the forest.}  As he was wandering about^#1there 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^#2{to him.}  As he came 

near, the Lion put out his paw, which was all^#3 swollen and bleeding, and 

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

pain.  He pulled outthe thorn and bound upthe 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 {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.}