The Fox, the Rooster, and the Dog By Aesop’s Fables

One moonlit night a Fox was prowling about a farmer’s hen-coop and saw a Rooster roosting high up beyond his reach. “Good news, good news!” he cried. “Why, what is it?” asked the Rooster.

“King Lion has declared a universal truce. No beast may hurt another henceforth, but all shall dwell together in brotherly friendship.”

“Why, that is good news,” said the Rooster, “and I see someone coming with whom we can share the good tidings.” And so saying he craned his neck forward and pretended to look far away.

“What is it you see?” said the Fox. “My master’s Dog is coming towards us,” the Rooster said. The Fox began to turn away as soon as he heard about the dog.

“Will you not stop and congratulate the Dog on the reign of universal peace?” “I would gladly do so,” said the Fox, “but I fear he may not have heard of King Lion’s decree.” Cunning often outwits itself.