The Making of a Lion

Abstract

One of twenty in the series, found near the counter as we were settling up a large order of books. Sixteen pages with standard computer art. This is a fine story, too seldom retold. Four friends have learned a good deal of wisdom, apparently, and after their training they are heading for their home village when they come across the scattered bones of a dead lion. One suggests that they test their knowledge and bring the lion back to life. He assembles the bones into a skeleton and chants some mantras. The second chants some mantras and puts skin, flesh, and blood into the skeleton. The third starts to chant mantras to put life into the animal when the fourth intervenes and urges them to stop. They charge ahead, while he climbs into a nearby tree. As soon as the lion comes back to life, he roars and devours all three of the remaining learned men. Knowledge must be used wisely.