A Fox fell into a well, and was holding hard to some roots at the side
of it, just above the water. A Wolf who was passing by saw him, and
said, "Hollo, Reynard; after all you have fallen into a well!"
"But not without a purpose, and not without the means of getting out of
it," said the Fox.
"What do you mean?" said the Wolf.
"Why," said the Fox, "there is a drought all over the country now, and
the water in this well is the only means of appeasing the thirst of the
thousands that live in this neighbourhood. They held a meeting, and
requested me to keep the water from going down lower; so I am holding
it up for the public good."
"What will be your reward?" asked the Wolf.
"They will give me a pension, and save me the trouble of going about
every day in quest of food, not to speak of innumerable other
privileges that will be granted me. Further, I am not to stay here all
day. I have asked a kinsman of mine, to whom I have communicated the
secret of holding up the water, to relieve me from time to time. Of
course he will also get a pension, and have other privileges. I expect
him here shortly."
"Ah, Reynard, may I relieve you, then? May I hope to get a pension,
and other privileges? You know what a sad lot is mine, especially in
winter."
"Certainly," said the Fox, "but you must get a long rope, that I may
come up and let you down."
So the Wolf got a rope. Up came the Fox, and down went the Wolf; when
the former observed, with a laugh, "My dear sir, you may remain there
till doomsday, or till the owner of the well throws up your carcass,"
and left the place.
"Alas!" said the Wolf, when it was too late, "_greed hath its meed!_"