3. The Archer and the Lion

An archer, known for his skill with bow and arrow, went to the mountains in search of game (猎物). When he entered the wilderness (野外), all the beasts of the forest became terrified and took flight. Only the lion challenged him to combat, whereupon the archer immediately launched (发射) an arrow and cried out, “My messenger has something to say to you!” 

The lion was wounded in the side, and smarting with pain , he fled deep into the thickets (灌木). When a fox saw him running away, however, he encouraged him to turn and face his enemy. 

“No,” said the lion, “there’s no way you can persuade (劝说) me to fight. Just think, if a mere messenger can do as much damage as he’s already done, how shall I withstand (抵御) the attack of the man who sent him?” 

It is not a very pleasant feeling to have a neighbor who can easily strike from a distance.