The Lion and the Dolphin

The Lion and the Dolphin

A LION roaming by the seashore saw a Dolphin lift up its head out of

the waves, and suggested that they contract an alliance, saying that of

all the animals they ought to be the best friends, since the one was

the king of beasts on the earth, and the other was the sovereign ruler

of all the inhabitants of the ocean. The Dolphin gladly consented to

this request. Not long afterwards the Lion had a combat with a wild

bull, and called on the Dolphin to help him. The Dolphin, though quite

willing to give him assistance, was unable to do so, as he could not by

any means reach the land. The Lion abused him as a traitor. The Dolphin

replied, “Nay, my friend, blame not me, but Nature, which, while giving

me the sovereignty of the sea, has quite denied me the power of living

upon the land.”