[Illustration: THE FOX AND THE TIGER.]
A skilful archer coming into the woods, directed his arrows so
successfully, that he slew many wild beasts, and pursued several others.
This put the whole savage kind into a fearful consternation, and made
them fly to the most retired thickets for refuge. At last, the Tiger
resumed a courage, and, bidding them not to be afraid, said, that he
alone would engage the enemy; telling them, they might depend upon his
valour and strength to revenge their wrongs. In the midst of these
threats, while he was lashing himself with his tail, and tearing up the
ground for anger, an arrow pierced his ribs, and hung by its barbed
point in his side. He set up an hideous and loud roar, occasioned by
the anguish which he felt, and endeavoured to draw out the painful dart
with his teeth; when the Fox, approaching him, inquired with an air of
surprise, who it was that could have strength and courage enough to
wound so mighty and valorous a beast?--'Ah!' says the Tiger, 'I was
mistaken in my reckoning: it was that invincible man yonder.'