The Viper and the File

2.50. THE VIPER AND THE FILE. A Viper entering a smith's shop, looked up and down for something to eat, and seeing a File, fell to gnawing it as greedily as could be. The File told him, very gruffly, that he had best be quiet and let him alone; for that he would get very little by nibbling at one, who, upon occasion, could bite iron and steel.
Witlings! Beware, nor wantonly provoke
Those who with interest may repay the joke. [more info]