In a vast, green forest, there lived a mighty Lion. He had two companions, a Fox and a Donkey. One sunny afternoon, the three of them decided to hunt together. After tracking through the thickets for hours, they finally managed to catch a large deer.
Once the hunt was over, the Lion looked at the Donkey and commanded, "You are the one to divide this feast. Make sure everyone gets their fair share."
The Donkey was a very honest and simple creature. He carefully divided the meat into three exactly equal portions: one for the Lion, one for the Fox, and one for himself. When the Lion saw this, his eyes flashed with anger. "Equal portions? I am the King of this forest! How dare you treat me like an ordinary animal!" roared the Lion. In a fit of rage, he struck the Donkey, and the poor creature died instantly.
The Fox, trembling with fear, realized that being honest was not enough to survive. The Lion turned to the Fox and growled, "Now, you divide the rest!"
The Fox knew he had to be smart. He pushed almost all the meat toward the Lion, leaving only a tiny scrap and a small bone for himself. The Lion looked at the pile and asked mockingly, "Why did you divide it so differently from the Donkey?"
The Fox bowed low and replied, "Great King, the Donkey was foolish. He thought equality was important. But I know that your strength and status deserve the very best. I have divided it according to your greatness."
The Lion, pleased with the Fox's cleverness, ate all the meat. After finishing the deer, the Lion grew hungry again and, seeing the Donkey nearby, he ate him as well. The Fox watched from a safe distance, realizing that while the Lion was powerful, he was also unpredictable and dangerous. From that day on, the Fox learned to be very careful about whom he called a friend.
Moral
It is dangerous to be close friends with those who are greedy and lack wisdom.
