Two sheep were saw a butcher whetted his knife.

‘If we are to die, let us die with our hearts full of love,’ said one to the other.

‘Yes, my love. Let us mingle our tears in a final song,’ said the other.

They began to rub each others cheeks and kiss professing their love to each other. When the butcher saw this he was so affected that his eyes moistened and tears fell.

‘Lovely sheep I cannot kill such love. I will take you back.’

The next day the butcher returned the sheep and changed them for another pair, which he took home. Later that afternoon he began to prepare his knife.

‘I don’t want to die,’ said one sheep.

‘Nor I,’ replied the other.

‘Oh we are doomed. Woe. It’s terrible and horrible. Woe woe woe.’ And they began a fearful wail and moaning. The butcher, unable to stand the raucous, swiftly set about their slaughter.

It is often fear itself that harms.