'The Fox and the Stork'

'The Fox and the Stork', an illustration by John Vernon Lord 

in Aesop's Fables, Jonathan Cape, 1989, page 132.

The text:

The Fox and the Stork Who Invited Each Other For Dinner

THE FOX, though in general more inclined to roguery than wit, had once a strong inclination to lay the wag with his neighbour the Stork. He accordingly invited her to dinner in great form; but when it came upon the table, the Stork found it consisted entirely of different soups, served up in broad shallow dishes, so that he could only dip in the end of her bill, but could not possibly satisfy her hunger, The Fox lapped it up very readily, and every now and then, addressing himself to his guest, desired to know how she liked her entertainment; hoped everything was seasoned to her mind; and protested he was very sorry to see her eat so sparingly. The Stork, perceiving she was played upon, took no notice of it, but pretended to like each dish extremely; and at parting pressed the Fox so earnestly to return her visit that he could not in civility refuse. The day arrived, and he repaired to his appointment; but to his great mortification, when dinner appeared, he found it composed of minced meat, served up in long narrow-necked glasses; so that he was only tantalised with the sight of what it was impossible for him to taste. The Stork thrust in her long bill, and helped herself very plentifully; then turning to Reynard, who was eagerly licking the outside of a jar where some sauce had been spilled: I am very glad, said she, smiling, that you seem to have so good an appetite; I hope you will make as hearty a dinner at my table, as I did the other day at yours. Reynard hung down his head, and looked very much displeased. - Nay, nay, said the Stork, do not pretend to be out of humour about the matter; they that cannot take a jest, should never make one.

Moral: Before we tease someone else we should always be prepared to take a joke against ourselves.

Text: Robert Dodsley (1/7, 1761 [1824])

Selected Parallels: Phaedrus 1/26. Plutarch Quaestiones Convivales 1/5. Caxton Romulus 2/13. La Fontaine 1/18. L’Estrange 1/31. Perry 426. Daly 426. TMI J1565.1.