Monthly Archives: September 2013
187.The Hunter and the Woodman
A HUNTER, not very bold, was searching for the tracks of a lion. He asked a man felling oaks in the forest if he had seen any marks of his footsteps or knew where his lair was.
“I will,” said the man, “at once show you the lion himself.”
The hunter, turning very pale and chattering with his teeth from fear, replied,
“No, thank you. I did not ask that; it is his track only I am in search of, not the lion himself.”
❖ The hero is brave in deeds as well as words.
186.The Hunter and the Horseman
A CERTAIN HUNTER, having snared a hare, placed it on his shoulders and set out homewards. On his way he met a man on horseback who begged the hare of him, under the pretence of purchasing it. However, when the horseman got the hare, he rode off as fast as he could. The hunter ran after him, as if he was sure of overtaking him, but the horseman increased more and more the distance between them. The hunter, sorely against his will, called out to him and said,
“Get along with you! for I will now make you a present of the hare.”
❖ One has to take advantage of the time to rest too.
❖ There is a time of calm approaching, when that works best.
185.The Hunted Beaver
The stones of the beaver was once thought to be of use in medicine, and the animal was often hunted on that account. A shrewd old fellow of the race, being hard pressed by the dogs, and knowing well why they were after him, had the resolution and the presence of mind to bite off his stones and leave them behind him, and thus escaped with his life.
The skin is nearer than the cloak.
184.The Horse, Hunter, and Stag
A QUARREL had arisen between the Horse and the Stag, so the Horse came to a hunter to ask his help to take revenge on the Stag. The Hunter agreed, but said: “If you desire to conquer the Stag, you must permit me to place this piece of iron between your jaws, so that I may guide you with these reins, and allow this saddle to be placed upon your back so that I may keep steady upon you as we follow after the enemy.” The Horse agreed to the conditions, and the Hunter soon saddled and bridled him. Then with the aid of the Hunter the Horse soon overcame the Stag, and said to the Hunter: “Now, get off, and remove those things from my mouth and back.”
“Not so fast, friend,” said the Hunter. “I have now got you under bit and spur, and prefer to keep you as you are at present.”
“IF YOU ALLOW MEN TO USE YOU FOR YOUR OWN PURPOSES, THEY WILL USE YOU FOR THEIRS.”
