A FOX swimming across a rapid river was carried by the force of
the current into a very deep ravine, where he lay for a long time
very much bruised1, sick, and unable to move. A swarm2 of hungry
blood-sucking flies settled upon him. A Hedgehog, passing by,
saw his anguish3 and inquired if he should drive away the flies
that were tormenting4 him. "By no means," replied the Fox; "pray
do not molest5 them." "How is this?' said the Hedgehog; "do you
not want to be rid of them?' "No," returned the Fox, "for these
flies which you see are full of blood, and sting me but little,
and if you rid me of these which are already satiated, others
more hungry will come in their place, and will drink up all the
blood I have left."
