3 3 The Hands That Wouldn't Work 12 The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse 3 3 The Bear and the Two Brothers 14 The Grasshopper and the Ant 38 The Cock and the Fox 1 6 East, West, Home is Best 60 The Lion and the Mosquito ig The Cock, the Cat and the Little Mouse 63 The Fox, the Wolf and the Horse 21 The Wolf and the Fox 64

The Hare and the Partridge 23 The Cat and the Fox / 66 The Hen Who Laid Golden Eggs 24 The Two Goats 68 The Crow and the Fox 26 The Wolf, the Goat and the Kid 70 The Greedy Dog 28 The Sick Lion and the Fox 71 The Vain Stag 30 The Wolf and the Stork 74 The Miller, his Son and the Donkey 32 The Fox and the Goat 77 The Frog and the Rat 35 The Donkey and the Dog 73 37 82 The Hare and the Tortoise 40 The Stag and the Vine 83 ■ The Hares and the Frogs 42 The Wolf and the Dog 84 The Horse's Revenge 43 87 The Wolf Who Became a Shepherd 46 88 The Frog and the Ox 47 The Pigeon and the Ant go The Fox Who Lost his T ail 48 The Old M an and the Three Youths g 2

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/ THE FARMER AND HIS SONS

here once lived a farmer who had three sons. When he was old and ready to die, he summoned his sons to him and said to them, ‘We have a beautiful farm. I shall miss the fields. Take good care of them for a big treasure is buried in the soil.’ The farmer’s sons listened attentively as their father continued, ‘I do not know exactly where the treasure is hidden, but I know for certain that it is in our fields. Always till the fields well. Most important of all, plough the fields in time, directly after the harvest. No matter how tiny a patch, never leave it fallow and you will find the treasure you seek.’ No sooner had the farmer finished saying these words than he closed his eyes and passed away. The three sons took their father’s words to heart. They carried out his wishes and worked hard on the fields. They tilled the soil well and in time. They never allowed any part of the fields to go to waste and always ploughed deep down into the earth. They kept a sharp watch for the treasure, and although they searched and searched they didn’t find it. A year passed and at harvest time the fields yielded rich crops. The barn was packed full with golden corn. ‘I’ve got it,’ said the eldest son smiling contentedly one day. ‘We have already found the treasure. Do you know the answer to the riddle?’ ‘I think I know,’ grinned the second son happily. ‘Why, the treasure is the well-ploughed fields, carefully tilled and the crops harvested and threshed in time.’ ‘Father’s advice was very good, wasn’t it?’ said the youngest son and continued thoughtfully, ‘Yes, indeed, that is what we’ve been looking for all along. If we continue farming in the same way, we shall always find the biggest treasure by reaping the riches we have sown.’ 9