The lion once gave out that he was sick unto death andsummoned the animals to come and hear his last will and testament1. So the goat came to the lion's cave, and stopped there listeningfor a long time. Then a sheep went in, and before she came out acalf came up to receive the last wishes of the lord2 of the beasts. But soon the lion seemed to recover, and came to the mouth of hiscave, and saw the fox, who had been waiting outside for some time. "Why do you not come to pay your respects to me?" Said the lion tothe fox. "I beg your majesty's pardon," Said the fox, "But I noticedthe track3 of the animals that have already come to you; and whilei see many hoof-marks going in, I see none coming out. till theanimals that have entered your cave come out again I prefer toremain in the open air." 
It is easier to get into the enemy's toils4 than out again. 