'Very soon the hare got up and said, "Well, as I have another
engagement I will leave you to make acquaintance with your future
husband," and winking at the lion she bounded away.

'The donkey expected that as soon as they were left alone the
lion would begin to speak of their marriage, and where they
should live, but as he said nothing she looked up. To her
surprise and terror she saw him crouching in the corner, his eyes
glaring with a red light, and with a loud roar he sprang towards
her. But in that moment the donkey had had time to prepare
herself, and jumping on one side dealt the lion such a hard kick
that he shrieked with the pain. Again and again he struck at her
with his claws, but the donkey could bite too, as well as the
lion, who was very weak after his illness, and at last a well-
planted kick knocked him right over, and he rolled on the floor,
groaning with pain. The donkey did not wait for him to get up,
but ran away as fast as she could and was lost in the forest.

'Now the hare, who knew quite well what would happen, had not
gone to do her business, but hid herself in some bushes behind
the cave, where she could hear quite clearly the sounds of the
battle. When all was quiet again she crept gently out, and stole
round the corner.

'"Well, lion, have you killed her?" asked she, running swiftly up
the path.

'"Killed her, indeed!" answered the lion sulkily, "it is she who
has nearly killed me. I never knew a donkey could kick like that,
though I took care she should carry away the marks of my claws."