The Old Lion And The Fox

by Aesop

　　An old Lion, whose teeth and claws were so worn that it was notso easy for him to get food as in his younger days, pretendedthat he was sick. He took care to let all his neighbors knowabout it, and then lay down in his cave to wait for visitors. Andwhen they came to offer him their sympathy, he ate them up one byone.

　　The Fox came too, but he was very cautious about it. Standing ata safe distance from the cave, he inquired politely after theLion's health. The Lion replied that he was very ill indeed, andasked the Fox to step in for a moment. But Master Fox very wiselystayed outside, thanking the Lion very kindly for the invitation.

　　"I should be glad to do as you ask," he added, "but I havenoticed that there are many footprints leading into your cave andnone coming out. Pray tell me, how do your visitors find theirway out again?"

　　Take warning from the misfortunes of others.