A Fox fell into a well and could not get out. A Wolf came by and started to ask questions and feel sorry for the Fox. Fox would rather have had a rope.
Stick to the subject in order to get things done.
JBR Collection
An unlucky Fox having fallen into a Well, was able, by dint of great efforts, just to keep his head above water. While he was there struggling, and sticking his claws into the side of the Well, a Wolf came by and looked in. ‘What! my dear brother,” said he, with affected concern, “can it really be you that I see clown there? How cold you must feel! How long have you been in? How came you to fall in? I am so pained to sec you. Do tell me all about it!” “The end of a rope would be of more use to me than all your pity,” answered the Fox.” Just help me to set my foot once more on solid ground , and you shall have the whole story.”
Samuel Croxall (The Fox and the Well)
A Fox, having fallen into a well, made a shift, by sticking his claws into the sides, to keep his head above water. Soon after, a Wolf came and peeped over the brink; to whom the Fox applied himself very earnestly for assistance; entreating that he would help him to a rope, or something of that kind, which might favour his escape. The Wolf, moved with compassion at his misfortune, could not forbear expressing his concern: Ah! poor Reynard, says he, I am sorry for you with all my heart; how could you possibly come into this melancholy condition? Nay, pr’ythee, friend, replies the Fox, if you wish me well, do not stand pitying of me, but lend me some succour as fast as you can: for pity is but cold comfort when one is up io the chin in water, and within a hair’s breadth of starving or drowning.
THE APPLICATION
Pity, indeed, is of itself, but poor comfort at any time; and, un!ess it produces something more substantial, is rather impertinently troublesome, than any way agreeable. To stand bemoaning the misfortunes of our friends, without offering some expedient to alleviate them, is only echoing to their grief, and putting them in mind that they are miserable. He is truly my friend, who with a ready presence of mind supports me; not he who condoles with me upon my ill success, and says he is sorry for my loss. In short, a favour or obligation is doubled by being well-timed; and he is the best benefactor, who knows our necessities, and complies with our wishes, even before we ask him.
Thomas Bewick (The Fox in The Well)
A Fox having fallen into a well, made a shift, by sticking his claws into the sides, to keep his head above water. Soon after, a Wolf came and peeped over the brink, to whom the Fox applied, and very earnestly implored his assistance to help him out, or he should be lost. Ah! poor Reynard, says he, I pity your misfortune; poor creature, I am sorry for you with all my heart: how did you happen to slip into this well? pray how long have you been in this melancholy situation? Nay, I prithee friend, replies the Fox, if you wish me well, do not stand pitying me, but lend me some succour as soon as you can; for pity is but cold comfort when one is up to the chin in water, and within a hair’s breadth of starving or drowning.
APPLICATION.
If we would really manifest our sorrow for the sufferings of another, let our pity be shewn by our friendly endeavours to relieve him; for indeed pity of itself is but poor comfort at any time, unless it produces something more substantial. If we cannot do this, let us not offend the sensibility, and add to the anguish of a delicate mind, by empty professions and unmeaning compassion. For, to stand bemoaning the misfortunes of our friends, without offering some expedient to alleviate them, is only echoing their grief, and putting them in mind that they are miserable. He is truly my friend, who with a ready presence of mind supports me; not he who merely condoles with me upon my ill success, and expresses his sorrow for my mishap.
