‘Are you not thirsty?’ said the Lion.

‘I’m dying of thirst,’ said Jill.

‘Then drink,’ said the Lion.

‘May I – could I – would you mind going awaywhile I do?’ said Jill.

The Lion answered this only by a look and a very low growl…

‘I daren’t come and drink.’ said Jill.

‘Then you will die of thirst.’ said the Lion.

‘Oh dear,’ said Jill, coming another step nearer. ‘I suppose I must go and look for another stream then.’

‘There is no other stream.’ said the Lion.

C.S. Lewis The Silver Chair, ch. 2