The Domestic Snake
A poor man befriends a snake by taking care of it, but accidentally injures it; the snake forgives but warns about its nature.
There was once a poor man who lived in a small house. He didn’t have much, but he was happy. One day, he found a snake in his garden. The snake was cold and hungry. Feeling sorry for it, the man took the snake inside and gave it some food.
As time passed, the snake got stronger and healthier. It started visiting the man every day, eating meals together and sitting by the warm fire. The man liked the company, and the snake enjoyed the warmth and food.
One day, while the man was cutting bread, he didn’t notice the snake on the table. By accident, he cut the snake with his knife. The snake hissed in pain and moved away. The man felt terrible and quickly helped the snake, saying sorry many times.
The snake forgave the man but gave him a warning. "I forgive you, but remember, I am still a snake. One day, I might forget your kindness and only remember the pain."
After that, the man was very careful with the snake. He always remembered the snake’s warning and took extra care around it.
Audio available for B1 version
There was once a poor man who lived in a small house.
He didn’t have much, but he was happy.
One day, he found a snake in his garden.
The snake was cold and hungry.
Feeling sorry for it, the man took the snake inside and gave it some food.
As time passed, the snake got stronger and healthier.
It started visiting the man every day, eating meals together and sitting by the warm fire.
The man liked the company, and the snake enjoyed the warmth and food.
One day, while the man was cutting bread, he didn’t notice the snake on the table.
By accident, he cut the snake with his knife.
The snake hissed in pain and moved away.
The man felt terrible and quickly helped the snake, saying sorry many times.
The snake forgave the man but gave him a warning.
"I forgive you, but remember, I am still a snake.
One day, I might forget your kindness and only remember the pain."
After that, the man was very careful with the snake.
He always remembered the snake’s warning and took extra care around it.
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Word Finder
Poor
Having very little money or things.Garden
A place with plants and flowers outside.Hungry
Feeling the need to eat food.Company
Having someone with you to not feel alone.Cutting
Using something sharp to make pieces.Hissed
A soft, sharp sound made by some animals.Forgave
Stopped being angry at someone for a mistake.Warning
A message to be careful about something.Kindness
Being friendly, helpful, or caring to others.Careful
Paying attention to avoid accidents or mistakes.
Understanding Questions
- Where did the man find the snake?
- Why did the man bring the snake inside his house?
- How did the snake change after spending time with the man?
- What happened to the snake when the man was cutting bread?
- What warning did the snake give to the man after the accident?
Reflection Questions
- Why do you think the man decided to help the snake even though snakes can be dangerous?
- How did the man and the snake's relationship change after the man accidentally hurt the snake?
- Can you think of a time when you've made a mistake that hurt someone else, and how did you try to make it better?
- What does the snake's warning teach us about the nature of animals and the consequences of our actions?
- How can we apply the lesson from this story in our lives when dealing with potentially dangerous situations or creatures?
Fable Quotes
Forgiveness is the first step towards healing, for both the one who forgives and the one forgiven.
When we care for others, we must remember our duty to do no harm.
Even in trust, we must remember the nature of things.
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