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The Frog and The Scorpion
an old American Indian tale adapted from 'The Indian and The Snake'.
frog and scorpion

One day a frog was sitting by the bank of the river enjoying the warm sun and cool breeze. It so happened that a scorpion approached him rather quickly as to inquire about crossing the river. "Frog", said the scorpion, "I am in need of passage across the river upon your back. I am prepared to pay you with this mealworm that I have not eaten."

The frog thought about it for a moment, then replied "Scorpion, I know that if I grant you a ride across the river upon my back, you will poison me on the other side. For that alone I shall say 'no thanks'."

"Frog", again said the scorpion, "Please, I have no wish to harm you, treasure chestI promise. I just need to go across the river to find more food. There is nothing left on this side for me to eat."

The frog thought about it again for a moment and then agreed to help the scorpion get across the river.

Half way across, the frog felt a rather sharp, stinging sensation in his back. The scorpion had stuck him with his venom. "SCORPION!", cried the frog, "You have killed me and you as well. Why have you done this?"

"Because I am a scorpion...and that is my nature."