One of them, seeing me so quiet, ventured to approach. I redoubled my moans, making them very soft.
"He must be hurt," said the man. "We must look after him, and take care of him, for he is an animal of great price!"
All drew near. They took off my armour, I helping them as well as I could. When it was off I sank on the ground, as if exhausted.
I had received a great many wounds, but only one was of any consequence; it was near the shoulder.
They brought a doctor who dressed my wounds. Meanwhile; I thought of my Master, who, perhaps, was also wounded, but who was receiving no care!
I had not failed to watch him, out of the corner of my eye, without seeming to do so, while I was performing my little comedy!
I saw that they had chained him to a stake, and that soldiers with arms in their hands guarded him.
Grief tore my heart: and the groans that I gave were most sincere—but it was not my wounds that caused them!
However, I feigned an indifference to my Master. I appeared to give no thought to anything but myself. And I took pains to be so grateful to the surgeon for his services that he was quite touched, and ordered them to take off the running knots which were murdering my legs.
"This elephant is remarkably gentle," said he, "Give him some food and drink, for he seems very tired and feeble—no doubt from the blood he has lost!"