[Illustration: THE FATAL MARRIAGE.]
The Lion aforesaid, touched with the grateful procedure of the Mouse,
and resolving not to be outdone in generosity by any wild beast
whatsoever, desired his little deliverer to name his own terms, for that
he might depend upon his complying with any proposal he should make. The
Mouse, fired with ambition at this gracious offer, did not so much
consider what was proper for him to ask, as what was in the power of his
prince to grant; and so presumptuously demanded his princely daughter,
the young Lioness, in marriage. The Lion consented: but, when he would
have given the royal virgin into his possession, she, like a giddy thing
as she was, not minding how she walked, by chance set her paw upon her
spouse, who was coming to meet her, and crushed her little dear to
pieces.