[Illustration: THE COCK AND THE FOX.]
The Fox, passing early one summer's morning near a farm-yard, was caught
in a springe, which the farmer had planted there for that end. The Cock,
at a distance, saw what happened; and, hardly yet daring to trust
himself too near so dangerous a foe, approached him cautiously, and
peeped at him, not without some horror and dread of mind. Reynard no
sooner perceived it, but he addressed himself to him, with all the
designing artifice imaginable. 'Dear cousin,' says he, 'you see what an
unfortunate accident has befallen me here, and all upon your account:
for, as I was creeping through yonder hedge, in my way homeward, I heard
you crow, and was resolved to ask you how you did before I went any
further: but, by the way, I met with this disaster; and therefore now I
must become an humble suitor to you for a knife to cut this plaguy
string; or, at least, that you would conceal my misfortune, till I have
gnawed it asunder with my teeth.' The Cock, seeing how the case stood,
made no reply, but posted away as fast as he could, and gave the farmer
an account of the whole matter; who, taking a good weapon along with
him, came and did the Fox's business, before he could have time to
contrive his escape.