“Ah!” said the Tiger. “Well, perhaps you can tell me what sort of an animal Man is, for I am just going out to find and kill one.”
“Beware of Man, young Tiger,” replied the Bullock; “he is a dangerous and a faithless creature. Just look at me for example. From the time when I was very young I was Man’s servant. I carried loads for him on my back, as you may see by these scars, and for many years I slaved for him faithfully and well. While I was young and strong he cared for me and valued me highly; but as soon as I became old and weak, and was no longer able to do his work, he turned me out into this wild jungle to seek my food as best I might, and gave no thought for me in my old age. I warn you solemnly to leave him alone and not to try and kill him. He is very cunning and dangerous.”
But the young Tiger only laughed at the warning and went on his way. Soon afterwards he came across an ancient Elephant wandering by itself on the outskirts of the forest, and feeding with its trunk on the grasses and foliage which it loves. The old animal had a wrinkled skin and a small and bleary eye, and behind its huge ears were many cuts and ancient scars, showing where the goad had been so frequently applied.
The young Tiger eyed this strange animal with some surprise, and going up to it he said:
“What sort of an animal are you, please? You are not a Man, I suppose?”
“No, indeed,” replied the Elephant; “I am only a poor old worn-out Elephant.” [[9]]
“Is that so?” answered the Tiger. “Perhaps you can tell me, however, what sort of a creature Man is, as I am now hunting for one in order to kill and eat him.”
“Beware how you hunt Man, young Tiger,” replied the old Elephant; “he is a faithless and dangerous animal. Look at my case. Although I am the Lord of the jungle, Man tamed me, and trained me, and made me his servant for many years. He put a saddle on my back and made stirrups of my ears, and he used to strike me over my head with an iron goad. While I was young and strong he valued me highly. Food was brought to me, as much as I could eat every day, and I had a special attendant who used to wash and groom me, and to see to all my wants. But when I became old and too infirm for further work, he turned me out into the jungle to fend for myself as best I could. If you will take my advice you will leave Man alone, or it will be the worse for you in the end.”
But the young Tiger laughed contemptuously and went on his way. After proceeding for some little distance he heard the sound of some one chopping wood, and creeping near he saw that it was a Woodcutter engaged in felling a tree. After watching him for some time the Tiger emerged from the jungle, and going up to the Man, he asked what sort of an animal he was. The Woodcutter replied:
“Why, what an ignorant Tiger you are; can’t you see that I am a Man?”