Aesop Lion and Mouse – A Short Fable
In a faraway forest, a huge lion prepared to take a nap under the shade of a tree, and after a long day, the lion finally fell asleep.
Meanwhile, a mouse was running very fast when it suddenly tripped over the foot of the sleeping lion. The lion woke up angrily and said,
"Who dares to disturb me in my sleep?"
The little mouse was terrified and began to tremble. The lion grabbed him and said,
"You, little mouse, will pay for what you've done."
The terrified mouse said,
"Please, my master, release me."
The lion replied,
"How can you ask for forgiveness when you know that I will not do that?"
The mouse said,
"Please, sir, forgive me, and I promise that I will help you someday."
The lion laughed heartily and said,
"Well, you will help me? Go on, show me how you will do it."
The lion let the mouse go and returned to his nap, laughing at the mouse’s promise.
Aesop Lion Mouse – The Trap in the Forest
One day, the lion went out to hunt prey and suddenly fell into a trap set by hunters. A strong net fell over his body.
The lion roared loudly for help, but no one came.
From among the dense vegetation and tall trees, the little mouse came running as fast as lightning.
When the lion saw him, he doubted that such a small creature could save him, but he had no other hope.
Aesop Fables Short Story – A Promise Kept
After a few minutes, a big surprise happened.
The mouse began gnawing at the ropes of the net until he managed to free the lion.
The lion stood up, looked at the mouse for a while, and then said,
"My little mouse friend, thank you for keeping your promise and saving me. Today I learned an important lesson from you."
The Lesson
Keeping a promise shows good values and strong character, while breaking a promise shows dishonesty. Even the smallest friend can make a big difference.