The Lion Grown Old
Fable de Jean de la Fontaine
 Fables of la Fontaine > Book III > The Lion Grown Old |
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| A lion, mourning, in his age, the wane Of might once dreaded through his wild domain, Was mocked, at last, on his throne, By subjects of his own, Strong through his weakness grown. The horse his head saluted with a kick; The wolf snapped at his royal hide; The ox, too, gored him in the side; The unhappy lion, sad and sick, Could hardly growl, he was so weak. In uncomplaining, stoic pride, He waited for the hour of fate, Till the ass approached his gate; Whereat, "This is too much," he says; "I willingly would yield my breath; But, ah! your kick is double death!" |
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