Tag Archives: The Ill Lion
190.The Lion and The Fox or The Ill Lion
A LION, unable from old age and infirmities to provide himself with food by force, resolved to do so by artifice. He returned to his den, and lying down there, pretended to be ill, taking care that his illness should be publicly known. The beasts expressed their sorrow, and came one by one to his den, where the lion devoured them.
After many of the beasts had thus disappeared, the fox discovered the trick and presenting himself to the lion, stood on the outside of the cave, at a respectful distance, and asked him how he was.
“I am very middling,” replied the lion, “but why do you stand outside? Pray enter within to talk with me.”
“No, thank you,” said the fox. “I notice that there are many prints of feet entering your cave, but I see no trace of any returning.”
❖ He that will outwit the old fox, had better make the city livable.
❖ He is wise who is warned by the misfortunes of others.
