feited." The
Dogs listened favorably to these proposals, and, entering the den of the
Wolves, they were set upon and torn to pieces.

The Hares and the Foxes

THE HARES waged war with the Eagles, and called upon the Foxes to help
them. They replied, "We would willingly have helped you, if we had not
known who you were, and with whom you were fighting."

Count the cost before you commit yourselves.

The Bowman and Lion

A VERY SKILLFUL BOWMAN went to the mountains in search of game, but all
the beasts of the forest fled at his approach. The Lion alone challenged
him to combat. The Bowman immediately shot out an arrow and said to the
Lion: "I send thee my messenger, that from him thou mayest learn what
I myself shall be when I assail thee." The wounded Lion rushed away in
great fear, and when a Fox who had seen it all happen told him to be of
good courage and not to back off at the first attack he replied: "You
counsel me in vain; for if he sends so fearful a messenger, how shall I
abide the attack of the man himself?"

Be on guard against men who can strike from a distance.

The Camel

WHEN MAN first saw the Camel, he was so frightened at his vast size that
he ran away. After a time, perceiving the meekness and gentleness of
the beast's temper, he summoned courage enough to approach him. Soon
afterwards, observing that he was an animal altogether deficient in
spirit, he assumed such boldness as to put a bridle in his mouth, and to
let a child drive him.

Use serves to overcome dread.

The Wasp and the Snake

A WASP seated himself upon the head of a Snake and, striking him
unceasingly with his stings, wounded him to death. The Snake, being in
great torment and not knowing how to rid himself of his enemy, saw a
wagon heavily laden with wood, and went and purposely placed his
head under the wheels, saying, "At least my enemy and I shall perish
together."

The Dog and the Hare

A HOUND having started a Hare on the hillside pursued her for some
distance, at one time biting her with his teeth as if he would take her
life, and at another fawning upon her, as if in play with another dog.
The Hare said to him, "I wish you would act sincerely by me, and show
yourself in your true colors. If you are a friend, why do you bite me so
hard? If an enemy, why do you fawn on me?"

No one can be a friend if you know not whether to trust or distrust him.

The Bull and the Calf

A BUL