A poor farmer had a friend. He was famous (有名的) for the wonderful apple trees he grew.
One day, his friend gave the farmer a young apple tree and told him to plant it. The farmer was happy with the gift, but he did not know where to plant it.
He was afraid that if he planted the tree near the road, someone would steal (偷) the fruit. If he planted he tree in one of his fields, his neighbours (邻居) would come at night and steal some of the apples. If he planted the tree near his house, his children would take the fruit. At last, he planted the tree in his wood. But without sunlight and good soil (土壤), the tree died.
Later the friend asked the farmer why he planted the tree in such a poor place. "What is the difference?" the farmer said angrily and then told what he had thought.
"Yes," said the friend, "but at least someone could have enjoyed the fruit. Now no one can enjoy the fruit. And the apple tree is dead.
