a lion, entering the workshop of a smith, sought from the tools the means of satisfying his hunger. he more particularly addressed himself to a file, and asked of him the favor of a meal. the file replied, "you must indeed be a simple-minded fellow if you expect to get anything from me, who am accustomed to take from everyone, and never to give anything in return."

一条毒蛇偷偷溜进一家铁匠铺，想寻找一些吃的。【半抹文学网】这时他遇到了锉刀，就求他施舍一点吃的东西。锉刀摇摇头对他说:“愚蠢的家伙啊！难道你想以你的牙齿为代价从我这里得到一丁点食物？你可知道我是可以咬透各种坚硬的铁的。”

这则寓言针对那些想从比自己强的人的手里得到好处的人。