The Fables of Æsop (Jacobs)/The Fox and the Mask

by Aesop

 

FOX had by some means got into the store-room of a theatre. Suddenly he observed a face glaring down on him, and began to be very frightened; but looking more closely he found it was only a Mask, such as actors use to put over their face. "Ah," said the Fox, "you look very fine; it is a pity you have not got any brains."

Outside show is a poor substitute for inner worth.

"It is a pity you have not got any brains."