FABLE XCV
by Unknown · from Favourite Fables in Prose and Verse
Adapted Version
A big Lion lived in a big forest. He was the king of the animals.
Big Lion lived in a big cave. He said he was sick and wanted visitors. He wanted them in his cave. But he was not truly sick. He wanted many visitors inside. He waited for them.
Many animals heard Big Lion. They felt sad for him. They wanted to help Big Lion. So, they went to his cave. They visited Big Lion inside. They walked into the cave. They were kind friends.
Clever Fox lived nearby too. He heard about Big Lion. But Clever Fox did not go. He did not visit Big Lion. He stayed outside the cave. Clever Fox was very smart. He thought about things first.
Big Lion wondered about Clever Fox. "Where is Clever Fox?" he asked. Big Lion sent Jackal to him. Jackal went to Clever Fox. "Big Lion is sick," Jackal said. "Why do you not visit Big Lion?"
Clever Fox was very polite. "Please tell Big Lion I care," he said. "I want to visit him." "But I worry about his cave." "I stand at the cave door." "I look at the ground." "I see many footprints." "They all go inside." "No footprints come out." "This makes me wonder." "Is Big Lion truly sick?" "I must be careful."
Big Lion was not sick. He wanted animals inside. He wanted to keep them. Clever Fox was very smart. He looked carefully first. He thought wisely too. Clever Fox stayed safe. It is good to be smart.
Original Story
FABLE XCV.
THE FOX AND THE SICK LION.
It was reported that the Lion was sick, and the beasts were made to believe that they could not make their court better than by going to visit him. Upon this, they generally went, but it was particularly remarked that the Fox was not one of the number. The Lion, therefore, dispatched one of his Jackals to sound him about it, and to ask him why he had so little charity and respect as never to come near him at a time when he lay so dangerously ill, and everybody else had been to see him. "Why," replied 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 to kiss his royal paw, but I am so terribly frightened at the mouth of his cave, to see the print of my fellow-subjects' feet all pointing forwards, and none backwards, that I had not resolution enough to venture in."
Now, the truth of the matter was, that the sickness of the Lion was only a sham to draw the beasts into his den, the more easily to devour them.
MORAL.
It is well to weigh and consider the nature of any proposal thoroughly before we accede to it; but, certainly, if we have reason, from the injury done to others, to suspect that we may suffer harm, it is decidedly better to decline.
Story DNA
Moral
It is wise to thoroughly consider any proposal and to decline if there is reason to suspect harm based on the injury done to others.
Plot Summary
The Lion pretends to be gravely ill, luring other animals to his den under the guise of a visit. Noticing the Fox's absence, the Lion sends a messenger to inquire why he hasn't shown respect. The Fox replies that while he wishes to pay his respects, he is deterred by the sight of footprints all leading into the cave, but none coming out. The story concludes by revealing the Lion's sickness was a trick to devour the unsuspecting beasts, validating the Fox's shrewd observation and caution.
Themes
Emotional Arc
suspicion to confirmation
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Fables often reflect social hierarchies and power dynamics, using animals to satirize human behavior.
Plot Beats (7)
- The Lion feigns sickness to trick other animals into visiting his den.
- Other beasts generally go to visit the 'sick' Lion.
- The Fox is notably absent from the visitors.
- The Lion dispatches a Jackal to question the Fox about his lack of respect and charity.
- The Fox politely sends his regards to the Lion but explains his fear of the cave's entrance.
- The Fox points out that all the footprints leading into the cave point forwards, with none pointing backwards.
- The narrator confirms that the Lion's sickness was a ruse to easily devour the beasts.
Characters
The Fox
A lean, agile fox of medium size, with a lithe build and keen senses. His movements are quick and deliberate, indicative of his cunning nature.
Attire: None, as he is an animal. His fur is his natural covering.
Wants: To survive and avoid harm, particularly from predators like the Lion.
Flaw: His inherent caution can make him seem aloof or disrespectful to others.
Does not undergo a significant arc within this short fable, but his actions demonstrate his established wisdom and caution.
Cunning, observant, skeptical, self-preserving, intelligent.
The Lion
A large, powerful lion with a muscular build, indicative of his predatory nature. His paws are massive, and his claws are formidable.
Attire: None, as he is an animal. His fur and mane are his natural covering.
Wants: To easily capture and devour other animals for sustenance, asserting his dominance.
Flaw: His overconfidence in his deception, believing others will be easily fooled.
Does not change, remaining a cunning predator whose deception is ultimately exposed by the Fox's wisdom.
Deceptive, predatory, cruel, manipulative, arrogant.
The Jackal
A lean, wiry jackal, smaller than the Lion but still a capable scavenger. His fur is sandy-brown, blending with dry environments.
Attire: None, as he is an animal. His fur is his natural covering.
Wants: To serve the Lion and avoid his wrath, likely hoping for scraps or protection.
Flaw: Lack of independent thought; easily manipulated by the Lion.
No arc; serves as a messenger.
Obedient, subservient, loyal (to the Lion), unquestioning.
Locations
The Lion's Den Entrance
The dark, foreboding mouth of a cave, likely carved into a rocky outcrop in a savanna or arid landscape. The ground immediately outside is dusty, showing numerous tracks.
Mood: Eerie, dangerous, suspicious, foreboding
The Fox observes the tracks and deduces the Lion's deception, refusing to enter.
The Lion's Den Interior
A dark, cavernous space within the rocky den, likely dimly lit by the entrance. It would be a place of ambush and consumption, with a predatory atmosphere.
Mood: Dangerous, predatory, claustrophobic, grim
The Lion waits here, feigning sickness to lure and devour unsuspecting animals.