The lion and the fox went hunting together. The lion, on theadvice of the fox, sent a message to the ass1, proposing to make analliance between their two families. The ass came to the place ofmeeting, overjoyed at the prospect2 of a royal alliance. But whenhe came there the lion simply pounced3 on the ass, and said to thefox: "Here is our dinner for to-day. watch you here while I goand have a nap. woe4 betide you if you touch my prey5." The lionwent away and the fox waited; but finding that his master did notreturn, ventured to take out the brains of the ass and ate themup. When the lion came back he soon noticed the absence of thebrains, and asked the fox in a terrible voice: "What have you donewith the brains?" "Brains, your majesty6! it had none, or it would never havefallen into your trap." 
Wit has always an answer ready. 