The Lion and the Clever Hare

A Lion was caught in a hunter's trap. He roared for help, and a small Hare came along. "Please, little Hare," the Lion begged, "chew through these ropes and free me. I will be forever in your debt." The Hare, knowing the Lion's nature, was hesitant. But the Lion swore he would not harm him. The Hare chewed through the ropes, and the Lion was free. The moment he was free, the Lion seized the Hare. "Thank you for freeing me," the Lion said, "but I am very hungry, and you will make a fine meal." The Hare, thinking quickly, said, "You are right to eat me. But it is only proper that we first re-enact the scene for the ancestors to witness your great escape." The proud Lion agreed. "You must lie down exactly as you were," instructed the Hare. The Lion lay down, and the Hare skillfully retied all the ropes, even tighter than before. "There," said the Hare from a safe distance. "You are back as you were. Now, you may wait for another fool to release you." And the Hare hopped away, having taught the ungrateful Lion a lesson in justice.