proper to be alarmed by a mere sound, when the cause of the sound is unknown."
The Lion and the Rabbit
He who bath sense hath strength. Where hath he strength who wanteth
judgment? See how a Lion, when intoxicated with anger, was overcome by a
Rabbit.
Upon a certain mountain there lived a Lion, whose name was Durganta,[1] who
was perpetually sacrificing animals to his gods; so that, at length, all the
different species assembled, and, in a body, represented that, as by his present
mode of proceeding the forest would be cleared all at once; if it pleased his
Highness, they would, each of them in his turn, provide him an animal for his
daily food; and the Lion gave, his consent accordingly. So every beast delivered
his stipulated provision, till at length, in coming to the Rabbit's turn he began to
meditate in this manner: "Policy should be practised by him who would save his
life; and I myself shall lose mine, if I do not take care. Suppose I lead him after
another Lion? Who knows how that may turn out for me? Then I will approach
him slowly, as if fatigued."
The Lion by this time began to be very hungry; so, seeing the Rabbit coming
toward him, he called out in a great passion: "What is the reason thou comest so
late?" "Please your Highness," said the Rabbit "as I was coming along, I was
forcibly detained by another of your species; but having given him my word that
I would return immediately I came here to represent it to your Highness." "Go
quickly," said the Lion in a rage, "and show me where this vile wretch may be
found?"
Accordingly the Rabbit conducted the Lion to the brink of a deep well, where
being arrived, "There," said the Rabbit, "look down and behold him"; at the
same time he pointed to the reflected image of the Lion in the water; who
swelling with pride and resentment, leaped into the well, as he thought, upon his
adversary, and thus put an end to his own life. I repeat, therefore: "He who hath
sense, hath strength."
[1]Hard to go near.