Belling the Cat
Once upon a time, in the secluded cellar of a cool wooden mansion full of huge barrels, there lived a cheerful community of tiny mice. This deep cellar, with its dark corners and its stores of delicious food, was like a fairy-tale paradise for the mice. But this peaceful life was suddenly darkened by the presence of a sly and merciless cat that came to the mansion with silent steps. This hunter, who walked on velvet paws without making a sound, gave the poor mice no respite and poisoned their days. The helpless mice decided to gather secretly behind the barrels in order to put an end to this deadly danger. The oldest and most experienced mouse of the assembly stroked its silver beard and addressed the community with deep sorrow. "Because of this cruel cat we can no longer leave our nests, nor even look for a crumb of bread," it said.
A clever mouse who believed itself young and brave leapt forward excitedly and took the floor with shining eyes. "I have a wonderful and flawless solution to propose," it said, puffing out its chest with pride. "If we tie a bright, jingling bell around the cat's neck, at every step it takes we will learn from afar that it is coming." At this magnificent idea all the mice in the cellar burst into joy, and applause and cheers echoed off the dark walls. Some even began to dance with excitement and to celebrate their day of deliverance in advance. Believing that all the fears endured for years had vanished in an instant, the crowd showered the young mouse with congratulations. Right in the middle of these joyful celebrations, a wise mouse who sat quietly in a corner rose to its feet with slow steps.
Looking at the excited crowd around it with weary and meaningful eyes, it suddenly wrapped the room in a deep silence. "The plan really has been devised most cleverly and wisely," it began. "But which one of you will risk his life and find the courage to hang that bell around the cat's neck?" With this striking question the cries of joy in the cellar were cut off as if by a knife, and a deep silence fell. The mice looked at one another helplessly, but no hero stepped forward to take on this dangerous task. Producing fancy ideas is extremely easy, but the real matter is being able to put that plan into practice with courage. Actions speak louder than words.