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 (DO), he turned back and went up {to him.}  As he 

came near, the Lion put out his paw (DO), which was all swollen and 

bleeding^#1, and Androcles found^#2 that a huge thorn had got {into it,} and 

was causing all the pain (DO).  He pulled out the thorn (DO) and bound up

the paw (DO) {of the Lion,}who was soon able (PA) to rise and lick the hand {of 

Androcles} {like a dog.} Then the Lion took Androcles (DO) {to his cave,} and 

every day used to bring him (IO) meat (DO) {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^#3 {from his den,} and rushed bounding and roaring {towards his victim.}  But

as soon as he came near {to Androcles} he recognised his friend (DO), and 

fawned {upon him,} and licked his hands (DO) {like a friendly dog.}  The 

Emperor, surprised {at this,} summoned Androcles (DO) {to him,} who told 

him (IO) the whole story (DO). Whereupon the slave was pardoned and freed, 

and the Lion let loose^#4 {to his native forest.}

     Gratitude is the sign (PN) {of noble souls.}