Page:Æsop's fables- (IA aesopfables00aesoiala).pdf/213

  THE LAMB CHASED BY A WOLF

WOLF was chasing a Lamb, which took refuge in a temple. The Wolf urged it to come out of the precincts, and said, “If you don’t, the priest is sure to catch you and offer you up in sacrifice on the altar.” To which the Lamb replied, “Thanks, I think I’ll stay where I am: I’d rather be sacrificed any day than be eaten up by a Wolf.”   THE ARCHER AND THE LION

N Archer went up into the hills to get some sport with his bow, and all the animals fled at the sight of him with the exception of the Lion, who stayed behind and challenged him to fight. But he shot an arrow at the Lion and hit him, and said, “There, you see what my messenger can do: just you wait a moment and I’ll tackle you myself.” The Lion, however, when he felt the sting of the arrow, ran away as fast as his legs could carry him. A fox, who had seen it all happen, said to the Lion, “Come, don’t be a coward: why don’t you stay and show fight?” But the Lion replied, “You won’t get me to stay, not you: why, when he sends a messenger like that before him, he must himself be a terrible fellow to deal with.” Give a wide berth to those who can do damage at a distance.  Rh