Country Mouse welcomed his city cousin to a small supper beneath the moon.
The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse
He offered barley bread, sweet roots, and one rosy apple. Town Mouse nibbled politely, but sighed over such humble fare.
“Come to my house,” said Town Mouse. “There, every supper is a banquet, and every cupboard holds a surprise.”
Together they followed the winding road, across the little bridge and toward the shining town.
At last they entered a grand room. A long table gleamed with cheese, cake, fruit, and soft white bread.
The cousins climbed up and tasted everything. Never had Country Mouse seen such a splendid supper.
Suddenly, a cat slipped through the doorway. The cousins darted beneath the sideboard and waited in silence.
When the room grew still, Town Mouse returned to the table. Country Mouse followed, though every creak made him tremble.
Then a great dog bounded in, barking. Once more, the cousins fled from the feast and hid until quiet returned.
“Your feast is fine,” said Country Mouse, “but I would rather eat simple food where my heart can rest.”
Country Mouse thanked his cousin and turned homeward, following the quiet road beneath the stars.
At home, Country Mouse ate barley bread beside his warm hearth. It tasted better than any banquet, and he slept in peace.
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