rue enough, and, as I said before, I
do not pretend to the possession of strength. But this tiny thing that
I know of is not likely to have been at your feast."

"What may this tiny thing be that is so dreadful?" asked the Lion,
sneeringly.

"The Serpent," answered the Goat, chewing his cud with an indifferent
air.

"The Serpent!" said the Lion, astounded. "What, that crawling reptile,
which feeds on mice and sleeping birds--that soft, vine-like, creeping
thing that coils itself in tufts of grass, and branches of bush?"

"Yes, that is its name and character clearly."

"Why, my weight alone would tread it until it became flat like a smashed
egg."

"I would not try to do so if I were you. Its fangs are sharper than
your great corner teeth or claws."

"Will you match it against my strength?"

"Yes."

"And if you lose, what will be the forfeit?"

"If you survive the fight, I will be your slave, and you may command me
for any purpose you please. But what will you give me if you lose?"

"What you please."

"Well, then, I will take one hundred bunches of bananas; and you had
better bring them here alongside of me, before you begin."

"Where is this Serpent that will fight with me?"

"Close by. When you have brought the bananas he will be here, waiting
for you."

The Lion stalked proudly away to procure the bananas, and the Goat
proceeded into the bush, where he saw Serpent drowsily coiled in many
coils on a slender branch.

"Serpent," said the Goat, "wake up. Lion is raging for a fight with
you. He has made a bet of a hundred bunches of bananas that he will be
the victor, and I have pledged my life that you will be the strong one;
and, hark you, obey my hints, and my life is safe, and I shall be
provided with food for at least three moons."

"Well," said Serpent, languidly, "what is it that you wish me to do?"

"Take position on a bush about three cubits high, that stands near the
scene where the fight is to take place, and when Lion is ready, raise
your crest high and boldly, and ask him to advance near you that you may
see him well, because you are short-sighted, you know. And he, full of
his conceit and despising your slight form, will advance towards you,
unwitting of your mode of attack. Then fasten your fangs in his
eyebrows, and coil yourself round his neck. If there is any virtue left
in your venom, poor Lion will lie stark before long."

"And if I do this, what will you do for me?"