第6章 骆驼 Camel
骆驼
The Camel
人们第一次看到骆驼，都非常害怕这个身材高大的家伙。一看到他，人们就会逃得远远的。过了一段时间后，他们渐渐发现骆驼性格温顺，于是就有人开始壮起胆子慢慢接近骆驼。又过了一段时间，人们了解到骆驼根本不会发脾气，于是就肆无忌惮起来，甚至把笼头套在他的脖子上，让小孩子来驱使。
时间可以战胜恐惧。
When Man first saw the Camel， he was so frightened at his vast size that he ran away. After a time， perceiving the meekness and gentleness of the beast's temper， he summoned courage enough to approach him.Soon afterwards， observing that he was an animal altogether deficient in spirit， he assumed such boldness as to put a bridle in his mouth， and to let a child drive him.
Use serves to overcome dread.
骆驼和朱庇特
The Camel and Jupiter
骆驼非常嫉妒牛的双角，希望自己可以和牛一样神气。于是，他就去找朱庇特，求主神可以让他头上也长出一对角来。朱庇特听到他的要求后大发雷霆，呵斥道：“你已经有这么高的个子，这么大的力气，还这么贪婪，妄想得到更多！”结果，骆驼头上不仅没有长出角，而且耳朵也被剪短了。
神要对付那些不尊重他们的人。
The Camel， when he saw the Bull adorned with horns， envied him and wished that he himself could obtain the same honors. He went to Jupiter， and besought him to give him horns.Jupiter， vexed at his request because he was not satisfied with his size and strength of body， and desired yet more， not only refused to give him horns， but even deprived him of a portion of his ears.
The Gods will deal with those who do not honor them.
猴子和骆驼
The Monkey and the Camel
一天，森林里的动物们举办了一个盛大的聚会。在聚会上，猴子登台跳舞，深受大家的欢迎，赢得了许多鲜花和掌声。骆驼十分嫉妒猴子，也很想得到伙伴们的称赞，于是也站起来给大家表演舞蹈。可是骆驼的动作实在太笨拙，使动物们大为扫兴。生气的动物们用棍子把他赶走了。
不要不自量力地去模仿比自己强的人。
The Beasts of the forest gave a splendid entertainment at which the Monkey stood up and danced. Having vastly delighted the assembly， he sat down amidst universal applause.The Camel， envious of the praises bestowed on the Monkey and desiring to divert to himself the favor of the guests， proposed to stand up in his turn and dance for their amusement.He moved about in so utterly ridiculous a manner that the Beasts， in a fit of indignation， set upon him with clubs and drove him out of the assembly.
It is absurd to ape our betters.
骆驼和阿拉伯人
The Camel and the Arab
一个阿拉伯人把货物都装到骆驼背上后，就问骆驼喜欢上山还是下山。可怜的骆驼振振有词地回答：“你为什么问我这么愚蠢的问题？难道途经沙漠的平坦大道都不存在了吗？”
如果有平坦的捷径，就要放弃艰难的险途。
An Arab camel-driver， after completing the loading of his Camel， asked him which he would like best， to go up hill or down. The poor beast replied， not without a touch of reason， "Why do you ask me？Is it that the level way through the desert is closed？"
Forsake the hard when an easier way is available.