The Hare was once boasting of his speed before the other animals. "I have never yet been beaten," said he, "when I put forth my full speed. I challenge any one here to race with me."

The Tortoise said quietly, "I accept your challenge."

"That is a good joke," said the Hare; "I could dance round you all the way."

"Keep your boasting till you've beaten," answered the Tortoise. "Shall we race?"

So a course was fixed across the swamp, and a start was made. The Hare darted almost out of sight at once, but soon stopped and, to show his contempt for the Tortoise, lay down to have a nap. The Tortoise plodded on and plodded on, and when the Hare awoke from his nap, he saw the Tortoise just near the outer edge of the swamp; he could not run up in time to save the race. "Slow but steady," the Tortoise scolded, "wins the race."

And as for the Hare?

And the Hare, with animal cunning, still is running, still is running
Digging paw and claw through tufted turf much faster than before
And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon's that is dreaming
And the moonlight o'er him streaming throws his shadow 'cross moss and moor;
And his own soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the moor
Shall be lifted nevermore