A fox once fell into a well
And could not scramble out.
Then came a goat, and stared at him
In puzzlement and doubt.
” I’m here, dear Goat,” he said, “because
There soon will be a drought.
“And all will die who are too dry–
So save yourself, good friend!”
The goat, who thought it would be sad
To come to such an end,
Was wooed by Reynard’s arguments,
And ventured to descend.
With nimble tread on a horny head
The fox then gladly sprang,
And leapt to safety, while, below,
The goat’s complaining rang.
“Share not the rope,” the fox advised,
“Of one about to hang.”
AESOP’S FABLES: A New Version (The 100 Greatest Books Ever Written)
