It was reported that the Lion was sick, and the beasts were given to
understand that they could not make their court better than by going to
visit him. Upon this they generally went; but it was particularly taken
notice of, that the Fox was not one of the number. The Lion therefore
dispatched one of his Jackalls to enquire why he had so little charity
and respect as never to come near him, at a time when he lay so
dangerously ill, and every body else had been to see him? Why, replies
the Fox, pray present my duty to his majesty, and tell him that I have
the same respect for him as ever, and have been coming several times,
but was fearful of being troublesome, as I have observed, from the
prints of their footsteps, that great numbers have gone into the royal
den; but I have not seen a single trace of their coming out again.