The fox and the horse 

A peasant had a faithful horse which had grown old and could do no more work** so his master no longer wanted to give him anything to eat and said** "I can certainly make no more use of you** but still I mean well by you** and if you prove yourself still strong enough to bring me a lion here** I will maintain you. But for now get out of my stable." And with that he chased him into the open field. 

The horse was sad** and went to the forest to seek a little protection there from the weather. There the fox met him and said** "Why do you hang your head so** and go about all alone?" 

"Alas**" replied the horse** "greed and loyalty do not dwell together in one house. My master has forgotten what services I have performed for him for so many years** and because I can no longer plow well** he will give me no more food** and has driven me out." 

"Without giving you a chance?" asked the fox. 

"The chance was a bad one. He said** if I were still strong enough to bring him a lion** he would keep me** but he well knows that I cannot do that." 

The fox said** "I will help you. Just lie down** stretch out as if you were dead** and do not stir." 

The horse did what the fox asked** and then the fox went to the lion** who had his den not far off** and said** "A dead horse is lying out there. Just come with me** and you can have a rich meal." 

The lion went with him** and when they were both standing by the horse the fox said** "After all** it is not very comfortable for you here —— I tell you what —— I will fasten it to you by the tail** and then you can drag it into your cave and eat it in peace." 

This advice pleased the lion. He positioned himself** and in order that the fox might tie the horse fast to him** he kept completely quiet. But the fox tied the lion's legs together with the horse's tail** and twisted and fastened everything so well and so strongly that no amount of strength could pull it loose. When he had finished his work** he tapped the horse on the shoulder and said** "Pull** white horse** pull!" 

Then up sprang the horse at once** and pulled the lion away with him. The lion began to roar so that all the birds in the forest flew up in terror** but the horse let him roar** and drew him and dragged him across the field to his master's door. When the master saw the lion** he was of a better mind** and said to the horse** "You shall stay with me and fare well." And he gave him plenty to eat until he died.