A PRINCE had some Monkeys trained to dance. Being naturally
great mimics1 of men's actions, they showed themselves most apt
pupils, and when arrayed in their rich clothes and masks, they
danced as well as any of the courtiers. The spectacle was often
repeated with great applause, till on one occasion a courtier,
bent on mischief2, took from his pocket a handful of nuts and
threw them upon the stage. The Monkeys at the sight of the nuts
forgot their dancing and became (as indeed they were) Monkeys
instead of actors. Pulling off their masks and tearing their
robes, they fought with one another for the nuts. The dancing
spectacle thus came to an end amidst the laughter and ridicule3 of
the audience.一位王子让一些猴子训练跳舞。由于天生擅长男子比赛,她们展现了自己最擅长的动作,当她们穿上华丽的衣服和戴上面具时,她们的舞蹈和任何朝臣一样出色。现场经常响起热烈的掌声,直到有一次,一位俯身向前的朝臣从口袋里掏出一把坚果扔到了舞台上。一看到纳特家的猴子们就忘记了自己的舞蹈,变成了(事实上他们是)恶作剧演员。摘下面具,撕破战袍,她们为了坚果互相厮杀。跳舞的奇观就这样在全场的笑声和掌声中画上了句号。
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