Two Cats, having stolen some cheese, could not agree about dividing the
prize. In order, therefore, to settle the dispute, they consented to
refer the matter to a Monkey.
The proposed Arbitrator very readily accepted the office, and,
producing a balance, put a part into each scale. "Let me see," said
he, "aye--this lump outweighs the other"; and immediately bit off a
considerable piece in order to reduce it, he observed, to an
equilibrium. The opposite scale was now heavier, which afforded our
conscientious judge a reason for a second mouthful.
"Hold, hold," said the two Cats, who began to be alarmed for the event,
"give us our shares and we are satisfied." "If you are satisfied,"
returned the Monkey, "justice is not; a cause of this intricate nature
is by no means so soon determined." Upon which he continued to nibble
first one piece then the other, till the poor Cats, seeing their cheese
rapidly diminishing, entreated to give himself no further trouble, but
to deliver to them what remained.
"Not so fast, I beseech ye, friends," replied the Monkey; "we owe
justice to ourselves as well as to you. What remains is due to me in
right of my office."
Thus saying, he crammed the whole into his mouth, and with great
gravity dismissed the court.