A lion once rested in the shade of a huge banyan tree which was also the abode of a little mouse. When the mouse first saw the gigantic lion, it was completely awed by its size. The luxuriant mane fascinated the mouse. When the lion slept, and was in the mouse deep slumber, the mouse took the liberty of playing around on its back for quite sometime. But as luck would have it, the mouse slipped from the majestic forehead of the lion and fell right between its paws. The lion was amused at finding the mouse. As the mouse regained its balance and tried to flee from the spot, the lion softly placed its paw on the tail of the mouse. Though the lion did not intend to intimidate the little creature, the mouse was completely petrified. It barely managed to mumble out a fervent appeal
"O, king of the beasts - of all breed and creed,
Pray, do not upon me feed,
I am too small to fill your belly,
Besides, it would be too silly,
To kill someone who could be of help in need."
The lion roared with laughter at the hilarious versification and also at the proposition that the mouse would of help to a mighty creature as itself. The lion let the mouse go, who scampered to the safety of its own home. The occasion to return the favour came soon as a few hunters managed to trap the lion in a strong net. The lion's helpless roar brought the mouse out of its hole and the little creature gnawed the strands of the net and set the lion free.
1. gigantic: huge or enormous
A gigantic statue of the leader has been installed on the banks of the river.
2. luxuriant: thick and healthy
During his younger days he had a luxuriant crop of hair on his head.
3. slumber: sleep
After partying whole night he fell into a deep slumber and woke up only at bedtime the following night.
4. majestic: having or displayed great beauty or size
The crowd thronged to the streets to watch the majestic elephant lead the procession of devotees.
5. intimidate: to frighten or threaten
The speed of Muhammed Ali intimidated many of his contemporaries.
6. petrified: so frightened as to be unable to move
The sight of a lady clad in white gown at midnight petrified the tourists.
7. fervent: having passionate intensity
His fervent desire to become an actor brought him to Mumbai.
8. hilarious: very amusing
The hilarious comedy show has the viewers glued to their television sets.
9. scampered: run away quickly
The toddler scampered to its mother when it saw a puppy for the first time.