The Tiger and Bat

There was once a wicked King named Simon who enjoyed taking long
walks in the mountains. He would lay in the grass, look at the sky, and
drink his gin. One day as he was doing this particular thing, a tiger
approached him and said, " Hello your majesty. My name in Merewether, I
command you to get up and dance."

The King was startled but he was able to speak, " Uh! Good sir I cannot
dance very well."

" Get up and dance!" Merewether shouted. "Or I will shred you into a
million pieces."

The King decided he would dance his best, and try to make a run to the
nearest stream. He had heard that cats were afraid of water, but was
not for sure if this applied to tigers. It was the chance he would have
to take. He started to dance, but Merewether was not satisfied. "Your
dancing does not quench my anger!" the tiger shouted.

As the tiger began to charge him, the King ran toward the stream, and
jumped in. Merewether laughed, "Your Majesty, the stream will not
protect you. The days of your evil reign have come to an end."

All at once a bat flew between them and said, "Merewether, that is
enough. Leaves us."
Then she turned to the King, "Your Majesty, Get out the water. My name
is Tiffany and I am at your service."

The King stepped out of the stream and said, " I have been coming to
these mountains for several years, but never have I seen any dangerous
talking beast, or bats that fly in the daytime. I must be losing my
mind."

Tiffany landed on a branch and told the King to sit down on a nearby
stump. Then she told him what all this meant. " King Simon, Merewether
the Tiger represents the hearts of those in your kingdom who wish to
put an end to your evil reign."

The King stood up and shouted, " How are dare you to speak to me in
that tone. I am the King of this land, the words you speak are
treasonous."

The bat responded, " King Simon, sit back down. Do you not realize the
power I have.
As you have said how many bats have you seen in daylight. And have you
forgotten that Merewether the Tiger obeys my commands. I recommend you
do the same."

The King obeyed and returned to the stump. Tiffany continued her story,
" I represent those of your citizens who love their nation. They would
fight for their country, but not on your behalf. They wish to keep
their country alive and prevent the rebels from destroying their
nation. But let me remind you that if you continue to send the elderly
in to work your fields and the children to work in your factories, they
will one day permit the rebels to put you to death."

In great fear the King stood up and ran away. He never returned to the
mountains again.
But once he returned to his castle, reforms were instituted
immediately. The elderly were not forced to work in the fields and the
children were sent home from the factories. Also King Simon ordered all
his gin to be poured down the drain.