By: Aesop
A Villager, one frosty day in the depth of winter, found a snake under a hedge almost dead with the cold. Having pity on the poor creature, he brought it home, and laid it on the hearth near the fire.
Revived by the heat, it reared itself up, and with dreadful hissings flew at the wife and children of its benefactor.
The man, hearing their cries, rushed in, and with a mattock, which he brought in his hand, soon cut the Snake in pieces. “Vile Wretch!” said he; “is this the reward you make to him who saved your life? Die, as you deserve; but a single death is too good for you.”