THE COCK AND THE FOX.
A cock stood on the top of a rick, and gave a loud crow. A fox, who saw him, thought he would just do for a meal; but though the cock could fly down to him, he could not climb up to the cock; so he said, “Have you heard the news?”
Cock.—What news?
Fox.—Peace has been sworn by bird and beast.
Cock.—Do you say so? Let me hear how it came to pass.
Fox.—Well, the birds and the beasts have met, and have sworn a truce. We are now quite safe by night and day. The wolf will no more tear the lamb, nor the fox kill the kid; the cat will not catch the mice, nor the dog bark at the sheep; and from this time all will live in peace: so come down, that I may wish you joy on this new state of things.
The cock did not say much, but gave his neck a stretch, and made a feint that he saw some foe at hand.
Fox.—What is it you see?
Cock.—Why, I think I see a pack of hounds. No doubt they come this way to tell the good news.
Fox.—Oh, then, I must be gone!
Cock.—No; pray, sir, do not go; I am just on the point of a flight down to you. You can have no fear of dogs in this time of peace.
Fox.—Why, no—no—but—ten to one they have not heard the news.
Cock.—If the sky falls, we shall catch larks. You might as well try to make me think the moon is made of green cheese!