The Lion, the Mouse, and the Fox

Summary

This short story revolves around a Lion who is disturbed from his sleep by a Mouse running over him. Angered, the Lion searches for the Mouse, which prompts a Fox to mock him for being frightened by such a small creature. The Lion responds by explaining that it is not fear that drives him but annoyance at the Mouse's audacity and lack of respect. The narrative highlights themes of pride, dignity, and the importance of respecting boundaries, offering a simple moral lesson about the significance of manners and how even the mighty can be bothered by the trivial.

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A Lion, fatigued by the heat of a summer’s day, fell fast asleep in his den. A Mouse ran over his mane and ears and woke him from his slumbers. He rose up and shook himself in great wrath, and searched every corner of his den to find the Mouse. A Fox seeing him said: “A fine Lion you are, to be frightened of a Mouse.” “‘Tis not the Mouse I fear,” said the Lion; “I resent his familiarity and ill-breeding.”