152 GRATITUDE.

to be thrown into the circus, where a large
and fierce lion, just brought from the wilds
of Africa, was in readiness to devour him.
There was a large audience to witness the
scene; judge of the surprise of all present,
when the lion which rushed upon Androcles
at first, no sooner put his paws upon him,
than his rage abated, and he crouched fawn-
ing at his feet! It was the very lion whose
wounded foot Androcles had healed. The
lion knew his benefactor, and displayed his
gratitude. Alas, alas! this untutored savage
of the forest showed a better feeling than has
sometimes been exhibited by human beings
toward their benefactors, even in cases where
they have enjoyed the light of Christianity.