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A day came, however, when the Slave began to long for the society

of his fellow-men, and he bade farewell to the Lion and returned

to the town. Here he was presently recognised and carried off in

chains to his former master, who resolved to make an example of

him, and ordered that he should be thrown to the beasts at the

next public spectacle in the theatre. On the fatal day the beasts

were loosed into the arena, and among the rest a Lion of huge

bulk and ferocious aspect; and then the wretched Slave was cast

in among them. What was the amazement of the spectators, when the

Lion after one glance bounded up to him and lay down at his feet

with every expression of affection and delight! It was his old

friend of the cave! The audience clamoured that the Slave's life

should be spared: and the governor of the town, marvelling at

such gratitude and fidelity in a beast, decreed that both should

receive their liberty.

THE FLEA AND THE MAN