One day when some government officials were rebuilding a barn (谷倉), they found a mouse hole
in a comer and used smoke to make the mice inside come out. A while later they saw mice running out,
one after another. Then, everyone thought that all the mice had escaped. But just as they began to clean
up, they saw two mice squeezing (擠) out at the mouth of the hole. With some efforts (努力), the mice
finally got out. However, it was strange that after they came out of the hole, they did not run away at
once. Instead, one chased after the other near the mouth of the hole. It seemed that one was trying
to bite (咬) the tail of the other.
Everyone was confused, so they walked nearer to take a look. They realized that one of the mice
was blind and could not see anything, and the other was trying to allow the blind mouse to bite on his
tail so that he could pull the blind one with him to escape.
After seeing what happened, everyone said nothing and lost in thought. During the meal time, the
group of people sat down in a circle and started to chat about what happened to the two mice.
One serious American official said, "I think the relationship (關系) between those two mice was that of
king and guard." The others thought for a while and said, "That was why!"
A smart French said, "I think the relationship between those two mice was that of husband and wife."
Again the others thought for a while, and all felt
it made sense.
A Japanese said, "I think the relationship between those two mice was that of mother and son."
Once again the others thought for a while, and felt this was more reasonable. So they expressed
agreement another time.
At that moment, one Chinese asked, "Why did those two mice have to have a certain relationship?
Suddenly, the group looked back at the Chinese and remained speechless. The American official,
the French and the Japanese who had spoken earlier all lowered their heads in shame, and did not
dare (敢) to answer.
In fact, the true love is not built on friendship, loyalty (忠貞), or blood relationship, Instead, it is
based on no relationship.
1. Neither of the two mice ran away at once because .
A. one was biting the other
B. the mouth of the hole was too small
C. they were not afraid of smoke
D. one was trying to help the blind one
2. "It made sense" probably means .
A. it was correct
B. it was strange
C. it was funny
D. it was sweet
3. It is clear that .
A. all the mice came out of the hole easily
B. each of the people understood the relationship differently
C. the people wanted to kill the mice with smoke
D. the people knew one of the mice was blind at first sight
4. The best tile for the passage is .
A. TWO LOVELY MICE
B. WIFE AND HUSBAND
C. MUM AND SON
D. LOVE IS ALL
re you in college at such a young age?” I asked jokingly.
ted to realize her dream
. The more you laugh, the younger you will be.
