Section 35
The Fir-Tree and the Bramble explained simply
Aesop's Fables by Aesop
Original excerpt
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A Fir-tree was boasting to a Bramble, and said, somewhat contemptuously, "You poor creature, you are of no use whatever. Now, look at me: I am useful for all sorts of things, particularly when men build houses; they can't do without me then." But the Bramble replied, "Ah, that's all very well: but you wait till they come...
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Public-domain original
A Fir-tree was boasting to a Bramble, and said, somewhat
contemptuously, "You poor creature, you are of no use whatever. Now,
look at me: I am useful for all sorts of things, particularly when men
build houses; they can't do without me then." But the Bramble replied,
"Ah, that's all very well: but you wait till they come with axes and
saws to cut you down, and then you'll wish you were a Bramble and not
a Fir."
Better poverty without a care than wealth with its many
obligations.
Public-domain original text shown for study context.
What happens here
A fir-tree mocks a bramble, but its own value attracts the axe.
Why this scene matters
This fable shows that high status can bring dangers humble people avoid.
Characters in this scene
- Fir-Tree: A central figure in the fable’s conflict and lesson.
- the Bramble: A central figure in the fable’s conflict and lesson.
Simple story version
The fir-tree boasts over the bramble. The bramble answers that being useful to builders may get the tree cut down.