ANDROCLES AND THE LION

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 33, 2 November 1929, Page 28

ANDROCLES AND THE LION

Early one morning in the first century A.D., a weary man came to. a cave in an African desert, and, flinging himself on the ground, fell into a sound sleep. This poor man was a Roman slave named Androcles, who had been carried from Rome to Northern Africa. His master was very cruel, and he had watched his chance to make his escape through the darkness. Suddenly he was awakened' by a terrible roar, and starting up, he beheld a huge lion standing at the entrance to the cave. He had been sleeping in the lion’s den. There was no way of escape; the 'beast barred the way. Terror-stricken, he waited for it to spring upon him, and tear him to pieces. But the lion did not move. It stood there moaning and licking its paws. Then Androcles noticed that one paw was-pierced by'-a great thorn, and that blood was flowing'from the wound. Seeing the poor animal in pain, he forgot; his fear, and, taking the paw In his hand, drew out the thorn, and stopped the blood, gi For three years Androcles and the grateful lion lived together in a' cave. They hunted together, ate together, and slept together. But Androcles longed to be once more among his felljw-men, and he left the lion’s den. Very soon he was caught by some soldiers and sent to Rome. In those days the Romans were very cruel to'runaway slaves; they ordered them to be thrown into the arena to fight with wild beasts for the public amusement. Androcles was pushed into the arena, which was surrounded by crowds of people. A lance was thrust into his hand, and he was told to defend himself against a powerful lion, which bad been kept without food for several days in order < make it more ferocious. Androcles shook with fear as the cage was opened, and the lion sprang c t with a terrible roar. But instead of'rushing upon him, it. showed itself friendly, and began to lick his hands. Then he saw it was the very liou that had been his companion in the cave. Audrocles leaned against the lion’s mane and wept.

All the people marvelled at this strange sight. The Emperor-sent for Androclc--'. and when he heard his story set him free, and presented him with a large" sum of money. After that, whenever Androcles walked 'through the streets of Rome, and wherever else he wandered, the faithful lion always followed him about just like a dos.