THE LION AND THE SHEPHERD.
A lion, roaming through a forest, trod upon a thorn, and soon after came up towards a shepherd, and fawned upon him, wagging his tail, as if he would say "I am a suppliant, and seek your aid." The shepherd boldly examined and discovered the thorn, and placing his foot upon his lap, pulled it out and relieved the lion of his pain, who returned to the forest. Some time after, the shepherd was imprisoned on a false accusation, and condemned "to be cast to the lions," as the punishment of his imputed crime. The lion, on being released from his den, recognised the shepherd as the man who had healed him, and, instead of attacking him, approached and placed his foot upon his lap. The king, as soon as he heard the tale, ordered the lion to be set free again in the forest, and the shepherd to be pardoned and restored to his friends.
