Section 48
The Boasting Traveller explained simply
Aesop's Fables by Aesop
Original excerpt
Excerpt preview
A Man once went abroad on his travels, and when he came home he had wonderful tales to tell of the things he had done in foreign countries. Among other things, he said he had taken part in a jumping-match at Rhodes, and had done a wonderful jump which no one could beat. "Just go to Rhodes and...
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Public-domain original
A Man once went abroad on his travels, and when he came home he
had wonderful tales to tell of the things he had done in foreign
countries. Among other things, he said he had taken part in a
jumping-match at Rhodes, and had done a wonderful jump which no one
could beat. "Just go to Rhodes and ask them," he said; "every one will
tell you it's true." But one of those who were listening said, "If you
can jump as well as all that, we needn't go to Rhodes to prove it.
Let's just imagine this is Rhodes for a minute: and now--jump!"
Deeds, not words.
Public-domain original text shown for study context.
What happens here
A traveler brags about a great jump, but listeners ask him to prove it where he stands.
Why this scene matters
This fable teaches that present proof matters more than impressive claims about the past.
Characters in this scene
- Boasting Traveller: A central figure in the fable’s conflict and lesson.
Simple story version
A traveler says he once made a huge leap in another place. The listeners tell him to act as if this place is that place.