Monthly Archives: September 2013
211.The Lion and the Fox
A FOX entered into partnership with a lion on the pretense of becoming his servant. Each undertook his proper duty in accordance with his own nature and powers. The fox discovered and pointed out the prey; the lion sprang on it and seized it.
The fox soon became jealous of the lion carrying off the lion’s share, and said that he would no longer find out the prey, but would capture it on his own account. The next day he attempted to snatch a lamb from the fold, but he himself fell prey to the huntsmen and hounds.
❖ There is no joy without alloy.
210.The Lion and the Eagle
AN EAGLE stayed his flight and entreated a lion to make an alliance with him to their mutual advantage. The lion replied,
“I have no objection, but you must excuse me for requiring you to find surety for your good faith, for how can I trust anyone as a friend who is able to fly away from his bargain whenever he pleases?”
❖ Try before you trust.
209.The Lion and the Dolphin
A LION was roaming by the seashore when he saw a dolphin lift up its head out of the waves. The lion suggested that the two of them became allied, saying that of all the animals they ought to be the best friends, since the one was the king of beasts on the earth, and the other was the sovereign ruler of all who lived in the sea. The dolphin gladly agreed.
Not long afterwards the lion had a combat with a wild bull, and called on the dolphin to help him. The dolphin, though quite willing to assist the lion, was unable to do so, as he could not by any means reach the land.
The lion abused him as a traitor, but the dolphin replied, “Nay, my friend, don’t blame it on me, but Nature: While giving me the sovereignty of the sea, she quite denied me the power of living on the land.”
❖ A hint is as good as a kick.
208.The Lion and the Bull
A LION who greatly desired to capture a bull, and yet was afraid to attack him because of his great size, resorted to a trick to kill him. He approached the bull and said,
“I have slain a fine sheep, my friend; and if you will come home and partake of him with me, I shall be delighted to have your company.”
The lion said this in the hope that the bull would recline to eat when he came home to his den, and then he might attack him successfully and make his meal on him.
On approaching the lion’s den, the bull saw the huge spits and giant cauldrons, but no sign of the sheep. Then, without saying a word, he quietly left. The lion asked why he went off so abruptly without a word to salute his host, who had not given him any cause for offense.
“I have reasons enough,” said the bull. “I see no indication at all of your having slaughtered a sheep, while I see very plainly every preparation for dining on a bull.”
❖ Fools die young.
❖ The best time to prepare for old age is when you are young, by not being taken in a lot.
