A Fox one day fell into a deep well and could find no means of escape. A Goat, overcome with thirst, came to the same well, and seeing the Fox, inquired if the water was good.

Concealing his sad plight under a happy face, the Fox gave lavish praise of the water, saying it was excellent beyond measure, and encouraging the Goat to come down.

The Goat, mindful only of his thirst, thoughtlessly jumped down. As the Goat started to drink, the Fox told him of the difficulty they were both in and suggested a scheme for their common escape.

“If,” said the Fox, “you place your front feet upon the wall and bend your head, I will run up your back and escape, and will help you out afterwards.”

The Goat readily agreed and the Fox leaped upon his back. Steadying himself with the Goat’s horns, he safely reached the mouth of the well and made off as fast as he could.

When the Goat told him off for breaking his promise, the Fox turned around and cried out, “You foolish old fellow! If you had as many brains in your head as you have hairs in your beard, you would never have gone down before you had worked out the way up, nor have exposed yourself to dangers from which you had no means of escape.”

Moral: Look before you leap.