FABLES FROM INDIA

"These simple children's stories have lived on, and maintained their place of
honour and their undisputed sway in every schoolroom of the East and every
nursery of the West."

F. MAX MULLER

FABLES FROM INDIA

The Lion, the Fox, and the Story-teller

A Lion who was the king of a great forest once said to his subjects: "I want some
one among you to tell me stories one after another without ceasing. If you fail to
find somebody who can so amuse me, you will all be put to death."

In the East there is a proverb which says; "The king kills when he will," so the
animals were in great alarm.

The Fox said: "Fear not; I shall save you all. Tell the king the Story-teller is
ready to come to court when ordered." So the animals had orders to send the
Story-teller at once to the presence. The Fox bowed respectfully, and stood
before the king, who said: "So you are to tell us stories without ceasing?"

"Yes, your Majesty," said the Fox.

"Then begin," said the Lion.

"But before I do so," said the Fox, "I would like to know what your
Majesty means by a story."