I cannot help fancying that Irish foxes are even more cunning than their
brethren in other parts of the world, I have heard so many accounts of
their wonderful doings.
Near Buttevant, where some of Mrs F--'s family resided, there happened
to be a hole in the thatch of the fowl-house. A fox, finding it out,
sprang down through the aperture, and slew and feasted all the night to
his heart's desire. The intruder, however, had not reflected that he
might be unable to secure his retreat by the way through which he had
entered--_facilis descensus averni_.
To spring upward, especially after a heavy supper, was a laborious
effort; and no doubt the villain had grown sufficiently uneasy in his
mind before the early hour at which the farm-servant opened the door to
liberate the fowls. When the door was opened, the man beheld the
poacher in the midst of his slaughtered game. Cudgel in hand, he sprang
in and fastened the door behind him, ready for a duel with Master
Reynard at close quarters. But well the rascal knew that discretion is
the better part of valour, and that "He who fights and runs away, May
live to fight another day."
So, after being hunted about the house for some time, he seized an
opportunity, when the man stooped to aim a decisive blow at him, to
spring upon his assailant's back, and thence leap through the aperture
in the roof, which he could not otherwise have reached. Thus he made
his escape.
It would have been amusing to see the countenance or the man, when he
found his fancied victim vanish from his sight like the wizard of a
fairy tale.
Cunning rogues often get trapped, like the fox, when they hope to enjoy
their spoil in security. Beware, when you have such an one to deal
with, that he does not spring on your back, and leave you to be
answerable for his crime.
To you, my young friend, I would say--You cannot be too cautious in
dealing with what is wrong. You may fancy yourself able to cope with
it, but it may prove too cunning for you. Better keep out of its way,
till you have gained strength and wisdom.