The Fox And The Hen

The Fox And The Hen

There once lived a Mother Hen. A plump and conceited creature, she was the great Matriarch of the family farm. From dawn to dusk she looked over the chicklets under her care. Under her guidance, a great nest of eggs lay hidden in a corner of the barn. They were all collected into one great heap--the pride and joy of the Mother Hen.

One day, the Mother Hen, in her pride at her offspring's strength, decided to have a tally of her chicklets. Squawking and flapping her feathers, she led her horde into the sunlight to be counted.

As the chicklets were forming into ranks, a fox observed them from the shadows. His eyes narrowed to slits as he reasoned with himself:

"This Mother Hen is far too arrogant. She takes too much pride in her achievements. While she is basking in the glory of her leadership, I will take a look at this fabled nest of hers."

Licking his lips, the fox crept into the barn. For as they say:

The Mother Hen gathers her eggs

Into one big nest;

But the crafty fox sneaks inside

An uninvited guest.