The Camel, when questioned, was able to give a satisfactory account of himself, and the Lion took him into his royal service, under the name of Crop-Ear. Now it happened that the rainy season was very severe, and the Lion became too ill to go hunting. Consequently, there was much difficulty in obtaining sufficient food for the Court. Accordingly, the Courtiers agreed among themselves to persuade the Lion to kill the Camel. "For what interest have we," they asked, "in this Browser of thistles?"
"What indeed!" observed the Tiger. "But will the King kill him, think you, after giving his promise of protection?"
"When he finds himself starving, he will consent," said the Crow. "Know you not the saying:
Hunger hears not, cares not, spares not; no boon from the starving beg;
When the Snake is pinched with craving, verily she eats her egg."
Accordingly, they presented themselves before the Lion.
"Hast brought me food, fellow?" growled the King.
"None, may it please your Majesty," said the Crow.
"Must we starve then?" asked the Lion.
"Not unless you reject the food that is before you. Sire," rejoined the Crow.
"Before me? What do you mean?"
"I mean," replied the Crow (and hereupon he whispered softly in the Lion's ear), "Crop-Ear, the Camel!"
"Never!" said the Lion, and he stooped and touched the ground, and afterwards both his ears as he spoke, "I have given the Camel my pledge for safety, and how should I slay him?"
"Nay, Sire, I said not slay" replied the Crow. "But it may be
