THE LION, the Fox and the Ass1 entered into an agreement to assist

　　each other in the chase. Having secured a large booty, the Lion

　　on their return from the forest asked the Ass to allot2 his due

　　portion to each of the three partners in the treaty. The Ass

　　carefully divided the spoil into three equal shares and modestly

　　requested the two others to make the first choice. The Lion,

　　bursting out into a great rage, devoured3 the Ass. Then he

　　requested the Fox to do him the favor to make a division. The

　　Fox accumulated all that they had killed into one large heap and

　　left to himself the smallest possible morsel4. The Lion said,

　　"Who has taught you, my very excellent fellow, the art of

　　division? You are perfect to a fraction." He replied, "I learned

　　it from the Ass, by witnessing his fate."

　　Happy is the man who learns from the misfortunes of others.