The Fox and the Hedgehog

英语自学网

The Fox and the Hedgehog
        A FOX swimming across a rapid river was carried by the force of
        the current into a very deep ravine, where he lay for a long time
        very much bruised, sick, and unable to move.
        A swarm of hungry
        blood-sucking flies settled upon him.
        A Hedgehog, passing by,
        saw his anguish and inquired if he should drive away the flies
        that were tormenting him.
        "By no means," replied the Fox; "pray
        do not molest them."
        "How is this?'
        said the Hedgehog; "do you
        not want to be rid of them?'
        "No," returned the Fox, "for these
        flies which you see are full of blood, and sting me but little,
        and if you rid me of these which are already satiated, others
        more hungry will come in their place, and will drink up all the
        blood I have left."