第 六十九 章 · The Fox and His Cousin

. The Fox and His Cousin

The she-wolf brought forth 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 honour 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 ditty, and she went out with the fox to the farm-yard.

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 Mistress 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 go away slowly, but she

was in such concern about the fox that she took him on her back, and

slowly carried him perfectly safe and sound to her house. Then the fox

cried to her, “Farewell, dear Mistress Gossip, may the roasting you

have had do you good,” laughed heartily at her, and bounded off.