The Horse, the Lion and the Goats
Once upon a time, at the foot of a vast valley where abundant springs came rushing down, an old and wise horse used to graze. On that fertile land, inquisitive goats that climbed the steep crags kept leaping about merrily. A cunning lion who lived deep in the forest had long been eyeing this well-fed horse. Realizing that his muscle would never be enough against the speed of the horse whose mane streamed in the wind, the lion decided to use his wits. He slipped out from among the bushes where he had been hiding and advanced into the open, wearing almost the air of a friend. In a honeyed tone the lion drew near the horse and began to speak of the healing herbs on the far side of the valley. "My dear friend, do not waste your time in this withering meadow; let me show you where far sweeter grass grows," he said.
The horse noticed the hunger in the lion's eyes and his sly smile, and at once became watchful. Meanwhile, the sharp-witted goats who were watching everything from the sheer rocks above had understood the lion's intent. One of the goats, shouting down from above, cried, "Never follow him, he is a hunter!" Though the lion glanced at the rocks in anger, he let nothing show and went on speaking with the air of a tender physician. "I am only a wise friend who thinks of your health and your comfort," he said, and took one more step. The clever horse lifted his hoof slightly and devised a plan that would utterly ruin the lion's false intent. Keeping his composure, the horse complained of an imaginary thorn in his hind hoof and asked for help.
"If you are such a friend, first pull out this aching thorn stuck in my foot," he said. The heedless lion, believing his morsel was already within easy reach, stepped behind the horse to draw out the thorn. The very moment he bent down, the horse lashed out with all his might and struck the treacherous lion hard on the jaw. While the bewildered beast of prey drew back in pain, the horse galloped away and ran to his freedom. The goats on the crags, for their part, watched with roaring laughter the wretched state the cunning lion had fallen into. Creatures of discernment, who are not deceived by an enemy's sweet words and false friendship, are always safe from danger. The liar's candle burns only till nightfall.