伊索寓言 12老獅子 The old Lion
The Lion used to be the king of beasts. But now he is old and weak. He feels sorry for himself.
Lion: I used to be so young. I used to be so strong. My roar used to be so big. But now… I am old and weak. My roar is small. I can’t run. I can’t hunt. Poor me!
The Lion is very sad and worried.
Lion: I’m hungry. But now how can I get some food? I must think of a way fast. Let me think.
The Lion thinks and thinks. Finally, he comes up with an idea.
Lion: Hey, wait. I still have my sharp teeth and claws. I can use them. Once an animal comes into my cave, I can catch it. Yes, that’s it! I’ll say I’m very sick. Then all of the animals will come to visit me. Once they come into my cave, I will eat them all. What a clever idea! Why didn’t I think of this before? Ha, ha, ha.
The other animals hear that the Lion is very sick. They are all very worried.
Deer: Did you hear about the Lion?
Goat: No, I didn’t. Is anything wrong?
Deer: Well, I heard that he is very sick. He might die soon.
Goat: that’s too bad. He used to be so strong and healthy. Let’s visit him before he dies.
Deer: Sure.
The Deer and the Goat visit the Lion in the cave. They never come out.
Rabbit: Did you hear the news, squirrel?
Squirrel: What news?
Rabbit: The Lion is very sick. He is dying, I think.
Squirrel: Poor Lion. What can we do?
Rabbit: How about visiting him and cheering him up?
Squirrel: Do you think that’s a good idea? What if he eats us up? I’m a little afraid.
Rabbit: Me too. But he is very sick. He will be too weak to catch us.
Squirrel: You’re right. Let’s go together.
Rabbit: Great! Meet me in front of the Lion’s cave. At noon, tomorrow, okay? Don’t be late.
Squirrel: I’ll be there. See you then.
The Rabbit and the Squirrel meet at noon the next day. They are a little afraid to go inside the cave.
Rabbit: Let’s go inside.
Squirrel: Okay. You go in first.
Rabbit: No, you first.
Squirrel: Let’s go in together.
Rabbit: Fine. But let’s not stay too long.
The two go inside the cave.
Lion: Oh, thank you for coming.
Rabbit: How are you, sir?
Squirrel: Are you okay?
Lion: It’s nothing. I’m just old.
But then the Lion suddenly stands up and shows his teeth and claws.
Lion: Grr… Grr… I may be old, but I can still catch you!!!
Rabbit/Squirrel: We were tricked!
Rabbit: Let’s get out!
Lion: It’s too late. You are trapped. Ha! Ha! Ha!
The Lion eats up the Rabbit and the Squirrel.
Lion: Yum. Yum. That was delicious. I wonder who will be next?
The Lion eats up all of the animals like this one by one.
Lion: All of the animals came here except for the Fox. Why isn’t the Fox coming? I’m getting hungry again. Hmm… Shh… I hear something.
Fox: Mr. Lion, are you in there?
Lion: Finally. It’s the Fox. (murmur) Yes, I’m in here, Fox. Come in.
Fox: How are you feeling today?
Lion: I’m feeling much better. But why aren’t you coming in? Please come in. I wish to see you.
Fox: I would like to, sir. But it’s too crowded in there.
Lion: What do you mean? There is no one in here but myself.
Fox: Really? I don’t understand. There are many footprints going into your cave. But there are none coming out. Where are all of the other animals?
Lion: Give me some time. I can explain. That’s because…Uh…
Fox: That’s okay. I’ll come back again later. Take care. Bye.
Lion: Wait! Listen to me! Come back!
The Fox goes home without turning his back.
Fox: Pooh. You can’t trick me, Lion. I am much smarter than you.
MORAL
Always keep your eyes wide open.
