Androcles and the Lion

Androcles wouldn't harm a fly, or any of God's creatures for that matter.  And when he comes across a lion on a jungle path, he risks his own safety to take a thorn from the lion's paw.  Years later, he is sent to face the same lion in the Roman arena.

Shaw's retelling of his old fable is one of his brightest comedies, ranging in style from intelligent wit to knockabout pantomime to serious discussion of love and sacrifice.