A HEN who had patiently hatched out a brood of vipers1, was accosted2
by a Swallow, who said: "What a fool you are to give life to
creatures who will reward you by destroying you."
"I am a little bit on the destroy myself," said the Hen, tranquilly3
swallowing one of the little reptiles4; "and it is not an act of
folly5 to provide oneself with the delicacies6 of the season."
