A controversy prevailed among the beasts of the field as to which of the animals deserved the most credit for producing the greatest number of whelps at a birth.

They rushed clamorously into the presence of the Lioness and demanded of her the settlement of the dispute.

"And you," they said, "how many sons have you at a birth?"

The Lioness laughed at them, and said:

"Why! I have only one; but that one is altogether a thoroughbred Lion."