THE LION wearied Jupiter with his frequent complaints. “It is true, O
Jupiter!” he said, “that I am gigantic in strength, handsome in shape,
and powerful in attack. I have jaws well provided with teeth, and feet
furnished with claws, and I lord it over all the beasts of the forest,
and what a disgrace it is, that being such as I am, I should be
frightened by the crowing of a cock.” Jupiter replied, “Why do you
blame me without a cause? I have given you all the attributes which I
possess myself, and your courage never fails you except in this one
instance.” On hearing this the Lion groaned and lamented very much and,
reproaching himself with his cowardice, wished that he might die. As
these thoughts passed through his mind, he met an Elephant and came
close to hold a conversation with him. After a time he observed that
the Elephant shook his ears very often, and he inquired what was the
matter and why his ears moved with such a tremor every now and then.
Just at that moment a Gnat settled on the head of the Elephant, and he
replied, “Do you see that little buzzing insect? If it enters my ear,
my fate is sealed. I should die presently.” The Lion said, “Well, since
so huge a beast is afraid of a tiny gnat, I will no more complain, nor
wish myself dead. I find myself, even as I am, better off than the
Elephant.”