THE MICE IN COUNCIL

Once upon a time all the Mice met together in Council, and discussed the best means of securing themselves against the attacks of the cat. After several suggestions had been debated, a Mouse of some standing and experience got up and said, “I think I have hit upon a plan which will ensure our safety in the future, provided you approve and carry it out. It is that we should fasten a bell round the neck of our enemy the cat, which will by its tinkling warn us of her approach.” This proposal was warmly applauded, and it had been already decided to adopt it, when an old Mouse got upon his feet and said, “I agree with you all that the plan before us is an admirable one: but may I ask who is going to bell the cat?”

老鼠开会

从前，所有的老鼠集中在一起开大会，讨论如何自救，如何抵抗猫的攻击。他们提了好多个建议，互相争来争去。有一只有点身份和阅历的老鼠站了出来，说：“我已经有了一个计划，可以保证我们未来安全无忧，只要你们能够赞同并付诸实施。我们应该在我们的敌人——猫的脖子上挂一个铃铛，这样就能够提醒我们她来了。”这个提议赢得了热烈的掌声，老鼠们决定采纳这个建议，但是一只年长的老鼠站了起来，说：“我也认为你的建议非常好，只是，请问，谁去给猫挂铃铛呢？”