Aesop's Fables
A
PANTHER, by some
mischance, fell into a
pit. The
Shepherds discovered him, and some threw
sticks at him and pelted him with
stones, while others, moved with
compassion towards one about to die even though no one should hurt him, threw in some food to prolong his life. At night they returned
home, not
dreaming of any danger, but supposing that on the
morrow they would find him dead. The Panther, however, when he had
recruited his feeble
strength, freed himself with a sudden bound from the pit, and hastened to his
den with rapid steps. After a few days he came forth and
slaughtered the
cattle, and, killing the Shepherds who had attacked him, raged with angry fury. Then they who had
spared his life, fearing for their
safety, surrendered to him their
flocks and
begged only for their lives. To them the Panther made this reply: "I remember alike those who sought my life with stones, and those who gave me food. Lay aside, therefore, your fears. I return as an
enemy only to those who
injured me."