Now a widower was sharpening his axe on the bank of the river, and when he saw the coffin stop, he went to fish it out of the water. On the shore he started to open it, but Fukan cried out, “Do not drive a wedge, for I am here.” So the widower opened it carefully and took Fukan up to the town, and then, as he had no wife of his own, he married her.
IN UNION IS STRENGTH
A lion was wandering over the desert, seeking water. It was very hot, and the sun had dried so many pools that it was a long time before he found a well where he could assuage his thirst. But this he did at last, although the water in it was not at all fresh. However, he was too thirsty to care much whether it was stale or not.
He reached down to drink, and then his ears were assailed with the buzzing of mosquitoes, who said to him:
“Lion, leave us in peace. We did not ask you to come here and drink up our home, and you are not welcome.”
This surprised the Lion, who was not used to being spoken to in such an impertinent manner. He roared and said: “Do you know whom you are speaking to? I am the Lion, the King of all beasts. What affair of yours is it what I do? Leave me at once, or I will kill you all.”
But the Mosquitoes said: “You are one, and we are many. For generations has this old well been our home, and it is not for you to say that we must go. Take our advice and seek another well, or trouble will visit you.”
“You insignificant little creatures, how dare you address me in such manner,” roared the Lion. “Why, in one minute I can swallow you all and you will make only the very smallest part of a mouthful for me. Know that when I speak all beasts of the forest and the wilderness bow before me, and tremble. Now fly away, all of you, for I am going to drink.”
“We know how great is your renown,” said the Mosquitoes, “but we do not fear you. If you wish to fight us we are very willing to have it so, but we will not allow you to destroy our home.”