The Lion and the Bull

: Aesop's Fables

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."