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.