The Rose And The Butterfly

by Aesop

　　A Butterfly once fell in love with a beautiful Rose. The Rose wasnot indifferent, for the Butterfly's wings were powdered in acharming pattern of gold and silver. And so, when he flutterednear and told how he loved her, she blushed rosily and said yes.After much pretty love-making and many whispered vows ofconstancy, the Butterfly took a tender leave of his sweetheart.

　　But alas! It was a long time before he came back to her.

　　"Is this your constancy?" she exclaimed tearfully. "It is agessince you went away, and all the time, you have been carrying onwith all sorts of flowers. I saw you kiss Miss Geranium, and youfluttered around Miss Mignonette until Honey Bee chased you away.I wish he had stung you!"

　　"Constancy!" laughed the Butterfly. "I had no sooner left youthan I saw Zephyr kissing you. You carried on scandalously withMr. Bumble Bee and you made eyes at every single Bug you couldsee. You can't expect any constancy from me!"

　　Do not expect constancy in others if you have none yourself.