The Deer who would be King

T HE lion was old and sick and could no longer hunt. He approached the fox. “Use your famous cunning to entice animals to my den. I’ll give you a share of the kill,” he told the fox.

The fox agreed. One day, the lion asked the fox to trap a big deer. The fox sidled up to the deer who was grazing. He said, “Oh, great deer of the magnificent antlers! The king of beasts, the lion wishes to appoint his successor. And he has chosen you!”

The deer was pleased to hear this and visions of being the king filled his head.

The deer went along with the fox. As soon as the lion saw him, he made ready to pounce. But he only managed to slash the deer’s ears. The deer ran back swiftly into the deep woods, terrified and bleeding.

After a week, the lion sent the fox again to the deer. The fox put on his best placating manner.

“I am sorry, my dear friend,” he said. “The lion meant no harm. He was about to whisper some secrets into your ear regarding kingship when he accidentally bit you.”

Thus the fox persuaded the foolish deer to return to the lion’s den. This time, the lion made no mistake. While he was busy gorging on the deer’s flesh, the fox stealthily gulped down its brain.

“Where is the brain?” roared the lion.

The fox replied, “Wel l , Yo u r Maj e s t y, how can you expect an animal that is stupid enough to come twice to your den to have any brain?!”