Æsop. (Sixth century B.C.) Fables.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14. |
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| The Fox and the Mosquitoes |
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| A FOX after crossing a river got its tail entangled in a bush, and could not move. A number of Mosquitoes seeing its plight settled upon it and enjoyed a good meal undisturbed by its tail. A hedgehog strolling by took pity upon the Fox and went up to him: “You are in a bad way, neighbour,” said the hedgehog, “shall I relieve you by driving off those Mosquitoes who are sucking your blood?” | 1 |
| “Thank you, Master Hedgehog,” said the Fox, “but I would rather not.” | 2 |
| “Why, how is that?” asked the hedgehog. | 3 |
| “Well, you see,” was the answer, “these Mosquitoes have had their fill; if you drive these away, others will come with fresh appetite and bleed me to death.” | 4 |
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