The Hungry Fox

Afamished fox happened upon an orchard filled with trees bearing luscious fruit of all kinds. His mouth watered at the sight. But there was a low wall topped with iron spikes surrounding the orchard and the fox could see no way to get through.

Then, to his great delight, he spied a hole in the wall. But try as he might, he could not squeeze himself through it.

"I must starve myself for three days," thought the fox. "Once I'm leaner, I can go through this hole."

He went without food for three days and found that he could now worm his way into the garden.

The fox ate his fill of the delicious fruits till he could eat no more. Replete, he lay down under a tree for a nap. After he woke, he gorged himself once more. Seeing no sign of humans around, the fox decided to stay for a day more, and hid himself in the thicket.

The greedy fellow went on a binge the next day, till he was almost sick. Then he ambled over to the hole because now he wanted to return to his den.

Alas! Try as he might, the now-plump fox could not pass through the hole to freedom. He had to starve himself for two days to lose weight! Besides, he was racked with anxiety, lest the orchard-owner came around.

So it was, that a hungry fox slipped out through the hole, casting a wistful look at the bounty he had to leave behind.