The Sick Lion, the Fox and the Bear
Once upon a time, an old and mighty lion reigned in a deep valley embraced by thick forests. One day this magnificent ruler was struck by a relentless illness and had to withdraw into his damp cave. All the animals of the forest came before the lion one by one to show their loyalty and offered their wishes for his recovery. But the fox, known for his cunning, had not yet visited the cave, and this did not escape the greedy bear's eye. The bear, watching for his chance, at once began to sow seeds of discord in order to fan the ruler's rage. Bending down, the bear whispered into the lion's ear that the fox had no respect for him and had stayed away on purpose.
Meanwhile the cunning fox, who had come as far as the mouth of the cave and heard those words, prepared a clever plan. Entering with great reverence, the fox knelt before the lion with an air worthy of kings. Roaring with fury, the lion asked the fox why he had delayed so long and where he had been. Keeping his calm, the fox said, my noble ruler, I have wandered from land to land to find a cure for your illness. Hearing the word healing, the sick lion's eyes lit up and he impatiently wished to learn what the remedy was. The fox explained that the wise ones had told him the fresh fur of a living bear was the only cure for this affliction.
He stressed with great gravity that the warm fur would wrap around the lion's body and bring him healing. The sick lion, fearing for his life, threw himself upon the bear beside him without losing a moment. The scheming bear, stunned by what had befallen him, fled out of the cave in pain to save his own skin. The bear fell into his own trap and paid dearly for digging a pit for another. The cunning fox, smiling behind his whiskers, peacefully disappeared into the depths of the forest. Whoever wishes evil upon another becomes in the end the victim of the disaster he prepared himself. He who digs a pit for others falls into it himself first.