Page:Fables of Aesop.pdf/20

 A Lion, while reposing under a shady oak, was awakened by a company of scrambling mice running over his back. Starting up, be clapped his paw upon one of them, when the little suppliant implored him to spare his life, which the Lion was pleased to grant. Not long after, the Lion chanced to be taken in the toils of the hunters, and not being able to disengage himself, he set up a loud roar. The Mouse, hearing his voice, repaired to the place, and with his little teeth cut through the toils, and set the royal brute at liberty.We never know the value of a friend until we want him. A Fowler spied a Ring-dove in the branches of a tree, and intended to kill it. He clapped the piece to his shoulder, and took his aim accordingly; but just as he was going to pull the trigger, an adder which he had tied upon under the grass, stung him so painfully in the leg, that he was forced to quit his design, and throw down his gun. The poison immediately affected his whole body, and it began to mortify, on perceiving which he owned, that destruction had justly come upon him while contriving the death of another.He ought to walk warily who has laid snares for his neighbour.