When he had done, the old cat said, “Fox, that thing pleaseth me. I should like to learn thy trade, and then I can seek out a master. Wilt thou teach me?” “With pleasure,” I answered: “only put on my collar, and run on boldly in the wheel, you will learn quickly.” “Well, I will try,” said the cat. But first we had to get the collar off my neck, and it cost us some trouble. “Look!” said I: “this thing which hangs upon the collar is called a lock, and that thing which hangs upon the nail there, is called a key. Now, if you put the key into the hole in the lock, and turn it round, the lock will slip off, and the collar will be unfastened; then I can draw it off, and put it on you.” The cat fetched the key, and after many trials, at last managed to put it into the lock properly. “Now,” said I, “take the key between your teeth, and turn it round.” This he did easily; and, when he had drawn the padlock out of the ring of the collar, I trembled for joy. I quickly put the collar upon the cat, however, and turned the key in the padlock. “There,” said I, “now take care to run steadily, and you will find what a merry business it is. Good bye! cat;” and then I sprang through the open window.
“Stop! stop!” cried the cat, terrified; and he tried to spring after me, but found himself held back by the chain which was fastened to the collar; and I heard how he tugged in vain, and mewed pitifully.
But whoever diggeth a ditch for another, is pretty certain to fall into one himself. This proverb was verified in my case; for scarcely had I gained the street, when I was observed by a dog; which chased me so quickly, that I had but little hope of saving myself from his teeth. By chance I took the direction of the market-place, in the middle of which there was a wooden booth, where there were apes, and parrots swinging on long sticks, outside, and a great brown bear kept guard at the entrance. “Brother bear,” I cried, out of breath, “take me under thy protection!” “Just jump in here,” said the bear kindly, and showed me the opening. I did so, and was saved from my enemy; but, to my great astonishment and terror, only to fall into the hands of more dreadful enemies. I found myself in a large room, surrounded on every side by wild animals, imprisoned in iron cages. I endeavored to make my escape, but in my confusion could not find the way out. The master and his men hunted me from one corner to another, till at last I was caught; and what did they with me—can you imagine? I was thrown into the den of a mighty lion: there I lay trembling in deadly fear, when the great king of beasts came slowly up, smelled at me, and then laid himself down quietly as before. When I found that he had no intention of taking away my life, I ventured to approach him very modestly. “I’ll do thee no hurt,” murmured the lion; “be without fear of me.” Then I took courage, seated myself near him, licked his paws, and looked up quite fearlessly into his face. When feeding time came, I had a bone thrown to me also. After our meal, I entertained the lion with merry feats, leaping over him, laying myself down before him, and inviting him to play.
Thus we went on from one day to another, and the lion began to take great pleasure in me. After some time, the dens were placed in great wagons, and conveyed to another town, where the people came in crowds, curious to behold the lion and the Fox.
Though we lived in great harmony, yet, before long, my life became tedious and sorrowful. “Lion,” said I one day, “we must try to obtain our freedom.”
“Well said!” replied lion: “can I break these iron bars which keep us within the den?” “That neither of us can do,” I rejoined; “but, where strength is vain, cunning may succeed. Just let us try; I have a device in my head.”
Now, the master of the menagerie had a tame peacock, which was allowed to go about in perfect liberty; and to secure his assistance formed a part of my plan. The servant whose office it was to feed the animals, was accustomed to slip the bolt only of our den, without locking it. This had not escaped my observation; and the knowledge I had picked up in my servitude with the locksmith, I was able to turn to good account. I therefore said one evening to the peacock, “Now, good friend, do me a little favor, and push back the iron thing at the door.” He did so, and the door opened instantly. “Now for it, lion,” said I, “break out: only take me with you, and protect me.”
The lion had no sooner left the den, and felt that he had once more the free use of his limbs, than he darted towards the entrance.
Almost terrified to death, every body fled out of his way, and the lion and the fox were once more free in open air. But a few leaps, and we were out of the town, and in the broad meadows. Whoever we met, instantly betook themselves to flight; and in a short time we reached a dark, thick forest, in whose shades we rested for the night. The lion wished to remain here; for he felt quite at home under the deep shadow of the great oak-trees: but I advised him to continue his flight. So, very early in the morning, we left the forest, and hastened to a distant woody mountain, which we reached the same day; and there, after devouring some hares, reposed in quiet. But alas! our escape could not remain a secret, nor could we doubt of being actively pursued.
In a few days, a crowd of hunters appeared; we were chased about, and with difficulty saved ourselves by flight to another forest. There neither were we suffered to remain in peace; for the number of our pursuers was constantly increasing, and day and night we were driven before them, from one place of refuge to another.