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.  As he came near, the 

Lion put out 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 the thorn and bound up 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 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.