Gotthold Ephraim Lessing

Fables and Parables: From the German of Lessing, Herder, Gellert, Miessner and others Gotthold Ephraim Lessing

THE HEDGEHOG AND THE MOLE.

(from Fables and Parables by Lessing)


The Hedgehog, when he found that the winter drew near, asked the Mole to spare him a little place in his hole, that he might be protected from the cold. The Mole agreed; but no sooner had the Hedgehog gained admittance, than he began to make himself comfortable, and to spread himself out, so that his host pricked himself every moment, now here, now there, with the hard bristles of his new guest.
The poor Mole now perceived the consequences of his rashness; protested that this was quite intolerable to him, and in short desired the Hedgehog to depart, as his small dwelling could not possibly contain them both. But the Hedgehog laughed, and said, "Whoever is displeased with his situation, let him depart! I, for my part, am well contented, and remain."


Reflect first, whom thou wilt take into thy intimate companionship; if he prove an unsociable person, thou mayst then be obliged to make room to thine own damage.