The Rights Of Hospitality


A native Moor who went to hunt the lion, having proceeded far into a

forest, happened to meet with two lion's whelps that came to caress him;

the hunter stopped with the little animals, and waiting for the coming of

the sire or the dam, took out his breakfast, and gave them a part. The

lioness arrived unperceived by the huntsman, so that he had not time, or

perhaps wanted the courage, to take to his gun. After having for some time<
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looked at the man that was thus feasting her young, the lioness went away,

and soon after returned, bearing with her a sheep, which she came and laid

at the huntsman's feet.



The Moor, thus become one of the family, took this occasion of making a

good meal, skinned the sheep, made a fire, and roasted a part, giving the

entrails to the young. The lion in his turn came also; and, as if

respecting the rights of hospitality, showed no tokens whatever of

ferocity. Their guest the next day, having finished his provisions,

returned, and came to a resolution never more to kill any of those

animals, the noble generosity of which he had so fully proved. He stroked

and caressed the whelps at taking leave of them, and the dam and sire

accompanied him till he was safely out of the forest.



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