Favorite Fables

The Lion and the Mouse

by Aesop

Once when a Lion was asleep, a little Mouse began running up and down
upon him. This soon wakened the Lion. Angry at being disturbed, the Lion
placed his huge paw upon the little Mouse and opened his big jaws to
swallow him.

“Pardon, 0 King,” cried the little Mouse. “If you will let me go, I
shall never forget your kindness. Who knows but what I may be able to do
you a good turn 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 little Mouse heard the Lion roaring angrily. When
he went to see what the trouble was, he found the Lion caught in a
hunter’s net. Remembering his promise, the little Mouse set to work
nibbling at the ropes with his sharp teeth. And before long, the Lion
was able to crawl out of the net.

Little friends may prove great friends.