A fox had a revolt of conscience and swore off chickens. He climbed onto a stump and preached:
“Fellow foxes, examine your hearts! To fatten our bellies, we do violence to helpless, innocent creatures and incur the wrath of the farmers. Oughtn’t we rather to live at peace with all? My friends, I implore you, love the chickens! Escape the snares of unrighteousness! Set yourselves free!”
The foxes were divided. Many hated the fox, for they knew he was right but did not wish to change. But some believed in him.
The believers began to fast. As time wore on, the band grew skinnier and skinnier, and some began to doubt. The fox heard their whispers and seethed. From his stump he railed:
