THE FOX OUTWITTED.
One day a fox succeeded in catching a fine fat goose asleep by the side of a loch. He held her by the wing, and making a joke of her cackling, hissing, and fears.
He said "Now, if you had me in your mouth as I have you, tell me what you would do?"
"Why," said the goose, "that is an easy question. I would fold my hands, shut my eyes, say a grace, and then eat you."
"Just what I mean to do," said the fox and folding his hands, and looking very demure, he said a pious grace with his eyes shut.
But while he did this the goose had spread her wings, and she flew off over the loch. So the fox was left to lick his lips for supper.
"I will make a rule of this," he said in disgust, never in all my life to say a grace again till after I feel the meat warm in my belly."
The fox could have said grace in his heart without opening his mouth or letting go of the goose. But his loss is the goose's gain. Remember to always be grateful for what you have, especially food! Give thanks before you swallow, but if you forget, give thanks after. |
