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'
Accordingly they repaired to the Lion.
'Hast brought me food, fellow?' growled the Rajah.
'None, may it please you,' said the Crow.
'Must we starve, then?' asked his Majesty.
'Not unless you reject the food before you, Sire,' rejoined the Crow.
'Before me! how mean you?'
'I mean,' replied the Crow (and he whispered it in the Lion's ear),
'Crop-ear, the Camel!'
'Now!' said the Lion, and he touched the ground, and afterwards both
ears, as he spoke, 'I have given him my pledge for his safety, and how
should I slay him?'
'Nay, Sire! I said not slay,' replied the Crow; 'it may be that he will
offer himself for food. To that your Majesty would not object?'
'I am parlous hungry,' muttered the Lion.
'Then the Crow went to find the Camel, and, bringing all together before
the King under some pretence or other, he thus addressed him:--
'Sire! our pains are come to nothing: we can get no food, and we behold
our Lord falling away,
'Of the Tree of State the root
Kings are--feed what brings the fruit.'
Take me, therefore, your Majesty, and break your fast upon me.


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