The viper and the file 毒蛇与锉刀（中英）

A Viper entered a carpenter’s shop, and went from one to another of the tools, begging for something to eat. Among the rest, he addressed himself to the File, and asked for the favor of a meal. The File replied in a tone of pitying contempt, “What a simpleton you must be if you imagine you will get anything from me, who invariably take from every one and never give anything in return.”

有条毒蛇爬进铁匠铺里，从一个工具到另一个工具，祈求能给他点可以吃的东西。其中，他向锉刀请求施舍，给他一顿饱餐。可是，锉刀却带着不屑的语气说：“你若想从我这里得到东西，那你真是太傻了，我历来只会索取，不会回报。”