The Lion and the Mouse

1.18. de leone et mure
Caxton: Of the lyon and of the rat /
The myghty and puyssaunt must pardonne and forgyue to the lytyll and feble / and ought to kepe hym fro al euylle / For oftyme the lytyll may welgyue ayde and help to the grete / wherof Esope reherceth to vs suche a fable Of a lyon whiche slepte in a forest and the rats disported and playd aboute hym / It happed that the rat wente vpon the lyon / wherfore the lyon awoke / and within his clawes or ongles he tooke the rat / And whanne the rat sawe hym thus taken & hold sayd thus to the lyon / My lord pardonne me / For of my deth nought ye shalle wynne / For I supposed not to haue done to yow ony harme ne displaysyre / Thenne thought the lyon in hym self that no worship ne glorye it were to put it to dethe / wherfor he graunted his pardone and lete hym go within a lytell whyle / After this it happed so that the same lyon was take at a grete trappe / And as he sawe hym thus caught and taken / he beganne to crye and make sorowe / And thenne whan the rat herd hym crye / he approched hym & demaunded of hym wherfor he cryed / And the lyon ansuerd to hym / Seest thow not how I am take and bound with this gynne / Thenne sayd the ratte to hym / My lord I wylle not be vnkynde / but euer I shal remembre the grace whiche thou hast done to me / And yf I can I shall now helpe the / The ratte beganne to byte the lace or cord / and so long he knawed it that the lace brake / And thus the lyon escaped /
Therfore this fable techeth vs how that a man myghty and puyssaunt ought to disprayse the lytyll / For somtyme he that can no body hurte ne lette may at a nede gyue help and ayde to the grete
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The Lion and the Mouse

25. THE LION AND THE MOUSE.
A Lion once in kingly pride,
Ranging at will the forest wide,
By accident his paw so dread,
Upon a trembling Mouse was laid,
Which, pleading hard for liberty,
The generous beast at once set free.
It chanced the Lion, after that,
In hunters toils one day was caught:
The Mouse, who heard his roaring noise,
And knew his benefactor's voice,
With teeth so sharp the meshes severed,
And gratefully his friend delivered!
Mercy and gratitude are the ornaments of life. One good turn deserves another. [more info]

The Lion and the Mouse

THE LION AND THE MOUSE. You will find the fable in English on this page; scroll to see if there are multiple English versions. [more info]

The Lion and the Mouse

031. THE LION AND THE MOUSE A Lion was sleeping in his lair, when a Mouse, not knowing where he was going, ran over the mighty beast’s nose and awakened him. The Lion clapped his paw upon the frightened little creature, and was about to make an end of him in a moment, when the Mouse, in pitiable tone, besought him to spare one who had so unconsciously offended, and not stain his honourable paws with so insignificant a prey. The Lion, .smiling at his little prisoner’s fright, generously let him go.
Now it happened no long time after, that the Lion, while ranging the woods for his prey, fell into the toils of the hunters; and finding himself entangled without hope of escape, set up a roar that filled the whole forest with its echo. The Mouse, recognising the voice of his former preserver, ran to the spot, and without more ado set to work to nibble the knot in the cord that bound the Lion, and in a short time set the noble beast at liberty; thus convincing him that kindness is seldom thrown away, and that there is no creature so much below another but that he may have it in his power to return a good office. [more info]

The Lion and the Mouse

6.04. THE LION AND THE MOUSE. This Fable teaches that no one should hurt those of more humble condition.
While a Lion was asleep in a wood, where some Field-Mice were sporting about, one of them by chance leaped upon the Lion as he lay. The Lion awoke and seized the wretched creature with a sudden spring. The captive implored pardon and suppliantly confessed his crime, a sin of imprudence. The Monarch, not deeming it a glorious thing to exact vengeance for this, pardoned him and let him go. A few days after, the Lion, while roaming by night, fell into a trap. When he perceived that he was caught in the snare, he began to roar with his loudest voice. At this tremendous noise the Mouse instantly ran to his assistance, and exclaimed: “You have no need to fear; I will make an adequate return for your great kindness.” Immediately he began to survey all the knots and the fastenings of the knots; and gnawing the strings after he had examined them, loosened the snare. Thus did the Mouse restore the captured Lion to the woods. [more info]

The Lion and the Mouse

01. The Lion and the Mouse A Lion was sleeping in his lair, when a Mouse, not knowing where he was going, ran over the mighty beast's nose and awakened him. The Lion clapped his paw upon the frightened little creature, and was about to make an end of him in a moment, when the Mouse, in pitiable tones, besought him to spare one who had so unconsciously offended, and not stain his honourable paws with so insignificant a prey. The Lion smiling at his little prisoner's fright, generously let him go. Now it happened no long time after, that the Lion, while ranging the woods for his prey, fell into the toils of the hunters; and finding himself entangled without hope of escape, set up a roar that filled the whole forest with its echo. The Mouse, recognising the voice of his former preserver, ran to the spot, and without more ado set to work to nibble the knot in the cord that bound the Lion, and in a short time set the noble beast at liberty; thus convincing him that kindness is seldom thrown away, and that there is no creature so much below another but that he may have it in his power to return a good office. [more info]

