A MISERABLE SLAVE and THE LION

Once upon a time there was a poor slave called Androclus in Rome. He had a cruel and merciless master. He couldn’t stand his torments anymore and ran away.

He had to stay in a wood not to be found for days, but he was suffering from hunger. He looked for something to eat but couldn’t find. He thought he could die of hunger, but he had nothing to do. He was exhausted and wanted to sleep in a cave that he found. He woke up with a loud roaring while he was sleeping. He thought it could be the beast and didn’t know what to do. Then a lion came into the cave quietly. It was in pain. Androclus understood there was something wrong with its foot and tried to see what happened to its paw. The lion looked into his eyes as if it knew Androclus would help it. When he saw the long and sharp thorn pricked the lion’s paw, he pulled it out by applying a great force. The lion felt relieved and licked his hands happily.

From that day on they became very good friends. They ate together and slept side by side. The life was good for Androclus and the lion soon after, but one day some soldiers, passing through the wood, recognized Androclus in the cave.

They took him back to Rome as they knew who he was. According to Roman Law escaped slaves used to be punished by fighting with hungry lions. When doors opened Androclus was brought in. He could hear the roaring inside and he was shivering with fear. People were cheering mercilessly. When the lion rushed in, Androclus screamed out with happiness. The lion was his old, dearest friend. Then there was a deep hush among the people who were expecting the lion would kill the slave. Androclus threw his arms around the lion’s neck while the lion was lying down peacefully at his feet. When people in the arena learned their worthy story, they wanted freedom for both.

Finally, Androclus got his freedom and the lion was given to him.

Adapted from American Literature Website