Androcles & the lion drawn by John Dickson Batten. Taken from Europa’s Fairy Book
Androcles & the lion drawn by John Dickson Batten. Taken from Europa’sFairy Book by J. Jacobs, N. Y., London,c.1916.Inone version of the folk tale (originally Roman) Androcles takes shelter in a cave, which turns out tobe the den of a wounded lion, from whose paw he removes a large thorn. Ingratitude, the lion becomes tame towards him and henceforward shares his food withAndrocles. Afterthree years, Androcles is imprisonedas a fugitive and sent to Rome.There he is condemned to be devoured by wild lions in the Circus Maximus inthe presence of emperor, Caligula. The most imposing of the beasts turns out tobe the very same lion, which displays it’s affection and protects him. Afterquestioning him, the emperor Caligulapardons Androcles in recognition of this testimonyto the power of friendship, and Androcles is able to leave with his lion. -- source link
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