The Bear and the Two Travelers
By Aesop
TWO MEN were traveling together, when a Bear suddenly met them on their path. One of them climbed up quickly into a tree, and concealed himself in the branches. The other, seeing that he must be attacked, fell flat on the ground, and when the Bear came up and felt him with his snout, and smelt him all over, he held his breath, and feigned the appearance of death as much as he could. The Bear soon left him, for it is said he will not touch a dead body.
When he was quite gone, the other traveler descended from the tree, and, accosting his friend, jocularly inquired what it was the Bear had whispered in his ear?
His friend replied: He gave me this advice: Never travel with a friend who deserts you at the approach of danger.
Moral:
Misfortune tests the sincerity of friends.
Source Book
Aesop's Fables
by Aesop
Translated by unknown
Illustrated by: Harrison Weir, John Tenniel, Ernest Griset, et.al.
Copyright 1881
Published by WM. L. Allison, New York
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The Bear and the Two Travelers
by Aesop
