All the great classical dramatists took their inspiration from the
mythologies of their respective environments... Thus, the tale, like the
classical theatre, deals with the universal feelings of humanity: love,
emotion, passion, bravery and all the vices and virtues. Classical
theatre, like the fairy tale, exalts virtues and ridicules shortcomings.
Both aim at the same goal: to instruct and perfect the young candidates
for life. To put the misguided spirits back on the right track. However,
to remain educational, the tale must remain, above all, attractive, like
all teaching. A good tale combines the useful with the pleasant. It must
therefore entertain as well as instruct. I have translated the following
tales, without any pretence or literary elegance: they have enough moral
force in themselves. They are, the starting point of our literature
which, however oral it may be, isn't less, a living expression, an
effective communication means or transmission of the truth.