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The Lion, for all his size and strength, and his sharp teeth and

claws, is a coward in one thing: he can't bear the sound of a

cock crowing, and runs away whenever he hears it. He complained

bitterly to Jupiter for making him like that; but Jupiter said it

wasn't his fault: he had done the best he could for him, and,

considering this was his only failing, he ought to be well

content. The Lion, however, wouldn't be comforted, and was so

ashamed of his timidity that he wished he might die. In this

state of mind, he met the Elephant and had a talk with him. He

noticed that the great beast cocked up his ears all the time, as

if he were listening for something, and he asked him why he did

so. Just then a gnat came humming by, and the Elephant said, "Do

you see that wretched little buzzing insect?