A Fox and a Leopard, resting lazily after a generous dinner, amused themselves by disputing their good looks. The Leopard was very proud of his glossy, spotted coat and made disdainful remarks about the Fox, declaring his appearance quite ordinary.

The Fox prided himself on his fine bushy tail, tipped with white, but he was wise enough to see that he could not rival the Leopard in looks. Still, he kept up a flow of sarcastic talk, just to exercise his wits and enjoy the fun of the debate. The Leopard was about to lose his temper when the Fox got up, yawning lazily.

"You may have a very smart coat," he said, "but you would be a great deal better off if you had a little more smartness inside your head and less on your ribs, the way I am. That's what I call real beauty."