The Hare and the Wolf (Aesop)

A wolf did on the meadow walk,
And with a hare began to talk.

Then after chatting for a while,
They shared some stories and a smile.

The wolf then thought he’d eat the hare.
But wishing to appear more fair

He said, “Good hare, it’s time to eat,
And while you’d make a tasty treat –

Considering the circumstance,
I’d like to give you half a chance.

I’ll with you now a wager make,
And hope that you my deal will take.

I challenge you to fight today,
And if I win, you’ll dearly pay.

But at the end, if you have won,
I’ll gladly pay you ten-to-one.”

The hare did gladly then agree,
And hoped for a swift victory.

They faced off just a pace apart
And counted 3 before the start.

But then, before the wolf could bite,
The hare did quickly take to flight.

With swiftness he did hop away,
And left the wolf there in dismay.

But soon the wolf was in pursuit,
To finish off their hot dispute.

And did the hare with vigor chase,
As both did through the forest race.

And ‘round the meadow ran about,
Until the wolf was well worn out.

And that is how the race did stop,
As did the wolf exhausted drop.

The hare, then to the wolf returned
For payment of the wager earned.

The wolf, in protest, blurted out,
“You did not win, there is no doubt!

You did not fight with me today,
You simply turned and ran away.”

The hare said, “I won with my feet.
And here you lie in full defeat.

I fight this way most ev’ry day –
With dogs I find along my way.”

The wolf, when all his strength he gained,
Went to the lion king who reigned.

And in the court laid out his case,
About the fight … or rather, chase.

The king, his verdict stated there:
“The victor truly was the hare.”

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If you desire to save your skin,
There are a lot of ways to win.