When at last they arrived the lion was sitting up at the entrance , looking very pale and thin . The donkey suddenly grew shy and hung her head , but the lion put on his best manners and invited both his visitors to come in and make themselves comfortable . ` Very soon the hare got up and said , `` Well , as I have another engagement I will leave you to make acquaintance with your future husband , '' and winking at the lion she bounded away . ` The donkey expected that as soon as they were left alone the lion would begin to speak of their marriage , and where they should live , but as he said nothing she looked up . To her surprise and terror she saw him crouching in the corner , his eyes glaring with a red light , and with a loud roar he sprang towards her . But in that moment the donkey had had time to prepare herself , and jumping on one side dealt the lion such a hard kick that he shrieked with the pain . Again and again he struck at her with his claws , but the donkey could bite too , as well as the lion , who was very weak after his illness , and at last a well-planted kick knocked him right over , and he rolled on the floor , groaning with pain . The donkey did not wait for him to get up , but ran away as fast as she could and was lost in the forest . ` Now the hare , who knew quite well what would happen , had not gone to do her business , but hid herself in some bushes behind the cave , where she could hear quite clearly the sounds of the battle . When all was quiet again she crept gently out , and stole round the corner . ' `` Well , lion , have you killed her ? '' asked she , running swiftly up the path . ' `` Killed her , indeed ! '' answered the lion sulkily , `` it is she who has nearly killed me . I never knew a donkey could kick like that , though I took care she should carry away the marks of my claws . '' ' `` Dear me ! Fancy such a great fat creature being able to fight ! '' cried the hare . `` But do n't vex yourself . Just lie still , and your wounds will soon heal , '' and she bade her friend , good bye , and returned to her family .
` Two or three weeks passed , and only bare places on the donkey 's back showed where the lion 's claws had been , while , on his side , the lion had recovered from his illness and was now XXXXX strong as ever .
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