40.The Bowman and Lion
A SKILFUL BOWMAN went to the mountains in search of game, but all the beasts of the forest fled when he came near. The lion alone challenged him to combat. The bowman at once shot out an arrow and said to the lion,
“I send you my messenger that you may learn from him what I myself shall be when I assail you.”
The wounded lion rushed away in great fear, and when a fox who had seen it all happen told him to be of good courage and not to back off at the first attack, he replied,
“You counsel me in vain; for if he sends so fearful a messenger, how shall I withstand the attack of the man himself?”
❖ Be on guard against men who can strike from a distance.
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