FableNº 71

The Three Oxen and the Lion

Three oxen always grazed together. A lion wanted to devour them, but their union prevented him. So he set them at odds with treacherous words and separated them from one another; then, finding them isolated, he devoured them one after another.

If you truly wish to live in safety, distrust your enemies, but trust your friends and keep them.

Moral

Similar fables

Nº 102The Stag at the Pool and the LionA stag, driven by thirst, came to a spring. After drinking, he saw his own reflection in the water. He felt proud of his antlers, seeing how large…Read the fable →
Nº 198The Lion in Love and the PloughmanA lion, having fallen in love with a ploughman's daughter, asked for her hand in marriage; but the man, unable either to bring himself to give his…Read the fable →
Nº 200The Lion, the Bear, and the FoxA lion and a bear, having found a fawn, fought over which of them should have it. They dealt each other terrible blows, until at last, seized with…Read the fable →