The story of the farmer and the snake is a classic fable, often attributed to Aesop. Here’s a translation of the story into English:
Once upon a time, a farmer found a snake frozen to death in the frost. Out of compassion, he took the snake home and warmed it with the fire of his stove. The snake recovered and, feeling grateful, slithered back to the wild.
Not long after, the farmer found himself in trouble. He was being chased by a band of robbers. In his panic, he ran into the forest and stumbled upon the snake. Without thinking, he asked the snake for help.
The snake, recognizing the farmer’s voice, coiled around him and bit him. The farmer, in pain and confusion, asked, “Why did you bite me? I saved your life!”
The snake replied, “You knew I was a snake and yet you helped me. Now you know I am a snake and you still want me to help you. A snake will always bite a man who helps it.”
This story teaches the moral that one should not expect gratitude from ungrateful creatures.
