The Man and the Viper

A man discovered a frozen viper and, feeling a sense of compassion, tucked it into his bosom. "The coldness of the human heart," he said with a grin, "will keep this creature in its frozen condition until I reach home and can revive it over the coals."

However, the excitement of hope warmed his heart so much that the viper began to thaw. As it regained its strength, the viper slid gracefully to the ground and, in a surprisingly civil manner, thanked the man for his hospitality before gliding away.