The Lion and the Clever Rabbit

In a certain forest lived a lion named Bhasuraka. Drunk on his own strength, he killed every animal that crossed his path — far more than he could eat. So the deer, boar, buffalo, rabbits and the rest went to him together and said: "Master, what do you gain by killing us all? The meat only rots. Make an agreement with us: from today, one animal, chosen by turns among the species, will come to you of its own accord for your meal. Your food is assured, and our families survive."

The lion said: "Agreed. But if any day no one comes, I shall kill you all." And so each day one animal — an old one, or one weary of life, or one broken by grief — presented itself.

One day it was a rabbit's turn. He went thinking: "Death is certain now; only wit can help. Why should I hurry?" He walked slowly on purpose and arrived long after the lion's dinner hour.

Burning with hunger, the lion roared: "Wretched rabbit! Small to begin with, and late as well! I will kill you today and every animal in this forest tomorrow."

The rabbit bowed humbly. "Master, the fault is neither mine nor the animals'. Hear the reason. Five of us were sent today for your meal. On the road another lion came out and seized four of them. I said, 'We are going to our master Bhasuraka for his food.' He answered, 'This forest is mine; Bhasuraka is a thief. Let every creature swear to me instead. Call that Bhasuraka — whichever of us proves the stronger shall be king here, and shall eat.' He sent me here on his orders; that is why I am late."

The lion blazed up: "Where is this thief? Show me! Let me kill him and be at peace." The rabbit said: "Master, he keeps to a fortress — and an enemy inside a fort is hard to reach. But come, I will show you."

The rabbit led him to a deep well and said: "Master, this is his fort; look inside." The foolish lion peered into the water — and saw his own reflection. Taking it for the rival, he let out a terrible roar; the well threw back an echo greater than his own. Now he had no doubt at all. In fury he sprang at his own image, fell into the well, and died there.

The rabbit went home well pleased. All the animals counted him their saviour, and lived in that forest without fear.

यस्य बुद्धिर्बलं तस्य निर्बुद्धेस्तु कुतो बलम् । वने सिंहो मदोन्मत्तः शशकेन निपातितः ॥

Moral: Strength belongs to the one who has wit; where is strength for the witless? In the forest a lion drunk on his own power was brought down by a rabbit.

From the Panchatantra, Book I — The Loss of Friends.