Section 117
The Lioness and the Vixen explained simply
Aesop's Fables by Aesop
Original excerpt
Excerpt preview
A Lioness and a Vixen were talking together about their young, as mothers will, and saying how healthy and well-grown they were, and what beautiful coats they had, and how they were the image of their parents. "My litter of cubs is a joy to see," said the Fox; and then she added, rather maliciously, "But I notice...
Read full original text in reading mode
Public-domain original
A Lioness and a Vixen were talking together about their young, as
mothers will, and saying how healthy and well-grown they were, and
what beautiful coats they had, and how they were the image of their
parents. "My litter of cubs is a joy to see," said the Fox; and then
she added, rather maliciously, "But I notice you never have more than
one." "No," said the Lioness grimly, "but that one's a lion."
Quality, not quantity.
Public-domain original text shown for study context.
What happens here
A vixen boasts of many cubs, while the lioness says one lion is enough.
Why this scene matters
This fable teaches that quality can matter more than quantity.
Characters in this scene
- Lioness: A central figure in the fable’s conflict and lesson.
- the Vixen: A central figure in the fable’s conflict and lesson.
Simple story version
The vixen is proud of many young. The lioness answers that she has only one, but that one is a lion.