A rich old farmer, who felt that he had not many more days to live, called his sons to his bedside. Then he planted his forefeet on his Master's knees and rolled out his tongue to lick the Master's face, as he had seen the Dog do. As he splashed heavily into the water, he crushed a young Frog into the mud. This one had been caught by hounds when his tail had become entangled in the hedge. My friend, he said, I know what you've been doing. Therefore, the most guilty one of us must be offered in sacrifice. Dressed in his borrowed finery he strutted loftily among the birds of his own kind. As the sun rose, the fish left the shallow water near the shore and swam below into the cool depths toward the middle. Then perhaps you may have some more filberts some other time.
Self-help is the best help.