[Illustration: THE LION, THE ASS, AND THE FOX.]
The Lion, the Ass, and the Fox went a hunting together in the forest;
and it was agreed, that whatever was taken should be divided amongst
them. They happened to have very good sport, and caught a large fat
Stag, which the Lion ordered the Ass to divide. The Ass, according to
the best of his capacity, did so, and made three pretty equal shares.
But such levelling doings not suiting at all with the craving temper of
the greedy Lion, without farther delay he flew upon the Ass, and tore
him in pieces; and then bid the Fox divide it into two parts. Reynard,
who seldom wanted a prompter, however, had his cue given him
sufficiently upon this occasion; and so nibbling off one little bit for
himself, he laid forth all the rest for the Lion's portion. The royal
brute was so delighted at this dutiful and handsome proof of his
respect, that he could not forbear expressing the satisfaction it gave
him; and asked him withal, where he could possibly have learned so
proper and so courtly a behaviour?--'Why,' replies Reynard, 'to tell
your majesty the truth, I was taught it by the Ass that lies dead
there.'