A slave named Androcles once escaped from his master and ran away to the forest.
As he was walking about there, he saw a lion lying down, crying in pain.
At first he turned to run, but finding that the lion did not chase him, he turned back and went up
to him.
As he came near, the lion put out his paw, which was all swollen and bleeding.
Androcles saw that a huge thorn had got into it, and was causing all the pain.
He pulled out the thorn and wrapped up the paw of the lion, who was soon able to rise and lick the
hand of Androcles like a dog.
The Lion took Androcles to his cave, and brought him meat to eat every day.
A little while afterward both Androcles and the lion were caught, and the slave was sentenced to be
thrown to the lion, after the lion had been kept without food for several days.
The Emperor and all his Court came to see the show, and Androcles was led out into the middle of
the arena.
Soon the lion was let loose, and rushed jumping and roaring towards his victim.
But as soon as he came near to Androcles he recognized his friend, came gently up to him,and
licked his hands like a friendly dog.
The Emperor, surprised at this, asked Androcles if he knew why the lion behaved this way,and
Androcles told him the whole story.
Then the slave Androcles was freed, and the lion was also set free again in the forest.
MORAL:Bravery in taking care of others is often well rewarded.