03 伊索寓言The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse2

It was late in theevening when the two crept into the city, and midnight erethey reached the great house where the town mouse lived. Herewere couches of crimson velvet, carvings in ivory,everything, in short, that told of wealth and ease.Onthe table were the remains of a splendidmeal, and it was now the turn of the town mouse to play the host: he ran to and fro to supply his friend’s wants, pressed dish upon dish and dainty upon dainty,and, as though he were waiting on a king,tasted every course before placing it beforehis rustic cousin. 

The country mouse, forhis part, tried to appear quite at home, and blessed the good fortune that hadbrought such a change in his way of life; when, inthe midst of his enjoyment, as he was wondering how he could have been content with the poor farehe was used to at home, on a sudden the dooropened and a party of ladies and gentlemen, returning from the theatre, enteredthe room.

Thetwo friends jumped from the table in the greatest fright,and hid themselves in the first corner they could reach. Whenthe room was quiet again they ventured tocreep out, but the barking of dogs drove them back in still greater terror thanbefore.

At length, when all thehousehold was asleep, the country mouse stoleout from his hiding-place, and, bidding hishost good-bye, whispered in his ear, “My good friend, this fine mode of living may dofor those who like it; but give me barley bread in peace and security beforethe daintiest feast where Fear and Care lie in wait.”

Ahumble life with peace and quiet is better than asplendid one with danger and risk.