A LION, greatly desiring to capture a Bull, and yet afraid to
attack him on account of his great size, resorted to a trick to
ensure his destruction. He approached the Bull and said, “I have
slain a fine sheep, my friend; and if you will come home and
partake of him with me, I shall be delighted to have your
company.” The Lion said this in the hope that, as the Bull was in
the act of reclining to eat, he might attack him to advantage,
and make his meal on him. The Bull, on approaching the Lion’s
den, saw the huge spits and giant caldrons, and no sign whatever
of the sheep, and, without saying a word, quietly took his
departure. The Lion inquired why he went off so abruptly without
a word of salutation to his host, who had not given him any cause
for offense. “I have reasons enough,” said the Bull. “I see no
indication whatever of your having slaughtered a sheep, while I
do see very plainly every preparation for your dining on a bull.”