Lion and Mouse

Deep in the heart of the forest, a mighty lion was enjoying a peaceful nap in his den. Unseen by the slumbering king, a playful little mouse scurried inside. The mouse, full of mischief, darted up the lion’s tail, skittered across his broad back, and even began leaping and dancing through his great mane.

The commotion roused the lion from his sleep. In a flash, a massive paw pinned the mouse to the ground. The lion’s furious roar echoed around them. “You dare to disturb my rest?” he bellowed. “I am the King of Beasts! The price for such an offense is death!”

Trembling with fear, the mouse cried out, “Please, Your Majesty, spare me! It was an accident! I meant no harm, I was only playing. If you let me go, I swear I will be in your debt forever. Who knows? Perhaps one day, even I could help you.”

The lion looked down at the tiny, pleading creature and let out a deep, rumbling laugh. “You? Help me? What a foolish thought,” he scoffed. But the mouse’s bold claim had amused him, melting his anger. “Very well,” he grumbled, lifting his paw. “You’ve improved my mood. Now be gone!” The mouse squeaked his thanks and vanished into the undergrowth in a flash.

Not long after, fate intervened. The lion, walking through the woods, became entangled in a hunter’s thick, knotted net. He thrashed and roared with all his strength, but the ropes only tightened, trapping him completely. His powerful roars of frustration shook the very trees.

The little mouse heard the familiar cry. “That is my friend!” he exclaimed, and without a second thought, he raced toward the sound. He found the great lion helplessly ensnared.

“Don’t struggle, Sire!” the mouse squeaked. “I’ll have you free in a moment!” He immediately set to work, his sharp teeth nibbling and gnawing through the tough ropes strand by strand. Soon, a hole appeared, growing larger and larger until the lion could step out, a free king once more.

The lion looked down at the small mouse, his pride replaced with gratitude. “You were right, little one,” he said humbly. “I laughed when you promised to repay me, but today, you have saved my life.”

The mouse bowed his head respectfully. “And I was happy to return the favor, Your Majesty.”

Moral of the Story:
A tiny mouse, by freeing a trapped lion, proved that even the smallest friend can be a great one. The lion, spared by a hunter’s net, learned that no kindness, however small, is ever wasted.