6. ANOTHER VERSION OF THE SAME FABLE.
(From a German original Manuscript in Sir G. Grey’s Library, H. C. Knudsen’s “Notes on the Hottentots,” p. 11.)
A Dutchman was walking by himself, and saw a Snake lying under a large stone. The Snake implored his help; but when she had become free, she said, “Now I shall eat you.”
The Man answered, “That is not right. Let us first go to the Hare.”
When the Hare had heard the affair, he said, “It is right.” “No,” said the Man, “let us ask the Hyena.”
The Hyena declared the same, saying, “It is right.”
“Now let us at last ask the Jackal,” said the Man in his despair.
The Jackal answered very slowly and considerately, doubting the whole affair, and demanding to see first the place, and whether the Man was able to lift the stone. The Snake lay down, and the Man, to prove the truth of his account, put the stone again over her.
When she was fast, the Jackal said, “Now let her lie there.” [[46]]