The Lion, the Fox, and the Ass

英语自学网

The Lion, the Fox, and the Ass
        THE LION, the Fox and the Ass entered into an agreement to assist
        each other in the chase.  Having secured a large booty, the Lion
        on their return from the forest asked the Ass to allot his due
        portion to each of the three partners in the treaty.  The Ass
        carefully divided the spoil into three equal shares and modestly
        requested the two others to make the first choice.  The Lion,
        bursting out into a great rage, devoured the Ass.  Then he
        requested the Fox to do him the favor to make a division.  The
        Fox accumulated all that they had killed into one large heap and
        left to himself the smallest possible morsel.  The Lion said,
        "Who has taught you, my very excellent fellow, the art of
        division? You are perfect to a fraction."  He replied, "I learned
        it from the Ass, by witnessing his fate."
       
        Happy is the man who learns from the misfortunes of others.