Songs for December

Where Go the Boats?

The Fox and the Wolf

Once a wolf came to Reynard the fox in the woods and said he was hungry. The fox said he was hungry too, so off they set in search of food.

They traveled half a day without finding anything. At last, on the side of a hill, they saw a hole covered with branches and heard a low growling within. "There must be game in there," said the fox. "Go inside and see what you can find."

The wolf began to whine and said, "I am weak from hunger, I will stay here under the trees and wait. You go in to see if you can find anything. You have so much more wit and cunning to meet strangers than I have."

So the fox entered the hole, and there sat an ape. Her wide mouth was filled with great ugly teeth, and her fiery eyes stared savagely at him. By her side lay her brood of young ones, as fierce as she. As the fox drew near they all gaped wide their mouths and stared at him. Seeing no way of escape, he made bold and said, "Long life and happiness to you, my dear aunt. Let me wish you joy with your children. They are the fairest I have ever seen. You may well be proud of them."

"My dear Reynard," replied the ape, "you are welcome. For the rest of my life I shall thank you for this visit. You are known everywhere for your wit and judgment, and I beg you to take charge of my children and teach them how to live in the world.

The fox answered, "My dear aunt, what I can do for you day or night shall be done. I am at your command." He then turned to go.

"My dear friend," said the ape, "you must not leave till you have eaten something." Then she led the way to her great store of food. When he had eaten all he wanted, she said, "Come often to see me, dear Reynard."

When the fox came out of the cave, the wolf was waiting under the tree. "What did you find in the hole there?" he asked.

"Creep into the hole, Uncle," said the fox. "There you will find an ape with her brood. If you please them with fair words, they will treat you with kindness and give you plenty of food."

So the wolf went in. There sat the apes in all their filth and dirt. No sooner had he seen them than he cried out, "What ugly beasts are these? Are all these creatures your children? Go drown them! They are so ugly that they will scare all the world."

"They are my children and I am their mother," said the ape. "If they displease you, go away."

The wolf answered, "First I would eat of your meat."

"I have no meat for you," she replied, looking savagely at him.

"You have," he snarled. "Give it to me or I shall help myself. You have enough here for ten."

The ape and all her children started at him and bit him and scratched him with their teeth and nails. He howled and yelped and ran out of the cave as fast as he could.

As he came out he said, "I wish I had them outside and I would make them pay for this."

"I fear you have not made good use of your tongue," said the fox.

"I spoke what I thought," said the wolf.

"And you have received your reward," said the fox.