the bowman and lion

a very skillful bowman went to the mountains in search of game,

but all the beasts of the forest fled at his approach.

the lion

alone challenged him to combat.

the bowman immediately shot out

an arrow and said to the lion:

"i send thee my messenger, that

from him thou mayest learn what i myself shall be when i assail

thee."

the wounded lion rushed away in great fear, and when a fox

who had seen it all happen told him to be of good courage and not

to back off at the first attack he replied:

"you counsel me in

vain; for if he sends so fearful a messenger, how shall i abide

the attack of the man himself?’

be on guard against men who can strike from a distance.