The Lion, the Mouse, and the Cat

A lion was troubled by a tiny mouse who nibbled his mane while he slept. The lion could not catch such a small creature, so he invited a cat to live nearby.

The cat's presence frightened the mouse into hiding. The lion slept peacefully. For some time he fed the cat well and treated her as useful.

When the mouse no longer appeared, the lion stopped feeding the cat. The cat left hungry, thinking, "Some rulers value service only while the danger is visible."