Section 46
The Fox and the Goat explained simply
Aesop's Fables by Aesop
Original excerpt
Excerpt preview
A Fox fell into a well and was unable to get out again. By and by a thirsty Goat came by, and seeing the Fox in the well asked him if the water was good. "Good?" said the Fox, "it's the best water I ever tasted in all my life. Come down and try it yourself." The Goat...
Read full original text in reading mode
Public-domain original
A Fox fell into a well and was unable to get out again. By and by a
thirsty Goat came by, and seeing the Fox in the well asked him if the
water was good. "Good?" said the Fox, "it's the best water I ever
tasted in all my life. Come down and try it yourself." The Goat
thought of nothing but the prospect of quenching his thirst, and
jumped in at once. When he had had enough to drink, he looked about,
like the Fox, for some way of getting out, but could find none.
Presently the Fox said, "I have an idea. You stand on your hind legs,
and plant your forelegs firmly against the side of the well, and then
I'll climb on to your back, and, from there, by stepping on your
horns, I can get out. And when I'm out, I'll help you out too." The
Goat did as he was requested, and the Fox climbed on to his back and
so out of the well; and then he coolly walked away. The Goat called
loudly after him and reminded him of his promise to help him out: but
the Fox merely turned and said, "If you had as much sense in your head
as you have hair in your beard you wouldn't have got into the well
without making certain that you could get out again."
Look before your leap.
Public-domain original text shown for study context.
What happens here
A fox trapped in a well tricks a goat into helping him escape.
Why this scene matters
This fable teaches not to trust advice from someone who benefits from your risk.
Characters in this scene
- Fox: A central figure in the fable’s conflict and lesson.
- the Goat: A central figure in the fable’s conflict and lesson.
Simple story version
A fox in a well persuades a goat to jump in. The fox climbs out on the goat and leaves him there.