A thirsty Stag went to a Pool to drink. As he waw his own reflection in the water, he was struck with admiration for his fine antlers, but at the same time felt disgust for the weakness and slenderness of his legs. While he stood there, he was attacked by a Lion; but he drew away from his pursuer, and kept his lead as the ground over which he ran was open and free of trees. But coming to a wood, he was caught by his antlers in the branches, and fell victim to his enemy. "Woe is me!" he cried with his last breath, "I despised my legs, which might have saved my life, but gloried in my horns, which have proved my ruin."
