The Fox and the Goat

 Author: Aesop

A Fox fell into a well and, though it wasn't too deep, he couldn't get out. A thirsty Goat came by after he had been in the well for quite some time. The Goat assumed the Fox had gone down to drink, so he inquired as to the quality of the water.

"The best in the country," replied the astute Fox, "jump in and try it." There is more than enough for both of us."

The thirsty Goat instantly got in and began to drink. The Fox got on the Goat's back and sprang out of the well from the point of the Goat's horns.

The dumb Goat realized what he had gotten himself into and begged the Fox to help him out.

The Fox, on the other hand, was previously on the path to the forest. "If you had the same wisdom as you have beard," the fox remarked as he hurried, "you would have been more careful about seeking how to get out before you leaped in."

Moral

Look before you leap.

Think of the consequences before you act.