L'Estrange's translation (1692)
A STAG AND A LYON
A Stag that was close Pursu’d by the Huntsmen, fled for Safety into a Lyon’s Den; and as he was just Expiring under the Paw of the Lyon: Miserable Creature that I am, says he, to fly for Protection from Men, to the most Unmerciful of Beasts.
THE MORAL. There are Harder and Gentler Ways, even of Ruin it self; as ‘tis Common we see for Men under a Capital Sentence to Petition even for the Charge of the Death.
Townsend's translation (1887)
The Doe and the Lion
A Doe hard pressed by hunters sought refuge in a cave belonging to a Lion. The Lion concealed himself on seeing her approach, but when she was safe within the cave, sprang upon her and tore her to pieces. "Woe is me," exclaimed the Doe, "who have escaped from man, only to throw myself into the mouth of a wild beast?"
- In avoiding one evil, care must be taken not to fall into another.
