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THE MICE AND THE WEASELS

There was war between the Mice and the Weasels, in which the Mice

always got the worst of it, numbers of them being killed and

eaten by the Weasels. So they called a council of war, in which

an old Mouse got up and said, "It's no wonder we are always

beaten, for we have no generals to plan our battles and direct

our movements in the field." Acting on his advice, they chose the

biggest Mice to be their leaders, and these, in order to be

distinguished from the rank and file, provided themselves with

helmets bearing large plumes of straw. They then led out the Mice

to battle, confident of victory: but they were defeated as usual,

and were soon scampering as fast as they could to their holes.

All made their way to safety without difficulty except the

leaders, who were so hampered by the badges of their rank that

they could not get into their holes, and fell easy victims to

their pursuers.

Greatness carries its own penalties.

THE PEACOCK AND JUNO