Androclus and the Lion

Once, Androclus was running through the forest. Androclus was a runaway slave. Suddenly, he caught sight of a lion. However, the lion did not attack Androclus; the lion was crying! Androclus was astonished and asked, “Why are you crying, lion? Why don’t you attack me? Why don’t you eat me?” The sad lion showed his foot. Androclus saw a thorn in the foot. “I see a thorn!” exclaimed Androclus. “I see a huge thorn! Now I understand! You are crying because your foot hurts.” Androclus, because he was kind and brave, carefully approached the lion and examined the thorn. Then he shouted, “Lion! I am frightened, but I will help you.” After he said this, Androclus quickly pulled out the thorn. The lion hurried away into the forest. Soon the Romans captured Androclus and led him to the arena. After he entered the arena, Androclus saw the spectators and was very afraid. Then Androclus saw the beasts and shouted, “Now I am dead! Look! Beasts! I see lions and wolves, alas!” Then a huge lion rushed at him. The lion, after smelling Androclus, did not consume him but licked him! Androclus recognized the lion in amazement and said, “I know you! You are the sad lion! The thorn was in your foot.” After this, the astonished Romans set Androclus and the lion free.