The Plan And The Wise Old Mouse

Aesop has a helpful fable. Once upon a time some mice gathered to decide upon the best means of ridding themselves of the cat who had killed many of their friends and relatives. Various plans were discussed and rejected, until, at last, a young mouse came forward proposing that a bell should be hung around the tyrant’s neck. In this way they would have warning of his movements and be able to escape. The suggestion was received joyfully by all. But one old mouse, who had sat silently for some time, got up, and said: “While I consider the plan to be a very clever one, I would like to know who is going to bell the cat.” (Encyclopedia of Illustrations #14738).