The Two Soldiers and the Robber by Aesop with new words in context, video, moral of the story and questions for discussion for ESL students based on the English Immersion Program. The Two Soldiers and the Robber is now in the public domain available on Gutenberg Project.
Video of the Two Soldiers and the Robber
The Two Soldiers and the Robber
Two soldiers travelling together were set upon by a robber. One of them ran away, but the other stood his ground, and laid about him so lustily with his sword that the robber was fain to fly and leave him in peace.
When the coast was clear, the timid one ran back, and, flourishing his weapon, cried in a threatening voice, “Where is he? Let me get at him, and I’ll soon let him know whom he’s got to deal with.”
But the other replied, “You are a little late, my friend: I only wish you had backed me up just now, even if you had done no more than speak, for I should have been encouraged, believing your words to be true. As it is, calm yourself, and put up your sword: there is no further use for it. You may delude others into thinking you’re as brave as a lion: but I know that, at the first sign of danger, you run away like a hare.”
English proverbs from the short story
Here are a few English proverbs that resonate with the themes in the fable “The Two Soldiers and the Robber”:
- Actions speak louder than words.
- The proof of the pudding is in the eating.
- Empty vessels make the most noise.
These proverbs emphasize the importance of genuine actions over empty talk, similar to the moral of this Aesop’s fable.
Vocabulary in real context
- set upon: to attack someone, assault, assail, pounce on
- stand one’s ground: to stand firm, persevere, persist
- lustily: vigorously, heartily, robustly
- fain: obliged, had to, was forced to do something
- lay about: to strike out, beat, hit, strike, attack, lay into
- the coast was clear: it was safe to proceed, there was no obstacle or danger
- timid: fearful, timorous, faint-hearted
- flourish his weapon: to shake and show his weapon
- threatening: intimidating, hostile, menacing
- back someone up: to support him/her
- delude: to deceive, chat
- brave: courageous
Moral of the short story
The moral of Aesop’s fable “The Two Soldiers and the Robber” is that true bravery is demonstrated through actions, not empty boasts. The story highlights the importance of standing by one’s words and supporting others in times of need. The soldier who ran away showed that his earlier bravado was hollow, contrasting sharply with the soldier who stood his ground and fought off the robber. The lesson here is that courage and loyalty are revealed through our behavior in challenging situations, not through mere talk. It underscores the value of reliability and the impact of our actions in defining our character and earning the trust of others.
Discussion questions
- How did the actions of the two soldiers differ when they were confronted by the robber?
- What lesson does the soldier who stood his ground try to teach his timid companion after the robber fled?
- How does this fable illustrate the difference between true bravery and empty boasting?
1. The boastful soldier who previously bragged about his bravery and readiness to fight panicked when faced with the real threat of the robber. In contrast, the composed soldier remained calm and collected during the encounter. His action demonstrated true bravery. 2. After the robber fled, the soldier who stood his ground sought to teach his timid companion and important lesson about courage and true bravery. He might have emphasized that true courage is not about boasting or feeling fearless but rather about facing one’s fears and standing firm in the face of danger. 3. This fable conveys that genuine courage is demonstrated through actions in challenging situations, while empty boasting reveals a lack of true bravery.
Thank you Dr. Hooshmand, for your comprehensive comment on the fable, The Two Soldiers and the Robber. I could just find this mistake in your comment:
Correction: After the robber fled, the soldier who stood his ground sought to teach his timid companion an important lesson about courage and true bravery.