A FISHERMAN skilled in music took his flute1 and his nets to the

　　seashore. Standing2 on a projecting rock, he played several tunes

　　in the hope that the fish, attracted by his melody, would of

　　their own accord dance into his net, which he had placed below.

　　At last, having long waited in vain, he laid aside his flute, and

　　casting his net into the sea, made an excellent haul of fish.

　　When he saw them leaping about in the net upon the rock he said:

　　"O you most perverse3 creatures, when I piped you would not dance,

　　but now that I have ceased you do so merrily."