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 any one 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."