One day, as Daddy Sheep was going out of the pasture, where he had been grazing on wild thyme, he came to a beautiful river and concluded to quench his thirst. He approached the water, and started to drink, but the terrible reflection he saw there—a frowning face surrounded by wrinkled horns frightened him to such a degree that he scampered home as fast as his legs could carry him.
One day a Tiger, who lived not far from this so-called king of the forest and plain, mustered up courage, and resolved to cultivate the good-will of his powerful neighbor by making him a visit. So he took with him his son, the young Tiger, who was already well grown. While yet at a distance the Tiger saw the powerful Sheep, and saluted him very humbly. Coming nearer, the Tiger, still humble and polite, inquired after the health of Daddy Sheep's family.
"I came, dear neighbor," said Brother Tiger, "to pay you a visit of respect. My good wife would have come also, but she is unavoidably detained at home expecting a visit from a friend, and she is compelled to postpone this pleasure to another day."
"Come in, neighbor—come in!" exclaimed Daddy Sheep. "To whom does this charming child belong?"
"It is my child," said Brother Tiger.
"Then you must accept my sincere congratulations," said Daddy Sheep.
"And your own son?" exclaimed Brother Tiger, with effusive politeness; "how is he?"
"He is very well, I thank you," said Daddy Sheep, "he is in the house."