’Twas no avail. My mate he’d keep; me he’d depute.
My comrade three times was in bulk more full than I;
More plump, more sleek, more toothful. Dare I tell a lie?
Henceforward, through that lion, who can come this way?
The case is so. I’ve told thee truly all my say.295
From hence, for evermore, thy ration’s lost, forsooth.
The truth I speak to thee. Unpleasant oft is truth.
Wouldst thou thy ration have, arise and clear the way.
Come on. I’ll guide. Let’s see, then, who shall win the day.”
The lion now: “In God’s name! Come! Where is the beast?