_Even a wild beast will show gratitude for a kind act._
Androclus was a Roman slave. His master was very unkind and treated
him cruelly. At last Androclus succeeded in making his escape to
another country. He made his home in a forest for it was not safe
for him to live near other people, as a large reward was always
offered for the return of runaway slaves.
Androclus killed animals and birds for food and slept under trees.
Once when he was hunting for some game he came upon a cave in the
side of the mountain, and at once decided to make this his home.
Now, it happened that a fierce lion had also chosen this cave for
his home, and while Androclus was making a bed out of some dry
leaves, the lion entered. Androclus was much alarmed and felt sure
he would be killed.
To his surprise the great beast made no attempt to harm him, but
instead crept up close to him and held up a swollen paw in the
center of which was a long thorn. Androclus took hold of the thorn
and gently pulled it out. The grateful lion looked up at him as
if to say: “I thank you, kind friend.” For a long time these two
lived together as friends.
By and by some hunters came through the forest. They recognized
Androclus as a runaway slave, and carried him back to his master
who put him in prison. It was the custom of the Romans to assemble
at a great theater to be amused. This theater was not like ours.
They had no plays but instead had fights between men and beasts.
Runaway slaves were often punished by being made to fight these
wild animals.
Not long after Androclus was put in prison he was ordered to
fight a fierce lion. When the day for the fight came the cage was
opened, and the enraged lion started at him. The lion was growling
and showing his sharp teeth. The brave slave faced him without
flinching. Then the lion saw Androclus; instead of rushing at him
to kill him, he crept gently up to him and licked his feet.
Androclus fell down on his knees and threw his arms around the
neck of the lion. The surprised people asked for an explanation.
Androclus told them how he had helped the lion when he was hurt,
and how they had lived together in the cave. The people then
commanded that Androclus be set free and ordered that the lion be
given to him. After that Androclus was a freeman and was often seen
walking on the streets of Rome followed by his lion which looked
like a huge dog.