The Ass, the Fox, and the Lion

In a lush green valley where wild animals roamed freely, there lived an ass who was known throughout the land for his gentle nature and honest ways. Though not clever like some animals, he was trustworthy and kind, always willing to help others in need.

One sunny morning, as the ass was grazing peacefully near a babbling brook, he encountered a fox who approached with a friendly smile. The fox was known for his cunning and wit, but the simple ass saw only a potential friend.

“Good morning, friend Ass,” called the fox, his voice smooth as honey. “What a beautiful day for a walk through the forest, don’t you think?”

The ass looked up from his breakfast of sweet clover, his ears perking up with interest. “Indeed it is, friend Fox. I was just thinking how lovely it would be to explore the deeper parts of the woods today.”

“What a wonderful coincidence!” exclaimed the fox, his eyes gleaming with hidden mischief. “I was hoping for some company on just such an adventure. Would you care to join me?”

The trusting ass was delighted to have a companion for his journey. “I would be honored to accompany you, friend Fox. Lead the way!”

As they walked deeper into the forest, the fox engaged the ass in pleasant conversation, asking about his family, his favorite grazing spots, and his daily routines. The ass, flattered by the attention, answered every question openly and honestly, never suspecting that the fox had ulterior motives.

Unknown to the innocent ass, the fox had recently made a deal with a mighty lion who ruled over this part of the forest. The lion had been hunting unsuccessfully for days and was growing hungry and impatient. He had promised the fox a generous share of any prey if the fox could lead fresh meat to his den.

“You know, friend Ass,” the fox said casually as they walked, “I know of a wonderful clearing just ahead where the sweetest grass grows. The lion who lives nearby told me about it, and he’s away hunting in distant lands.”

The ass’s mouth watered at the thought of such delicious grass. “How kind of the lion to allow others to graze in his territory, and how thoughtful of you to share this information with me!”

The fox smiled slyly, knowing the lion was actually waiting in that very clearing. “Oh, he’s very generous indeed. Very generous.”

As they approached the clearing, the fox began to slow his pace, letting the eager ass move ahead. The clearing was indeed beautiful, with emerald grass swaying gently in the breeze and wildflowers dotting the landscape like colorful jewels.

“This is magnificent!” exclaimed the ass, stepping into the open space with joy. “Thank you so much for bringing me here, friend Fox!”

But his gratitude turned to terror when a tremendous roar echoed through the clearing. From behind a large boulder stepped the lion, his golden mane flowing and his powerful muscles rippling as he moved. His amber eyes fixed hungrily on the trembling ass.

“Excellent work, Fox,” rumbled the lion, his voice deep and menacing. “You have delivered exactly what you promised.”

The ass turned to the fox in shock and disbelief. “Friend Fox, what is the meaning of this? You said the lion was away!”

The fox, now showing his true nature, laughed coldly. “Foolish ass! Did you really think I brought you here out of friendship? I made a bargain with the lion – your flesh for my freedom and a share of the meal.”

The lion approached slowly, savoring the moment. But as he drew near the fox, his expression changed from satisfaction to something far more sinister.

“Indeed, Fox, you have fulfilled your part of the bargain,” the lion said, his voice taking on a different tone. “And now I shall fulfill mine.”

The fox looked puzzled. “Yes, my share of the—”

But before he could finish his sentence, the lion’s massive paw struck with lightning speed. The fox collapsed beside the terrified ass, realizing too late that he had been deceived as well.

“You see, Fox,” the lion explained calmly, “I promised you a share of the meal, but I never specified in what capacity. You will indeed share in this feast – as the appetizer.”

The ass, witnessing the fox’s betrayal turned against him, felt both fear and a strange sense of justice. Though he faced his own doom, he could not help but speak.

“Oh, Fox,” the ass said sadly, “you sought to profit from betraying a friend, but now you have learned that those who live by deception often perish by it.”

The lion, having heard the ass’s wise words, paused for a moment. There was something in the simple creature’s dignity and insight that gave him pause.

“Interesting,” mused the lion. “The one who was honest faces his fate with wisdom, while the one who was deceitful dies in shock at his own betrayal.”

But the story does not end in tragedy, for sometimes wisdom and innocence are rewarded in unexpected ways. The lion, moved by the ass’s noble spirit and recognizing the justice in the fox’s fate, made an unusual decision.

“Ass,” he said, “your words show wisdom beyond your reputation. You trusted when you should not have, but you bore no malice toward any creature. For this, I grant you your freedom. Go, and be more careful in choosing your companions.”

The grateful ass bowed deeply and hurried away, while the fox lay motionless, a victim of his own treachery.

Moral: Those who betray others often find themselves betrayed in turn. Trust should be given carefully, but those who live with honesty and kindness, even when deceived, often find that virtue is its own protection.