【英】《伊索寓言》第29集：The Fox and the Goat

During a great drought, a fox once fell into a deep well. He was glad that only a little water remained in the bottom so he would not drown. But he had no way to get out of the well. Over and over he tried to climb the smooth sides only to fall back into the well.

As the fox was resting between climbs, a goat came along and looked down the well.

“Hello,” he said. “Is there water in this well?”

“Yes,” the fox said, splashing a bit with his paw. “It is lovely, cool, and delicious.”

“Would you mind sharing?” the goat asked. 

“Not at all,” the fox said. “Come on down and drink all you want.”

So the goat jumped down into the well and had a deep drink of water. After he had his fill, he said, “How do we get back out?”

“You could try climbing,” the fox suggested. 

So the goat stood up tall on his back legs and reached his front hooves up as high as he could. While he was standing that way, the fox jumped onto his back. He ran up onto the goat’s head, then onto the goat’s huge curved horns. From there he was easily able to jump out of the hole.

“Can you get me out now?” the goat asked. 

“I am afraid I cannot,” the fox said. “But I can give you some good advice. Never trust the advice of someone in difficulties!”