The old Lion 老狮子


The Lion used to be the king of beasts. But now he is old and weak. He feels sorry for himself.
Lion: I used to be so young.
I used to be so strong.
My roar used to be so big. But now…
I am old and weak.
My roar is small.
I can’t run. I can’t hunt. Poor me!

The Lion is very sad and worried.
Lion: I’m hungry.
But now how can I get some food?
I must think of a way fast.
Let me think.

The Lion thinks and thinks. Finally, he comes up with an idea.
Lion: Hey, wait.
I still have my sharp teeth and claws.
I can use them.
Once an animal comes into my cave,
I can catch it. Yes, that’s it!
I’ll say I’m very sick.
Then all of the animals will come to visit me.
Once they come into my cave,
I will eat them all.
What a clever idea!
Why didn’t I think of this before? Ha, ha, ha.

The other animals hear that the Lion is very sick. They are all very worried.
Deer: Did you hear about the Lion?
Goat: No, I didn’t. Is anything wrong?
Deer: Well, I heard that he is very sick.
He might die soon.
Goat: that’s too bad.
He used to be so strong and healthy.
Let’s visit him before he dies.
Deer: Sure.

The Deer and the Goat visit the Lion in the cave. They never come out.
Rabbit: Did you hear the news, squirrel?
Squirrel: What news?
Rabbit: The Lion is very sick.
He is dying, I think.
Squirrel: Poor Lion. What can we do?
Rabbit: How about visiting him and cheering him up?
Squirrel: Do you think that’s a good idea?
What if he eats us up?
I’m a little afraid.
Rabbit: Me too. But he is very sick.
He will be too weak to catch us.
Squirrel: You’re right. Let’s go together.
Rabbit: Great! Meet me in front of the Lion’s cave.
At noon, tomorrow, okay? Don’t be late.
Squirrel: I’ll be there. See you then.

The Rabbit and the Squirrel meet at noon the next day. They are a little afraid to go inside the cave.
Rabbit: Let’s go inside.
Squirrel: Okay. You go in first.
Rabbit: No, you first.
Squirrel: Let’s go in together.
Rabbit: Fine. But let’s not stay too long.

The two go inside the cave.
Lion: Oh, thank you for coming.
Rabbit: How are you, sir?
Squirrel: Are you okay?
Lion: It’s nothing. I’m just old.

But then the Lion suddenly stands up and shows his teeth and claws.
Lion: Grr… Grr… I may be old,
but I can still catch you!!!
Rabbit/Squirrel: We were tricked!
Rabbit: Let’s get out!
Lion: It’s too late.
You are trapped. Ha! Ha! Ha!

The Lion eats up the Rabbit and the Squirrel.
Lion: Yum. Yum. That was delicious.
I wonder who will be next?

The Lion eats up all of the animals like this one by one.
Lion: All of the animals came here except for the Fox.
Why isn’t the Fox coming?
I’m getting hungry again.
Hmm… Shh… I hear something.
Fox: Mr. Lion, are you in there?
Lion: Finally. It’s the Fox. (murmur)
Yes, I’m in here, Fox. Come in.
Fox: How are you feeling today?
Lion: I’m feeling much better.
But why aren’t you coming in?
Please come in. I wish to see you.
Fox: I would like to, sir.
But it’s too crowded in there.
Lion: What do you mean?
There is no one in here but myself.
Fox: Really? I don’t understand.
There are many footprints going into your cave.
But there are none coming out.
Where are all of the other animals?
Lion: Give me some time.
I can explain. That’s because…Uh…
Fox: That’s okay.
I’ll come back again later.
Take care. Bye.
Lion: Wait! Listen to me! Come back!

The Fox goes home without turning his back.
Fox: Pooh. You can’t trick me, Lion.
I am much smarter than you.


MORAL
Always keep your eyes wide open.