In a dense forest there once ruled a mighty lion named Bhasuraka. He was so proud of his strength that he hunted from morning till night, striking down far more animals than he could ever eat. Terror spread through the forest, and at last all the animals gathered and went to him with folded paws. “Your Majesty,” they pleaded, “if you go on like this, soon no animals will be left at all. Let us send one animal to your den each day as your meal, and you may rest like a true king.” The lazy lion liked the idea and agreed — but he warned that if his food ever failed to arrive, he would destroy them all.
So every day, by turns, one animal walked sorrowfully to the lion's den. One morning the lot fell upon a small, silver-whiskered rabbit. He walked slowly, thinking hard, for he had no wish to be anyone's dinner. An old well by the path caught his eye, and a bright idea lit up his little head. He dawdled along and reached the den long past midday.
Bhasuraka was pacing about, roaring with hunger and rage. “Why are you late, you tiny wretch?” he thundered. The rabbit bowed low and trembled beautifully. “Forgive me, Majesty! Six of us were sent, but on the way another huge lion sprang from his den, calling himself the true king of this forest. He devoured my companions, and I barely escaped to warn you. He even called you a coward!”
The lion burst with fury. “Show me this impostor at once!” The rabbit led him to the old well and pointed inside. “He lives down there, Majesty.” Bhasuraka glared into the deep water and saw his own reflection glaring back. He roared, and the well roared louder in echo. Mad with rage, the lion hurled himself at his rival — and plunged straight into the deep water, never to trouble the forest again. The little rabbit hopped home, and the animals hailed the tiniest among them as their wisest hero.