The Lion and the Fox

Summary

The story illustrates a moral about partnerships and understanding one's limitations. It tells the tale of a Fox who partners with a Lion under the guise of being a loyal servant, with the Fox locating prey and the Lion capturing it. Over time, the Fox grows envious of the Lion receiving the larger portion of the spoils and decides to try capturing prey himself. However, the Fox's ambition leads to his downfall when he attempts to seize a lamb, only to be caught by huntsmen and their hounds. This tale serves as a cautionary lesson on the consequences of greed and overestimating one's abilities.

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A Fox entered into partnership with a Lion on the pretense of becoming his servant. Each undertook his proper duty in accordance with his own nature and powers. The Fox discovered and pointed out the prey; the Lion sprang on it and seized it. The Fox soon became jealous of the Lion carrying off the Lion’s share, and said that he would no longer find out the prey, but would capture it on his own account. The next day he attempted to snatch a lamb from the fold, but he himself fell prey to the huntsmen and hounds.