A FOX once came to a meadow where a flock of fine fat geese were feeding. “My dears,” said he, “I have come without ceremony, just as if I had been invited. You are very charming, and I desire nothing better than to keep you company and eat you one after another at my leisure.”
The geese cackled for terror and began to beg pitifully for their lives. But their appeals had no effect on the fox. His only response was: “I shall show you no mercy. You must die.”
Then one of them said: “If we poor geese must lose our lives, at least grant us one single grace. Permit us to say our prayers, that we may not die in our sins. After we finish praying we will all stand in a row, and you can pick out the fattest one to begin on, and feast as you please.”
“Well,” said the fox, “that is a just and pious request. Pray away, and I will wait for you.”
So they all commenced praying: “Honk, honk, honk! Honk, honk, honk!”
When they have finished praying, this tale shall be continued; but meanwhile you can be very sure that they are praying still.
