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FableNº 119

Zeus and the Fox

Zeus, marvelling at the intelligence and quick wit of the fox, granted her the kingship of the beasts. But he wanted to know whether, in changing her fortune, she had also changed her greedy habits; and so, while the new queen was being carried in her litter, he let a beetle loose before her eyes. Then, unable to control herself at the sight of the beetle flitting about her litter, the fox leapt out and, heedless of all propriety, tried to catch it. Zeus, indignant at her conduct, put her back into her former state.

Worthless people may take on a more brilliant outward show, but they do not change their nature.
Moral

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