20 The Dog,the Cock,and the Fox A dog and a cock set out on their travels together,and by nightfall they found themselves in a forest.So the cock flew up into a tree and perched himself on a high branch,while the dog dozed below at the foot. When day finally dawned, the cock, as usual, crowed very loudly and drew the attention of a fox,who thought he would make a meal out of him.So he approached the tree and spoke to the cock from beneath the branches:“You're such a good little bird and most useful to your fellow creatures.So,why don't you come down,and we can sing our matins and rejoice together?” “Go to the foot of the tree, my good friend, ”replied the cock, “and tell my sacristan to toll the bell.”But when the fox approached the foot of the tree,the dog promptly jumped up and made a quick endof him. He who lays traps for others is often caught by his own snare.