A LION, unable from old age and infirmities to provide himself

　　with food by force, resolved to do so by artifice1. He returned

　　to his den2, and lying down there, pretended to be sick, taking

　　care that his sickness should be publicly known. The beasts

　　expressed their sorrow, and came one by one to his den, where the

　　Lion devoured3 them. After many of the beasts had thus

　　disappeared, the Fox discovered the trick and presenting himself

　　to the Lion, stood on the outside of the cave, at a respectful

　　distance, and asked him how he was. "I am very middling,"

　　replied the Lion, "but why do you stand without? Pray enter

　　within to talk with me." "No, thank you," said the Fox. "I

　　notice that there are many prints of feet entering your cave, but

　　I see no trace of any returning."

　　He is wise who is warned by the misfortunes of others.