^ESOP'S FABLES 



61 



Lion, after the latter had been kept without 

 food for several days. The Emperor and all 

 his Court came to see the spectacle, and 

 Androcles was led out into the middle of the 

 arena. Soon the Lion was let loose from his 

 den, and rushed bounding and roaring towards 

 his victim. But as soon as he came near to 

 Androcles he recognised his friend, and fawned 

 upon him, and licked his hands like a friendly 

 dog. The Emperor, surprised at this, sum- 

 moned Androcles to him, who told him the 

 whole story. Whereupon the slave was 

 pardoned and freed, and the Lion let loose 

 to his native forest. 



(0ratitu&e is tlje 8i$n of noble tfoulg* 



