Animals lived in the same forest. We lived well, together. One thing was bad - the king of beasts, Leo, did not allow them to live in peace. Every day he attacked one of them and ate him. Day and night the animals shook with fear - they did not know which of them would be torn to pieces by the Lion tomorrow.
The animals are tired of always trembling for their lives. They gathered and began to hold council. What to think of, what to do so as not to live in constant fear - you die once, but expect death every hour!
They judged, judged and decided: to determine the tribute to Leo and send the beast to him themselves - each in his own turn.
The decision was reported to Lev. The king of beasts agreed, but only with a persuasion:
“If you’re even a little late, blame yourself, I’ll tear everyone to pieces!” The animals began to pay tribute to Leo every day.
Now it’s the hare’s turn to go.
“I’ll go, but I won’t let myself be eaten.” And I will deliver you all from the insatiable ruler! - says the hare.
Animals laugh:
- Look how the cowardly little bunny has boasted and become brave! They just laughed in vain.
The hare did not come to Leo on time. The Lion got hungry and wanted to rush into the forest and tear every last one of the animals to pieces, but then a hare appeared.
-Where have you been, scoundrel? - Lev growled.
“Almighty lord,” the hare humbly began, “I was leading a wolf to you, and on the way we met another lion.” He grabbed the wolf and dragged him into the pit.
- In what hole?! Come on, show it to me!
The Hare led the Lion to a deep hole with water and said:
- This is where your offender jumped!
The Lion grabbed the hare so that it would not run away, and bent over the hole.
The Lion sees that the hare did not deceive. There really is a lion sitting in the dark depths. He looks at him menacingly, his eyes sparkle, and he holds a hare in his paws!
The Lion became furious, growled and jumped into the pit to tear the offender to pieces and remained there forever.
And the smart hare rushed into the forest to tell the other animals the joyful
news.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru