The Mouse, the Frog, and the Hawk

Summary

The story is about an unlikely friendship between a Mouse and a Frog, whose relationship takes a tragic turn due to the Frog's mischievous nature. The Frog ties the Mouse's foot to his own and leads him to a meadow for food, before diving into a nearby pool. The Mouse, unable to swim, drowns, and their bond becomes their downfall as a passing Hawk seizes the Mouse's floating body, consequently capturing the Frog too, and eating them both. This narrative highlights themes of deceit, betrayal, and the consequences of irresponsible actions, offering a cautionary tale about choosing friends wisely and the dangers of harmful intentions.

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A Mouse who always lived on the land, by an unlucky chance formed an intimate acquaintance with a Frog, who lived for the most part in the water. The Frog, one day intent on mischief, bound the foot of the Mouse tightly to his own. Thus joined together, the Frog first of all led his friend the Mouse to the meadow where they were accustomed to find their food. After this, he gradually led him towards the pool in which he lived, until reaching the very brink, he suddenly jumped in, dragging the Mouse with him. The Frog enjoyed the water amazingly, and swam croaking about, as if he had done a good deed. The unhappy Mouse was soon suffocated by the water, and his dead body floated about on the surface, tied to the foot of the Frog. A Hawk observed it, and, pouncing upon it with his talons, carried it aloft. The Frog, being still fastened to the leg of the Mouse, was also carried off a prisoner, and was eaten by the Hawk.