Perry 150: The Lion and the Grateful Mouse

I've created an animated gif with the illustrations I've found so far for the fable of The Lion and the Grateful Mouse. Use this link to find out more about these illustrations and the English versions of the fables that go with them:

The Lion and the Mouse

031. THE LION AND THE MOUSE. A lion, faint with heat, and weary with hunting, was laid down to take his repose under the spreading boughs of a thick shady oak. It happened, that while he slept, a company of scrambling mice ran over his back and waked him. Upon which, starting up, he clapped his paw upon one of them, and was just going to put it to death, when the little suppliant implored his mercy in a very moving manner, begging him not to stain his noble character with the blood of so despicable and small a beast. The lion, considering the matter, thought proper to do as he was desired, and immediately released his little trembling prisoner.
Not long after, traversing the forest, in pursuit of his prey, he chanced to run into the toils of the hunters; from whence, not able to disengage himself, he set up a most hideous and loud roar.
The mouse, hearing the voice, and knowing it to be the lion's, immediately repaired to the place and bid him fear nothing, for that he was his friend. Then straight he fell to work, and with his little sharp teeth, gnawing asunder the knots and fastenings of the toils, set the royal brute at liberty. [more info]

The Lion and the Mouse

12. THE LION AND THE MOUSE. A lion, tired with hunting, lay down to rest under an oak-tree. While he slept, a little mouse ran across his back and woke him. In a rage he started up, clapped his paw on her, and would have put her to death straightway. But the little mouse begged for mercy in so sweet and piteous a manner, that the kindly beast let her go.
A few days afterwards, the lion while hunting in the forest was caught in a net put there to entrap him. He fought and struggled to escape; but in vain, the net held him fast, and in despair the lion set up a loud roar.
The grateful mouse, hearing the voice, and knowing it to be that of her friend, ran to the place, and bidding the poor beast have no fear, without more ado she began to nibble at the knots and fastenings of the net. These were strong, but the teeth of the mouse were sharp as steel, and soon knots and fastenings were bitten through and the lion was set free. [more info]

The Lion and the Mouse

023. THE LION AND THE MOUSE. A lion, faint with heat, and weary with hunting, was laid down to take his repose under the spreading boughs of a thick shady oak. It happened, that while he slept, a company of scrambling mice ran over his back and waked him. Upon which, starting up, he clapped his paw upon one of them, and was just going to put it to death, when the little suppliant implored his mercy in a very moving manner, begging him not to stain his noble character with the blood of so despicable and small a beast. The lion, considering the matter, thought proper to do as he was desired, and immediately released his little trembling prisoner.
Not long after, traversing the forest, in pursuit of his prey, he chanced to run into the toils of the hunters; from whence, not able to disengage himself, he set up a most hideous and loud roar.
The mouse, hearing the voice, and knowing it to be the lion's, immediately repaired to the place and bid him fear nothing, for that he was his friend. Then straight he fell to work, and with his little sharp teeth, gnawing asunder the knots and fastenings of the toils, set the royal brute at liberty. [more info]

The Lion and the Mouse

07. THE LION AND THE MOUSE. A Lion was sleeping in his lair, when a Mouse, not looking where he was going, ran over the mighty beast's nose and awakened him. The Lion clapped his paw on the frightened little creature, and was about to make an end of him in a moment, when the Mouse, in pitiable tone, begged him to spare one who had done him wrong without being aware. The Lion looking kindly on his little prisoner's fright, generously let him go.
Now it happened, no long time after, that the Lion, while ranging the woods for his prey, fell into the toils of the hunters; and finding himself entangled without hope of escape, set up a roar that filled the whole forest with its echo. The Mouse, quickly recognising the Lion's voice, ran to the spot, and without more ado set to work to nibble the knot in the cord that bound him, and in a short time, set him free; thus showing him that kindness is seldom thrown away, and that there is no creature so much below another but that he may have it in his power to return a good deed. [more info]

The Lion and the Mouse

001. THE LION AND THE MOUSE. A LION was awakened from sleep by a Mouse running over his face. Rising up angrily, he caught him and was about to kill him, when the Mouse piteously entreated, saying: “If you would only spare my life, I would be sure to repay your kindness.” The Lion laughed and let him go. It happened shortly after this that the Lion was caught by some hunters, who bound him by strong ropes to the ground. The Mouse, recognizing his roar, came and gnawed the rope with his teeth, and set him free, exclaiming:
“You ridiculed the idea of my ever being able to help you, not expecting to receive from me any repayment of your favor; now you know that it is possible for even a Mouse to confer benefits on a Lion.” [more info]

