The Lion and the Mouse

A Lion was asleep in the sun one day, when a little Mouse came out to play. The little Mouse ran up the Lion's tail and onto his back, amusing himself by having the great beast as his playground. The Lion woke up angry and caught the Mouse in his great paw. 'How dare you wake me from my sleep!' he roared. 'You shall pay for this with your life!'

'Please, great Lion,' squeaked the Mouse, trembling with fear. 'Spare my life, and I shall repay you someday.' The Lion laughed at the idea that such a tiny creature could ever help him, but he was in a generous mood and let the Mouse go.

Not long after, the Lion was caught in a hunter's net. He struggled and roared, but the ropes were too strong. The little Mouse heard his cries and ran to help. 'Be still, great Lion,' he said, 'and I will set you free.' The Mouse gnawed at the ropes with his sharp teeth until the Lion was free. 'You laughed when I promised to repay you,' said the Mouse. 'Now you see that even the smallest friends may prove of great help.'