[Illustration: THE LIONESS AND THE FOX.]
The Lioness and the Fox meeting together fell into discourse; and the
conversation turning upon the breeding and the fruitfulness of some
living creatures above others, the Fox could not forbear taking the
opportunity of observing to the Lioness, that, for her part, she thought
Foxes were as happy in that respect as almost any other creatures; for
that they bred constantly once a year, if not oftener, and always had a
good litter of cubs at every birth: 'and yet,' says she, 'there are
those who are never delivered of more than one at a time, and that
perhaps not above once or twice through their whole life, who hold up
their noses, and value themselves so much upon it, that they think all
other creatures beneath them, and scarce worthy to be spoken to.' The
Lioness, who all the while perceived at whom this reflection pointed,
was fired with resentment, and with a good deal of vehemence
replied--'What you have observed may be true, and that not without
reason. You produce a great many at a litter, and often; but what are
they?--Foxes. I indeed have but one at a time; but you should remember
that this one is a Lion.'