Басни Эзопа на английском языке
The Ass1 and his Purchaser
A man who wanted to buy an Ass went to market, and, coming across2 a likely-looking beast, arranged with the owner that he should be allowed to take him home on trial to see3 what he was like. When he reached home, he put him into his stable4 along with the other asses. The newcomer5 took a look round, and immediately went and chose a place next to the laziest and greediest beast in the stable. When the master saw this he put a halter7 on him at once, and led him off and handed him over to his owner again. The latter was a good deal surprised to seem him back so soon, and said, "Why, do you mean to say you have tested him already?" "I don't want to put him through any more tests," replied the other. "I could see what sort of beast he is from the companion8 he chose for himself."
Moral: A man is known by the company he keeps.
1 ass (= a donkey) — осел
2 to come across (= find by chance) — случайно найти, наткнуться
3 to take home on trial (= not purchase, but try to see if something works) — взять на проверку, но еще не купить, взять попробовать
4 stable (= place where horses, donkeys, asses, etc. live) — конюшня, стойло
5 newcomer (= someone who is new to a group) — вновьприбывший, новчок
6 greedy (= desire to have everything) —
7 halter (= equipment put onto a horse, donkey, ass, etc. to make movement easier) — надевать поводок
8 companion (= friend) — компаньон, друг
9 A man is known by the company he keeps — О человеке судят по его друзьям
Картинки животных вы можете найти в разделе "Слова в картинках"
|
