When a Tree Falls, Many Come to Chop It
Once upon a time, in the heart of a deep forest where shady trees whispered, there was an old lion. This proud ruler, who for years had struck fear into all the animals around him, had now grown very old and lost his strength. The lion, who once made the mountains tremble with his roar, lay on a damp rock because he had no strength left to move. The dwellers of the forest, seeing him in this helpless state, slowly began to gather around him. The animals that had fled from the lion when he was strong now came proudly towards him. First a wild boar with sharp tusks rushed forward in anger and bit the old lion harshly.
Then a huge bull with pointed horns came and struck a cruel blow to the lion's side. The powerless king groaned in pain, but he could not find the strength to defend himself. The lion, with nothing left of his old glory, only looked at those around him with deep, sorrowful eyes. An old donkey, known for his cowardice, saw his chance and boldly leapt forward as well. "I too will show my strength to this great king!" he shouted proudly. The donkey turned his back and dealt a violent kick to the helpless lion's forehead.
The other weak animals of the forest watched this cruel deed and clapped with joy. The old lion, badly wounded, lifted his head with one last effort. "That those who bowed before me when I was strong should now hurt me is more bitter than death," he said deeply. This magnificent leader, whom everyone once respected, understood that he had become the plaything of cowards. As he slowly closed his eyes, he sighed for the last time at the silent forest he had once ruled. Alone and broken-hearted, he ended his proud life there with his last breath. Those who lose their power cannot escape becoming the target even of the helpless who once feared them. When the tree falls, many come with axes.