Belling the Cat: The Counsel of Mice
Read the beginning lines and complete the fable:
A prosperous farmhouse cellar was home to a large colony of mice. For generations they lived comfortably until the farmer brought home a sleek, ferocious black cat. The cat was so swift and stealthy that she ambushed and devoured mice every day, reducing the terror-stricken colony to near starvation...
Completed Story:
Unable to bear the perpetual terror any longer, the leader of the mice convened a council of war in their safest subterranean hideout. Various proposals were debated, but none seemed effective against the feline predator.
Finally, a smart young mouse stepped forward with an arrogant demeanor. "I have conceived a foolproof plan," he squeaked proudly. "All we must do is obtain a small brass bell and tie it securely around the cat’s neck with a ribbon! Whenever the enemy approaches, the bell will jingle: tinkle, tinkle! We will receive early warning and scamper into our holes safely!"
The assembly burst into thunderous applause, hailing the youngster as a savior. Amidst the jubilation, an old, grizzled mouse who had remained silent in the corner stood up slowly. "The young fellow’s scheme is undeniably brilliant," the old mouse observed calmly. "However, I have one simple question: which one among us is going to bell the cat?"
A dead, awkward silence fell over the room. Not a single mouse volunteered to risk life and limb tying the bell onto the sleeping beast. The mice dispersed quietly, realizing that grand proposals are useless without the courage of execution.