A horse had grown old and could no longer work. Its owner despised it, refusing to feed it and eventually driving it out.
The poor horse pleaded, “Master, please don’t abandon me. I have worked hard for you all my life.”
The owner sneered, “Unless you can defeat a lion and bring it to me tied up, I will not let you stay.”
The horse knew this was just an excuse. Even in its prime, it could never defeat a lion, let alone now.
Sighing, it wandered into the forest, where it met its good friend, the fox.
After hearing the horse’s story, the fox was furious.
“Your owner is too cruel! Don’t worry, I will help you. Lie down and pretend to be dead.”
The horse wasn’t sure what the fox was planning, but knowing its friend was clever, it followed the advice.
The fox then ran to the lion’s den and said, “Your Majesty, a horse has just died—perfect for your lunch. Let me take you to it.”
The lion eyed the fox suspiciously. “Why would you be so kind?”
“Because you are the king!” the fox replied smoothly.
Half-believing, the lion followed the fox and indeed saw a horse lying on the ground.
Just as the lion was about to eat, the fox said, “Wait, Your Majesty! If you eat here, other lions or tigers might come and steal your food. Let me tie the horse to your tail so you can drag it home and enjoy it at your leisure.”
The lion, now fully convinced, agreed. It lay down, allowing the fox to tie the horse to its tail.
But instead of tying the horse, the fox swiftly bound the lion’s four legs together!
Realizing it had been tricked, the lion roared and struggled, but no matter how hard it tried, it could not break free.
At that moment, the horse jumped up.
“Thank you, my clever friend!”
The horse then dragged the helpless lion back to its owner. “I have defeated the lion and brought it to you. I hope you will keep your promise and let me stay.”
The surrounding people, touched by the horse’s past hard work, urged the owner to reconsider.
The owner was astonished to see the horse dragging the lion back. After hearing everyone’s words and recalling the horse’s past merits, he blushed with shame.
He said to the horse, “You may stay. I will provide you with good food and shelter so you can enjoy a comfortable old age.”
The horse turned and looked toward the fox, who was hiding behind a tree. With a grateful glance, it silently thanked its wise and loyal friend.
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