The Ass and the Lion's Skin

A member of the State Militia stood at a street corner, scowling stormily. The people passing by went far out of their way to avoid him, their minds filled with thoughts of the horrors of war.

However, in an effort to terrify them even further, he strode toward them with determination. Unfortunately, his sword became entangled with his legs, and he stumbled, falling dramatically onto the ground—a field of glory, or so he imagined.

As he lay there, the people continued to pass by, blissfully unaware of his plight, singing their sweetest songs as they moved on with their lives.