Gossip Wolf and the Fox
The she-wolf brought into the world a young one, and invited the fox
to be godfather. After all, he is a near relative of ours, said she, he has a good
understanding, and much talent, he can instruct my little son, and help him forward in the
world. The fox, too, appeared quite honest, and said, worthy mrs. Gossip, I thank you for
the honor which you are doing me, I will, however, conduct myself in such a way that you
shall be repaid for it. He enjoyed himself at the feast, and made merry, afterwards he
said, dear mrs. Gossip, it is our duty to take care of the child, it must have good food
that it may be strong. I know a sheep-fold from which we might fetch a nice morsel. The
wolf was pleased with the idea, and she went out with the fox to the farmyard. He pointed
out the fold from afar, and said, you will be able to creep in there without being seen,
and in the meantime I will look about on the other side to see if I can pick up a chicken.
He, however, did not go there, but sat down at the entrance to the forest, stretched his
legs and rested.
The she-wolf crept into the stable. A dog was lying there, and it
made such a noise that the peasants came running out, caught gossip wolf, and poured a
strong burning mixture, which had been prepared for washing, over her skin. At last she
escaped, and dragged herself outside. There lay the fox, who pretended to be full of
complaints, and said, ah, dear mrs. Gossip, how ill I have fared, the peasants have fallen
on me, and have broken every limb I have, if you do not want me to lie where I am and
perish, you must carry me away. The she-wolf herself was only able to walk slowly, but she
was in such concern about the fox that she took him on her back, and slowly carried him
who was perfectly safe and sound to her house. Then the fox cried to her, farewell, dear
mrs. Gossip, may the roasting you have had do you good, laughed heartily at her, and
bounded off.
--The
End-- |
