The Wasps, the Partridges, and the Farmer
Traditional Fable by: Aesop
Source: Aesop's Fables
In a lush, sunlit valley, a hardworking farmer spent his days tending to his fields, carefully preparing the earth and planting seeds with hope for a plentiful harvest. As the first green shoots appeared, he noticed a colony of wasps buzzing as they built a sturdy nest among the tall wheat, and a family of partridges nesting nearby, their chicks darting playfully between the rows.
The farmer watched the creatures with a gentle smile, not wishing to disturb them. But he knew that when the grain was ripe, he would need to harvest the field. So, one morning, he called out, “Friends, I am glad you have found shelter here, but when the harvest comes, I must clear this field. Please find a new place to live before then, so you will not be harmed.”
The wasps, proud of their nest, buzzed in annoyance. “There is plenty of time before the harvest,” they said. “Why should we worry now?” The partridges, feeling safe and comfortable, chirped in agreement. “We will move when the time comes.”
As the days passed, the wheat grew tall and golden, swaying in the warm breeze. The farmer continued his work, gently reminding the wasps and partridges whenever he passed. But each time, they replied, “Not yet. There is still time.”
Summer turned to autumn, and the day of harvest finally arrived. The farmer, as he had warned, began to cut the grain. The wasps, startled by the sudden commotion, tried to defend their nest but were quickly scattered. The partridges, caught by surprise, rushed to gather their chicks and flee, but in the confusion, some were separated from their family and their home was destroyed.
As the farmer gathered his crop, the wasps and partridges watched from afar, realizing too late that they should have heeded his warnings. Their pride and procrastination had cost them their homes and their peace.
From that day on, the creatures of the valley remembered the lesson: when a warning is given, it is wise to act before it is too late.
Moral: Ignore warnings at your own risk. Foresight and timely action can prevent disaster.
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