All stories

The Wolf and Fox in the Trap

Level B1 · 227 words

The Wolf and Fox in the Trap

A wolf and a cunning fox fell together into a deep pit dug by hunters. To get out of the pit, the fox presented a plan to the wolf: "Stand on your hind legs, I will step on your back and climb out, then I will pull you up." The wolf believed the fox and made his back a step for him; the fox leaped and got out of the pit. As the fox who got out prepared to leave the wolf at the bottom of the pit, the wolf shouted "Pull me up too!"

The fox laughed and said "Ah, if your mind were as rich as the beard on your chin, you would think how I would pull you up before making your back a step for me" and walked away. Those who trust cunning and selfish people and make themselves steps are abandoned at the bottom of a well when their job is done. Not taking one's own end into account while becoming a step for someone else's salvation is a great naivety. Selfish cunning ones think only of their own interest and forget those who helped them when their job is done.

Do not trust cunning partners and make your back a step. One becoming a step for the selfish remains in the pit. One who does not think of the end falls into a trap. Cunning pursues selfish interest.

One rising from someone else's back is ungrateful. Secure yourself while making a plan. Do not take a step without looking at the last step.