[Illustration: THE HORSE AND THE LION.]
A Lion seeing a fine plump Nag, had a great mind to eat a bit of him,
but knew not which way to get him into his power. At last he bethought
himself of this contrivance: he gave out that he was a physician, who,
having gained experience by his travels into foreign countries, had made
himself capable of curing any sort of malady or distemper incident to
any kind of beast, hoping by this stratagem to get an easier admittance
among cattle, and find an opportunity to execute his design. The Horse,
who smoked the matter, was resolved to be even with him; and, so
humouring the thing, as if he suspected nothing, he prayed the Lion to
give him his advice in relation to a thorn he had got in his foot, which
had quite lamed him, and gave him great pain and uneasiness. The Lion
readily agreed and desired he might see the foot. Upon which the Horse
lifted up one of his hind legs, and, while the Lion pretended to be
poring earnestly upon his hoof, gave him such a kick in the face as
quite stunned him, and left him sprawling upon the ground. In the mean
time the Horse trotted away, neighing and laughing merrily at the
success of the trick, by which he had defeated the purpose of one who
intended to have tricked him out of his life.