The Lion Jupiter and the Elephant

The Lion wearied Jupiter with his frequent complaints. "It is true, O Jupiter!" he said, "that I am gigantic in strength, handsome in shape, and powerful in attack. I have jaws well provided with teeth and feet furnished with claws. I lord it over all the beasts of the forest, and what a disgrace it is that, being such as I am, I should be frightened by the crowing of a cock."

Jupiter replied, "Why do you blame me without cause? I have given you all the attributes which I possess myself, and your courage never fails you except in this one instance." Upon hearing this, the Lion groaned and lamented deeply, reproaching himself for his cowardice and wishing that he might die.

As these thoughts passed through his mind, he encountered an Elephant and approached him to hold a conversation. After a while, he noticed that the Elephant shook his ears very often. Curious, he inquired, "What is the matter? Why do your ears move with such a tremor?"

Just at that moment, a Gnat settled on the head of the Elephant. The Elephant replied, "Do you see that little buzzing insect? If it enters my ear, my fate is sealed. I should die presently."

The Lion, reflecting on this, said, "Well, since such a huge beast is afraid of a tiny gnat, I will no longer complain or wish for death. I find myself, even as I am, better off than the Elephant."