The Bat And The Weasels

by Aesop

　　A Bat blundered into the nest of a Weasel, who ran up to catchand eat him. The Bat begged for his life, but the Weasel wouldnot listen.

　　"You are a Mouse," he said, "and I am a sworn enemy of Mice.Every Mouse I catch, I am going to eat!"

　　"But I am not a Mouse!" cried the Bat. "Look at my wings. CanMice fly? Why, I am only a Bird! Please let me go!"

　　The Weasel had to admit that the Bat was not a Mouse, so he lethim go. But a few days later, the foolish Bat went blindly intothe nest of another Weasel. This Weasel happened to be a bitterenemy of Birds, and he soon had the Bat under his claws, ready toeat him.

　　"You are a Bird," he said, "and I am going to eat you!"

　　"What," cried the Bat, "I, a Bird! Why, all Birds have feathers!I am nothing but a Mouse. 'Down with all Cats,' is my motto!"

　　And so the Bat escaped with his life a second time.

　　Set your sails with the wind.