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 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 winning-post 

and could not run up in time to save the race.  Then said the Tortoise:

     "Plodding wins the race."