Æsop. (Sixth century B.C.) Fables.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14. |
| |
| The Hare and the Tortoise |
| |
| |
| THE HARE was once boasting of his speed before the other animals. “I have never yet been beaten,” said he, “when I put forth my full speed. I challenge any one here to race with me.” | 1 |
| The Tortoise said quietly, “I accept your challenge.” | 2 |
| “That is a good joke,” said the Hare; “I could dance round you all the way.” | 3 |
| “Keep your boasting till you’ve beaten,” answered the Tortoise. “Shall we race?” | 4 |
So a course was fixed and a start was made. The Hare darted almost out of sight at once, but soon stopped and, to show his contempt for the Tortoise, lay down to have a nap. The Tortoise plodded on and plodded on, and when the Hare awoke from his nap, he saw the Tortoise just near the winning-post and could not run up in time to save the race. Then said the Tortoise:
| | “PLODDING WINS THE RACE.” |
| 5 |
| |
|
|
