Section 252
The Butcher and his Customers explained simply
Aesop's Fables by Aesop
Original excerpt
Excerpt preview
Two Men were buying meat at a Butcher's stall in the market-place, and, while the Butcher's back was turned for a moment, one of them snatched up a joint and hastily thrust it under the other's cloak, where it could not be seen. When the Butcher turned round, he missed the mea...
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Public-domain original
Two Men were buying meat at a Butcher's stall in the market-place,
and, while the Butcher's back was turned for a moment, one of them
snatched up a joint and hastily thrust it under the other's cloak,
where it could not be seen. When the Butcher turned round, he missed
the meat at once, and charged them with having stolen it: but the one
who had taken it said he hadn't got it, and the one who had got it
said he hadn't taken it. The Butcher felt sure they were deceiving
him, but he only said, "You may cheat me with your lying, but you
can't cheat the gods, and they won't let you off so lightly."
Prevarication often amounts to perjury.
Public-domain original text shown for study context.
What happens here
A short fable about The Butcher and his Customers shows how choices, assumptions, or desires can lead to consequences.
Why this scene matters
This fable matters because it turns the lesson “Prevarication often amounts to perjury.” into a compact story about everyday judgment.
Characters in this scene
- The Butcher: A figure in the fable whose choice helps reveal the lesson.
- his Customers: A figure in the fable whose choice helps reveal the lesson.
Simple story version
In simple terms, The Butcher and his Customers face a small situation that reveals a larger lesson about behavior and consequences.