The Fox and the Lion
A very young Fox, who had never before seen a Lion, happened to meet one
in the forest. A single look was enough to send the Fox off at top speed
for the nearest hiding place.
"The second time the Fox saw the Lion he stopped behind a tree to look at
him a moment before slinking away. But the third time, the Fox went boldly
up to the Lion and, without turning a hair, said, "Hello, there, old top."
Familiarity breeds contempt.
Acquaintance with evil blinds us to its dangers.
The Fighting Cock and the Eagle
Once there were two Cocks living in the same farmyard who could
not bear the sight of each other. At last one day they flew up to
fight it out, beak and claw. They fought until one of them was
beaten and crawled off to a corner to hide.
The Cock that had won the battle flew to the top of the hen-house,
and, proudly flapping his wings, crowed with all his might to tell
the world about his victory. But an Eagle, circling overhead,
heard the boasting chanticleer and, swooping down, carried him off
to his nest.
His rival saw the deed, and coming out of his corner, took his
place as master of the farmyard.
Pride goes before a fall.
The Mischievous Dog
There was once a Dog who was so ill-natured and mischievous
that his Master had to fasten a heavy wooden clog about his
neck to keep him from annoying visitors and neighbors. But the
Dog seemed to be very proud of the clog and dragged it about
noisily as if he wished to attract everybody's attention. He
was not able to impress anyone.
You would be wiser," said an old acquaintance, "to keep
quietly out of sight with that clog. Do you want everybody to
know what a disgraceful and ill-natured Dog you are?"
