The jackals were overcome by the distinguished color, and promised obedience, and so began the reign of the dyed Jackal. But soon he was not content just to rule over his own kind, whom he began to despise, so he declared himself king of the lions and tigers, from among whom he selected his special attendants, keeping his own kindred at a distance, as though he were ashamed of them.
Of course, this made the jackals very indignant, and some of them took counsel together to see what could be done about it.
One of the wise old beasts addressed them, saying: “Leave this impostor to me. The lions and tigers and the rest think he is a king because he is colored blue, but we must show them his true colors. Now, do as I tell you. When night comes, all of you gather around him, and set up a great yell together. He is sure to join in as he used to do, for——
“‘Hard it is to conquer nature: if a dog were made a king,
Mid the coronation trumpets, he would gnaw his sandal-string.’
“And when he yells, the lions and tigers will know him to be a jackal, and fall upon him.”
They did just what the wise old beast had suggested, and the thing befell exactly as he said it would. And so ended the reign of the dyed jackal.
WHY DOGS WAG THEIR TAILS
A rich man in a certain town once owned a dog and a cat, both of which were very useful to him. The dog had served his master for many years and had become so old that he had lost his teeth and was unable to fight any more, but he was a good guide and companion to the cat, who was strong and cunning.