The City Mouse and the Country Mouse

The City Mouse and the Country Mouse

By Dr. Jameel Jalibi

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Once upon a time, there lived two mice who were the best of friends. One mouse lived in a grand mansion in the city, while the other lived in a small burrow among the hills of a distant village. Because the city and the village were far apart, the two friends could only meet once in a long while.

One day, when they finally met after many months, the country mouse said warmly,
“My dear friend, we’ve known each other for so long. You’ve never visited my humble home. Please come over someday and have a meal with me.”

The city mouse accepted the invitation with a smile, and on the appointed day, he traveled all the way to the country to visit his old friend.

The country mouse received him with great affection and respect. He made sure that nothing was lacking in his guest’s welcome. For dinner, he brought out whatever he had—fresh peas, small chunks of meat, bits of flour, cheese, and for dessert, slices of freshly baked apples.

The city mouse began to eat heartily, while the country mouse sat beside him, talking sweetly and making sure his friend felt at home. Worried that his guest might not have enough to eat, the host himself only nibbled quietly on a stalk of wheat, chewing slowly and politely.

When the meal was over, the city mouse stretched and said,
“My dear friend, may I say something—if you don’t mind?”

“Of course,” said the country mouse. “Go ahead.”

The city mouse looked around and said with a sigh,
“Why do you live in such a dull, dirty place? There’s no charm here—only hills, streams, and lonely silence. You could live so much better in the city! There are grand buildings, bright lights, and paved roads. You can find every kind of food and comfort. My friend, life is short. It’s meant to be lived with joy and luxury, not in this dark burrow. Why not come with me to the city? We can live together, side by side, and enjoy a life of comfort.”

The country mouse listened quietly. His friend’s words sounded tempting, and he began to imagine the shining lights, soft carpets, and delicious city food. After thinking for a while, he nodded.
“All right,” he said. “I’ll come with you.”

That evening, the two friends began their journey. They traveled through forests and fields, crossed rivers and roads, and by midnight they arrived at the mansion where the city mouse lived.

It was a grand old haveli, still filled with the rich scent of roasted meat, butter, and sweet desserts. Just a day before, there had been a great feast attended by officials, merchants, landlords, and ministers.

The city mouse led his friend into a quiet room where the servants had hidden away trays of leftover food behind the windows. The city mouse gently pulled one out and laid the dishes before his guest.
“Please,” he said proudly. “Taste the delights of city life!”

The country mouse’s eyes widened in amazement. There were crumbs of cake, pieces of cheese, roasted chicken, nuts, and a few drops of creamy milk left in silver bowls.

“Wow!” the country mouse exclaimed. “I’ve never seen or tasted food like this—not even in my dreams!”

The two friends sat together on a soft Persian carpet, happily eating the feast before them. But just as they were enjoying their meal, a loud creaking sound broke the silence—the door suddenly swung open.

Startled, the two mice froze. The city mouse whispered, “Quick! Hide!”

Before they could move, the barking of two dogs echoed through the room. The sound was so loud and terrifying that the country mouse’s heart almost stopped. They both dashed around in panic, trying to find a hole or crack to hide in.

Just as they squeezed into a dark corner, they heard the soft, menacing growl of a cat. The noise sent chills down their tiny bodies. The country mouse trembled from head to toe.

He turned to his friend and whispered,
“My dear brother, if this is what city life means—fear every moment, danger at every sound—then it’s not for me! You can keep your carpets, your grand feasts, and your shining halls. I’d rather live in my small burrow in the hills, eating my humble peas in peace. That’s where I truly belong.”

The city mouse tried to convince him to stay, but the country mouse had already made up his mind. As soon as dawn broke, he quietly left the mansion and began his long journey back home.

When he reached his little burrow again, the familiar smell of wheat and wildflowers greeted him. He sat down, took a bite of a dry pea, and smiled to himself.

“It’s true,” he said softly. “Better a simple life in peace than a luxurious one in fear.”

And from that day onward, the country mouse never again wished for the bright lights of the city. He lived happily in his quiet village, grateful for the calm and safety that no riches could ever replace.

Moral: A peaceful life in simplicity is far better than a luxurious life filled with fear.