"I am very contented," the creature replied,

     "Though I walk but a tortoise's pace,

     But if you think proper the point to decide,

     We will run half a mile in a race."

     "Very good," said the hare; said the tortoise, "Proceed,

     And the fox shall decide who has won,"

     Then the hare started off with incredible speed;

     But the tortoise walk'd leisurely on.

     "Come tortoise, friend tortoise, walk on," said the hare,

     "Well, I shall stay here for my dinner;

     Why, 'twill take you a month, at that rate, to get there,

     Then how can you hope to be winner?"

     But the tortoise could hear not a word that she said

     For he was far distant behind;

     So the hare felt secured while at leisure she fed,

     And took a sound nap when she dined.

     So at last this slow walker came up with the hare,

     And there fast asleep did he spy her;

     And he cunningly crept with such caution and care,

     That she woke not, although he pass'd by her.

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