The Hare's Ears

"The Hare's Ears" is a classic fable by Jean de La Fontaine which addresses pride, humility, and the courage to be true to oneself, even in the face of ridicule or rejection. The story revolves around a lion, the king of the jungle, who is made insecure by the long ears of his friend, the hare. Fearing that his subjects will mock him for having a friend who looks so different, the lion tries to make the hare hide his ears. The fable reflects the human tendency to deny individuality and underscores the importance of self-acceptance and respect for diversity.

• Fable

								
The Lion, wounded by some subject's horn,
Was naturally wroth, and made decree
That all by whom such ornaments were worn
From his domains forthwith should banished be.
Bulls, Rams, and Goats at once obeyed the law:
The Deer took flight, without an hour's delay.
A timid Hare felt smitten, when he saw
The shadow of his ears, with deep dismay.
He feared that somebody, with eyes too keen,
Might call them horns, they looked so very long.
"Adieu, friend Cricket," whispered he; "I mean
To quit the place directly, right or wrong.
These ears are perilous; and, though I wore
A couple short as any Ostrich wears,
I still should run." The Cricket asked, "What for?
Such ears are only natural in Hares."
"They'll pass for horns," his frightened friend replied;
"For Unicorn's appendages, I'm sure.
And folks, if I deny it, will decide
On sending me to Bedlam, as a cure."
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