The Monkeys’ New Houses

Once there were three monkeys who decided to build fine new houses. They bragged to all the other animals about how fine their houses would be. Each one said, “I am going to build the best and strongest house you have ever seen. I will live in it for the rest of my life.”

The other animals waited to see. Spider warned the monkeys to be careful not to build houses near to the termites because termites will destroy houses.

The first monkey found a good place for his house, but it was near the termite mound. He said, “I don’t care anything about termites. They are only little things. Even if they come to my house, they will not cause any damage for a long time.” So he built his fine house. Some other animals came to visit and said, “You have built a nice house. You are a clever monkey.” But when Spider came to visit, he kept quiet.

The second monkey also found a good place for his house, but it was also near the termites. He said, “I am wiser than my brother. I will build my house here by the termites, but if they come to my house I will find medici ne to drive them away.” He built his house near the termites. The other animals came to visit and said, “You have built a fine house. You are a clever monkey.” But when Spider came to visit, he kept quiet.

The third monkey also liked the same place near the termites. He also wanted to be near his two friends who were building their houses there. But he thought a long time about Spider’s words. He said, “My brothers are not wise. I know the termites can destroy my house someday. So I will build my house far from the termites. I will also use more costly wood that is too hard for the termites to eat. My house will be smaller because the wood will cost more, but my house will last a long time.” So he built a smaller house, far from the termites, and with hard wood. The other animals came to visit and said, “You have built a fine house also. You are a clever monkey.” Spider said, “Well done.”

Continued