The Fox in the Well

11. THE FOX IN THE WELL.
A Fox, while struggling in a well,
Down which by accident he fell,
Begged of a Wolf, who saw his scrape,
To come and help him to escape.
"Poor Reynard!" thus began his friend,
"Gladly would I assistance lend,"
And phrased away in strain provoking,
While Reynard in the well was choking.
"Nay, prithee, friend," exclaimed the Fox,
"Your pity my misfortune mocks;
Not words, but deeds, can mend the matter
When one's up to the chin in water."
A friend in need is a friend indeed. Pity without aid mocks the unfortunate.
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