The Thrush and the Fowler

A THRUSH was feeding on a myrtle-tree and did not move from it because its berries were so delicious. A Fowler observed her staying so long in one spot, and having well bird-limed his reeds, caught her. The Thrush, being at the point of death, exclaimed, “O foolish creature that I am! For the sake of a little pleasant food I have deprived myself of my life.”

ツグミがギンバイカの木で実を食べていたが、その実があまりにおいしいので、そこから離れようとしなかった。鳥刺しは、ツグミがあまりに長く同じ場所にとどまっているのに目をつけ、葦の竿にたっぷり鳥もちをぬって、ツグミを捕まえた。死にかけたツグミは叫んだ。「ああ、わたしはなんて愚かなんだろう！ ほんの少しのおいしい食べ物のために、自分の命を失ってしまうなんて。」