The Plane Tree

by Aesop

　　Two Travellers, walking in the noonday sun, sought the shade of awidespreading tree to rest. As they lay looking up among thepleasant leaves, they saw that it was a Plane Tree.

　　"How useless is the Plane!" said one of them. "It bears no fruitwhatever, and only serves to litter the ground with leaves."

　　"Ungrateful creatures!" said a voice from the Plane Tree. "Youlie here in my cooling shade, and yet you say I am useless! Thusungratefully, O Jupiter, do men receive their blessings!"

　　Our best blessings are often the least appreciated.

　　Many a service is met with ingratitude..