The Ass, the Fox, and the Lion

The Ass, the Fox, and the Lion is a tale by Aesop about cunning and deception. The story revolves around three characters: a donkey, a fox, and a lion. The fox tricks the donkey into pretending to be hurt to attract the lion, hoping to get some favour from the lion in return. However, the lion sees through the fox's deception. This story symbolizes the folly of trusting a person who has previously deceived others. It teaches the lesson that betraying a friend for personal gain usually leads to one's downfall.

• Children

								
An Ass and a Fox had become close comrades, and were constantly
in each other's company. While the Ass cropped a fresh bit of
greens, the Fox would devour a chicken from the neighboring
farmyard or a bit of cheese filched from the dairy. One day the
pair unexpectedly met a Lion. The Ass was very much frightened,
but the Fox calmed his fears.

"I will talk to him," he said.

So the Fox walked boldly up to the Lion.

"Your highness," he said in an undertone, so the Ass could not
hear him, "I've got a fine scheme in my head. If you promise not
to hurt me, I will lead that foolish creature yonder into a pit
where he can't get out, and you can feast at your pleasure."

The Lion agreed and the Fox returned to the Ass.

"I made him promise not to hurt us," said the Fox. "But come, I
know a good place to hide till he is gone."

So the Fox led the Ass into a deep pit. But when the Lion saw
that the Ass was his for the taking, he first of all struck down
the traitor Fox.

Traitors may expect treachery.
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