The Spendthrift and the Swallow
The Spendthrift and the Swallow, by Esopo: A poor man once saw a swallow building its nest on a branch of a tree. He was amazed at how skillfully the bird worked with its beak to weave together twigs and leaves. The man, desiring to own such a beautiful nest, tried to imitate the swallow's work. However, he soon realized that his attempts were clumsy and ineffective compared to the swallow's graceful movements. He learned that true value lies not in mimicking others but in developing one's own unique skills and talents.
By Esopo · First published 1668 · Genre: Fable, Children's literature, Fantasy · 112 words
First lines
A Spendthrift, who had wasted his fortune, and had nothing left but the clothes in which he stood, saw a Swallow one fine day in early spring. Thinking that summer had come, and that he could now do without his coat, he went and sold it for what it would fetch. A change, however, took place in the weather, and there came a sharp frost which killed the unfortunate Swallow. When the Spendthrift saw its dead body he cried, "Miserable bird! Thanks to you I am perishing of cold myself. "
One swallow does not make summer.
What this Textopian page supports
The Spendthrift and the Swallow is listed on Textopian as a fable by Esopo, dated 1668 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Fable
- Author: Esopo
- Date: 1668 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fable, Children's literature, Fantasy
- Length: 112 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Spendthrift and the Swallow by Esopo
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Spendthrift and the Swallow?
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Similar titles
- The Farmer And Fortune by Esopo
- The Two Frogs by Esopo
- The Fisherman And The Sprat by Esopo
- The Frogs And The Well by Esopo
- The Farmer And The Stork by Esopo
- The Two Bags by Esopo
Genres
- Fable — Like most of Esopo's work, this book is a fable illustrated with animals to teach life lessons.
- Children's literature — The tale is simple and moralistic in nature, common attributes of children's literature.
- Fantasy — The story includes animals that speak and interact like humans.
Tags
fable · morality · wisdom · spending · savings · nature · animals · caution · consequences · frugality · wealth · character