English Original
Once upon a time, a giant tree stood in the forest, home to many birds. Their leader was the wisest among them.
One day, the leader saw two branches rubbing against each other, producing wood powder and then a tiny wisp of smoke. He realized, "A fire is starting that may burn down the whole forest."
The wise leader called a meeting. He warned, "My friends, our tree is making a fire that could destroy the forest. It's dangerous to stay. Let us leave at once!"
The wise birds agreed and flew to another forest. But the foolish birds said, "That old leader panics easily. Why leave our comfortable, safe homes? Let the scared ones go. We will stay and be brave!"
Lo and behold, the leader's warning soon came true. The rubbing branches created sparks that ignited the dry leaves below. Flames spread, and the giant tree caught fire. The foolish birds were blinded and choked by smoke. Many, unable to escape, were trapped and burned to death.
The moral is: Those who ignore the advice of the wise, do so at their own risk.
中文翻译
从前，森林里有一棵大树，住着许多鸟。它们中最聪明的鸟是首领。
一天，首领看到两根树枝在互相摩擦，产生了木屑，接着冒出了一小缕烟。他意识到："一场可能烧毁整片森林的大火就要开始了。"
聪明的首领召集了会议。他警告道："朋友们，我们居住的树正在引发一场可能毁灭森林的大火。留在这里很危险。我们立刻离开吧！"
聪明的鸟们同意了，飞往了另一片森林。但愚蠢的鸟们却说："那个老首领太容易惊慌了。为什么要离开我们舒适安全的家？让胆小的走吧。我们要留下来，勇敢面对！"
你瞧，首领的警告很快就应验了。摩擦的树枝产生了火花，点燃了树下的干树叶。火焰蔓延，大树着火了。愚蠢的鸟被浓烟熏瞎了眼睛，呛得喘不过气。许多无法逃脱的鸟被困住，烧死了。
这个故事的寓意是：忽视智者忠告的人，是在自冒风险。