A scorpion1 and a frog meet on the bank of a stream and the

　　scorpion asks the frog to carry him across on its back. The

　　frog asks, "How do I know you won't sting me?" The scorpion

　　says, "Because if I do, I will die too."

　　The frog is satisfied, and they set out, but in midstream,

　　the scorpion stings the frog. The frog feels the onset2 of

　　paralysis3 and starts to sink, knowing they both will drown,

　　but has just enough time to gasp4 "Why?"

　　Replies the scorpion: "Its my nature..."