The Fox and the Woodcutter

A fox, fleeing from hounds, stumbled upon a woodcutter who was felling an oak tree. Desperate for safety, the fox begged the woodcutter to provide him with a hiding place. The woodcutter, feeling sympathetic, advised the fox to take refuge in his own hut. Gratefully, the fox crept inside and hid himself in a corner.

Soon after, the huntsman arrived with his hounds and asked the woodcutter if he had seen the fox. The woodcutter, despite pointing subtly toward the hut where the fox lay concealed, declared that he had not seen him. The huntsman, trusting the woodcutter's words and ignoring the obvious signs, continued his pursuit.

Once the huntsman and his hounds were far enough away, the fox emerged from his hiding place and made his escape without acknowledging the woodcutter. This prompted the woodcutter to call after him, reproaching the fox: "You ungrateful creature! You owe your life to me, and yet you leave without a word of thanks."

The fox turned back and replied, "Indeed, I would have thanked you sincerely if your actions had matched your words, and if your hands had not betrayed your speech."