THE FOX AND THE STORK
THE Fox invited the Stork to dinner, and
provided nothing but a soup, which he
served on a wide, shallow dish.
He presided at the feast with great dignity,
and, as if to set his friend an example, pro-
ceeded to lap the soup. This he could do with
the greatest ease; but the Stork, who could
only dip the tip of his bill in the dish, fared
badly. He praised the dinner, however, and
soon took leave, saying to his friend that he
should do himself the honour to return the
compliment.
This he did in a few days, but ordered that
nothing be brought to the table but some
minced meat in a glass jar, the neck of which
was so narrow and deep that, though he him-
self could eat very well, the Fox could only
lick the brim for the bits that clung to it.
Reynard could not conceal his vexation, but
was obliged to own that he had been rightly
served.They who practise cunning must expect to
suffer by it, and he laughs best who laughs
last.