XXIX
THE LION, THE HYAENA AND THE HARE
ONCE it happened that a lion, a hyaena and a hare set out on a journey together.
The way was long, and they suffered much from hunger. Till one day, when they were as yet far distant from the end of the journey, they were so sorely pressed by hunger that they gave up all hope of getting any further. Then they took counsel together and said, "Now we shall all die, and not one of us will escape. It were better that we eat one of our number, so that the other two may get the strength to proceed."
So they all agreed that this must be done, but they could not agree as to who should be eaten and who should be saved. At last it was decided that the youngest amongst them should be eaten by the other two.
Then said the lion to the hare, "Now tell us your age, that we may know."
The hare replied, "Am I not the smallest and weakest here? It would not be fitting for me to speak before the great ones. You, my masters, tell your ages first, and then I will speak."
So the lion turned to the hyaena and said, "You must then speak first."