The Lion and the Rat

02.11: THE LION AND THE RAT.
To show to all your kindness, it behoves:
There's none so small but you his aid may need.
I quote two fables for this weighty creed,
Which either of them fully proves.
From underneath the sward
A rat, quite off his guard,
Popp'd out between a lion's paws.
The beast of royal bearing
Show'd what a lion was
The creature's life by sparing—
A kindness well repaid;
For, little as you would have thought
His majesty would ever need his aid,
It proved full soon
A precious boon.
Forth issuing from his forest glen,
T' explore the haunts of men,
In lion net his majesty was caught,
From which his strength and rage
Served not to disengage.
The rat ran up, with grateful glee,
Gnaw'd off a rope, and set him free.
By time and toil we sever
What strength and rage could never.
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The Lion and the Mouse

42. THE LION AND THE MOUSE.
A little Mouse, who chanced to stray
Near where a sleeping Lion lay,
Forgetting all that Prudence taught,
Ventured too rashly - - and was caught.
"O Lion! spare my life, I pray!"
Pleaded the Mouse, "I will repay
Your kindness without fail." And so
The Lion laughed and let him go.
The Mouse, soon after this mishap,
Came on the Lion in a trap,
Bound by strong ropes; without ado
He set to work and gnawed them through.
"A thousand thanks!" the Lion cried.
"You've saved my life and shamed my Pride.
For tho' it 's true I am a King,
Position is not everything.
I owe my life to your quick Wit!"
"Pray," said the Mouse, "don't mention it." [more info]

The Lion and the Mouse

025. THE LION AND THE MOUSE. A Lion was awakened from sleep by a Mouse running over his face. Rising up angrily, he caught him and was about to kill him, when the Mouse piteously entreated, saying: “If you would only spare my life, I would be sure to repay your kindness.” The Lion laughed and let him go. It happened shortly after this that the Lion was caught by some hunters, who bound him by strong ropes to the ground. The Mouse, recognizing his roar, came and gnawed the rope with his teeth, and set him free, exclaiming:
“You ridiculed the idea of my ever being able to help you, not expecting to receive from me any repayment of your favor; now you know that it is possible for even a Mouse to confer benefits on a Lion.”
Moral. In time of need, the weak may help the strong. [more info]

The Lion and the Mouse

11. THE LION AND THE MOUSE. Once when a Lion was asleep a little Mouse began running up and down upon him; this soon wakened the Lion, who placed his huge paw upon him, and opened his big jaws to swallow him. "Pardon, O King," cried the little Mouse: "forgive me this time, I shall never forget it: who knows but what I may be able to do you a turn some of these days?" The Lion was so tickled at the idea of the Mouse being able to help him, that he lifted up his paw and let him go.
Some time after the Lion was caught in a trap, and the hunters who desired to carry him alive to the King, tied him to a tree while they went in search of a waggon to carry him on. Just then the little Mouse happened to pass by, and seeing the sad plight in which the Lion was, went up to him and soon gnawed away the ropes that bound the King of the Beasts. "Was I not right?" said the little Mouse.
Little friends may prove great friends. [more info]

The Lion and the Mouse

10. THE LION AND THE MOUSE. As a Lion lay asleep, a Mouse ran into his mouth. The Lion shut his teeth together and would have eaten him up, but the Mouse begged hard to be let out, saying:—"If you will let me go, I will repay you some day."
The Lion smiled, but let the Mouse out. Not long after, the Mouse had a chance to repay him. The Lion was caught by some hunters and bound with ropes to a tree. The Mouse heard him roar and groan, and ran and gnawed the ropes, so that the Lion got free.
Then the Mouse said:—"You laughed at me once, Lion, as if you could get nothing in return for your kindness to me. But now it is you who owe your life to me." [more info]

The Lion and the Mouse

023. THE LION AND MOUSE. You will find the fable in English on this page; scroll down to see if there are multiple English versions. [more info]

The Mouse and the Lion

07. THE MOUSE AND THE LION.
A poor thing the Mouse was, and yet,
When the Lion got caught in a net,
All his strength was no use.
'Twas the poor little Mouse
Who nibbled him out of the net.
SMALL CAUSES MAY PRODUCE GREAT RESULTS
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The Lion and the Mouse

THE LION AND THE MOUSE. A Lion lay asleep in the forest, his great head resting on his paws. A timid little Mouse came upon him unexpectedly, and in her fright and haste to get away, ran across the Lion's nose. Roused from his nap, the Lion laid his huge paw angrily on the tiny creature to kill her.
"Spare me!" begged the poor Mouse. "Please let me go and some day I will surely repay you."
The Lion was much amused to think that a Mouse could ever help him. But he was generous and finally let the Mouse go.
Some days later, while stalking his prey in the forest, the Lion was caught in the toils of a hunter's net. Unable to free himself, he filled the forest with his angry roaring. The Mouse knew the voice and quickly found the Lion struggling in the net. Running to one of the great ropes that bound him, she gnawed it until it parted, and soon the Lion was free.
"You laughed when I said I would repay you," said the Mouse. "Now you see that even a Mouse can help a Lion."
A kindness is never wasted. [more info]