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Once upon a time the Oxen determined to be revenged upon the

Butchers for the havoc they wrought in their ranks, and plotted

to put them to death on a given day. They were all gathered

together discussing how best to carry out the plan, and the more

violent of them were engaged in sharpening their horns for the

fray, when an old Ox got up upon his feet and said, "My brothers,

you have good reason, I know, to hate these Butchers, but, at any

rate, they understand their trade and do what they have to do

without causing unnecessary pain. But if we kill them, others,

who have no experience, will be set to slaughter us, and will by

their bungling inflict great sufferings upon us. For you may be

sure that, even though all the Butchers perish, mankind will

never go without their beef."

THE WOLF AND THE LION