our daughter is a tender young thing, and we fear that in the
vehemence of your affection you might possibly do her some injury.
Might I venture to suggest that your Majesty should have your
claws removed, and your teeth extracted, then we would gladly
consider your proposal again." The Lion was so much in love that
he had his claws trimmed and his big teeth taken out. But when he
came again to the parents of the young girl they simply laughed in
his face, and bade him do his worst.

Love can tame the wildest.



The Bundle of Sticks


An old man on the point of death summoned his sons around him
to give them some parting advice. He ordered his servants to
bring in a faggot of sticks, and said to his eldest son: "Break
it." The son strained and strained, but with all his efforts was
unable to break the Bundle. The other sons also tried, but none
of them was successful. "Untie the faggots," said the father,
"and each of you take a stick." When they had done so, he called
out to them: "Now, break," and each stick was easily broken. "You
see my meaning," said their father.

Union gives strength.