A skillful archer¹, coming into the woods, directed his arrows so successfully that he slew² many wild beasts, and pursued several others. This put the whole savage³ kind into a fearful consternation⁴, and made them fly to the most retired⁵ thickets⁶ for refuge. At last, the Tiger resumed courage, and, bidding them not be afraid, said that he alone would engage the enemy; telling them they might depend upon his valor⁷ and strength to revenge their wrongs. In the midst of these threats, while he was lashing⁸ himself with his tail, and tearing up the ground for anger, an arrow pierced his ribs⁹, and hung by its barbed point in his side. He set up an hideous¹⁰ and loud roar, occasioned by the anguish¹¹ which he felt, and endeavored to draw out the painful dart¹² with his teeth; when the Fox, approaching him, inquired with an air of surprise who it was that could have strength and courage enough to wound so mighty¹³ and valorous a beast! "Ah!" says the Tiger, "I was mistaken in my reckoning: it was that invincible¹⁴ man yonder."

There is always some vulnerable point in the strongest armor.