The Lion and the Mouse

Once when a lion was asleep, a little mouse began running up and down on him. This soon wakened the lion, who placed his huge paw upon him and opened his big jaws to swallow him. "Pardon, O King," cried the little mouse: "Forgive me this time, and I shall never forget it. Who knows but what I may be able to do you a favor one day?" The lion was so amused at the idea of the mouse being able to help him, that he lifted up his paw and let him go. Some time later the lion was caught in a trap; and the hunters, who desired to carry him alive to the king, tied him to a tree while they went in search of a wagon on which to carry him. Just then the little mouse happened to pass by and, seeing the sad plight of the lion, went up to him and soon gnawed away the ropes that bound the king of the beasts. "Was I not right?" asked the little mouse.

Little friends may prove to be great friends.

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The Gnat and the Lion

For more fun reading and other activities, try these Web sites:    • StoryTymes: Aesop's Fables    • Fables    • Retold Fables for Children

A gnat came and said to a lion, "I do not in the least fear you, nor are you stronger than I am. For in what does your strength consist? You can scratch with your claws and bite with your teeth