So the lad went and told his mother.
“Well, go to the wolf,” said his mother.
The lad went to the wolf. “My dear wolf, tear the fox, for the fox won’t bite Nanny, and Nanny won’t come home in time. I am so hungry, and I want my supper.”
“No,” said the wolf, “I won’t wear out my paws and teeth on a skinny fox.”
So the lad went and told his mother.
“Well, go to the bear and ask him to slay the wolf,” said the mother.
The lad went to the bear. “My dear bear, slay the wolf, for the wolf won’t tear the fox, and the fox won’t bite Nanny, and Nanny won’t come home in time. I am so hungry and want my supper.”
“No, that I won’t,” said the bear; “I don’t want to wear out my claws for that.”
So the lad went and told his mother.
“Well, go to the Finn and ask him to shoot the bear.”