The Cat and the Fox

Once a Cat and a Fox were traveling together. As they went along, picking up provisions on the way—a stray mouse here, a fat chicken there—they began an argument to while away the time between bites. And, as usually happens when comrades argue, the talk began to get personal.

"You think you are extremely clever, don't you?" said the Fox. "Do you pretend to know more than I? Why, I know a whole sackful of tricks!"

"Well," retorted the Cat, "I admit I know one trick only, but that one, let me tell you, is worth a thousand of yours!"

Just then, close by, they heard a hunter's horn and the yelping of a pack of hounds. In an instant the Cat was up a tree, hiding among the leaves.

"This is my trick," she called to the Fox. "Now let me see what yours are worth."

But the Fox had so many plans for escape she could not decide which one to try first. She dodged here and there with the hounds at her heels. She doubled on her tracks, she ran at top speed, she entered a dozen burrows, but all in vain. The hounds caught her, and soon put an end to the boaster and all her tricks.

Morale

Common sense is always worth more than cunning.