9. The Fox and the Goat

A fox had fallen into a well and could not find any means (方法) to escape. Eventually, a thirsty (口渴的) goat appeared, and upon noticing the fox, he asked him whether the water was good and plentiful (丰富的). 

Pretending (假装) that his situation was not precarious (危险的), the fox replied, “Come down, my friend. The water is so good that I can’t drink enough of it. Besides, there’s such an abundant supply that it can’t be exhausted (耗尽).”

When he heard this, the goat did not waste any time and promptly leaped (跳) down into the well. After he quenched his thirst (解渴), the fox informed him of their predicament (困境) and suggested a scheme for their common escape. 

“If you will place your forefeet upon the wall and bend your head, I’ll run up your back and escape. Then I’ll help you out.”

The goat readily agreed to this proposal (提议), and the fox took advantage of his friend’s back and horns and nimbly propelled himself out of the well. Following his escape, he made off (逃跑) as fast as he could, while the goat yelled and reproached (责骂) him for breaking their bargain. But the fox turned around and coolly remarked to the poor deluded (被骗的) goat, “If you had half as much brains as you have beard (脑子有胡子一半多), you would never have gone down the well before making sure there was a way up. I’m sorry that I can’t stay with you any longer, but I have some business that needs my attention.” 

Look before you leap.