# The Fox and the Lion

- Source: The Aesop for Children (aesop.gutenberg.org), Public domain, Aesop, pictures by Milo Winter, 1919, via Project Gutenberg
- Reading level: Grades 3 and 4
- Subjects: Stories, Animals
- Topics: lion, before, look, time, acquaintance, away
- Length: 93 words, about 1 min
- Original: <https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/19994>
- Page: <https://sprout.rootsofreason.org/r/aesop/aesop-56-the-fox-and-the-lion>
- Open in Sprouts: <https://sprout.rootsofreason.org/?read=aesop/aesop-56-the-fox-and-the-lion>

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A very young Fox, who had never before seen a Lion, happened to meet one in the forest. A single look was enough to send the Fox off at top speed for the nearest hiding place.

The second time the Fox saw the Lion he stopped behind a tree to look at him a moment before slinking away. But the third time, the Fox went boldly up to the Lion and, without turning a hair, said, "Hello, there, old top."

Familiarity breeds contempt.

Acquaintance with evil blinds us to its dangers.

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## Picture credits

- Milo Winter, Public domain (<https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/19994>)