The Lion had been badly hurt by the horns of a Goat, which he was eating. He had thick, velvety fur, a meek face, and a look that was very modest, though his eyes were bright and shining. He seized the stick firmly with his teeth, the two Ducks took hold of it one at each end, and away they sailed up toward the clouds. They did not wait for an invitation. No milk and water government for them, they declared. He took care to let all his neighbors know about it, and then lay down in his cave to wait for visitors. At the next turnstile they overtook some women carrying market baskets loaded with vegetables and other things to sell. Then the Stag perceived that the legs of which he was so ashamed would have saved him had it not been for the useless ornaments on his head.
Preparedness for war is the best guarantee of peace.