The Fox in the Well

008. THE FOX IN THE WELL.
The Fox in a deep well implores the aid,
Of a grave wolfe, who many questions made,
How he came there, the Fox halfe drown'd replyes
Oh cease vaine words and help thy friend that dyes.
Morall
Men oft good Counsell can bestow in griefe,
But with no reall good will bring reliefe.
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The Fox in the Well

166. THE FOX IN THE WELL. A fox, having fallen into a well, made a shift, by sticking his claws into the sides, to keep his head above water. Soon after, a wolf came and peeped over the brink, to whom the fox applied himself very earnestly for assistance, entreating that he would help him to a rope, or something of that kind which might favour his escape.
The wolf, moved with compassion at his misfortune, could not forbear expressing his concern: “Ah! poor Reynard,” says he, “I am sorry for you with all my heart: how could you possibly come into this melancholy condition?”
“Nay, prithee, friend,” replies the fox, “if you wish me well, do not stand pitying of me, but lend me some succour as far as you can: for pity is but cold comfort when one is up to the chin in water, and within a hair's breadth of starving or drowning.” [more info]

The Fox in the Well

008. THE FOX IN THE WELL. A fox, having fallen into a well, made a shift, by sticking his claws into the sides, to keep his head above water. Soon after, a wolf came and peeped over the brink, to whom the fox applied himself very earnestly for assistance, entreating that he would help him to a rope, or something of that kind which might favour his escape.
The wolf, moved with compassion at his misfortune, could not forbear expressing his concern: “Ah! poor Reynard,” says he, “I am sorry for you with all my heart: how could you possibly come into this melancholy condition?”
“Nay, prithee, friend,” replies the fox, “if you wish me well, do not stand pitying of me, but lend me some succour as far as you can: for pity is but cold comfort when one is up to the chin in water, and within a hair's breadth of starving or drowning.” [more info]

The Fox in the Well

43. THE FOX IN THE WELL. A fox had the misfortune to fall into a well, but by digging his claws into the sides of it, and so keeping his head above water, he managed to escape drowning.
In a little while a wolf came and looked over the edge. "Sweet friend!" quoth the fox; "I beseech you bring me a rope or a long pole and help me out of this miserable place."
"Poor unfortunate," cried the wolf, not offering to move, "yours is indeed a desperate case, and I pity you with all my heart. How ever did you come to be so unlucky?"
To which the fox answered with some degree of anger, "Do not stand there pitying me! If you wish me well, you will lend me your help as quickly as possible. Pity is but poor comfort when one is up to the chin in cold water, and in danger every moment of being either drowned or starved." [more info]

The Fox in the Well

16. THE FOX IN THE WELL. An unlucky Fox fell into a well, and cried out for help. A Wolf heard him, and looked down to see what the matter was.
"Ah!" said the Fox, "pray lend a hand, friend, and get me out of this."
"Poor creature," said the Wolf, "how did this come about? How long have you been here? You must be very cold."
"Come, come," says the Fox, "this is no time for pitying and asking questions; get me out of the well first, and I will tell you all about it afterwards." [more info]