550- Two Deceived Frogs

One of the two frogs lived in a pool in X City and the other lived in a pool in Y City. The one who lived in X City wished to see Y City and the other wanted to see X City. Each one of them went to see the other city. After covering a long distance, each of them saw a hill in the middle of the way. Thus, they climbed the hill and met each other.

"Where are you going?"

"And you?"

"I want to see your city."

"I also wish to see your city."

"Yet, I'm very exhausted. How can I continue on this long way and then return to my city again?"

"Me too."

"If only we were tall like many animals, we would see the two cities while still on the hill not needing to complete the journey."

"I've an idea."

"What's it?"

"Each one stands on his hind legs and stands with his forelegs on the other's forelegs. Thus, we can both stand with our heads up supported by each other."

"Fantastic, let's do it."

The frog of X City stood with his face to Y City and the other with his face to X City. They did not realize that their eyes are at the top of their heads. Thus, when each of them stands, he sees what is behind not what is before him.

The first one looked to see in front of him X City thinking that it was Y City. He cried, "It's exactly like my city. Why did I then exhausted myself?"

The other frog also saw his city thinking that it was the other city. He repeated what the other one said.

Therefore, they shook hands and each returned to his city foolishly thinking that he saw the other city.

→ English translation of the story here at St-Takla.org: ضفدعتان مخدوعتان.

Give me eyes that see what is before them not what is behind.

May I see the gates of Heavens open.

May I enjoy its glory.

May I look back to see earth as Heavens.

May my heart rush to You to see the secrets of Your Glory.

May it not look to dust thinking it glory.

Long The Son of Tears

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

The Electric Current Off