An old story that I like.
The Scorpion and the Frog
A scorpion wants to cross a river but cannot swim, so it asks a frog to carry it across.
The frog hesitates, afraid that the scorpion might sting it, but the scorpion promises not to, pointing out that it would drown if it killed the frog in the middle of the river.
The frog considers this argument sensible and agrees to transport the scorpion.
Midway across the river, the scorpion stings the frog anyway, dooming them both. The dying frog asks the scorpion why it stung despite knowing the consequence, to which the scorpion replies: “It’s in my nature”
The Scorpion and the Elephant
A scorpion wants to cross a river but cannot swim, so it asks an elephant to carry it across.
The elephant hesitates, afraid that the scorpion might sting it, but the scorpion promises not to.
The elephant agrees to transport the scorpion.
Midway across the river, the scorpion raises its tail, as if to sting the elephant. The elephant quickly tosses the scorpion in the water, which will eventually drown the scorpion.
“Why did you do that? I never stung you!” cried the scorpion. The elephant replies, “Oh, I know. But I have heard the story of you and the frog.”