Aesop's Fables

The Lion wearied Jupiter with his frequent complaints. “It is true, Jupiter,” he said, “that I am gigantic in strength, handsome in shape, and powerful in attack. I have jaws well provided with teeth and feet furnished with claws, and I lord it over all the beasts of the forest. What a disgrace it is that, being what I am, I should be frightened by the crowing of a rooster!” Jupiter replied, “Why do you blame me without cause? I have given you all the attributes that I possess myself, and your courage never fails you except in this one instance.” On hearing this, the Lion groaned and lamented very much and, reproaching himself for his cowardice, wished that he might die. As these thoughts passed through his mind, he met an Elephant and came close to hold a conversation with him. After a while he observed that the Elephant shook his ears very often, and he asked what was the matter and why his ears moved with such a tremor every now and then. Just at that moment a Gnat settled on the head of the Elephant, and he replied, “Do you see that little buzzing insect? If it enters my ear, my fate is sealed. I would die immediately.” The Lion said, “Well, since so huge a beast is afraid of a tiny gnat, I will no longer complain or wish myself dead. I find myself, even as I am, better off than the Elephant.”