An Ass found a Lion's skin left in the forest by a hunter. In great fear the Mice scurried to a hiding place, where they lay quite still for a long time, hardly daring to breathe. But the Dog would not let them get near the manger, and snarled and snapped as if it were filled with the best of meat and bones, all for himself. But one night he found a sheep skin that had been cast aside and forgotten. Please fetch me a drink of water, he begged, that might give me strength enough so I can get me some solid food. Do not tell the master, he begged the Goat. At last he found a little sheltered cave, where lived a family of Snakes. Let us agree, said the Sun, that he is the stronger who can strip that Traveler of his cloak. And when the Fox lost his temper, the Stork said calmly: Do not play tricks on your neighbors unless you can stand the same treatment yourself.
Might makes right.