×

We use cookies to help make LingQ better. By visiting the site, you agree to our cookie policy.


image

Aesop’s Fables - Naxos, The Old Man and Death

The Old Man and Death

An old labourer, bent double with age and toil, was gathering sticks in a forest. At last he grew so tired and hopeless that he threw down the bundle of sticks, and cried out: ‘I cannot bear this life any longer. Ah, I wish Death would only come and take me!'

As he spoke, Death, a grisly skeleton, appeared and said to him: ‘What wouldst thou, Mortal? I heard thee call me.'

‘Please, sir,' replied the woodcutter, ‘would you kindly help me to lift this faggot of sticks on to my shoulder?'

We would often be sorry if our wishes were gratified.

The Old Man and Death Der alte Mann und der Tod El anciano y la muerte 老人と死 O Velho e a Morte Старик и смерть 老人与死亡 老人與死亡

An old labourer, bent double with age and toil, was gathering sticks in a forest. Un viejo jornalero, doblado por la edad y el trabajo, recogía palos en un bosque. 一位老工人,因年老和劳累而弯腰驼背,正在森林里捡树枝。 At last he grew so tired and hopeless that he threw down the bundle of sticks, and cried out: ‘I cannot bear this life any longer. Al fin se sintió tan cansado y desesperanzado que arrojó el manojo de palos y gritó: No puedo soportar más esta vida. Ah, I wish Death would only come and take me!'

As he spoke, Death, a grisly skeleton, appeared and said to him: ‘What wouldst thou, Mortal? I heard thee call me.' He oído que me llamabas'. 我听到你叫我。

‘Please, sir,' replied the woodcutter, ‘would you kindly help me to lift this faggot of sticks on to my shoulder?' Por favor, señor -respondió el leñador-, ¿tendría la amabilidad de ayudarme a subirme este montón de palos al hombro? “先生,”樵夫答道,“您能帮我把这捆木棍扛到肩上吗?”

We would often be sorry if our wishes were gratified. A menudo lamentaríamos que se cumplieran nuestros deseos. 如果我们的愿望得到满足,我们常常会感到遗憾。