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a fox running before the hounds came across a woodcutter felling an oak and begged him to show him a safe hiding-place
the woodcutter advised him to take shelter in his own hut so the fox crept in and hid himself in a corner
the huntsman soon came up with his hounds and inquired of the woodcutter if he had seen the fox
he declared that he had not seen him and yet pointed all the time he was speaking to the hut where the fox lay hidden
the huntsman took no notice of the signs but believing his word hastened forward in the chase
as soon as they were well away the fox departed without taking any notice of the woodcutter whereon he called to him and reproached him saying
you ungrateful fellow you owe your life to me and yet you leave me without a word of thanks
the fox replied
indeed i should have thanked you fervently if your deeds had been as good as your words and if your hands had not been traitors to your speech