A poor Woodman was cutting down a tree near the edge of a deep pool in the forest. Here is a dainty bite for my breakfast. One day he met a pair of Ducks and told them all his trouble. Yes, yes, replied the Monkey.Indeed, I do. I am with him constantly. Constancy! laughed the Butterfly. I had no sooner left you than I saw Zephyr kissing you. The poor Jackdaw returned sadly to his former companions. To find the thief I offered to sacrifice a fat Calf. Far into the sky he soared trying to shake off his enemy. The Beasts, too, had cause for fight. If you drive them away, another greedy swarm will come and take the little blood I have left.
It is cowardly to attack the defenseless, though he be an enemy.