The Donkey in the Lion Costume

A donkey found a golden lion costume beside a travelling theatre's trunk. Its soft cloth body and fluffy mane looked impressive. The actors had left it out to dry in the sunshine.

Curious, he slipped into the costume and looked at his shadow. The extra mane made him seem much larger. He imagined everyone admiring a grand lion walking across the village green.

He stepped toward the village without explaining that it was a costume. From far away, people and animals mistook the golden shape for a lion. They moved quickly behind their doors and fences.

The donkey enjoyed having the green to himself. He mistook their frightened retreat for respect and felt more important than ever. The borrowed mane fluttered as he lifted his head proudly.

He opened his mouth to make a splendid sound. Instead of a lion's roar, his familiar bray rang through the square. Several villagers paused, recognising the voice beneath the costume at once.

An orange fox came closer and pointed out the donkey's ears peeking from the cloth. The voice had given him away. No painted mask or fluffy mane could change who was underneath.

The donkey felt embarrassed when he saw how much worry he had caused. He removed the costume and apologised. He had wanted admiration, but he had received fear by hiding the truth.

The theatre caretaker thanked him for returning the outfit. Costumes were useful in a play where everyone knew they were pretending. Outside the stage, the same disguise had sent the wrong message.

That evening, the donkey joined a performance as himself. His cheerful bray made the audience smile because it belonged honestly in the story. He did not need to frighten anyone to be noticed.

When the curtain closed, he bowed beside the actor and fox. The costume waited safely in its trunk. A splendid appearance could entertain, but trust depended on what he actually did and said.