So each one boasted of his skill in doing some sort
of labor. One was a fine gardener; another could take care of horses; a
third was a good cook; a fourth could manage a household.
"And what can you do, Aesop?" asked Xanthus.
"Nothing," he answered.
"Nothing? How is that?"
"Because, since these other slaves do everything, there is nothing
left for me to perform," said Aesop.
This answer pleased the rich man so well that he bought Aesop at once,
and took him to his home on the island of Samos.
In Samos the little slave soon became known for his wisdom and courage.
He often amused his master and his master's friends by telling droll
fables about birds and beasts that could talk. They saw that all these
fables taught some great truth, and they wondered how Aesop could have
thought of them.
Many other stories are told of this wonderful slave. His master was
so much pleased with him that he gave him his freedom. Many great men
were glad to call him their friend, and even kings asked his advice
and were amused by his fables.
ONE OF AESOP'S FABLES
An old Cat was in a fair way to kill all the Mice in the barn.
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