FABLES. 



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, 

 and very earnestly implored his assistance to help 

 him out, or he should be lost. Ah ! poor Reynard, 

 says he, I pity your misfortune; poor creature, I 

 am sorry for you with all my heart: how did you 

 happen to slip into this well r pray how long have 

 you been in this melancholy situation r Nay, I 

 prithee friend, replies the Fox, if you wish me 

 well, do not stand pitying me, but lend me some 

 succour as soon 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. 



