In a spell of dry weather, when the Birds could find very little to drink, a thirsty Crow found a pitcher with a little water in it. Mad with rage, the Lion struck fiercely at the Gnat, but only succeeded in tearing himself with his claws. At last the Lion decided to call a council. The foolish Grasshopper was taken in by the Owl's flattering words. Why, I never touched the gold. I couldn't think of spending any of it. His eyes were fixed on the stars. He thought he saw there that the end of the world was at hand, when all at once, down he went into a hole full of mud and water. Why, all Birds have feathers! They had gone a little farther along the road, when three merchants passed by. I remember, he said guiltily, that one day as I was passing a field belonging to some priests, I was so tempted by the tender grass and my hunger, that I could not resist nibbling a bit of it. We know how you would treat us later on, if some strangers should come as we did.
Everything is fair in love.