a lion was awakened1 from sleep by a mouse running over his

face. rising up angrily, he caught him and was about to kill

him, when the mouse piteously entreated2, saying: "if you

would only spare my life, i would be sure to repay your

kindness." the lion laughed and let him go. it happened

shortly after this that the lion was caught by some hunters,

who bound him by strong ropes to the ground. the mouse,

recognizing his roar, came and gnawed3 the rope with his teeth

and set him free, exclaiming:

"you ridiculed4 the idea of my ever being able to help you,

expecting to receive from me any repayment5 of your favor; now

you know that it is possible for even a mouse to con6 benefits

on a lion."