A fox seeing a swan afloat, called out:
"What ship is that? I wish to take passage by your line."
"Got a ticket?" inquired the fowl.
"No; I'll make it all right with the company, though."
So the swan moored alongside, and he embarked,--deck passage. When
they were well off shore the fox intimated that dinner would be
agreeable.
"I would advise you not to try the ship's provisions," said the bird;
"we have only salt meat on board. Beware the scurvy!"
"You are quite right," replied the passenger; "I'll see if I can stay
my stomach with the foremast."
So saying he bit off her neck, and she immediately capsizing, he was
drowned.
MORAL--highly so, but not instructive.