A Wolf's Friendship Lasts Until the Lamb Is Eaten
Long ago, in a green valley where clear springs murmured, there lived a mighty bull. With his glossy black coat and sharp horns, the bull was the pride of the pasture. But deep in the valley, inside a dark cave, a crafty and hungry lion lay in wait. The sharp-clawed lion knew very well that he could never beat such a bull alone. So he thought up a cunning plan to lure the bull into a trap. One morning the lion came close to the bull with a false smile on his face.
"Dear friend, today I hunted a tender lamb, and I invite you to my feast," he said. The bull was surprised by this unexpected friendly invitation, but then he politely accepted. When the sun stood at its highest, the bull reached the lion's grand cave with curiosity. As he stepped inside, he noticed that no lamb meat could be seen anywhere. Instead, huge cauldrons, sharp knives and great piles of firewood had been made ready. The bull paused, because those enormous pots were far too big for a little lamb.
Seeing that the cauldrons matched his own heavy body, he understood who the real prey was. Without making a single sound, the clever bull turned around and walked slowly out of the cave. The lion called after him, "Why are you leaving, when our feast has not even begun?" The bull turned and said firmly, "These preparations are not for a lamb, but for a bull." Running like the wind, he plunged into the deep forest and escaped the cunning trap. Those who are not fooled by an enemy's sweet words and false friendship sense the danger early and save their lives. A wolf's friendship lasts only until the lamb has been eaten.