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
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the Fox. “I notice that there are many prints of feet entering your cave, but I
see no trace of any returning.
