'Before me! how mean you?'
'I mean,' replied the Crow (and he whispered it in the Lion's ear), 'Crop-ear, the Camel!'
'Now!' said the Lion, and he touched the ground, and afterwards both ears, as he spoke, 'I have given him my pledge for his safety, and how should I slay him?'
'Nay, Sire! I said not slay,' replied the Crow; 'it may be that he will offer himself for food. To that your Majesty would not object?'
'I am parlous hungry,' muttered the Lion.
'Then the Crow went to find the Camel, and, bringing all together before the King under some pretence or other, he thus addressed him:—
'Sire! our pains are come to nothing: we can get no food, and we behold our Lord falling away,
'Of the Tree of State the root
Kings are—feed what brings the fruit.'
Take me, therefore, your Majesty, and break your fast upon me."
'Good Crow,' said the Lion, 'I had liefer die than do so.'