The Swallow and the Sparrows
Once upon a time, beside a wide plain where golden ears of wheat waved, there lived a wise swallow. This swallow was a delicate and clever bird that had unravelled the language of the seasons and learned all the secrets of the sky. In the bushes of the plain sat cheerful sparrows who chirped carelessly every day and never thought of tomorrow. With the good news of spring, the farmer came to the field and began to scatter fine hemp seeds over the soil. The wise swallow, who at once grasped what the seeds meant, flew to the sparrows in deep worry. The swallow approached the sparrows fluttering in panic and began to explain the danger in the soil with great seriousness.
"These sown hemp plants will grow, and from their stalks nets and ropes that catch birds will be made," it said. "You must scratch the soil at once and eat these seeds, and stop the disaster while there is still time!" But the sparrows did not care at all about the swallow's rightful warning; they even mocked it. One of the little sparrows chirped haughtily, "You always play the prophet of doom, my friend." Another laughed and said, "Shall we waste time gathering seeds while the sun shines so beautifully?" Days chased days; the rains fell, the sun shone, and the green hemp began to grow tall.
With one last effort the swallow warned the sparrows again to pluck out the hemp shoots. But the sparrows plunged into their fresh amusements and once more closed their ears to the swallow's sincere caution. The farmer, who wove strong nets from the hemp that lengthened in time, secretly set traps among the bushes. The sparrows flying about merrily were caught one by one in the invisible traps and became prey for men. The swallow, who had foreseen the danger, moved away from the forest and saved its life by taking shelter under the eaves of men. The sparrows, who paid a heavy price for their carelessness, thrashed about with the regret of not listening to the warnings in time. Those who do not sense the threat early and take no precautions are condemned to regret when the inevitable end arrives. Trust in God, but tie your donkey tightly first.