The Hare and the Tortoise

 The Hare and the Tortoise

The Hare was once boasting of his speed before 

the other animals. "I have never yet been 

beaten," said he, "when I put forth my full speed. 

I challenge anyone here to race with me."

The Tortoise said quietly, 

"I accept your challenge."

"That is a good joke," said the Hare; "I could 

dance round you all the way." "Keep your 

boasting till you've beaten," answered the 

Tortoise. "Shall we race?" 

So a course was fixed and a start was made. The 

Hare darted almost out of sight at once, but soon 

stopped and, to show his contempt for the 

Tortoise, lay down to have a nap.

The Tortoise plodded on and plodded on, and 

when the Hare awoke from his nap, he saw the 

Tortoise just near the winning-post and could not 

run up in time to save the race.

Then said the Tortoise:

"Plodding wins the race."