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A Heifer went up to an Ox, who was straining hard at the plough,

and sympathised with him in a rather patronising sort of way on

the necessity of his having to work so hard. Not long afterwards

there was a festival in the village and every one kept holiday:

but, whereas the Ox was turned loose into the pasture, the Heifer

was seized and led off to sacrifice. "Ah," said the Ox, with a

grim smile, "I see now why you were allowed to have such an idle

time: it was because you were always intended for the altar."

THE KINGDOM OF THE LION