Once upon a time, there was a Slave named  Androcles, who escaped from his master and fled to the forest. As Androcles was wandering about he saw a Lion moaning and groaning. He turned to flee but found that the lion did not follow him, he turned back and found that the lion had a thorn in its paw and was causing all the pain. He pulled the thorn out and bandaged the paw of the lion which was soon able to stand up and lick Androcles hand like a dog. 

Then the lion took Androcles to his cave and brought back meat each day so they could live.

Not that long afterwards Androcles and the lion were captured, and Androcles was sentenced to be eaten by the lion after the lion had been kept without food for several days. The Emperor and all his court came to see the spectacle and Androcles was led into the middle of the arena.