The Fox and the Goat

A fox fell into a deep well and could find no means of escape. A Goat,

overcome with thirst, came to the same well, and seeing the Fox, asked if the water was good. Concealing his sad plight under a merry guise, the Fox indulged in a lavish praise of the water, saying it was excellent beyond measure, and encouraged him to descend. The Goat, mindful of

his thirst, jumped down, but just as he drank, the Fox informed him of

the difficulty they were in and suggested a plan for their escape. "If," said he, "you will place your forefeet upon the wall and bend your head, I will run up your back and escape, and will help you out afterwards.”

The Goat readily agreed and the Fox leaped upon his back. Steadying

himself with the Goat's horns, he safely reached the mouth of the well

and made off as fast as he could. When the Goat scolded him for breaking his promise, he turned around and cried out, "You foolish old

fellow! If you had as many brains in your head as you have hairs in your

beard, you would never have gone down before you had inspected the

way up, nor have exposed yourself to dangers from which you had no

means of escape."