Two Mouse Homes

A town mouse visited his cousin in a country cottage. The country mouse spread a little cloth on the floor and brought bread, beans, and fresh apple slices.

The cousins ate beside an open window. Birds sang in the hedge, and nothing hurried them. The town mouse enjoyed the welcome but thought his own dinners were grander.

He invited his cousin to visit the town. There would be cakes, crumbs of cheese, and sweet fruit. Curious about such a feast, the country mouse packed his green scarf.

They followed the lane until cottages became tall houses. The town mouse led the way through a tiny opening, across a quiet passage, and into a splendid dining room.

The table held leftovers from a human supper. The cousins climbed carefully onto a chair and tasted delicious crumbs. The country mouse had never seen so many different treats.

Then a loud bark rolled down the passage. The town mouse froze, grabbed his cousin's paw, and hurried under a low table. Their feast remained on the dining table above.

Two large dogs entered the room, sniffing around the chairs. They were looking for crumbs too. The mice stayed silent until the dogs wandered away through the open door.

The town mouse suggested returning for another bite. His cousin shook his head. The cakes were lovely, but he could not enjoy them while worrying about the next bark.

He thanked his cousin for the invitation and started home. The town mouse understood. They liked different surroundings, and neither needed to persuade the other to stay unhappy.

Back at his cottage, the country mouse warmed some beans and opened the window. A simple supper tasted wonderful in peace. He would welcome his cousin again whenever he wished.