THE LION AND THE SAINT 141 



The lion was so grateful, and became so much attached 

 to his kind doctor, that he would not leave him, but stayed 

 on in the monastery. 



Now, in this house no one, from the highest to the 

 lowest, man or beast, was allowed to lead an idle life. It 

 was not easy to find employment for a lion ; but at length 

 a daily task was found for him. 



This was to guard and watch over the ass, who each 

 day carried in the firewood which was cut and gathered 

 in the forest. The lion and ass became great friends, and 

 no doubt the ass felt much comfort in having such a 

 powerful protector. 



But it happened, on one very hot summer's day, 

 that whilst the ass was at pasture the lion fell asleep. 

 Some merchants were passing that way and seeing the 

 ass grazing quietly, and apparently alone, they stole her 

 and carried her off with them. 



In due time the lion awoke ; but when he looked for 

 the ass she was not to be seen. In vain he roamed 

 about, seeking everywhere ; he could not find her ; and 

 when evening came he had to return to the monastery 

 alone, and with his head and tail drooping to show how 

 ashamed he felt. 



As he could not speak to explain matters, St. 

 Jerome feared that he had not been able to resist the 

 temptation to eat raw flesh once more, and that he had 

 devoured the poor ass. He therefore ordered that the 

 lion should perform the daily task of his missing com- 

 panion, and carry the firewood instead of her. 



The lion meekly submitted, and allowed the load of 

 faggots to be tied on his back, and carried them safely 

 home. As soon as he was unloaded he would run 

 about for some time, still hoping to find the ass. 



One day, as he was hunting about in this fashion, 

 he saw a caravan coming along with a string of camels. 

 The camels, as was usual in some places, were led by 

 an ass, and to the lion's joy he recognised his lost friend. 



