This fable shows that deceitful men devise many methods and actions for getting things their own way, but that they are often defeated by the feeble. THE GOATS AND THE WOLVES All the Goats gathered together and sent a message to the nation of the Wolves. “Wherefore,” said they, “do you make upon us this ceaseless war? We beseech you, make peace with us, as the kings of nations are wont to do.” The Wolves assembled in great joy, and sent a long letter and many presents to the nation of the Goats. And they said to them: “We have learned your excellent resolution and we have rendered thanks to God for it. The news of this peace will occasion great joy in the world. But we beg to inform your wisdom that the shepherd and his dog are the causes of all our differences and quarrels; if you make an end of them, tranquillity will soon return.” On learning this, the Goats drove away the shepherds and their dogs, and ratified a treaty of peace and friendship with the Wolves. The Goats then went out and scattered themselves without fear among the hills and valleys, and began to feed and render thanks to God. The Wolves waited for ten days, then they gathered themselves together against the Goats, and strangled them every one. This fable shows that hatred and aversion between nations and families, or between individuals, is deeply rooted in the heart of man, and that peace and friendship are not established among them, excepting with the greatest difficulty. THE LION, THE WOLF, AND THE FOX The Lion, the Wolf, and the Fox, having made an alliance, went forth to hunt, and captured a ram, a sheep, and a lamb. When dinner time came the Lion said to the Wolf, “Divide the prey among us.” The Wolf replied: “O King, God apportions them thus: the ram is for you, the sheep for me, and the lamb for the Fox.” The Lion flew into a violent rage at this and gave the Wolf a blow upon the cheek that made his eyes bulge out. He retired in bitter tears. Then the Lion addressed the Fox, bidding him apportion the prey. “O King,” he answered, “God has already apportioned it. The ram is for your dinner, we will join you in eating the sheep, and you shall sup upon the lamb.” “Little rogue of a Fox,” said the Lion, “who taught you to apportion things with such equity?” “The starting eyes of the Wolf taught me that,” replied the Fox. This fable shows that many wicked men see the error of their ways, and amend, so soon as kings and princes cause robbers and malefactors to be hanged. THE WOLF AND THE ASS The Wolf having come upon an Ass who was in prime condition wished to eat him. Then the Ass said: “I beseech you, Mr. Wolf, cure me of a wound which I have in the foot; an abominable nail has pierced it, and produces intense suffering. Afterward, you can eat me, for God has destined me to be your food.”