“What does it matter?” she said, “so long as hereafter I shall feel no more hunger, and for the present have eaten and drunk my fill, and have received a good bath.” Patiently to accept the misfortunes which can neither be hindered nor avoided is a proof of wisdom. THE WIDOW AND HER FRIEND A Widow, tired of single blessedness, was desirous of marrying again, but feared to draw down upon herself the remarks of the public. A Friend of hers, to show her how the tongues of neighbors discussed everything, took in hand to paint the Widow’s ass green; then leading the beast, she traversed all the streets of the town. At first not only the children, but also their elders, who had never seen anything like it before, came to see the sight, and followed behind the ass. At the end of a few days, when the Widow’s ass went forth people simply remarked: “What a very singular animal!” Soon, however, the people ceased to pay any more attention to the spectacle. The Friend of the Widow who wished to marry again returned to her and said: “You have seen what has just happened. It will be the same in your case. For some days you will be on the tongues of the people and have to endure the gossip and remarks; but at last they will leave off talking about you.” There is nothing so extraordinary in the world as not to become familiar in time. THE TWO YOUNG MEN AND THE COOK Two Young Men entered a cook-shop for the purpose of buying some meat. While the Cook was engaged in serving one of them the other seized a huge piece of meat and popped it into his companion’s pocket. The Cook began looking about for his meat, but in vain. Then he addressed the two friends. “I have not seen it,” said one. “As for me,” added the other, “I am sure I have not taken it.” Then each one confirmed his statement with an oath. “Really, gentlemen,” said the owner of the shop, who well understood their rascality, “although I do not know who has robbed me, the God by whom you have sworn does.” Although a man may conceal things from men like himself, God is not deceived. THE BUFFALOES AND THE LOG A pair of Buffaloes were harnessed to a heavy piece of elm wood, and were dragging it along. “You are stupid,” said the Log, reproachfully, “for when you are hitched to a light burden like me, why do you not gallop?” “Poor wretch!” they replied, “we should doubtlessly move more quickly if we were not fastened to you. But if we moved quickly now, another log would be placed on top of you, to make up the load, and we do not wish to see you broken down by exhaustion.” This answer plunged the Log into profound thought. The proverbial expression--“the Buffaloes’ answer”--a pretext for laziness--is founded on this fable. THE OLD MAN AND HIS SON A feeble Old Man had given his home to his Son; soon the hapless father found himself driven from his home and forced to take refuge in a hospital.