The dogwood tree resented the beauty of the daffodil in early spring. When the dogwood blossomed after the daffodil had faded, it blamed the arborist for not fertilizing its soil properly.

The bee grew frustrated at the lark’s singing. “Why should you sit and sing, when there is so much to do and design? Building the cells of the hive takes great effort from dawn to dusk, but you sit there uselessly sounding your notes.” The lark replied, “My song charms the lovers and the lonely, while your buzzing disturbs them.”

The ailing groundhog went to see a specialist. “I am tired,” it said. “But I have heard of a new plant that will give me energy.” “I know what is wrong with you,” exclaimed the specialist. “I have just received this medicine from my supplier. It’s costly but will do the trick.” The groundhog paid the fee but found itself no better. In fact, it found it harder to sleep and so became even more exhausted. The specialist then prescribed a sleeping potion. “This is supposed to help me sleep,” thought the groundhog. “But how can I sleep when I am thinking about my expenses?”

The duck went to the doctor, complaining of feeling hoarse. After many tests, the doctor told it not to swim. The duck grew fat from lack of exercise and became easy prey for the fox. “An unfortunate side-effect,” said the doctor.  [Moral: If you think you’re a little hoarse, don’t go out to pasture, no matter what the doctor says.]

For other fables, see here.