A Heron was walking sedately along the bank of a stream, his eyes on the clear water, and his long neck and pointed bill ready to snap up a likely morsel for his breakfast. But the Earthen Pot excused himself, saying that it would be wiser for him to stay in the corner by the fire. For a long time he kept away from the other Foxes, for he knew well enough that they would all make fun of him and crack jokes and laugh behind his back. Perhaps we may thus obtain forgiveness and cure for all. The Weasel had to admit that the Bat was not a Mouse, so he let him go. No, indeed; they settled right down, feet and all, to gorge themselves. I have no brothers. The bite was deadly and the Farmer felt that he must die. Roused from his nap, the Lion laid his huge paw angrily on the tiny creature to kill her. But the third time, the Fox went boldly up to the Lion and, without turning a hair, said, Hello, there, old top.
Do not say anything at any time that you would not say at all times.