Æsop's Fables

"Sour Grapes"

      One warm summer day, a hungry fox came across the home of a farmer, who was out of town.  As the fox peered into the farmers yard he saw a high trellis close to the house.  Near the top of this trellis grew a large bunch of delicious looking grapes.

     The fox quickly trotted toward the farmhouse determined to snatch the grapes while the occupants were out.  As the fox neared the trellis he came to the realization that the grapes were much higher than he had originally thought, however now he was even more determined to have the grapes.  After reaching the trellis he sprang high into the air snapping at the bunch of grapes.  Which were only inches beyond his reach.

    The fox dissatisfied with the first leap strolled back a few feet.  On his second attempt the fox picked up more speed and bounded higher into the air.  Yet, he still landed without his prize grapes.  By this time the sweet fragrance was taunting him, causing his mouth to water.  On his third attempt he started at an even greater distance from the trellis.  Again the fox's efforts did not grant him his reward. With his fourth attempt he tried a different angle, and with his fifth yet another.  This went on for the better part of the morning.   

    Finally exhausted the fox looked at the grapes and said, "At first I thought that those grapes were quite ripe, but now, after close examination, I can see that they are quite sour.   

"Narrow minded people scorn what they cannot have."