The little boy went to church with his mother, and when they came back he was very hungry. But the feast-table was not yet spread, for the starosta and the older children were still in the fields pulling stubble. The grandmother was not in the fields, for the day was too cold, so the little boy went into her room. She had on her festival clothes in honor of the feast, but she was spinning as usual and humming a little song.
“I’m so hungry, grandmother,” said the little boy.
“Would you spoil the feast by eating now?” asked the grandmother. “The best way is to forget all about being hungry till the feast begins.”
“How can I forget?” asked the little boy. “My mouth cries ‘food!’”
“If little grandmother puts a story in your ears will your mouth cease crying?” asked the grandmother.
“Oh, yes, yes!” cried the little boy.
So grandmother told the story of
THE SICK LION
Once upon a time a Lion lay sick in his den. Master Petz, the Bear, called to pay his respects; whereupon the Lion thus spoke: