Grimm's Household Tales

The she-wolf gave birth to a cub and invited the fox to be its godfather. “After all, he is a close relative of ours,” she said. “He has a good understanding and much talent; he can instruct my little son and help him get ahead in the world.” The fox, too, appeared quite honest and said, “Worthy Mrs. Wolf, I thank you for the honor you are doing me. I will, however, conduct myself in such a way that you will be repaid for it.” He enjoyed himself at the feast and made merry; afterward he said, “Dear Mrs. Wolf, it is our duty to take care of the child. It must have good food so that it may be strong. I know a sheepfold from which we might fetch a nice morsel.” The she-wolf was pleased with the proposal and went out with the fox to the farmyard. He pointed out the fold from afar and said, “You will be able to creep in there without being seen, and in the meantime I will look about on the other side to see if I can pick up a chicken.” He, however, did not go there but sat down at the entrance to the forest, stretched his legs, and rested. The she-wolf crept into the stable. A dog was lying there, and it made such a noise that the peasants came running out, caught the she-wolf, and poured over her skin a strong, burning mixture that had been prepared for washing. At last she escaped and dragged herself outside. There lay the fox, who pretended to be full of complaints and said, “Ah, dear Mrs. Wolf, how badly I have fared! The peasants fell on me and have broken every limb I have. If you do not want me to lie where I am and perish, you must carry me away.” The she-wolf herself was only able to go away slowly, but she was in such concern about the fox that she took him on her back and slowly carried him, perfectly safe and sound, to her house. Then the fox cried to her, “Farewell, dear Mrs. Wolf, may the roasting you have had do you good,” laughed heartily at her, and bounded off.