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Foxes (at The River Maiandros)

Once, a group of foxes gathered near the river Maiandros, because they were thirsty and wanted to drink from it. But because the water was flowing with much noise they didn't dare to approach the river, even though they urged each other to do it.

But one of them belittled the others for that and laughed at them for their cowardice. He said that he himself, because he was braver than the others, was the chosen one to jump into the water undauntedly. But then the stream pulled him towards the middle of the river and the others, who were standing on the bank, shouted at him: "Hey come on, don't leave us now, but come back and show us the place where we can drink without danger!"

And the fox, while he was being dragged away by the stream, replied: "Er, I'm carrying a message for Milet^*, and I want to deliver it there first. On my return I'll show you the spot."

This applies to those who bring themselves in danger by their boasting.

^*: Milet was an important Greek city situated on the southwest coast of the present-day Turkey (which was part of Greece in those days).

Translation © Lazyfox, 1998

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