The Peasant And The Apple Tree
A Peasant had in his garden an Apple-Tree which bore no fruit but
only served as a harbor for the sparrows and grasshoppers. He resolved
to cut it down, and taking his axe in his hand, made a bold stroke
at its roots. The grasshoppers and sparrows entreated him not to cut
down the tree that sheltered them, but to spare it, and they would
sing to him and lighten his labors. He paid no attention to their
request, but gave the tree a second and a third blow with his axe.
When he reached the hollow of the tree, he found a hive full of honey.
Having tasted the honeycomb, he threw down his axe, and looking on
the tree as sacred, took great care of it.
Self-interest alone moves some men.
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