268.The Panther and the Shepherds
A PANTHER, by some mischance, fell into a pit. The shepherds discovered him, and some threw sticks at him and pelted him with stones, while others, moved with compassion towards one about to die even though no one should hurt him, threw in some food to prolong his life. At night they returned home, not dreaming of any danger, but supposing that on the morrow they would find him dead.
The panther, however, when he had recruited his feeble strength, freed himself with a sudden bound from the pit, and hastened to his den with rapid steps. After a few days he came forth and slaughtered the cattle, and, killing the shepherds who had attacked him, raged with angry fury. Then they who had spared his life, fearing for their safety, surrendered to him their flocks and begged only for their lives. To them the panther made this reply:
“I remember alike those who sought my life with stones, and those who gave me food. Put aside, therefore, your fears. I return as an enemy only to those who injured me.”
❖ Some revelations of principles can have astounding effects.
267.The Oxen and the Butchers
THE OXEN once on a time sought to destroy the butchers, who practised a trade destructive to their race. They assembled on a certain day to carry out their purpose, and sharpened their horns for the contest. But one of them who was exceedingly old (for many a field had he plowed) thus spoke:
“These butchers, it is true, slaughter us, but they do so with skillful hands, and with no unnecessary pain. If we get rid of them, we shall fall into the hands of unskillful operators, and thus suffer a double death: for you may be assured, that though all the butchers should perish, yet will men never want beef.”
❖ Do not be in a hurry to change one evil for another.
266.The Oxen and the Axle-Trees
A HEAVY WAGON was being dragged along a country lane by a team of oxen. The axle-trees groaned and creaked terribly; whereupon the oxen, turning round, thus addressed the wheels:
“Hullo there! why do you make so much noise? We bear all the labour, and we, not you, ought to cry out.”
❖ Maybe those who suffer most cry out the least.
265.The Ox and the Frog
AN OX that was drinking at a pool, trod on a brood of young frogs and crushed one of them to death. The Mother came up, and missing one of her sons, asked his brothers what had become of him.
“He’s all dead, Mom. Right now an awful, huge beast with four great feet came to the pool and crushed him to death with a cloven heel.”
The frog, puffing herself out, wanted to know, “if the beast was as big as this?”
“Mom, stop puffing yourself out,” said her son, “and don’t be angry with me for telling you: You’d sooner burst than manage to imitate a monster’s size.”
