Ep. 708 - 'The Fox and the Stork'

Aesop's 'The Fox and the Stork'

A Fox invited a Stork to dinner, at which the only fare provided was a large flat dish of soup. The Fox lapped it up with great relish, but the Stork with her long bill tried in vain to partake of the savoury broth. Her evident distress caused the sly Fox much amusement. But not long after the Stork invited him in turn, and set before him a pitcher with a long and narrow neck, into which she could get her bill with ease. Thus, while she enjoyed her dinner, the Fox sat by hungry and helpless, for it was impossible for him to reach the tempting contents of the vessel.

Jean de la Fontaine's 'The Fox and the Stork'

The Fox invited neighbour Stork to dinner, But Reynard was a miser, I'm afraid; He offered only soup, and that was thinner Than any soup that ever yet was made. The guest—whose lanky beak was an obstruction, The mixture being served upon a plate— Made countless vain experiments in suction, While Reynard feasted at a rapid rate. The victim, bent upon retaliation, Got up a little dinner in return. Reynard accepted; for an invitation To eat and drink was not a thing to spurn. He reached the Stork's at the appointed hour, Flattered the host, as well as he was able, And got his grinders ready to devour Whatever dishes might be brought to table. But, lo! the Stork, to punish the offender, Had got the meat cut very fine, and placed Within a jug; the neck was long and slender, Suited exactly to its owner's taste. The Stork, whose appetite was most extensive, Emptied the jug entirely to the dregs; While hungry Reynard, quite abashed and pensive, Walked homewards with his tail between his legs.

Deceivers reap the fruits of their deceit, And being cheated may reform a cheat.