“What you please.”
“Well, then, I will take one hundred bunches of bananas; and you had better bring them here alongside of me, before you begin.”
“Where is this Serpent that will fight with me?”
“Close by. When you have brought the bananas he will be here, waiting for you.”
The Lion stalked proudly away to procure the bananas, and the Goat proceeded into the bush, where he saw Serpent drowsily coiled in many coils on a slender branch.
“Serpent,” said the Goat, “wake up. Lion is raging for a fight with you. He has made a bet of a hundred bunches of bananas that he will be the victor, and I have pledged my life that you will be the strong one; and, hark you, obey my hints, and my life is safe, and I shall be provided with food for at least three moons.”
“Well,” said Serpent, languidly, “what is it that you wish me to do?”
“Take position on a bush about three cubits high, that stands near the scene where the fight is to take place, and when Lion is ready, raise your crest high and boldly, and ask him to advance near you that you may see him well, because you are short-sighted, you know. And he, full of his conceit and despising your slight form, will advance towards you, unwitting of your mode of attack. Then fasten your fangs in his eyebrows, and coil yourself round his neck. If there is any virtue left in your venom, poor Lion will lie stark before long.”
“And if I do this, what will you do for me?”