THE FIR-TREE AND THE BRAMBLE

A Fir-tree was boasting to a Bramble, and said, somewhat contemptuously, “You poor creature, you are of no use whatever. Now, look at me: I am useful for all sorts of things, particularly when men build houses; they can't do without me then.” But the Bramble replied, “Ah, that's all very well: but you wait till they come with axes and saws to cut you down, and then you'll wish you were a Bramble and not a Fir.”

Better poverty without a care than wealth with its many obligations.

枞树和荆棘

一棵枞树跟一株荆棘吹嘘自己，语气中满是轻蔑：“你这可怜的东西，没有半点用。看看我，我用处多大，特别是盖房子的时候，人们根本离不开我。”但是荆棘却回复：“哎呀，那的确是好，不过等到他们拿着斧子、锯子来把你砍倒的时候，你就会宁愿自己是荆棘而不是枞树了。”

训诫：无忧无虑的贫穷胜过担着诸多责任的富有。