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A Stag, pursued by the huntsmen, concealed himself under cover of

a thick Vine. They lost track of him and passed by his

hiding-place without being aware that he was anywhere near.

Supposing all danger to be over, he presently began to browse on

the leaves of the Vine. The movement drew the attention of the

returning huntsmen, and one of them, supposing some animal to be

hidden there, shot an arrow at a venture into the foliage. The

unlucky Stag was pierced to the heart, and, as he expired, he

said, "I deserve my fate for my treachery in feeding upon the

leaves of my protector."

Ingratitude sometimes brings its own punishment.

THE LAMB CHASED BY A WOLF

A Wolf was chasing a Lamb, which took refuge in a temple. The

Wolf urged it to come out of the precincts, and said, "If you

don't, the priest is sure to catch you and offer you up in

sacrifice on the altar." To which the Lamb replied, "Thanks, I

think I'll stay where I am: I'd rather be sacrificed any day than

be eaten up by a Wolf."