The Lion and the Mouse

A Lion was awakened from sleep by a Mouse running over his face. Rising angrily, he caught the Mouse and was about to kill him when the Mouse entreated him pitifully:"If you would only spare my life, I would be sure to repay your kindness." The Lion laughed and let him go.

Shortly afterwards, the Lion was caught by hunters, who bound him to the ground with strong ropes. Recognizing his roar, the Mouse came and gnawed through the rope with his teeth, setting the Lion free.

"You ridiculed the idea that I could ever help you," the Mouse exclaimed,"not expecting any repayment of your favour. Now you know that even a Mouse can confer benefits on a Lion."