The Bat, the Bramble, and the Gull

The bat, the bramble, and the gull went into partnership with one another, meaning to devote themselves to trade. Accordingly the bat borrowed money to put into the common fund; the bramble took cloth with her; and the third partner, the gull, bought copper; then they set sail. But a violent storm having arisen, the ship capsized, and the whole cargo was lost; they saved only themselves. So ever since that time, the gull is always on the lookout along the shores, to see whether the sea will throw up its copper somewhere; the bat, fearing her creditors, does not show herself by day and only comes out to feed at night; and the bramble catches at the clothes of passers-by, trying to recognise its cloth.