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You are not so small as I,

And not half so spry:

I’ll not deny you make

A very pretty squirrel track;

Talents differ; all is well and wisely put;

If I cannot carry forests on my back,

Neither can you crack a nut.”

–Ralph Waldo Emerson

Word Meanings

quarrel an angry disagreement

prig a person who is self-righteous

sphere a three-dimensional object that is perfectly round, like a ball
disgrace a loss of honour or respect

spry active, lively, and nimble

talents natural abilities or skills possessed by a person
wisely in a manner that shows good judgment, intelligence, or common

sense

Assess Yourself

A. Tick the correct answer.

1. What is the main subject of the poem “A Fable” by Ralph Waldo Emerson?
(a) A squirrel’s adventure in the forest

(b) A quarrel between two animals
(c) The importance of friendship and acceptance

2. What does the mountain call the squirrel in the poem?

(a) Little Prig (b) Little Nut
(c) Tiny Friend

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