Tag Archives: The Lion and The Fox
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.
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.
