The Fox in the Well

 An unlucky Fox, having fallen into a well, was able, by dint¹ of great efforts, just to keep his head above water.

 

While he was struggling there and sticking his claws into the side of the Well, a Wolf came and looked in. "What! my dear brother," cried he, with affected² concern, "can it really be you that I see down there? How cold you must feel! How long have you been in the water? How came you to fall in? I am so pained to see you. Do tell me all about it!"

 

"The end of a rope would be of more use to me than all your pity," answered the Fox.

 

"Just help me to get my foot on solid ground once more, and you shall have the whole story."

 

1 dint   

n.由于，靠；凹坑

参考例句：

• He succeeded by dint of hard work.他靠苦干获得成功。
• He reached the top by dint of great effort.他费了很大的劲终于爬到了顶。

2 affected   

adj.不自然的，假装的

参考例句：

• She showed an affected interest in our subject.她假装对我们的课题感到兴趣。
• His manners are affected.他的态度不自然。