But the silly old Frog would not give up. She tried again to puff herself out, saying, “As big as”—and she did indeed burst. It is useless to attempt what is impossible. THE BAT AND THE WEASELS A BAT, trying to fly one day, fell to the ground, and a Weasel caught him. The Bat begged the Weasel not to kill him. “There is nothing I hate like a bird,” said the Weasel; “I always kill them.” [Illustration] “But I am not a bird,” said the Bat, as he folded his wings close to his sides; “birds don’t come tumbling down as I did; and besides, don’t you see my little smooth head, and my ears?” “Yes, yes,” said the Weasel, “I did not notice them at first. I see, you are a mouse”; so he let the Bat go. Some time after, the Bat took another flight, and again fell to the ground. Another Weasel came out of his hole and caught him. “Pray don’t kill me,” said the Bat. “Certainly I shall,” said the Weasel; “I kill mice wherever I find them.” “But stop a moment,” said the Bat, spreading his wings; “I am not a mouse. Don’t you see my great wings? A mouse can’t fly, can it?” “I beg your pardon,” said the Weasel; “I did not know that you were a bird; I thought you were a mouse. I see I was mistaken.” Then he let him go. So the cunning Bat escaped a second time, but it is not often safe to use such arguments. THE FOX AND THE GOAT A FOX once happened to fall into a deep well. He tried in every way to get out, but at last began to think that it was impossible, and that he must die there, a prisoner. While he was thinking how sad that would be, a thirsty Goat came and looked down into the well, wishing that he could get some water. He soon saw the Fox. “Halloo,” said the Goat, “what are you doing down there? Is the water good?” “The best I ever tasted,” answered the Fox. “It is cool, and clear, and delicious. Come down and try it yourself.” “I will,” said the Goat, “for I am nearly dead with thirst.” So he jumped down, and drank as much water as he wanted. “Oh, how refreshing!” cried he. “Yes,” said the Fox; “and now, if you have finished drinking, let me ask how you expect to get out of this well again.” “Oh, I don’t know,” replied the Goat. “How do you expect to get out?” “That is what I have been wondering about for the last hour,” said the Fox, “and have just now thought of a good plan. If you will put your forefeet high up on the wall, I will climb up your back, and so get out, and then, of course, I can help you out.” “Very well,” said the Goat, who was a simple creature, “that is a good plan. How I wish I had your brains!” He put his forefeet on the wall, and the Fox easily climbed out and started to go on his way. “Wait a moment,” called the Goat; “you forgot to help me out.” “You foolish fellow!” said the Fox, with a mocking laugh; “you ought to have thought how you would get out, before you jumped down. I fell in, but you went down of your own accord. Look before you leap next time,” and off he ran. THE WOMAN AND HER HEN