The Cock listened unmoved to the reading of this second document.
“But,” said the Monkey, “my lord, we are not hanged.”
“Are you really thinking of hanging us?” cried the Parroquet, weeping at the prospect.
“No,” replied the Fox, “it is a proceeding I do not care to carry out, only you must appear to have been hanged.”
The shouts of the populace outside could be plainly heard, demanding the heads of the editors.
“Patience,” replied the Fox, addressing the people from time to time—“patience, if you are wise. You shall have some medals to commemorate this event. [Aside.] To refuse nothing, and to give nothing, is the way to govern wisely and well.”
The shouts, “Death to the tyrants!” “Death to the editors!” redoubled.
“You hear, gentlemen,” said the Fox. “It is necessary to do something for the people; yet,” he added, “if you can find means to deceive them by preserving your lives, you may do so.”
“Means!” screamed the Monkey; “I have found them,” and in his joy he turned three somersaults.