Friday Fables

The Fable of the Orang-utanby Barry J. Northern Deep in the jungle, a family of young orang-utans played in the trees around their wise old father, who was content to sit and watch from his nest in the branches.Old Man's youngest son stopped by the nest while his brothers played on. He was in high spirits, and said to his father. "Oh, this playing is fun, Father, but I might stop now.""Why stop?" said Old Man, "The day is yet young, and the weather is fine." "Oh, it will be fine tomorrow too. I can play then."Old Man laughed. "Young one, there is a saying 'don't count your chickens before they are hatched', which means don't count on fine weather tomorrow before tomorrow comes. Go now and play."And so Young One laughed and swung off to join his brothers. Now Old Man's eldest son had overheard this, and so he also stopped by the nest, and said to his father. "I have heard all your sayings, Father. I too am wise, see." And so Eldest Son swung among his brothers, dispensing advice. Young One was about to swing o