Very early on icy morning, a fox was drinking at an ice-hole, not far form the haunts of men. Meanwhile, the end of its tail got wet, and froze to the ice. No great harm was done; the fox could easily remedy it. It had only to pull, and leave about a score of its hairs behind; then it could run home quickly, before anyone came. But how could it make up its mind to spoil its tail? Such a bushy tail as it was, so ample and golden! No; better wait. Surely, men are sleeping. It’s even possible that a thaw may set it. It will then be able to withdraw its tail from the ice-hole.
The fox waits, but its tail only freezes all the more. It looks round the day is already beginning to dawn. People stir; voices are heard. Our poor fox begins to rush about this way and that. But still it cannot free itself from the hole. Luckily, a wolf comes running by.
“Dear friend!” cries the fox, “do save me! I am lost.”
So the wolf stopped, and set to work to rescue the fox. It method was a very simple one : it bit the tail off.
Make up your mind to act decidedly and take the consequences. No good is ever done in this world by hesitation.
– Thomas Huxley.
