A store of honey had been found in a hollow tree, and the Wasps declared positively that it belonged to them. He called a meeting of all the Foxes, saying that he had something of great importance to tell the tribe. Finding his Master seated at the dinner table, he kicked up his heels and, with a loud bray, pranced giddily around the table, upsetting it as he did so. She seemed very sad and drooping for an Eagle. They had so much freedom that it had spoiled them, and they did nothing but sit around croaking in a bored manner and wishing for a government that could entertain them with the pomp and display of royalty, and rule them in a way to make them know they were being ruled. The Leopard was very proud of his glossy, spotted coat and made disdainful remarks about the Fox, whose appearance he declared was quite ordinary. So he loaded his sling with stones and killed several of the Cranes. Whatever it is, it is wisest to keep at a safe distance.
It is cowardly to attack the defenseless, though he be an enemy.