Cobwebs from an Empty Skull

A wolf went into the cottage of a peasant while the family was absent in the fields, and falling foul of some beef, was quietly enjoying it, when he was observed by a domestic rat, who went directly to her master, informing him of what she had seen.

“I would myself have dispatched the robber,” she added, “but feared you might wish to take him alive.”

So the man secured a powerful club and went to the door of the house, while the rat looked in at the window.  After taking a survey of the situation, the man said: 

“I don’t think I care to take this fellow alive.  Judging from his present performance, I should say his keeping would entail no mean expense.  You may go in and slay him if you like; I have quite changed my mind.”

“If you really intended taking him prisoner,” replied the rat, “the object of that bludgeon is to me a matter of mere conjecture.  However, it is easy enough to see you have changed your mind; and it may be barely worth mentioning that I have changed mine.”

“The interest you both take in me,” said the wolf, without looking up, “touches me deeply.  As you have considerately abstained from bothering me with the question of how I am to be disposed of, I will not embarrass your counsels by obtruding a preference.  Whatever may be your decision, you may count on my acquiescence; my countenance alone ought to convince you of the meek docility of my character.  I never lose my temper, and I never swear; but, by the stomach of the Prophet! if either one of you domestic animals is in sight when I have finished the conquest of these ribs, the question of my fate may be postponed for future debate, without detriment to any important interest.”

This fable teaches that while you are considering the abatement of a nuisance, it is important to know which nuisance is the more likely to be abated.