A Fox that had been caught in a trap, succeeded at last, after
much painful tugging, in getting away. But he had to leave his
beautiful bushy tail behind him.
For a long time he kept away from the other Foxes, for he knew
well enough that they would all make fun of him and crack jokes
and laugh behind his back. But it was hard for him to live alone,
and at last he thought of a plan that would perhaps help him out
of his trouble.
He called a meeting of all the Foxes, saying that he had
something of great importance to tell the tribe.
When they were all gathered together, the Fox Without a Tail got
up and made a long speech about those Foxes who had come to harm
because of their tails.
This one had been caught by hounds when his tail had become
entangled in the hedge. That one had not been able to run fast
enough because of the weight of his brush. Besides, it was well
known, he said, that men hunt Foxes simply for their tails, which
they cut off as prizes of the hunt. With such proof of the danger
and uselessness of having a tail, said Master Fox, he would
advise every Fox to cut it off, if he valued life and safety.
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When he had finished talking, an old Fox arose, and said,
smiling:
"Master Fox, kindly turn around for a moment, and you shall have
your answer."
When the poor Fox Without a Tail turned around, there arose such
a storm of jeers and hooting, that he saw how useless it was to
try any longer to persuade the Foxes to part with their tails.
_Do not listen to the advice of him who seeks to lower you to his
own level._
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