The Lion once announced he was deathly sick and summoned the animals to come and hear his last Will and Testament. So the Goat came to the Lion's cave and listened for a long time. Then a Sheep went in, and then 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 tracks of the animals that have already come to you; and while I see many hoof-marks going in, I see none coming out. Until those that have entered your cave come out, I prefer to remain in the open air." |