One day a hungry fox spotted a crow in a tree. He resolved to try to coax the bird down to the ground, and proceeded to sing the praises of having one's feet touch the earth.

"I am quite happy here in the branches," the crow said. "It is very comfortable, and I have no desire to be eaten."

"Foolish bird!" said the fox. "Birds and beasts have no reason to fear one another. The Messiah is coming. I am a Talmudic scholar, and I know about these things."

As the fox spoke, he heard the baying of a hound, and fled in fear. The crow flew along with him, jeering.

"Foolish fox!" the crow called. "You shouldn't be afraid, since all beasts will live in peace. You should know about these things!"

"I know that I am a Talmudic scholar," the fox replied, "but I don't know about the hound."

About the Author.

Back to the top of this page.