The Lion having entered into an alliance with other Beasts of prey,
it was agreed, for their mutual advantage, that they should hunt in
company, and divide the spoil. They accordingly met on a certain day,
and commenced the chase, and ere long they ran down and killed a fine
fat Deer, which was instantly divided into four parts, there happening
to be then only the Lion and three others present. After the division
was made, the Lion advancing forward with an air of majesty, and
pointing to one of the shares, was pleased to declare himself after the
following manner: This I take possession of as my right, which devolves
to me, as I am descended by a true, lineal, hereditary succession from
the royal family of Lion: that, pointing to the second, I claim by, I
think, no unreasonable title, considering that the success of all the
engagements you have with the enemy depends chiefly upon my courage
and conduct; and you very well know that wars are too expensive to
be carried on without large supplies. Then, nodding his head towards
the third, that I shall take by virtue of my prerogative, to which I
make no question but so dutiful and loyal a people will pay all the
deference and regard that I can desire. Now, as for the remaining part,
the necessity of our present affairs is so very urgent, our stock so
low, and our credit so impaired and weakened, that I must insist upon
your granting that without hesitation or demur; and hereof fail not at
your peril.