Cobwebs from an Empty Skull

A snake tried to shed his skin by pulling it off over his head, but, being unable to do so, was advised by a woodman to slip out of it in the usual way.

“But,” said the serpent, “this is the way you do it!”

“True,” exclaimed the woodman, holding out the hem of his tunic; “but you will observe that my skin is brief and open.  If you desire one like that, I think I can assist you.”

So saying, he chopped off about a cubit of the snake’s tail.