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The Dog, the Cock and the Fox
A Dog and a Cock, who were the best of friends, wished very much to see something of the world. So they decided to leave the farmyard and to set out into the world along the road that led to the woods. The two friends traveled along in the very best of spirits and without meeting any event to speak of.
At nightfall the Cock, looking for a place to live, as was his custom, saw nearby a hollow tree that he thought would do very nicely for a night's living. The Dog could creep inside and the Cock would fly up on one of the branches. So said, so done, and both slept very comfortably.
With the first glimmer of dawn the Cock awoke. For the moment he forgot just where he was. He thought he was still in the farmyard where it had been his duty to arouse the farmerin the morning. So standing on tip-toes he flapped his wings and crowed. But instead of awakening the farmer, he awakened a Fox not far off in the wood. The Fox immediately had a visions of a very delicious breakfast. Hurrying to the tree where the Cock was living, he said very politely:
\see you here. I am quite sure we shall become the closest friends.\
\to the door of my house at the foot of the tree, my porter will let you in.\
The hungry Fox, went around the tree as he was told, and in a flash the Dog had seized him.
Those who try to deceive may expect to be paid in their own coin.
Belling the Cat
The Mice once called a meeting to decide on a plan to defeat their enemy, the Cat. At least they wished to find some way of knowing when she was coming, so they might have time to run away. Indeed, something had to be done, for they lived in such fear of her claws that they hardly left their dens by night or day.
Many plans were discussed, but none of them was thought good enough. At last a very young Mouse got up and said:
\to do is to hang a bell about the Cat's neck. When we hear the bell ringing we will know that our enemy is coming.\
All the Mice were much surprised that they had not thought of such a plan before. But an old Mouse arose and said:
\question: Who will bell the Cat?\
It is one thing to say that something should be done, but quite a different matter to do it.
重大版高中英语必修第2册CYA Reading box
