  Characters—Lion, Fox, Elephant, Tiger, and Other Animals Elephant. Dear me—we must find one. Tiger. One what? Elephant. A story-teller for the lion. He wants one who will tell him stories one after another without stopping. It’s a task indeed. Camel. Yes, yes, and he will put us to death if we fail to find some one who can do so. Tiger. He’s king, and they say the king kills when he will. I do not know what we shall do. Fox. Let me think. I have it—Tell the king you have found the story-teller that he wished for. At Court Lion. So, Mr Fox, you are to tell me stories without ceasing. Fox. Yes, O King Lion. Lion. Very well—begin. Fox. There was once a fisherman who went to sea. He had a large net. He spread it out far and wide. One day a great many fish got into the net. Just as the fisherman was about to draw it up, the cords broke, and a small hole was made in the side of the net. Now, this hole was just large enough for one fish Lion. Fox. Then two fishes got out. [Fox stops.] Lion. What then? Fox. Then three escaped. [Fox stops.] Lion. [Impatiently.] Yes, yes! but the story? I tell you, go on with the story. What then? Fox. Then four fishes got out. Lion. Come, come, sir, you are not telling me anything new. Fox. O King! Each lot of fishes was different from the rest.—Then the hole grew a little larger and— Lion. But, wherein is the wonder? Fox. Why, your majesty, what can be more wonderful than for fish to escape in lots, each lot greater than the other by one? Lion. [Impatiently.] How long will it take all those fishes to get out? Fox. O King Lion, it was a large net—there were thousands and thousands of fishes in it.—Then the hole grew a little larger and— Lion. Stop, stop! I can not stand this. Leave my court at once—anything to stop those fishes. [Fox goes out.] Fox. [To animals.] Fear not, I have saved you all. The tyrant won’t try that plan again. |
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