The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse

A Town Mouse went on a visit to his friend in the country. 

The Country Mouse was rough and ready, but he loved his town friend and made him heartily welcome. He laid out a meal of beans and bacon, cheese and bread, which was all he had to offer, but he was glad to offer them to his friend.  

The Town Mouse nibbled a bit here and a bit there but didn’t think much of the country fare, and said:

“Why do you put up with such poor food as this? Is this the best the country has to offer? Come you with me and I will show you what grand food I have, and what a life I lead. When you have been in town a week you will wonder how you could ever have stood a country life.”

No sooner said than done: the two mice set off for the town and arrived at the Town Mouse’s residence late at night.

“You will want some refreshment after our long journey,” said the polite Town Mouse, and took his friend into the grand dining-room. There they found the remains of a fine feast, and soon the two mice were eating up jellies and cakes and all that was nice.

Suddenly the doors of the dining-room flew open and the house dogs ran in.  The two mice had to race quickly to the safety of a mousehole.

After a while the mice resumed their feast.  No sooner had they started nibbling at the lovely food than the door to the dining room gently opened and they heard the mewing of the family cat.  “What is that?” said the Country Mouse. “It is the cat, come to try and catch me.” answered the other. 

Again, they had to flee to the safety of the mousehole.

“Good-bye, friend,” said the Country Mouse, “What! going so soon?” said the Town Mouse. “Yes,” he replied; “Better beans and bacon in peace than cakes and ale in fear.”

The grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Before making any changes check that the sacrifices you have to make are worth it.