A mouse is sat alongside a stream, lamenting being unable to cross it and reach the cereals and other foodstuffs on the opposite side.
A paddock approaches and says that she will assist her in crossing; the mouse enquires as to how the creature is able to swim, and she explains how her anatomy allows her to.
However, the mouse suspects, on the basis of physiognomy, that the paddock is untrustworthy; she highlights her features, and recites the proverb that a man's morals is shown in his face.
To this the paddock replies with another proverb, do not judge a man by his looks, and gives several instances in which goodness in appearance is not replicated in spirit.
The bird flies down and grabs the two—as they are bound together—and carries them away, where he kills and disembowels them, though they do not satiate his appetite much.