Page 73 - 6th std Eng SL text 2019-20

“O Fox, Leopard and Crow!” he said, “Don’t you see I am
tired and hungry? Go at once and get me some food.”

The ministers had to obey the king. So they went, but not
very far. They sat down under a tree to discuss what to do.

The fox came up with a clever plan. The others agreed to it.
And back they went to the king.

Bowing low, the crow stepped forward first.

“Your Majesty,” he said, “we are sorry that we’ve found
no food. But we can’t let you starve. I am your most faithful
servant and you can eat me. It’ll be my pleasure if I can satisfy
your hunger.”

The fox at once pushed the crow aside and said, “O King!
Please eat me first. I have more flesh than the crow.”

Then the leopard rushed in and said,“I’m even bigger, Your
Majesty. You can eat me first.”

protection : safety from harm
long (v) : want very much

come up with : find; suggest

starve : die of hunger
pounce : make a sudden attack

The camel was deeply moved by the loyalty shown by the
three ministers. He too thought it his duty to offer himself
as food for the king. “Your Majesty,” he said, “these three
ministers of yours can be so useful to you. Therefore, I pray

that you eat me instead.”

Hardly had the camel spoken these words when the three
ministers got ready to pounce on him. But the lion stopped

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