The two friends, the small-sized fox and the large bull with big horns, agreed to spend a day wandering in the areas of the green forest. The fox was smart, evasive, and cunning, while the bull, despite his size, was stupid and dull. Half the day passed, the sun’s heat intensified, and the two friends felt extreme thirst, so they went in search of a water spring to quench their thirst.
They searched here and there until the search exhausted them. Suddenly, they found an old well in the middle of the forest. Because of their extreme thirst, they threw themselves into it and began drinking until they were satisfied. When each of them got his share of water, each looked at the other and said: How will we get out of here? I think we’re stuck. Minutes passed, and the bull remained silent and dull, while the fox was thinking of a way to get out.
Suddenly, he said to the bull: Listen, my friend. We won’t stay here all day. I have an idea that will save us both. Come, stand on your hind legs, oh great bull, and lean your front legs against the well’s wall. I’ll climb up, for I’m light, then ascend your horns and jump quickly outside. If I get outside, I’ll go and bring some friends to help you get out of here.
The bull was pleased with the fox’s words and said to him: You are extremely intelligent. This idea would never have occurred to me. Then he did as the fox asked and said: Go, my smart friend, go, and help me after that. The fox climbed, promising his friend salvation, then climbed on his horns and jumped outside. Then he sat on the well’s edge and said laughing: This idea won’t occur in your head. Yes, because you have no opinion. If you had an opinion, you wouldn’t have thrown yourself into the well from the beginning. I got out and was saved. All you have to do now is save yourself. Goodbye, my big friend. The fox left him and departed. The bull wasn’t saved from the fox’s deceit and trickery.
From the stories of Kalila and Dimna.