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.

 

一棵冷杉树用轻蔑的口吻对着荆棘夸口道：”你这个可怜的东西，一点用处也没有，你看看我，我可是对万物都有益处，尤其是当人类要盖房子的时候，没有我根本就不行。”但是，荆棘回答：“是啊！那确是很好，不过，等他们拿着斧头把你砍到时候，你就会希望自己是荆棘，而不是冷杉树了。”

 

宁可贫穷而无人问津，也不要富贵而责任缠身。