a lion, fatigued1 by the heat of a summer's day, fell fast asleep

in his den2. a mouse ran over his mane and ears and woke him from

his slumbers3. he rose up and shook himself in great wrath4, and

searched every corner of his den to find the mouse. a fox seeing

him said: "a fine lion you are, to be frightened of a mouse."

"'tis not the mouse i fear," said the lion; "i resent his

familiarity and ill-breeding."

little liberties are great offenses5.