The Lioness and the Fox meeting together, fell into discourse, and
the conversation turning upon the breeding and 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
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 some
folks who are never delivered of more than one at a time, and that
perhaps not above once or twice in their whole lives, 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 time perceived at whom this reflection pointed, replied,
what you have observed is true. You litter often, and produce a great
many at a time; but what are they? Foxes! I, indeed, may have but one
at a time; but you should remember that that one is a Lion.