The Lion, the Wild Dogs, and the Weasel

     Once upon a time, there were a lion, a pack of wild dogs, and a weasel who went hunting in the forest. Together they were able to kill four antelopes, three zebras, a couple of ostriches, and a wildebeest. It was a fine catch, indeed!

     It came to pass that they gathered the carcasses in a large pile and came to arguing as to how they were to be divided.

     “I am the king of the jungle,” roared the lion. “It is only fitting that I get the king’s share of the meat.”

     “No-no!” barked the wild dogs in unison. “There are many of us dogs here. We should get the bigger share.”

     “I just want an antelope,” said the weasel. “It is more than enough for me and it’ll feed my family for days.”

     But the others paid him no mind.

     “I am large and powerful,” roared the lion. “It takes a lot of meat to sustain me. I should get more and the choicest cuts to boot.”

     “No-no!” barked the wild dogs. “There are many of us dogs here whilst you are but solitary. We need more meat than you. We have many hungry pups waiting for us. Nothing is too good for our pups!”

     “How about an ostrich instead?” asked the weasel. “I can take one and be on my way. It is all feathers anyway.”

     But again the others paid him no mind.

     “I am bigger than you are,” growled the lion, starting to be irritated. “I will take what I want!”

     “No-no!” growled the dogs in return. “There are many of us dogs here. You do not scare us!”

     This time the weasel said nothing but hungrily eyed the pile of carcasses instead. He looked at the lion and the wild dogs then at the carcasses again.

     The lion roared in anger and lunged at the wild dogs that dared to challenge him. The dogs scattered and surrounded the lion. They taunted him and threatened him and nipped at his heels. The lion reared and roared; he turned and leaped at the dogs, which scattered, regrouped, and surrounded the lion. It was an even match, which went on and on.

     In the meantime, the weasel stealthily crept away and called to his family. Together they managed to drag the carcass of the wildebeest, the largest of the kill, away and they lived happily ever after.

Lesson of the Tale: Sometimes it pays to be small and quiet.