The Fox without a Tail – AESOP’S FABLES (do not listen to the advice of him who seeks to lower you to his own level)

Caught in a trap, a fox escaped

But left his tail behind;

And, though now rather oddly shaped,

Pretended not to mind.

 

“O foxes all, come follow me!”

He cried, with shrewd intent.

“For look! At last I’m wholly free

Of a great impediment!

“What use are tails? They gather dust,

And are only in the way.

Wise beasts regard them with disgust,

So chew yours off, I pray!”

 

My friend,” a keen old fox observed,

“You’re tailless not by choice.

He whose self-interest must be served

Barks with the loudest voice!”