the forest.}  As he was wandering about there he came {upon a Lion} lying 

down moaning and groaning.  {At first} he turned to flee, but finding that the 

Lion did not pursue him, he turned back and went up {to him.}^#1  As he came 

near, the Lion put out^#2 his paw, which was all swollen and bleeding, and 

Androcles found that a huge thorn had got {into it,} and was causing all the 

pain.  He pulled out^#3 the thorn and bound up^#4 the paw {of the Lion,}

who was soon able to rise and lick the hand {of Androcles} {like a dog.} 

Then the Lion took Androcles {to his cave,} and every day used to bring him 

meat {from which} to live.  But shortly afterwards both Androcles and the 

Lion were captured, and the slave was sentenced to be thrown {to the Lion,}

after the latter had been kept {without food} {for several days.}  The 

Emperor and all his Court came to see the spectacle, and Androcles was led 

out^#5 {into the middle} {of the arena.}  Soon the Lion was let loose {from 

his den,} and rushed bounding and roaring {towards his victim.}  But as soon 

as he came near {to Androcles} he recognised his friend, and fawned {upon 

him,} and licked his hands {like a friendly dog.}  The Emperor, surprised {at 

this,} summoned Androcles {to him,} who told him the whole story. 

Whereupon the slave was pardoned and freed, and the Lion let loose {to his 

native forest.}

     Gratitude is the sign {of noble souls.}