Soon the lion was let loose from his den
and rushed bounding and roaring toward its victim
But as soon as he come near to Androcles
he recognized his friend,
and fawned upon him,
and licked his hands like a friendly dog,
The Emperor, surprised at his,
summoned Androcles to him,
who told him the whole story.
Whereupon the slave was pardoned and freed,
and the lion let loose to his native forest.