THE HEDGEHOG, THE FOX AND THE TICKS
Aesop was defending a demagogue at Samos who was on trial for his life when
he told this story: 'A fox was crossing a river but she got swept by the current
into a gully. A long time passed and she couldn't get out. Meanwhile, there
were ticks swarming all over the fox's body, making her quite miserable. A hedgehog
wandered by and happened to see the fox. He took pity on her and asked if he
should remove the ticks, but the fox refused. The hedgehog asked the reason
why, and the fox replied, "These ticks have taken their fill of me and are barely
sucking my blood at this point, but if you take these ticks away, others will
come and those hungry new ticks will drink up all the blood I have left!" And
the same is true for you, people of Samos: this man will do you no harm since
he is already wealthy, but if you condemn him to death, others will come who
do not have any money, and they will rob you blind!' |