A leopard once lived in content and plenty; ever he found easy sustenance
for his wife and children. Hard by there dwelt his neighbor and friend,
the fox. The fox felt in his heart that his life was safe only so long as
the leopard could catch other prey, and he planned out a method for
ridding himself of this dangerous friendship. Before the evil cometh, say
the wise, counsel is good. "Let me move him hence," thought the fox; "I
will lead him to the paths of death; for the sages say, 'If one come to
slay thee, be beforehand with him, and slay him instead.'" Next day the
fox went to the leopard, and told him of a spot he had seen, a spot of
gardens and lilies, where fawns and does disported themselves, and
everything was fair. The leopard went with him to behold this paradise,
and rejoiced with exceeding joy. "Ah," thought the fox, "many a smile
ends in a tear." But the leopard was charmed, and wished to move to this
delightful abode; "but, first," said he, "I will go to consult my wife,
my lifelong comrade, the bride of my youth." The fox was sadly
disconcerted. Full well he knew the wisdom and the craft of the leopard's
wife. "Nay," said he, "trust not thy wife. A woman's counsel is evil and
foolish, her heart hard like marble; she is a plague in a house. Yes, ask
her advice, and do the opposite.".... The leopard told his wife that he
was resolved to go. "Beware of the fox," she exclaimed; "two small
animals there are, the craftiest they, by far--the serpent and the fox.
Hast thou not heard how the fox bound the lion and slew him with
cunning?" "How did the fox dare," asked the leopard, "to come near enough
to the lion to do it?"