The Swan and Its Owner
Long ago a pretty farm stood beside a cool old forest. The rich owner of this farm kept two special birds in his yard. One bird was a fat goose with sweet meat. The other was an elegant swan with snow-white feathers and a beautiful voice. The man loved the lovely songs of the swan very much.
One dark evening the man felt very hungry and wanted a tasty meal. He decided to cook the fat goose for dinner. He walked into the pitch-dark coop and slowly reached toward the birds. But by mistake he caught the gentle swan and not the goose.
In great fear the swan began its song of death. That sound lit up the night, clear as crystal and magical. When the man heard this wonderful voice, he stopped suddenly and stared. He understood at once that the bird in his hand was the swan, not the goose.
He put it down and gave thanks, because no feather was broken. The swan glided freely toward the pond and sang on with joy. From that day the man loved the voice of his swan even more.
A creature that shows its gift at the right moment always finds safety. A sweet tongue draws the snake out of its hole.