Original content

English translation

A fox was caught in the claws of a hyena, which fixed the teeth of its greed firmly upon it. The fox cried out: 'O mighty lion of the thicket, and O high-headed leopard of the lofty peak! Have mercy on my weakness and brokenness, and loosen this bond from the foot of me, the world-traverser! I am but a handful of wool and bone; what profit comes from eating me, and who would trouble himself to harm me?'

However much he spoke in this vein, it had no effect upon the hyena. Then he said: 'Remember the claim I have upon you: you desired to lie with me, and I fulfilled your desire; several times in succession I lay with you.'

When the hyena heard this vile speech, the fire of indignation boiled up within it; it opened its mouth and said: 'What idle words are these, and when and where did such a thing ever happen?' The instant it opened its mouth was the very instant the fox turned and fled!

When with sweet words you find no release from the enemy's claws, It is better that you loosen your tongue to harsh speech. When the lock of a house is not opened by gentleness, To break it, it is best that you reach for a stone.