A beast/bird war broke out. Asses and Hares came to the field. The Lion, instead of dismissing them, said the Asses could trumpet and Hares carry letters.
Everyone can be of use in war.
JBR Collection
Upon the breaking out of a war between the birds and the beasts, the Lion summoned all his subjects between the ages of sixteen and sixty, to appear in arms at a certain time and place, upon pain of his high displeasure. A number of Hares and Asses made their appearance on the field. Several of the commanders were for turning them off and discharging them, as creatures utterly unfit for service. “Do not be too hasty,” said the Lion; “the Asses will do very well for trumpeters, and the Hares will make excellent letter-carriers.