The Hare was once boasting of his speed before the other

　　animals. "I have never yet been beaten," said he, "when I put

　　forth my full speed. I challenge any one here to race with me."

　　The Tortoise said quietly, "I accept your challenge."

　　"That is a good joke," said the Hare; "I could dance round you

　　all the way."

　　"Keep your boasting till you've beaten," answered the

　　Tortoise. "Shall we race?"

　　So a course was fixed1 and a start was made. The Hare darted

　　almost out of sight at once, but soon stopped and, to show his

　　contempt for the Tortoise, lay down to have a nap. The Tortoise

　　plodded2 on and plodded on, and when the Hare awoke from his nap,

　　he saw the Tortoise just near the winning-post and could not run

　　up in time to save the race. Then said the Tortoise:

　　"Plodding3 wins the race."