It was in the year that the donkey was elected judge, because only he and
the mule came to vote and the mule spoiled his voting-paper.
The weasel came before the court to make a serious complaint against the
rat.
"Most learned judge," said the weasel, "the rat came to me for advice.
'Tell me,' he said, 'how I can obtain a delicious piece of cheese I have
seen.' I showed him how he could get it. He ate the cheese, and since then
he has not ceased to revile me."
"Most unjust," said the judge. "What has the rat to say?"
"The rat does not appear," said the mule, who was usher.
"And why not?" asked the judge.
"He is still in the trap," said the usher.
"I showed him the way in," said the weasel proudly.
"But not the way out," said the rat's prospective widow.
"He only asked me how he could get the cheese, and I showed him," said the
weasel.
"The weasel shall have the reward of virtue," said the judge. "As for the
rat I shall fine him for contempt of court in not appearing."
"Justice!" cried the rat's prospective widow. "I demand my husband."
"You shall have him," said the ass. "I order the weasel to show you the way
into the trap."
* * * * *