The Lion and the Mouse

Lyric

Roar! said the lion, big and proud,
Squeak! said the mouse, not loud.

The lion was trapped, oh no, oh no,
The little mouse came to help, you know!

Even the small can help, hooray!
Even the small can save the day!
Even the small can help, hooray!
Kindness finds a way!

The mouse bit the rope, bit by bit,
The lion was free — that’s it!

Even the small can help, hooray!
Even the small can save the day!

Big or tiny, tall or small,
Helping hearts can help us all!

Even the small can help, hooray!
Kindness finds a way! Roar!

THE STORY

The Lion and the Mouse

A mighty Lion was asleep in the forest when a tiny Mouse, not seeing the great beast, ran across his nose and awakened him. The Lion, angered by the disturbance, caught the trembling Mouse with his huge paw and opened his jaws to swallow him. The Mouse, in desperation, begged for his life, pleading, “Spare me, O King! Forgive me this time, and I shall never forget it. Who knows but what I may be able to do you a turn one of these days?”

The Lion was so amused by the idea that such an insignificant creature could ever help the king of beasts that he graciously let the Mouse go. The little mouse scurried away, grateful for the Lion’s mercy, and the Lion returned to his nap, chuckling at the thought.

Some time later, the Lion was caught in a hunter’s net. He struggled with all his strength, but the ropes were too strong, and he could not break free. He let out a roar of anger and despair that echoed through the forest. The little Mouse heard the roar and, recognizing the voice of his preserver, ran to the spot. Without hesitation, he began to gnaw the ropes with his sharp teeth, and before long, he had set the Lion free.

With grateful thanks to the original storyteller, Aesop (c. 620–564 BCE), whose ancient fables have taught wisdom and compassion for centuries. This tale, now in the public domain, reminds us that no act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.