Aesop | Greece
The Fox and The Bramble
A cunning Fox fell into a Bramble, blaming it for his pain, but realized it was his own fault for not being careful.
In a time long ago, in a wide and open meadow, there lived a Fox. This Fox was known for his quick steps and cunning tricks. One sunny day, as the Fox was frolicking about, he fell into a Bramble. His body was pierced by the sharp thorns, and he yelped in pain.
"Ouch!" cried the Fox, feeling the sting of the thorns on his skin. Upset and hurting, the Fox began to grumble and mutter harsh words at the Bramble.
"Why are you so sharp and prickly?" he asked, a frown on his face. "You have done me harm."
The Bramble, hearing the Fox's complaints, responded calmly. "Dear Fox, it was not my intent to hurt you. I have always been this way, with my prickles out for everyone to see. You were the one who jumped without looking, landing in my thicket. You should have been more careful."
The Fox looked at the Bramble and understood. It wasn't the Bramble's fault for being prickly. It was his own fault for not watching where he was going. With a sigh, he pulled himself free from the thorns and went on his way, wiser and a bit more careful.
