a hare and a pig once agreed to leap over a ditch. the hare went a great way, and fell into it, just short by an inch. the pig went some way and fell into it; but far behind the hare. yet they were eager to know which of them leapt more, and was therefore the better animal.

so they said to a fox, who had been watching the race: "will you tell us which of us is superior, and which inferior, in the race?"

the fox said: "both in the ditch: can't say which!"