141. THE LION, THE BEAR, AND THE FOX. A lion and a bear fell together by the ears over the carcase of a fawn, which they found in the forest, their title to him being to be decided by force of arms. The battle was severe and tough on both sides, and they held it out, tearing and worrying one another so long, that, what with wounds and fatigue, they were so faint and weary, they were not able to strike another stroke.
Thus, while they lay upon the ground, panting and lolling out their tongues, a fox chanced to pass that way, who perceiving how the case stood, very impudently stept in between them, seized the booty which they had all this while been contending for, and carried it off.
The two combatants, who lay and beheld all this, without having strength enough to stir and prevent it, were only wise enough to make this reflection: Behold the fruits of our strife and contention! That villain the fox bears away the prize, and we ourselves have deprived each other of the power to recover it from him. [more info]
Thus, while they lay upon the ground, panting and lolling out their tongues, a fox chanced to pass that way, who perceiving how the case stood, very impudently stept in between them, seized the booty which they had all this while been contending for, and carried it off.
The two combatants, who lay and beheld all this, without having strength enough to stir and prevent it, were only wise enough to make this reflection: Behold the fruits of our strife and contention! That villain the fox bears away the prize, and we ourselves have deprived each other of the power to recover it from him. [more info]
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