[Illustration: THE FOX IN THE WELL.]
A Fox having fallen into a Well, made a shift, by sticking his claws
into the sides, to keep his head above water. Soon after, a Wolf came
and peeped over the brink; to whom the Fox applied himself very
earnestly for assistance: entreating, that he would help him to a rope,
or something of that kind, which might favour his escape. The Wolf,
moved with compassion at his misfortune, could not forbear expressing
his concern: 'Ah! poor Reynard,' says he, 'I am sorry for you with all
my heart; how could you possibly come into this melancholy
condition?'--'Nay, prithee, friend,' replies the Fox, 'if you wish me
well, do not stand pitying of me, but lend me some succour as fast as
you can: for pity is but cold comfort when one is up to the chin in
water, and within a hair's breadth of starving or drowning.'