The Mouse and the Lion

Cast

The Lion
Hunter 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Mice: Cheeps, Nibbles, Pip, Squeaky, Pentay, Hexy, Septo, Otto, Graylet

Cheeps: Boy, look at all these acorns! We're going to have a feast today.

Nibbles: Yes, this old forest is the best place to find treats.

Pip: Well you better keep your eyes open too. Otherwise we'll wind up as a treat for some big hawk or some sneaky weasel.

Squeaky: Oh my goodness! This is wonderful. (runs) Look over here are sunflower seeds. And over here are more acorns.

Pentay: Well quit running around you make me nervous.

Graylet: Yes, quit scurrying around and slow down. The last thing you want to do is attract the attention of some dangerous carnivorous animal.

Pip: Did I ever tell you how dangerous it is to live in the city?

Hexy: No, what is it like?

Pip: Well, I went to visit my cousin who lives in the great city of Athens. He and a whole group of mice live in a large house. There's all kinds of delightful foods to eat -- lettuce, bread crusts, and even cheese.

Septo: Yum, that doesn't sound dangerous, that sounds like paradise.

Pip: But besides good food, there's this wicked monster called a Cat that lives in the house. He's got huge teeth and long claws. This monster weighs 14 pounds and he eats mice.

(Pentay & Hexy squeal)

Otto: 14 pounds, that's gigantic.

Hexy: Well you can keep the city life, I'll stick to my nice safe forest.

Squeaky: Oh boy, here are some grains of wheat. And over by that brown rock, it looks like a huge berry.

Pip: Wait that's not a rock. That's...............that's..................that's

(Lion roars)

Pip: That's a lion! (all mice scream and scatter except Squeaky who is caught by the tail)

Lion: Someone has bitten me on the nose.

Squeaky: Please forgive me, great Lord. But I thought that you were a rock and your nose was a big fat berry.

Lion: So you bit me and disturbed my nap, you pesky little rodent?

Squeaky: It was an accident. Please don't hurt me Mr. Lion. If you let me go, then I promise to do you a favor someday, kind sir.

Lion: Ha, ha, ha! You help me! Why you're just a tiny mouse. Well, you have made me laugh little fellow and for that I shall let go.

Squeaky: Oh thank you, noble Lion. I will keep my promise and you just holler if I can ever be of any service. (exit Squeaky)

Narrator: The little mouse was overjoyed at being spared and was always courteous whenever he saw the kingly lion from then on. The great lion came back each day to the same spot for a nap for it was cool and peaceful under the trees. But one day........

Hunter 1: Shhhhh..................there he is.

Hunter 2: He looks like a fine trophy to me.

(they throw net)

Hunter 3: Hooray, we've caught him.

(Lion roars)

Hunter 4: Watch out for his claws. He's still mad and dangerous.

Hunter 5: Quick, let's drive these stakes into the ground so he can't escape.

Hunter 1: There, that should hold him. Well should we kill him now and sell his skin or do you think we should take him back alive to sell to a circus?

Hunter2: Let's go to town to visit with the animal trainer from Rome. Then we can visit the tanner's leather shop. Whoever offers the best price will get our catch.

Hunter 1: Great idea. (exit)

Lion: No matter who I struggle against the net, there is no escape. I am doomed for sure.

(enter Squeaky)

Squeaky : Great sir, this is a terrible situation. But hold still and I shall help you. (chews) Remember I promised to do you a favor for you some day, and ropes like these are no problem for a great nibbler like myself. (chews) There you go, Mr. Lion.

Lion: Thank you, my dear friend. You have saved my life and taught me a worthy lesson -- no friendship is too small to overlook.

(Curtains)