One moonlight night a Fox was prowling about a farmer’s hen-coop, and saw a Cock roosting high up beyond his reach. 'Good news, good news! ' he cried. 'Why, what is that? ' said the Cock. 'King Lion has declared a universal truce.
No beast may hurt a bird henceforth, but all shall dwell together in brotherly friendship. ' 'Why, that is good news,' said the Cock; 'and there I see some one coming, with whom we can share the good tidings. ' And so saying he craned his neck forward and looked afar off.
'What is it you see? ' said the Fox. 'It is only my master’s Dog that is coming towards us. What, going so soon? ' he continued, as the Fox began to turn away as soon as he had heard the news.
'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.