The Braggart

014. THE BRAGGART. You will find the fable in English on this page; scroll to see if there are multiple English versions. [more info]

The Boaster

02. THE BOASTER. A man who had travelled much, on his return to his native land boasted of many wonderful things he had performed during his absence. He said that while he was in Rhodes he leaped a distance that no other person could equal, and that citizens of Rhodes stood ready to prove it. “Now,” my good fellow,” said a bystander, “if all this be true, suppose this to be Rhodes. Now for your leap.” MORAL. Words without deeds are vain. [more info]

The Boasting Traveler

074. THE BOASTING TRAVELLER. One who had been abroad, at his return home again was giving an account of his travels; and, among other places, said he had been at Rhodes, where he had so distinguished himself in leaping, an exercise that city was famous for, that not a Rhodian could come near him.
When those who were present did not seem to credit this relation so readily as he intended they should, he took some pains to convince them of it by oaths and protestations; upon which, one of the company rising up, told him he need not give himself so much trouble about it, since he would put him in a way to demonstrate it in fact; which was to suppose the place they were in to be Rhodes, and to perform this extraordinary leap over again.
The boaster, not liking this proposal, sat down quietly, and had no more to say for himself. [more info]

The Boaster

31. THE BOASTER.
In the house, in the market, the streets,
Everywhere he was boasting his feats;
Till one said, with a sneer,
"Let us see it done here!
What's so oft done with ease, one repeats."
DEEDS NOT WORDS
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