The Sick Stag

A SICK STAG lay down in a quiet corner of its pasture-ground. His companions came in great numbers to inquire after his health, and each one helped himself to a share of the food which had been placed for his use; so that he died, not from his sickness, but from the failure of the means of living.

病気の雄ジカが、牧草地の静かな片すみに横たわっていた。仲間たちが大勢、雄ジカのぐあいをたずねにやって来たが、だれもが雄ジカのために置いてあった食べ物を勝手に少しずつ食べていった。そのため雄ジカは、病気のせいではなく、食べるものがなくなったせいで死んでしまった。

Evil companions bring more hurt than profit.

悪い仲間は、益よりも害をもたらす。