The Lion and the Clever Rabbit

Once, a fierce and greedy lion named Bhasuraka ruled over a large forest. He was so strong that he hunted many animals every day, even when he wasn't hungry. The animals were terrified and decided to make a deal with him. "O King," they said, "if you stop hunting us all at once, we promise to send one animal to your den every day for your meal." The lion agreed, warning them that if an animal didn't arrive on time, he would kill everyone in the forest. One day, it was the turn of a small, old rabbit. The rabbit was very wise and didn't want to die. He walked very slowly toward the lion’s den, thinking of a plan. By the time he arrived, the lion was roaring with hunger and anger. "Why are you so late?" the lion roared. The rabbit bowed low and said, "Please forgive me, My Lord. On my way here, another lion stopped me. He claimed he was the true king of this forest! I barely escaped to reach you." Bhasuraka was furious. "Another lion? Take me to him at once!" The rabbit led the lion to a deep, clear well. "He is hiding inside this fortress," the rabbit whispered. The lion looked into the well and saw his own reflection in the water. Thinking it was the rival lion, he let out a mighty roar. The reflection "roared" back with an echo. In a fit of rage, the lion jumped into the well to attack his enemy. Since the well was deep and the walls were slick, he could not get out. The clever rabbit hopped back to the other animals and told them they were finally free.