The Mole and His Mother

A MOLE, a creature blind from birth, once said to his Mother: “I am sure than I can see, Mother!” In the desire to prove to him his mistake, his Mother placed before him a few grains of frankincense, and asked, “What is it?” The young Mole said, “It is a pebble.” His Mother exclaimed: “My son, I am afraid that you are not only blind, but that you have lost your sense of smell.”

生まれつき目の見えない生き物であるモグラが、あるとき母親に言った。「お母さん、ぼくはきっと目が見えるんだよ！」母親はその思いちがいをわからせてやろうと、モグラの前に乳香を何粒か置いてたずねた。「これは何？」子モグラは言った。「小石だよ」。母親は叫んだ。「坊や、どうやらおまえは目が見えないだけじゃなく、鼻もきかなくなってしまったようね」