The Gnat and the Lion

by Aesop

A GNAT came and said to a Lion: "I do not in the least fear you, nor are you stronger than I am. For in what does your strength consist? You can scratch with your claws and bite with your teeth - so can a woman in her quarrels. I repeat that I am altogether more powerful than you; and if you doubt it, let us fight and see who will conquer." The Gnat, having sounded his horn, fastened itself upon the Lion and stung him on the nostrils. The lion, trying to crush him, tore himself with his claws, until he punished himself severely.

The Gnat thus prevailed over the Lion, and, buzzing about in a song of triumph, flew away. But shortly afterwards he became entangled in the meshes of a cobweb and was eaten by a spider. He greatly lamented his fate, saying: Woe is me! that I, who can wage war successfully with the hugest beasts, should perish myself from this spider!