88.The Dogs and the Hides
SOME DOGS famished with hunger saw a number of cowhides steeping in a river. Not being able to reach them, they agreed to drink up the river, but it happened that they burst themselves with drinking long before they reached the hides.
❖ Attempt not impossibilities.
87.The Dogs and the Fox
SOME DOGS, finding the skin of a lion, began to tear it in pieces with their teeth. A fox, seeing them, said,
“If this lion were alive, you would soon find out that his claws were stronger than your teeth.”
❖ It is easy to kick a man that is down (Description, not a recommendation).
86.The Dog, the Cock, and the Fox
A DOG and a cock being great friends, agreed to travel together. At nightfall they took shelter in a thick wood. The cock flying up, perched himself on the branches of a tree, while the dog found a bed beneath in the hollow trunk. When the morning dawned, the cock, as usual, crowed very loudly several times. A fox heard the sound and wishing to make a breakfast on him came and stood under the branches, saying how earnestly he desired to make the acquaintance of the owner of so magnificent a voice. The cock, suspecting his civilities, said:
“Sir, I wish you would do me the favor of going around to the hollow trunk below me, and waking my porter, so that he may open the door and let you in.”
When the fox drew near the tree, the dog sprang out and caught him, and tore him to pieces.
85.The Dog in the Manger
A DOG looking out for its afternoon nap jumped into the Manger of an Ox and lay there cosily upon the straw. But soon the Ox, returning from its afternoon work, came up to the Manger and wanted to eat some of the straw. The Dog in a rage, being awakened from its slumber, stood up and barked at the Ox, and whenever it came near attempted to bite it. At last the Ox had to give up the hope of getting at the straw, and went away muttering:
“AH, PEOPLE OFTEN GRUDGE OTHERS WHAT THEY CANNOT ENJOY THEMSELVES.”
