543- Alfred and the Poisonous Serpent

 As it was very cold, Alfred saw a serpent trying to warm herself. She looked very tired. Alfred asked her, “Why are you groaning?”

“It’s very cold and I’ve no place where I can warm myself.”

“I want to help you but I’m afraid of your poison.”

“How can I poison the person who saves me? Take me to a warm place.”

“I know that serpents are cunning and unfaithful.”

“This is untrue. Try yourself and you’ll see that I’ll return your help with love.”

Alfred pitted her and took her to his house. When his mother saw him, she cried, “Take her out soon.”

However Alfred insisted on taking her to his room. The poisonous serpent got warm and rose to poison Alfred.

Alfred cried, “Where is your promise?”

The serpent answered, “Where is your mind and wisdom? Don’t you know me?”

The serpent stung Alfred and poisoned him.

→ English translation of the story here at St-Takla.org: ألفريد والحية السامة.

Give me wisdom together with love.

Teach me not to be kind in an improper time.

Preserve me from the deception of the old serpent,

So that I may not embrace it,

Or give it a chance to poison me.

The Young Camel and His Evil Friends

Short Stories (Stories for the Youth) Books by Father Tadros Yacoub Malaty

Children Receiving the King