"What do you think of this?" cried Brother Donkey. "Do you still think you are stronger than I am?"
"No," said Mr. Lion, humbly. "Until to-day I had thought myself the king of animals, but I was mistaken, and the title belongs to you hereafter."
"But even yet," said Brother Donkey, "you do not know what I can do."
"Then," said Mr. Lion, "what can you do that is so extraordinary?"
"Well," replied Brother Donkey, "I can eat thorns."
"Thorns!" exclaimed Mr. Lion. "Do you really mean what you say?"
"Of course," said Brother Donkey, "I am telling you the simple truth."
"I would not dispute your word," said Mr. Lion, "but I am really anxious to see you perform this wonderful feat."
"Do you see the thistles growing over there in that field?" inquired Brother Donkey.
"I do, indeed," said Mr. Lion.