The Mice And The Weasels
The Weasels and the Mice waged a perpetual war with each other, in
which much blood was shed. The Weasels were always the victors. The
Mice thought that the cause of their frequent defeats was that they
had no leaders set apart from the general army to command them, and
that they were exposed to dangers from lack of discipline. They therefore
chose as leaders Mice that were most renowned for their family descent,
strength, and counsel, as well as those most noted for their courage
in the fight, so that they might be better marshaled in battle array
and formed into troops, regiments, and battalions. When all this was
done, and the army disciplined, and the herald Mouse had duly proclaimed
war by challenging the Weasels, the newly chosen generals bound their
heads with straws, that they might be more conspicuous to all their
troops. Scarcely had the battle begun, when a great rout overwhelmed
the Mice, who scampered off as fast as they could to their holes.
The generals, not being able to get in on account of the ornaments
on their heads, were all captured and eaten by the Weasels.
The more honor the more danger.
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