The Lion once gave out that he was sick unto death and summoned the
animals to come and hear his last Will and Testament. So the Goat came
to the Lion’s cave, and stopped there listening for a long time. Then a
Sheep went in, and before she came out a Calf came up to receive the
last wishes of the Lord of the Beasts. But soon the Lion seemed to
recover, and came to the mouth of his cave, and saw the Fox, who had
been waiting outside for some time. “Why do you not come to pay your
respects to me?” said the Lion to the Fox.
“I beg your Majesty’s pardon,” said the Fox, “but I noticed the track
of the animals that have already come to you; and while I see many
hoof-marks going in, I see none coming out. Till the animals that have
entered your cave come out again I prefer to remain in the open air.”
It is easier to get into the enemy’s toils than out again.