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[6]
Aesop, when defending at Samos a
demagogue who was being tried for his life, related the following anecdote.
“A fox, while crossing a river, was driven into a ravine. Being unable
to get out, she was for a long time in sore distress, and a number of dog-fleas
clung to her skin. A hedgehog, wandering about, saw her and, moved with
compassion, asked her if he should remove the fleas. The fox refused and when
the hedgehog asked the reason, she answered: ‘They are already full of
me and draw little blood; but if you take them away, others will come that are
hungry and will drain what remains to me.’ You in like manner, O
Samians, will suffer no more harm from this man, for he is wealthy; but if you
put him to death,
others will come who are poor, who will steal and squander your public funds.”
others will come who are poor, who will steal and squander your public funds.”
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