`` Good morning , '' said she , bowing politely to the donkey , who lifted her head in surprise . `` Excuse my interrupting you , but I have come on very important business . '' ' `` Indeed , '' answered the donkey , `` it is most kind of you to take the trouble . May I inquire what the business is ? '' ' `` Certainly , '' replied the hare . `` It is my friend the lion who has heard so much of your charms and good qualities that he has sent me to beg that you will give him your paw in marriage . He regrets deeply that he is unable to make the request in person , but he has been ill and is too weak to move . '' ' `` Poor fellow ! How sad ! '' said the donkey . `` But you must tell him that I feel honoured by his proposal , and will gladly consent to be Queen of the Beasts . '' ' `` Will you not come and tell him so yourself ? '' asked the hare . ` Side by side they went down the road which led to the lion 's house . It took a long while , for the donkey was so fat with eating she could only walk very slowly , and the hare , who could have run the distance in about five minutes , was obliged to creep along till she almost dropped with fatigue at not being able to go at her own pace . 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 XXXXX 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 .
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