Androcles was a slave who escaped from his master and fled to the forest. As he was wandering there, he came upon a lion lying down moaning and groaning. Seeing the Lion in pain, he removed a huge thorn from the beast's paw. After this incident, they lived together as great friends in the forest. Androcles was eventually arrested and condemned to death in the arena. He would be thrown to a lion which was captured and not given food for several days. The Emperor and his courtiers came to see the spectacle. Androcles was lead to the middle of the arena, and so was the hungry lion. The lion roared rushed towards its victim. But, as soon as he came near Androcles, he recognized him and licked his hands like a friendly dog. Everyone was surprised. The emperor heard the whole story and pardoned Androcles and freed the lion to his native forest.

This story brings out the meaning of _________________.