212.The Lion and the Hare
A LION came across a hare who was fast asleep. He was just in the act of seizing her, when a fine young hart trotted by, and he left the hare to follow him. The hare, scared by the noise, awoke and scudded away. The lion was unable after a long chase to catch the hart, and returned to feed on the hare. On finding that the hare also had run off, he said,
“I deserved what I got, for having let go of the food that I had in my hand for the chance of obtaining more.”
❖ Don’t nurse your sorrows.
❖ A Bird in the hand is better than two in the bush.
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.
