Waltey

Prevod

(Someone who has praised a work without knowing its author will often disparage it once he learns who wrote it.) Aesop had some famous notions. What simple inventions! What wise sayings!... Since I have one of his fables to hand, I shall put it into Spanish. “Surely,” said a Mouse inside his hole, 5 “there is no quality more lovely or more splendid than faithfulness; that is why I am so very fond of the hunting dog.” A Cat replied, “Well, that is a quality I possess as well...” At this, 10 my good Mouse takes fright and hides, then, wrinkling his snout, replies: “What! You possess it?... Then I like it no longer.” Praise that many think is just seems unjust to them 15 when they see their adversary deserves it. What do you think, dear reader? Perhaps this little fable will please you and instruct you. —“It is a marvel; Aesop has said something worthy of himself.” 20 —“Well, you see, Aesop did not write it; it came out of my own head.”—“So it is yours?” —“Yes, my learned sir: since you thought it so fine before, now find fault with it because it is mine.” 25

Izvirnik

(Alguno que ha alabado una obra ignorando quién es su autor, suele vituperarla después que lo sabe.)

Tuvo Esopo famosas ocurrencias, ¡Qué invención tan sencilla! ¡qué sentencias!... He de poner, pues que la tengo a mano, Una fábula suya en castellano. "Cierto (dijo un Ratón en su agujero), 5 No hay prenda más amable y estupenda Que la fidelidad; por eso quiero Tan de veras al perro perdiguero." Un Gato replicó: "Pues esa prenda Yo la tengo también..." Aquí se asusta 10 Mi buen Ratón, se esconde, Y, torciendo el hocico, le responde: "¡Cómo! ¿la tienes tú?... Ya no me gusta." La alabanza que muchos creen justa, Injusta les parece 15 Si ven que su contrario la merece. ¿Qué tal, señor lector? La fabulilla Puede ser que le agrade, y que le instruya. --"Es una maravilla; Dijo Esopo una cosa como suya." 20 --"Pues mire usted: Esopo no la ha escrito; Salió de mi cabeza."--"¿Conque es tuya?" --"Sí, señor erudito: Ya que antes tan feliz le parecía, Critíquemela ahora porque es mía." 25

Nalagam bralnik