[Translated by René Basset and Chauncey C. Starkweather]
STORIES OF ANIMALS
THE TURTLE, THE FROG, AND THE SERPENT
Once upon a time the turtle married a frog. One day they quarrelled. The frog escaped and withdrew into a hole. The turtle was troubled and stood in front of his door very much worried. In those days the animals spoke. The griffin came by that way and said: "What is the matter with you? You look worried this morning."
"Nothing ails me," answered the turtle, "except that the frog has left me."
The griffin replied, "I'll bring him back."
"You will do me a great favor."
The griffin took up his journey and arrived at the hole of the frog. He scratched at the door.