They say that an old wolf lived in the forest. And he was so old that he could no longer hunt and get food for himself. So he walked around hungry and angry. One day a wolf was wandering through the forest and met an old fox, skinny and hungry even hungrier than him. They greeted each other and walked on together, complaining to each other about life's hardships and sorrows and remembering the old times when they had plenty of food and easy prey. Each told the other what he usually hunted and what he ate. But it would be better if they didn’t do this - the memories only intensified the hunger pangs and made the mouth water more profusely.
- Oh sister fox! - exclaimed the wolf. “Everyone knows what a smart girl and a cheat you are, how much you are capable of amazing tricks.” Can you think of something so that we can get food? Please!
The wolf's praise and flattery pleased the old fox. She sighed, smiled and said:
- These are difficult times. There is only one hope left - perhaps we will meet a sheep that has strayed from the herd. Believe me, there is no easier or more enjoyable prey. However, keep in mind, brother wolf, I dream of meeting a sheep just for your sake. A chicken or a small duck would be enough for me.
Talking about the sheep further whetted the ravenous appetite. He quickened his pace, looking around - what if they really got lucky and the fox’s words came true?
Suddenly the wolf stopped dead in his tracks and exclaimed with excitement, pointing at something in the distance:
- Look, look there!
But no matter how the fox peered, no matter how hard she strained her eyes, she did not see anything remarkable.
-Where are you pointing, brother wolf? I don't see any loot there.
- Yes, here she is, in front of you! Don't you see the donkey standing in the field? True, he is old. But it doesn’t matter, because meat is meat, and we want meat.
The fox was surprised and sadly shook her head.
-Ah, brother wolf, hunger seems to have completely deprived you of your sanity. Where have you seen wolves and foxes attack donkeys? Have you forgotten how donkeys can kick? The strength of donkeys, horses and mules is in their legs. I once met a horse myself...
But the wolf did not let the fox finish:
“That’s not what we’re talking about now.” We need to divert the donkey’s attention, you go on one side, I’ll go on the other. And as soon as I’m close enough, I’ll contrive and jump.
- I wonder how you will succeed? - the fox asked mockingly. “Nothing will come of it, the donkey will kick you.”
- I will convince him that he is sick, and I am a doctor, I came to treat him. He will believe me, and that’s when I’ll jump on him and tear him to pieces.
No matter how much the fox tried to dissuade the wolf, he did not heed her advice - he really wanted fresh meat. And the wolf went towards the donkey. The fox slowly crept behind him.
The donkey saw a wolf, and behind him a sneaking fox, and became wary.
A few steps short, the wolf stopped and politely greeted the donkey. But he was old and wise, he knew well the value of wolf friendliness and therefore was in no hurry to answer. And the wolf continued:
- How are you, brother donkey? Well, it's hot today! How do you bear it?
Although the fox nodded her head approvingly, she continued to stay away. The wolf took a few more steps.
— This weather is harmful to health. Look how you, poor thing, are suffering, your complexion has even changed. Not other than because of the heat.
The wolf fell silent and drooped, as if lost in thought, then continued:
“Brother donkey, haven’t you drunk dirty water, have you been bitten by a fly?” This won't make you sick for long. However, consider yourself lucky - after all, I am a healer and I really love donkeys. I will be happy to begin your treatment.
“For the first time in my life I hear that a wolf is a doctor and a friend of donkeys.” Why on earth do you care about my health anyway?
The wolf shook his head reproachfully.
- What's wrong with that? All animals are brothers. I love donkeys because...
“Maybe that’s so,” the donkey interrupted him. “But this is what surprises me, brother wolf, - after all, you and I have never met before.” Do you even know my name?
The wolf exclaimed in bewilderment:
- How can I know your name?! Do donkeys have names?
The donkey laughed sarcastically:
- You are ignorant, brother wolf! You don’t even know that we donkeys, like people, have names. Each donkey has his name written on the hoof of his back right leg. - And the donkey raised his back right leg with importance and dignity.
The wolf approached and leaned down to get a better look at the hoof. And at that moment the donkey kicked the wolf with all his might, and the wolf’s fangs fell out of his mouth. The wolf somersaulted in the air and fell on his back. He stood up forcefully and, howling, hobbled towards the forest. The fox, looking at all this, trembled with fear.
- And you, sister fox, want to know my name? - she heard a mocking voice.
The fox began to back away, saying as she walked:
- No, no, no! I can’t... I don’t know how to read... The fox stammered and rushed headlong towards the forest.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru