Three Hundred Æsop's Fables/The Viper and the File
THE VIPER AND THE FILE.
A Viper entering the workshop of a smith, sought from the tools the means of satisfying his hunger. He more particularly addressed himself to a File, and asked of him the favour of a meal. The File replied, "You must indeed be a simple-minded fellow if you expect to get anything from me, who am accustomed to take from every one, and never to give anything in return."
The covetous are poor givers.