A STAG overpowered by heat came to a spring to drink. —
Seeing his own shadow reflected in the water, he greatly admired the size and variety of his horns, but felt angry with himself for having such slender and weak feet. —
While he was thus contemplating himself, a Lion appeared at the pool and crouched to spring upon him. —
The Stag immediately took to flight, and exerting his utmost speed, as long as the plain was smooth and open kept himself easily at a safe distance from the Lion. But entering a wood he became entangled by his horns, and the Lion quickly came up to him and caught him. —
When too late, he thus reproached himself: “Woe is me! —
How I have deceived myself! —
These feet which would have saved me I despised, and I gloried in these antlers which have proved my destruction.”
What is most truly valuable is often underrated.