A lion, worn out by years and weakened by disease, lay on the ground at the point of death. In a moment of fury, a boar rushed upon him and avenged a long-remembered injury with a swift stroke of his tusks. Shortly thereafter, a bull approached and gored the lion with his horns, treating him as if he were an enemy.
When the ass saw that this once-mighty beast could be attacked with impunity, he took his chance and kicked at the lion's forehead with his heels. The expiring lion, filled with sorrow and indignation, said, "I have reluctantly endured the insults of the brave, but to be forced to suffer such treatment from you—a disgrace to nature—is indeed to die a double death."
The moral
Even the mighty can be humiliated in their weakness, and it is particularly degrading to suffer indignities from those who are lesser.
Discussion questions
- What does the story teach us about the nature of power and vulnerability?
- How do the actions of the other animals reflect the theme of the story?
- Can you think of a time when someone was humbled despite their previous strength?
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Read it in another language
Good night.
Tomorrow night: The Fox and the Crane
