As the Cat and the Fox were once talking politics together, 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 scarcely out of
his mouth, when they were alarmed with a pack of hounds, that came upon
them in full cry. The Cat, by the help of her single shift, ran up a
tree and sat securely among the branches, whence she beheld Reynard,
who had not been able to get out of sight, overtaken with his thousand
tricks, and torn into as many pieces by the Dogs, which had surrounded
him.