We should always reflect, before we mock another, whether we can handle having the joke turned back on us.
The Fox, known more for his trickery than his wit, once decided to play a prank on his neighbor, the Stork. He invited her to dinner in grand style. However, when the meal was served, the Stork discovered that it consisted entirely of soups, served in broad, shallow dishes. She could only dip the end of her bill into the soup and couldn’t satisfy her hunger, while the Fox lapped it up easily. Every now and then, the Fox would ask her how she liked the meal, hoping everything was to her taste, and pretending to be sorry that she was eating so sparingly. The Stork, realizing she was being tricked, pretended to enjoy the meal and at parting, invited the Fox to dinner at her place.
When the day arrived, the Fox went to the Stork’s home. To his dismay, the meal was composed of minced meat served in long, narrow-necked glasses. The Fox could only lick the outside of the jars, while the Stork, with her long bill, enjoyed the meal heartily. Smiling, the Stork said, “I hope you enjoy your meal as much as I enjoyed mine at your place.” The Fox hung his head in embarrassment. The Stork continued, “Those who can’t take a joke should never make one.”
