The Lion The Bear And The Fox

by Aesop

　　Just as a great Bear rushed to seize a stray kid, a Lion leapedfrom another direction upon the same prey. The two foughtfuriously for the prize until they had received so many woundsthat both sank down unable to continue the battle.

　　Just then a Fox dashed up, and seizing the kid, made off with itas fast as he could go, while the Lion and the Bear looked on inhelpless rage.

　　"How much better it would have been," they said, "to have sharedin a friendly spirit."

　　Those who have all the toil do not always get the profit.