A farmer was taking some geese to the town to sell. He had a long rod in his hand and was hurrying them. So, the geese complained to every person passing by, “We are so unfortunate. This farmer is driving us so roughly as if we are common, ordinary geese. The farmer does not know that he needs to respect us. We are the descendants of famous geese that once saved Rome from destruction.” One of the passers-by asked them, “But why do you expect people to respect you today?” “Why, yes, our fathers, the geese of Rome—” “I know. But what I am asking you is that what you have done. Why should people honour you?” “We? Why, nothing!” “Then why should you expect people to respect you? Let your fathers sleep in peace; they had received their reward. But you geese are fit only to be roasted.”
The Boastful Geese
