A Hare was one day making fun of a Tortoise for being so slow upon his feet.
"Wait a bit," said the Tortoise. "I'll run a race with you, and I'll wager that I win."
"Oh well," replied the Hare, who was very amused at the idea, "let's try and see."
It was soon agreed that the fox should set a course for them, and be the judge.
When the time came, both started off together, but the Hare was soon so far ahead that he thought he might as well have a rest. So down he lay and fell fast asleep.
Meanwhile the Tortoise kept plodding on, slowly but steadily, and in time reached the goal.
At last, the Hare woke up with a start, and dashed on at his fastest, but only to find that the Tortoise had already won the race. The Tortoise said to the Hare, "It's not always the one who is the quickest who wins."