It had been a lean year and hunting was scanty. A Fox ranged far and wide to find food for his Vixen and their Kits.
He came upon a prosperous farm with rich crops close to harvest and at least three henhouses filled with hundreds of fowl. In the face of such plenitude, the Fox hoped that one chicken would not be missed. He seized one and hurried back to his family.
Several weeks later, with his family hungry, and being unable to find game, the Fox reluctantly returned to the farm. He knew it was dangerous, and feared that the Farmer would be prepared. Sure enough, the Fox was caught in a trap.
The Farmer, who had been angered to lose even one hen, decided to make an example of the Fox. He soaked a rope in tar, tied it to the Fox's tail, and set it afire!
The Farmer was enflamed! He moaned his loss, and shook his fist at the gods to think they would treat him so.
The Fox plunged into the river and doused his burning tail.
P.S. Although the Fox made do with a bare Tail, his children feasted on quite a lot of roast chicken.
But now the Tail gets interesting...
Hmmmm...the Tale?
The Fox shrieked and escaped the Farmer's hold, and ran towards the river in panic, sure he would not make it in time. Sparks flew from the rope and ignited the crops. The farm buildings were set ablaze. The henhouses caught fire.
"Revenge is the delight of the mean spirit."
Juvenal
"The best revenge is to live well."
George Herbert
What goes around, comes around. Suppress the need to retaliate.
Vast powers are out there... Sleeping Giants and Hurricanes to name but a few....
Be the Angel of Forbearance! Don't awaken any Sleeping Giants! Their aim is sometimes off kilter!
