阅读理解。
Nobody knows for absolute certainty all the details of the life of Aesop. However, scholars have
been working to established some facts and this is the brief story of Aesop as it is accepted today.
Aesop was born a slave around the year 620 B.C. In Ancient Greece , it was a privilege and
tradition of freedmen to be interested in public affairs, so Aesop worked hard to raise himself from a
servile slave's position to a high position of renown. He was a thinker and philosopher and eventually
became widely admired.
Aesop was a smart man and a good speaker. He liked to learn and to also teach people, so he
traveled through many countries. He came to Sardis, the capital of the famous king Croesus of Lydia
who was a patron of learning and learned men.
Croesus was so impressed by Aesop that he invited Aesop to permanently reside at Sardis. The
king hired Aesop to do diplomatic government work such as trying to establish peace between the
various republics of Greece. Aesop reconciled the inhabitants of these cities by telling his wise fables.
It was on one of these ambassadorial missions that Aesop was killed. Croesus had sent him to
Delphi with lots of gold which was to be distributed among the citizens. After talking with the people
of Delphi, Aesop got so mad at the citizens because of their covetousness. He refused to divide the
money and instead sent it back to his master. The Delphians were so mad they executed Aesop as a
public criminal.
As it often happens in Greek history, the Delphians were visited by a series of calamities as a sort
of retribution for Aesop's death. This is where the phrase "the blood of Aesop" originated. The saying
means "wrongful deeds will not go unpunished".
In memory of Aesop, a statue was erected in Athens. The statue was created by the famous Greek
sculptor, Lysippus.
1. Why did Aesop work so hard?
A. Because he wanted to be an official.
B. Because he desired to join in public affairs.
C. Because he wanted to make more money.
D. Because he wanted to write wise fables.
2. According to Paragraph 3, Aesop traveled through many countries to __________.
A. spread knowledge
B. seek help
C. admire the scenery
D. collect facts
3. Croesus hired Aesop to _________.
A. establish relations with other republics
B. handle interal affairs of Lydia
C. be in charge of his wealth
D. publish the neighboring republics of Greece
4. Which of the following word can best describe Croesus?
A. Strong-willed.
B. Generous.
C. Adventurous.
D. Knowledgeable.
5. The phrase "the blood of Aesop" probably means "__________".
A. No pains, no gains.
B. Well begun is half done.
C. It's no use crying over spilt milk.
D. Wrongful deeds will not go unpunished.