Who is going to bell the cat?

 

Once upon a time all the Mice called a Council and discussed how to secure themselves against the violent attacks of the cat. Many rats gave various suggestions and then an experience stood up and said, " I think I have hit upon a plan which will ensure our safety in the future, if you approve and carry it out. It is that we should fasten a bell round the next of our enemy (the cat), which will warn us before her attack." This proposal was warmly applauded by all participants of the Council, and it had been decided to adopt it immediately, when an old Mouse got upon his feet and said, " I agree with you all that the plan before us is an admirable one: but may I ask who is going to bell the cat?"