A LION came across a Hare, who was fast asleep. —
一只狮子遇到了一只正在熟睡的野兔。 —

He was just in the act of seizing her, when a fine young Hart trotted by, and he left the Hare to follow him. —
狮子正想抓住野兔，这时一只漂亮的年轻雄鹿从旁边跑过，于是它放下了野兔去追赶雄鹿。 —

The Hare, scared by the noise, awoke and scudded away. —
被声音吓醒的野兔惊慌地跑开了。 —

The Lion was unable after a long chase to catch the Hart, and returned to feed upon the Hare. On finding that the Hare also had run off, he said, “I am rightly served, for having let go of the food that I had in my hand for the chance of obtaining more.”
狮子在长时间的追逐后无法捉住雄鹿，于是回来打算吃野兔。但发现野兔也跑掉了，于是它说：“我活该，把手里的食物放开换取更多的机会。”