The Lion once gave out that he was sick unto death
and summoned the animals to come and hear his last Will
and Testament. So the Goat came to the Lion’s cave, and
stopped there listening 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 Lord of the Beasts. But soon
the Lion seemed to recover, and came to the mouth of his
cave, and 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. Till the animals that have entered your
cave come out again I prefer to remain in the open air.’
Moral Lesson: It is easier to get into the enemy’s toils than out again.
―
Aesop
