Androcles and The Lion

             Long and long ago there lived in Carthage a slave named Androcles. Once he did something wrong’ to his Roman master. To save his life from his cruel rage, be ran away into the woods.
             There he hid himself in a cave and lived on whatever food he could find.
One morning Androcles was sitting in a cave with a mind full of anxiety. To his terror he saw a lion coming towards him. It held up its paw in a pitiful way, and was groaning in pain.
             Androcles took up the swollen paw, and found a thorn inside it. With great care he pulled out the thorn. The lion being free from pain, wagged its tail and licked Androcles’ feet.
Some days later, Androcles was caught and taken back to his cruel master. He was ordered to be thrown to the lions at the next public games.
             On the appointed day a huge lion from a large iron cage was let out to kill Androcles. But fortunately for him it was the same lion he had helped. The fierce animal, instead of devouring him, lay at his feet and licked his hand. The Romans were struck with wonder at this sight. The Roman master set both Androcles and the lion free.

Moral: Gratitude is the sign of noble souls.