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Aesop's Fables: Townsend (1867)214. The Lion and the Bull (Perry 143) 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.' George Fyler Townsend's translation of the fables, first published in 1867, is in the public domain and can be found at many websites, including Project Gutenberg. Illustrations come from: Aesop's Fables, by George Fyler Townsend, with illustrations by Harrison Weir, 1867, at Google Books. |
