The Hare and the Tortoise The Hare one day ridiculed the short feet and slow pace of the Tortoise. The Tortoise replied: "Though you be swift as the wind, I will beat you in a race." The Hare believed her assertion to be simply impossible and assented to the proposal. They agreed that the Fox should choose the course and fix the goal. On the day appointed for the race the two started together. The Tortoise did not stop. She went on with a slow but steady pace straight to the end of the course. The Hare laid down by the wayside and took a nap under a tree. At last, he woke up and ran as fast as he could, but it was too late. The Tortoise had already won the race. Slow but steady progress wins the race.