[Illustration: THE CAT AND THE FOX.]
As the Cat and the Fox were talking politics together, on a time, in the
middle of a forest, Reynard said, 'Let things turn out ever so bad, he
did not care, for he had a thousand tricks for them yet, before they
should hurt him.'--'But pray,' says he, 'Mrs. Puss, suppose there should
be an invasion, what course do you design to take?'--'Nay,' says the
Cat, 'I have but one shift for it, and if that won't do, I am
undone.'--'I am sorry for you, replies Reynard, 'with all my heart, and
would gladly furnish you with one or two of mine, but indeed, neighbour,
as times go, it is not good to trust; we must even be every one for
himself, as the saying is, and so your humble servant.' These words were
scarce out of his mouth, when they were alarmed with a pack of hounds,
that came upon them full cry. The Cat, by the help of her single shift,
ran up a tree, and sat securely among the top branches; from whence she
beheld Reynard, who had not been able to get out of sight, overtaken
with his thousand tricks, and torn in as many pieces by the dogs which
had surrounded him.