Zeus and the Snake
Long ago, a great wedding filled a golden palace high above the clouds. The warm light of the sun lit the wide garden full of flowers. Zeus, the mighty king of the world, invited every animal to his palace. Birds from the deep forest sang happy songs in the bright air. All the animals wanted to bring the finest gift to their king. The gentle rabbit brought fresh carrots, and the little bee brought sweet honey.
Zeus took each gift with great joy and a warm smile. Then a long snake with a cold body came out of the silent rocks. The snake carried a beautiful red rose in its mouth. It came slowly to the throne and bowed its head with respect. The snake said, "Great king, I want to give you this lovely rose." The other animals stepped back in fear and waited in silence.
Zeus looked at the red rose carefully, but he did not take it. The king spoke to his dangerous guest in a wise voice. "I take every gift, but never a thing from your mouth," he said. Because Zeus knew: that poison spoils even the most beautiful rose. The snake bowed its head in shame and slowly left the palace. Even the finest gift from a dangerous hand can bring harm. Not every smiling face is the face of a friend.