“What combat?” asked the ape rather severely.

“What!  Do you not know that the rhinoceros denies me precedence:  that the Elephantidae are at war with the Rhinocerotidae?  You surely know these families:  they have some reputation.”

“I am charmed to learn their names,” replied Master Gille.  “We are little concerned about such matters in our vast halls.”

This shamed and surprised the elephant.  “Eh!  What, then, is the reason of your visit amongst us?”

“Oh, it was to divide a blade of grass between two ants.  We care for all.  As for your affair, nothing has been said about it in the council of the gods.  The little and the great are equal in their eyes.”

FOOTNOTES: 

[Footnote 20:  The wand or official staff of Hermes.]

XLVII

THE LEAGUE OF RATS

(Book XII.—­No. 26)

There was once a mouse who lived in terrible fear of a cat that had lain in wait watching for her.  She was in great anxiety to know what she could do to escape the threatening danger.

Being prudent and wise she consulted her neighbour, a large and important rat.  His lordship the rat had taken up his abode in a very good inn, and had boasted a hundred times that he had no fear for either tom-cat or she-cat.  Neither teeth nor claws caused him any anxious thought.

“Dame Mouse,” said this boaster, “whatever I do, I cannot, upon my word, chase away this cat that threatens you without some help.  But let me call together all the rats hereabouts and I’ll play him a sorry trick or two.”

The mouse curtsied humbly her thanks and the rat ran with speed to the head-quarters; that is to say to the larder, where the rats were in the habit of assembling.  Arriving out of breath and perturbed in mind he found them making a great feast at the expense of their host.

“What ails you?” asked one of the feasters.  “Speak!”

“In two words,” answered he, “the reason for my coming among you in this way is simply that it has become absolutely necessary to help the mice; for Grimalkin is abroad making terrible slaughter among them.  This, the most devilish of cats, will, when she has no mice left, turn her attention to the eating of rats.”

“He says what is true,” cried they all.  “To arms, to arms!” Nothing could stem the tide of their impetuosity; although, it is said, a few she-rats shed tears.  It was no matter.  Every one overhauled his equipment, and filled his wallet with cheese.  To risk life was the determination of all.  They set off, as if to a fete, with happy minds and joyful hearts.

Alas, for the mouse!  These warriors were a moment too late.  The cat had her already by the head.  Advancing at the double the rats ran to the succour of their good little friend; but the cat swore, and stalked away in front of the enemy, having no intention of surrendering her prey.