Character Index | Proverb Index
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| Character Index | Proverb Index |
The Lion once announced he was sick and summoned the animals to come and hear his last Will and Testament. The Goat came to the Lion's cave, stopped there and listened for a long time. Then a Sheep went in, and before she came out a Calf came up to receive the last wishes of the King of the Beasts.
Soon the Lion seemed to recover, and came to the mouth of his cave. He saw the Fox, who had been waiting outside for some time.
"Why do you not come to pay your respects to me?" said the Lion to the Fox.
"I beg your Majesty's pardon," said the Fox, "but I noticed the track of the animals that have already come to you; and while I see many hoof-marks going in, I see none coming out. Until the animals that have entered your cave come out again I prefer to remain in the open air."
Townsend version (The Sick 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 sick, taking care that his sickness 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 without? 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."
Moral
He is wise who is warned by the misfortunes of others.
L'Estrange version
A certain lyon that had got a politique fit of sickness, made it his observation, that of all the beasts in the forrest, the fox never came at him: and so he wrote him word how ill he was, and how mighty glad he should be of his company, upon the score of ancient friendship and acquaintance. The fox return'd the complement with a thousand prayers for his recovery; but as for waiting upon him, he desir'd to be excus'd; for (says he) I find the traces of abundance of feet going in to your majesties palace, and not one that comes back again.
Moral
The kindnesses of ill natur'd and designing people, should be thoroughly consider'd, and examin'd, before we give credit to them.
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Tom Simondi, All Rights Reserved