LESSON 13

THE WOLF

wolf grieved sleeve neighbors earnest

axes clubs order single destroy

1. A boy was once taking care of some sheep, not far from a forest. Near by was a village, and he was told to call for help if there was any danger.

2. One day, in order to have some fun, he cried out, with all his might, “The wolf is coming! the wolf is coming!”

3. The men came running with clubs and axes to destroy the wolf. As they saw nothing they went home again, and left John laughing in his sleeve.

4. As he had had so much fun this time, John cried out again, the next day, “The wolf! the wolf!”

5. The men came again, but not so many as the first time. Again they sawno trace of the wolf; so they shook their heads, and went back.

6. On the third day, the wolf came in earnest. John cried in dismay, “Help! help! the wolf! the wolf!” But not a single man came to help him.

7. The wolf broke into the flock, and killed a great many sheep. Amongthem was a beautiful lamb, which belonged to John.

8. Then he felt very sorry that he had deceived his friends and neighbors, and grieved over the loss of his pet lamb.

The truth itself is not believed,

From one who often has deceived.

【中文阅读】

1. 有一个小男孩曾经在离森林不远的地方牧羊。他住的村子就在附近，人们告诉他如果碰到了危险就赶紧大喊救命。

2. 有一天，他为了找点乐趣，使出吃奶的劲大喊道：“狼来了！狼来了！”

3. 人们纷纷拿着棍棒和斧头跑来，准备对付大灰狼。然而他们并没有看到狼，于是就各自回家了，只留下约翰一个人捂袖偷笑。

4. 由于这次的行为让他感受到了诸多乐趣，于是，第二天约翰再次大喊：“狼来了！狼来了！”

5. 人们再次赶来，但是已经不如上次那么多人了。结果，他们发现自己又上当了，根本没看到什么狼，人们只得各自摇着头回去了。

6. 到了第三天，狼真的来了。约翰惊慌失措地大喊道：“救命！救命！狼真的来了！狼真的来了！”但是，这一次没有人前来帮他了。

7. 狼冲进了他的羊群，咬死了很多羊，而且，其中有一只温顺漂亮的小羊羔还是约翰的。

8. 终于，他为自己欺骗了朋友和邻居深感懊悔，也为失去了这么多可爱的羊而哀悼。

经常说谎的人，

即使说出了真理，也无人相信！