Читать книгу Filipino Children's Favorite Stories - Liana Romulo - Страница 10

The Hermit and the Two Worms

Long ago, there lived a hermit with a long white beard. He was a holy man who spent all his time praying and meditating in the dark cave where he lived. One morning he left his cave to gather some fruit in the rainforest.

“Watch out!” he heard a voice call out.

Puzzled, the hermit looked around, but there was no one there. He went on dropping fruit into his small basket, when he heard the sound of leaves rustling.

“Stop right there!” the voice said. “You’re going to step on us.”

The old hermit squatted down on his haunches and studied the plants in front of him. He pushed aside some dry leaves and small rocks.

“We’re right here,” said the voice. “Under the rock.”

Taking the rock in both hands, the hermit carefully lifted it out of the moist soil. Underneath he found two fat, wriggling worms. “Uh, hello,” the hermit said to them. “Are you caught under this rock?”

“Not at all,” one of the worms said. “The rock won’t hurt us, but you might.”

“I won’t hurt you,” the hermit said gently. “I’ll just step over you and be on my way.”

“Oh, that’s right,” said the worm angrily. “On your way to crush other poor creatures under your feet.”

The hermit scratched his beard. “Huh?”