Rats, in their ferocity, partake of the character of the wolf, and in
their cunning, of that of the fox.
A great flood occurred some years ago in the north of England; and as a
number of people were collected on the banks of the Tyne, whose waters
had risen to an unusual height, a swan was seen swimming across the
flood. On its back was a black spot, visible among its white plumage.
As the swan came nearer, this was found to be a live rat. No sooner had
the swan, after bravely breasting the foaming torrent, reached the
shore, than the rat leaped off and scampered away. Probably it had been
carried into the water, and, unable to swim to land, on seeing the swan
had sought refuge on its back, thus escaping a watery grave.
As the swan did, help those incapable of helping themselves, though you
dislike their appearance and character. They may not have had the
advantages you possess.