Section 248
The Lion, the Fox, and the Ass explained simply
Aesop's Fables by Aesop
Original excerpt
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A Lion, a Fox, and an went out hunting together. They had soon taken a large booty, which the Lion requested the Ass to divide between them. The Ass divided it all into three equal parts, and modestly begged the others to take their choice; at which the Lion, bursting with...
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Public-domain original
A Lion, a Fox, and an went out hunting together. They had soon
taken a large booty, which the Lion requested the Ass to divide
between them. The Ass divided it all into three equal parts, and
modestly begged the others to take their choice; at which the Lion,
bursting with fury, sprang upon the Ass and tore him to pieces.
Then, glaring at the Fox, he bade him make a fresh division. The Fox
gathered almost the whole in one great heap for the Lion's share,
leaving only the smallest possible morsel for himself. "My dear
friend," said the Lion, "how did you get the knack of it so well?" The
Fox replied, "Me? Oh, I took a lesson from the Ass."
Happy is he who learns from the misfortunes of others.
Public-domain original text shown for study context. Underlined terms can be tapped for simple reader notes.
What happens here
A Lion, a Fox, and an Ass went out hunting together.
Why this scene matters
This fable matters because it turns the lesson “Happy is he who learns from the misfortunes of others.” into a compact story about everyday judgment.
Characters in this scene
- The Lion: A figure in the fable whose choice helps reveal the lesson.
- The Fox: A figure in the fable whose choice helps reveal the lesson.
- The Ass: A figure in the fable whose choice helps reveal the lesson.
Simple story version
A Lion, a Fox, and an Ass went out hunting together. They had soon taken a large booty, which the Lion requested the Ass to divide between them.