“‘And wilt thou not direct us?’ asked Phi.
“Answered the young Persian, ‘I have said what I have said.’
“‘Good day, then,’ said Phi, and he drew Mouseroun away, fearing he might do something rash.
“‘Canst thou explain,’ asked Mouseroun of Phi as they journeyed on, ‘why the young Persian should refuse to please others when she is herself so happy?’
“‘The most happy are often the most selfish,’ replied Phi. ‘Those who have known unhappiness are likely to feel pity.’
“A little farther on they looked in at a great stone doorway and there they spied a rat which had hidden in a dark corner to eat a head of wheat. ‘Rats are wise,’ said Phi, ‘perhaps yonder fellow may direct us to Mistress Tabby Furpurr.’
“But as they drew near to inquire of the rat, he dropped his wheat and fled.
“‘Now, why was that?’ asked Mouseroun. ‘We meant him no harm.’
The Rat.