The Slave and The Lion

There was once a slave named Androcles who was so badly treated by his master that he could bear it no longer. One night, he escaped into the forest. After wandering for many days, tired and hungry, he came upon a cave and crept inside to rest.

He had barely settled down when a great lion entered the cave. Androcles trembled with fear, but the lion did not spring at him. Instead, the beast limped forward, whimpering, and held out his paw. Androcles saw that a large thorn was lodged deep in the swollen pad. Summoning his courage, he took the paw gently and pulled the thorn free. The lion licked his hand gratefully and, from that day on, brought Androcles food and shared his cave like a companion.

But one day, Androcles was discovered by soldiers and dragged back to his master, who condemned him to be thrown to the wild beasts in the arena. On the appointed day, a fierce lion was released from its cage and bounded toward Androcles. The crowd held its breath. Yet instead of tearing into him, the lion stopped, sniffed, and then rubbed his great head against the slave's legs, purring like a house cat. It was the very same lion whose paw Androcles had healed.

The emperor, astonished by the sight, called Androcles before him and heard his story. So moved was he by this tale of kindness repaid that he pardoned Androcles and set the lion free. The two walked out of the arena together, and the crowd cheered.

Gratitude is the sign of noble souls.