The Mice and the Weasels

英语自学网

The Mice and the Weasels
        THE WEASELS and the Mice waged a perpetual war with each other,
        in which much blood was shed.  The Weasels were always the
        victors.  The Mice thought that the cause of their frequent
        defeats was that they had no leaders set apart from the general
        army to command them, and that they were exposed to dangers from
        lack of discipline.  They therefore chose as leaders Mice that
        were most renowned for their family descent, strength, and
        counsel, as well as those most noted for their courage in the
        fight, so that they might be better marshaled in battle array and
        formed into troops, regiments, and battalions.  When all this was
        done, and the army disciplined, and the herald Mouse had duly
        proclaimed war by challenging the Weasels, the newly chosen
        generals bound their heads with straws, that they might be more
        conspicuous to all their troops.  Scarcely had the battle begun,
        when a great rout overwhelmed the Mice, who scampered off as fast
        as they could to their holes.  The generals, not being able to
        get in on account of the ornaments on their heads, were all
        captured and eaten by the Weasels.
       
        The more honor the more danger.