FableNº 82

The Ploughman and the Frozen Serpent

A ploughman found, in the winter season, a serpent stiff with cold. He took pity on it, picked it up, and put it in his bosom. Warmed, the serpent recovered its nature, struck, and killed its benefactor, who, feeling himself dying, cried out, "I have richly deserved it, for taking pity on a wicked creature."

Wickedness does not change, however much kindness is shown to it.

Moral

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