Aesop

The Vine and the Goat

Summary

This short fable conveys a lesson about causality and future consequences through an interaction between a Vine and a Goat. As the Vine flourishes with leaves and grapes, it is nibbled by a passing Goat, who eats its fresh growth without apparent reason. The Vine protests the Goat's actions, highlighting their pointlessness when plenty of grass is available elsewhere. The Vine, however, hints at future retribution, suggesting that it shall provide the wine used in sacrifices—implying the Goat may someday face consequences for its thoughtless behavior. This story underscores the theme of cause and effect, illustrating how harmful actions can lead to negative outcomes in the future.

Read Online

A Vine was luxuriant in the time of vintage with leaves and grapes. A Goat, passing by, nibbled its young tendrils and its leaves. The Vine addressed him and said: “Why do you thus injure me without a cause, and crop my leaves? Is there no young grass left? But I shall not have to wait long for my just revenge; for if you now should crop my leaves, and cut me down to my root, I shall provide the wine to pour over you when you are led as a victim to the sacrifice.”

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