The Lion and the Dolphin
A lion was roaming on the seashore when, seeing a dolphin basking on the surface of the water, he invited him to form an alliance with him; "For," said he, "as I am the king of the beasts, and you are the king of the fishes, we ought to be the greatest friends and allies possible."
The dolphin gladly assented and the lion, not long after, having a fight with a wild bull, called upon the dolphin for his promised support. But when he, though ready to assist him, found himself unable to come out of the sea for the purpose, the lion accused him of having betrayed him.
"Do not blame me," said the dolphin in reply, "but blame my nature, which however powerful at sea, is altogether helpless on land."