<P> In the oldest versions , a lion threatens a mouse that wakes him from sleep . The mouse begs forgiveness and makes the point that such unworthy prey would bring the lion no honour . The lion then agrees and sets the mouse free . Later , the lion is netted by hunters . Hearing it roaring , the mouse remembers its clemency and frees it by gnawing through the ropes . The moral of the story is that mercy brings its reward and that there is no being so small that it can not help a greater . Later English versions reinforce this by having the mouse promise to return the lion 's favor , to its sceptical amusement . </P>
the moral of the story of the lion and the mouse
that mercy brings its reward and that there is no being so small that it can not help a greater