The Wasp and the Snake

A WASP seated himself upon the head of a Snake and, striking him unceasingly with his stings, wounded him to death. The Snake, being in great torment and not knowing how to rid himself of his enemy, saw a wagon heavily laden with wood, and went and purposely placed his head under the wheels, saying, “At least my enemy and I shall perish together.”

スズメバチがヘビの頭の上にとまり、休みなく針でさしつづけて、ヘビに死ぬほどの傷を負わせた。ヘビはひどく苦しみ、どうしたら敵から逃れられるのかわからなかった。そこへ、たきぎを山のように積んだ荷馬車が見えたので、ヘビは出かけていって、わざと車輪の下に頭を置いて言った。「少なくとも、敵とわたしはいっしょにほろびるのだ」