The Fox and the Goat
The fox was running, got distracted by a crow, and fell into a well. There wasn’t much water in the well: not enough to drown, but also not enough to jump out. The fox sat there, grieving.Along came a goat—a smart one, they say; walking, shaking his beard, wagging his head. Out of boredom, he peeked into the well, saw the fox, and asked:
"What are you doing down there, little fox?"
"Resting, my dear," replied the fox. "It's so hot up there, so I came down here. It’s so cool and nice here! Plenty of cold water—as much as you want!"
The goat had been thirsty for a while.
"Is the water good?" asked the goat.
"Excellent," replied the fox. "Clear and cold! Jump down if you like; there’s room for both of us here."
The foolish goat jumped in, nearly crushing the fox. She scolded him:
"Ah, you bearded fool, you can’t even jump properly—you splashed everything!"
The fox climbed onto the goat’s back, then onto his horns, and leaped out of the well.
The goat almost starved to death in the well; it was only with great effort that he was found and pulled out by his horns.
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