The Lion and the Clever Rabbit

Long ago, in a forest thick with sal trees, there lived a lion so proud of his strength that he hunted whenever he pleased, killing far more than he could ever eat. The animals of the forest lived in constant fear, never knowing which of them would be next.

At last, the animals gathered and went to the lion together. "Great King," said the wisest of them, "why should you tire yourself hunting every day, and why should so many of us die needlessly? Let us make an agreement. Each day, one of us will come to you at your den, so you need never hunt again."

The lion, flattered by the idea of animals delivering themselves to his door, agreed.

For many days the arrangement held, and each morning some unlucky creature walked slowly to the lion's den. Then one day, it was the turn of a small rabbit. The other animals had chosen him with heavy hearts, for he was clever and kind, well liked by all.

The rabbit did not run. Instead, he thought carefully, and then began walking to the lion's den — slowly, taking his time, stopping to nibble grass along the way.

By the time he arrived, the sun was high, and the lion was pacing back and forth, furious with hunger and wounded pride. "Where have you been?" the lion roared. "I should eat you this instant for your insolence!"

"Forgive me, Your Majesty," said the rabbit, bowing low and trembling — though not entirely from fear. "I was on my way at dawn with four other rabbits as your tribute, when another lion stopped us on the path. He said this forest was his territory now, and that you were no true king. I came alone, as fast as I could, to tell you."

The lion's fury turned instantly to outrage. "Another lion? In MY forest? Take me to him at once!"

The rabbit led the lion to an old, deep well with clear, still water at the bottom. "He lives down there, Your Majesty," the rabbit said, pointing.

The lion strode to the edge and looked down — and there, staring back up at him, was another lion, teeth bared, ready to fight.

Enraged, the lion let out a tremendous roar. The reflection roared silently back. Without another thought, the lion leapt into the well to destroy his rival — and was never seen again.

The rabbit walked home, and from that day on, the animals of the forest lived in peace.