a man and a lion were discussing the relative strength of men and lions in general, the man contending that he and his fellows were stronger than lions by reason of their greater intelligence.

"come now with me," he cried to the beast, "and i will soon prove that i am right." so he took him into the public gardens and showed him a statue of hercules overcoming the lion. and tearing him to pieces.

"that is all very well," said the lion, "but it proves nothing, for it was a man who made the statue!"