Aesop Wolf Crane

tale:aesop_wolf_crane

A wolf with a bone lodged in its throat promises a reward to any who removes it. The crane puts its long head down the wolf's throat and draws the bone out; when it asks for the reward, the wolf says the reward is that the crane took its head from a wolf's jaws unbitten. Moral: in serving the wicked, expect no reward, and be glad to escape unhurt. — Aesop